Stress is a representation of a Characters fatigue and the lasting Damage which has occurred to them due to the events of the Story. As they travel, engage with Stressful situations, or push themselves beyond their limits they will accumulate more and more Stress, until they eventually become Overcome, Ending their Story.
Stress Points
When a Player Character gains one or more points of Stress, the Player must allocate the Point to one of their 5 Abilities. A space below each Ability Bonus is provided for noting the Stress gained.
This Stress Point will reduce the Bonus that Ability provides.
For Example, a Character which takes a point of Stress might allocate the point to their FIGHT ability. If the Bonus provided by it were a +3, this bonus would be reduced to a +2.
Whenever a Character takes one or more points of Stress, you should take the opportunity to describe how the Stress manifests itself.
An Ability Bonus cannot be reduced to less than Zero: you may only add Stress to Abilities which have not already been reduced to Zero.
Gaining Stress
Stress can typically be gained in two ways.
The Player can choose to gain a Point of Stress as a Detriment on a Partial Success for an Ability Check.
Additionally a Character will take Points of Stress instead of Damage when they have accumulated Damage equal to their Hit Points.
Some Threats can also cause Characters to gain Stress in other ways!
Overcome
When all of a Characters Abilities have been reduced to Zero, they are Overcome by the Stress and their Story Ends.
This can mean many things. The Character could Die, they could lose the will to continue, or they could fall and join the side of a villain! See the Ending a Story page for more
Reducing Stress
Stress can be reduced in two ways:
The Player can choose to lose a Stress Point as a Benefit on a Fantastic Success for an Ability Check.
It can also be reduced by engaging in Downtime. See the Downtime Page for more.
Unlike Damage, it is not reduced by taking a Rest.