Strain (SN)

[Sean_RDP]

So after some play testing, I decided to change Strain (SN) from a number like hit points, to something that you would roll against. It is still made up of CON + PER, but this is now averaged to get a SN number. Each character will have 4 small boxes next to the SN number, for x4, x3, x2, and x1. 

Certain spells, using a number of MP over a certain threshold, and being wounded cause Strain rolls. If you fail the x4, you must roll in each subsequent round AND OR each subsequent time a SN roll is called for at the x3... and if that is failed at x2 and finally x1. Once a x1 roll is failed, the character breaks or falls unconscious, depending on circumstances. 

Ex. Syrene the Sorcerer casts Ill Wind on a group of Bokemono. The spells requires the character to make a Strain check. Since she has not suffered any strain yet, the roll is SNx4. If failed, the next time she casts a spell with strain OR at the end of her next round she must make a SNx3 roll and so forth. 

Success halts the progression but only actual rest resets the SN back to the x4 mark.

[Jakob]

A little late for the reply, but as I'm currently reading through this sub-forum, I might as well comment that I like the concept. Checking boxes in failed fatigue tests is nothing new, of course, but this seems to be a simple and elegant way to implement the concept.

I'm not quite sure if rolling again until succesful may not be a little harsh (and a little too much die-rolling), though ... that would basically mean that it is relatively likely to fall unconscious from taking strain just one time; lets say you have a SN of 11, you end up with 44-33-22-11. Rolling above all of these in a row seems not that unlikely.

Also, if you roll just once for each instance of SN, marking or not marking a box depending on success, you could better differentiate one-off situations that cause SN from ongoing SN. Let's say you cast a spell that requires active upkeep by the sorcerer - that would be where "roll strain each round" (regardless of success or failure) could come into play.

[Sean_RDP]

Good feedback. I will likely not change it in the final edit BUT will mention that for people keeping Strain in mind while they play test.