STRESS
Eminar woman resting to heal her body and recover clarity.
STRESS is a mechanic which represents characters pushing beyond their physical limitations. For every 1 point of STRESS, a character is -1 to attack, armor class, saving throws, stat checks and skill checks. A character reduces the STRESS penalty by their WISDOM bonus. So it is not uncommon for some characters to carry a limited amount of STRESS without adverse effect. If a character has more STRESS points than their WISDOM attribute, they will become unstable and may go mad, endangering themselves or friends. If a character has more STRESS than WISDOM they must make a will saving throw each time they accrue additional STRESS, including their current STRESS penalties. If they succeed, they keep everything in check. If they fail, they suffer a mental break, reacting wildly. See the FLIPPED OUT chart.
Accruing STRESS
Most often STRESS is accrued when a character does not have enough GRIT to make an opportunity purchase of a skill, feat or other facet. In this way, they can push themselves (saying up late, skipping sleep or other exhausting choices over a prolonged time) and utilize an opportunity they may not have later. Effectively, it is a loan on GRIT for any purpose.
Combat also is a frequent way to STRESS is gained. Anytime a character falls below 0 hit points, they gain 1 point of stress. If a character falls to more than -10 they will have a NEAR DEATH experience. NEAR DEATH adds 10 points of STRESS!
Spirit attacks can deal STRESS damage as well. Those attacks vary in damage and have a chance to be resisted or negated.
In a SEASONAL TURNS, if a character does not use one of their SEASONAL ACTIONS for rest, they will accrue 1 point of STRESS.
Recovering STRESS
STRESS can be recovered in several ways. The most common way to recover is rest. Using a SEASONAL ACTION to rest removes 1 point of STRESS. A character can pay various sums for special facilities such as vacations, retreats or similar to increase the effectiveness of rest in STRESS reduction.
Some RELATIONSHIPS may offer a random chance per SEASONAL TURN to reduce STRESS by 1 point.
An invested hobby by way of a feat, also offers a random chance of reducing STRESS by 1 point.
STRESS CHART
| Action | STRESS |
| Gain GRIT | 1 point per GRIT received |
| Hit Points fall below 0 | 1 |
| NEAR DEATH | 10 |
| Failing to Rest | 1 |
| Spirit Attack | varies |
FLIPPED OUT
| D10 Roll | Result |
|---|---|
| 1 | Panic Attack, able to be directed by others, but otherwise cannot act. |
| 2 | Verbal Tirade, verbally assails whom or whatever caused the new STRESS. |
| 3 | Character runs away, fleeing the situation by the fastest route, heedless of danger. |
| 4 | Hysterical, incoherent babbling, screaming, crying and/or shaking. No actions possible. |
| 5 | Lash Out, attacks cause of STRESS physically. |
| 6 | Destructive Rage, attacks closest inanimate object, even their own personal belongings until something of value is destroyed. Use a RAGE point if available for maximum effect. |
| 7 | Exhibition, seeks to make a shocking and public display of mockery or derision focused on the cause of STRESS, including screaming, dancing, laughing, singing or other displays with the specific intent of belittling. |
| 8 | Despair, gives up all resistance to or pursuit of cause of STRESS. Will comply with any order given. |
| 9 | Spite, pursues effect counter to true goal. |
| 10 | Passes Out, character is overwhelmed and loses consciousness for 1d6 hours. |
The Lands in the Clouds setting and the GRIT system are provided as a showcase of the work of a CGG member. The Guild takes no official position on the suitability or appropriateness of any game or supplement.