Burden
Burden is accumulated strain from mortal and mystical sources. Backbreaking weight, lack of food, creeping dread, Curses and pushing your limits increase Burden.
• When a character faces a source of Burden their Burden increases by strength of the source
• Strength of the source is often rated from 1 to 5, but can come from other factors
• Burden has a Threshold of 5 + half characters Level. Make a Burden Test when Burden rises past this Threshold. On failure suffer an Affliction or Curse
Burden Sources
Burden can come from following sources:
• Exhaust: Character pushing their limits increases Burden
• Stirring Curse: When character comes into contact with a Curse their Burden increases and provokes a Burden Test
• Straining Setback: Failing a Test against straining Hazard or obstacle increases Burden by Degree and may provoke a Burden Test
• Straining Attack: Failing a Test to resist strining attack increases Burden by Degree and may provoke a Burden Test
• Weight: Carrying too many or too heavy possessions increases Burden
Persistent Burden
Burden cannot be reduced below Persistent Burden value without first removing the cause. Persistent Burden is gained from:
• Possessions. Get rid of items to remove the Burden
• Ritual magic. Unravel the Ritual to remove the Burden
Burden Test
Burden Test is provoked by a threat of suffering a Curse, an Affliction or a significant hindrance.
• Burden Test is made with Reflex, Vigor or Will Defense
• Burden Test has Difficulty 10 + characters current Burden
• When Burden Test fails character suffers a Curse, an Affliction or a Setback
• Greater Degree of success on a Burden Test reduces characters Burden by one
Situations that provoke a Burden Test:
• Deadly Blow: Suffering damage over the last Wound provokes a Burden Test. Vigor Test for physical damage, Will Test for mental damage
• Deprivation: Lack of sleep, pushing on past physical limits, starvation and unforgiving environments provoke Burden Test for Vigor
• Initiative: Starting Conflict provokes a Burden Test for Reflex
• Sickness: Mortal diseases and magical blights provoke Burden Test for Vigor
• Stirring Curse: Stirring Curse provokes a Burden Test. See Guides and Curses for more details
• Faltering Will: Facing a panic or bout of madness provokes a Burden Test for Will
• Uncontrolled Magic: Doomed Effort when channeling magic provokes a Burden Test for Will
Exhaust
Character can Exhaust themselves increasing Burden by one and taking one of the following Benefits.
• Gain +2 bonus on a Test
• Use Exhaustion option of a Gift
• Lead a group action
Character can Exhaust multiple times for a single event choosing different option each time.
Afflictions
Affliction is a persistent negative effect, commonly diseases, symptoms of panic and physical strain.
• Affliction affects the character until successfully removed
• Character can suffer same Affliction multiple times, the effects will stack
• Healing Test during Downtime is the most common way to get rid of an Affliction