Just as it is in RLTM, fatigue is an unpleasant reality in Genesis. Fatigue, in certain circumstances, can even be deadly.
Checking your fatigue
Becoming fatigued
Getting rid of fatigue
Dangers of fatigue
Planning ahead
You can discover your current fatigue by checking the second entry on the second line of your vitals. For example:
> v You are physically feeling very well and mentally in full vigour. You feel extremely secure and extremely alert. You can eat quite a lot more and drink quite a lot more. You are sober. Age: 3 minutes 32 seconds.
In this example the character is extremely alert - he is not fatigued at all.
The most common way of becoming fatigued is simply by moving around. When walking, everybody gains a certain amount of fatigue; exactly how much is gained depends on two principal factors: encumberance and terrain.
Your encumberance is listed in your vitals command on the line above your age. If you are unencumbered, then the encumberance line will be missing (yes, yes, another pesky irregularity, I know - perhaps if it bothers you a lot, you can leave a sysidea and it will be changed). The more things you carry, the more encumbered you will be. Of course, how much you can carry is determined by your strength, which will be covered in detail in the section on stats.
The terrain will generate more or less fatigue depending on how difficult it is to navigate. In general, rough terrain such as mountains, hills, forest, swamps and such will require more energy to move through and generate more fatigue, while paved roads and city streets will generate much less fatigue. This is not always the case - in some areas, especially older ones, the terrain will have no effect on fatigue.
Another way of gaining fatigue is from poisons; Often one of the malignant effects of a poison will be that it tires you at regular intervals. Yet another way is by performing special attacks that are available from guilds, and perhaps by casting spells, though that depends on the nature of the magic and the methods of the dweomercraft. Finally, combat causes the participants to become fatigued.
There are of course other, less common ways of gaining fatigue, so beware when your character exerts himself.The easiest and most common way of getting rid of fatigue is simple rest - standing still and not exerting oneself. The rate of recovery depends on how well fed your character is. If he is full, then he will become alert quite quickly. If he is very hungry, then he will regain fatigue at a very slow rate. This effect is so pronounced that the primary means of protecting oneself from fatigue is to stay well fed. There are places where food is sold all over Genesis.
There are other ways of diminishing fatigue, but most require some significant craft. Many herbs, when eaten or otherwise used, will alleviate a character's fatigue. However, as many herbs, when improperly used, will poison or otherwise harm a character. It is ill advised to use herbs without a firm grasp of the herbalism skill.
It is said that certain alchemical mixtures and some beneficent spells have the ability to rest a character instantaneously, but these rumours are shrouded in mystery, and those who know for certain are not forthcoming on the topic.
The principal effect of fatigue is that it immobilises the character. A person who is extremely exhausted cannot leave the room he is in. While this may seem a mild danger at best, it can be absolutely deadly. If one is fatigued while he is in combat with a superior foe, his inability to flee will almost surely result in his death. If one is poisoned and attempting to find his way to healing, fatigue may overcome him and stop him in his tracks.
Fatigue has another certain effect: those who are extremely exhausted will fight worse, it is said. An example of such a combat:
You aim for the head of the ugly orc with your splendid sword, but miss. You are so tired that every move drains your health. The ugly orc tickles your body with his iron scimitar.
Quite an alarming message to get while in combat, especially since when one is that exhausted he cannot flee the scene.
Since fatigue can be deadly, or at least inconvenient, it is best to plan ahead when making long journeys or when you plan to be fighting a lot. This advice especially applies when you are going to join a team; it is common courtesy not to impede the team's progress with your own lack of forethought.
The best preparation against fatigue is a full stomach, and perhaps a few spare meals (especially for you hobbits). If you are a skilled herbalist and have some time, you may wish to hunt up some herbs that will counter fatigue, just in case. For the most part, however, herbing is unnecessary. Most journeys will be fairly routine if you remember to keep an eye on your hunger (the first entry on the third line of your vitals).
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©1997 to Michael A. Laux.