Spirit conflict fatigue is the windedness produced by spiritual struggle — a character contesting a spirit, demon, ghost, or possessor for control of body, soul, or sacred ground. The cost is paid in five-second bursts, each one as draining as a violent moment of physical exertion, and the wrestler cannot retreat between rounds the way a fighter can. 5 fatigue per five-second contest round.
Symptoms
Trembling, sweat-soaked skin, a chill running underneath the heat, aching pressure behind the eyes, jaw clenched, breath shuddering. The wrestler may speak with two voices, or none at all.
Progression
A spirit-wrestler past their windedness ceiling loses ground in the conflict itself; the contesting spirit gains hold, the wrestler’s will to resist erodes. Prolonged conflict at exhaustion may permit possession, soul-loss, or worse.
Treatment
- Sever the contact if at all possible
- Breathe in the rhythm of a familiar prayer or chant
- Place hands on something solid, cool, mundane — a stone, a hilt, a comrade’s arm
- Resume only with allies present and at full strength
Recovery
Ten minutes of rest reduces windedness fatigue by 5.