Stress (Disability)

Stress is a function that applies to multiple disabilities above and many others not included on this list, particularly mental illnesses that are heavily roleplay-based, such as personality disorders. Stress is incurred at DM's discretion based on story events. Suppose plot developments or character interactions have negatively impacted a character. In that case, the hero must roll a Wisdom saving throw or be penalized with one stress point.

(Optional: At the beginning of every long rest during a difficult mission, each hero must roll a Wisdom saving throw to determine how well they cope with the event.)

Consult the following table to determine penalties for various stress levels.

1 point: The hero incurs no penalties but, following stress checks, has a higher dc.

2 points: The hero must roll a d4 at each short rest to determine a penalty that will affect them until their next short rest. See below for possible effects.

3 points: The hero has a disadvantage on all charisma-based checks and all the above penalties. When surprised, this hero is affected for two rounds instead of one.

4 points: This hero has a disadvantage on all ability checks and all the above penalties. This hero must make a Wisdom save each night or not benefit from a whole night’s rest.

5 points: This hero is entirely unable to function due to stress. They can only perform activities as a reaction to stress once steps have been taken to reduce their stress score.

The d4 effect rules will cause the hero to dissociate, de-realize, or depersonalize as follows:

1: The hero has dissociated. They have a disadvantage on all acrobatics and stealth checks.

2: The hero has depersonalized. They have a disadvantage in all persuasion and deception checks.

3: The hero has de-realized. They have a disadvantage on all investigation and perception checks.

4: No effect.

Heroes may reduce their stress levels by partaking in stress relief or self-care activities that allow them to make a second wisdom-saving throw to attempt to lower their stress levels. These rolls can be done without the risk of incurring further stress. High rolls on stress wisdom saving throws can also reduce stress levels. A Natural 1 will add two stress points, whereas a Natural 20 will remove all stress.

When you take this disability, you may take an additional feat or give a +1 to two ability scores or a +2 to one ability score.