Stress

When you face complications, you may take stress. Stress represents physical exhaustion, psychic burnout, environmental exposure, or psychological strain.

Track stress with boxes or tally marks. If you reach 4 stress, your character becomes vulnerable—failing a dangerous check could mean being taken out or sudden death.

Clearing Stress:

• Use a med kit to clear 2 stress
• Rest in a secure location (settlement, fortified shelter) to clear an amount at the GM's discretion
• Narrative recovery (psychic counseling, geothermal rest chambers, communal support)