Aural shock weakness is the lingering damage to a character’s spiritual aura after a severe mystical wounding — direct contact with an undead presence, exposure to a corrupting shadow, a failed summoning, a spirit-conflict lost. Where physical wounds heal in flesh, aural wounds heal in the aura itself, and the body carries the deficit until the aura mends. 5 fatigue per level of aural shock.
Symptoms
A persistent sense of presence missing or violated, dreams that don’t quite resolve, occasional cold patches on the skin, mild dissociation, slowed reflexes, dulled spiritual sense, sensitivity to sacred or profane objects beyond the character’s prior susceptibility.
Progression
Severe aural shock leaves the character vulnerable to further mystical injury — the aura, once compromised, is easier to wound again. Recovery is slow and depends on the character’s aura capacity (Aur) and on access to spiritual treatment.
Treatment
- Time in sacred ground appropriate to the character’s faith
- Ritual cleansing by a competent priest, shaman, or mystic
- Contact with the character’s totem or patron where relevant
- Avoidance of further mystical risk until the aura settles
Recovery
Weakness fatigue is indefinite, abating only as the underlying source recovers according to its own rules.