Stress tracks seem like a really versatile mechanic that could be used for a lot of cool stuff, and I was just curious if anyone has any neat examples. I know a couple of games that use an Exalted-ish power system have used them as a kind of power-meter you fill and risk hurt if you go over a certain amount of stress. I could also see using them to track Community Stress or similar for games that have community building as part of their base.
My favorite use is probably linked conditions. They probably show up in other places but I'm familiar with them from Shadows of the Sith by Fred Hicks. They're basically consequences without a stress track, only some of them run in chains. I really love the idea of creating these sorts of customizable mini-arcs as a tool for dealing with characters getting themselves into trouble. Here's an example for the Rogue archetype:
| Current (-1) | Lasting (-2) | Terminal(-4) |
| Exhausted | ||
| Trapped -> | Imprisoned -> | Broken: Even if you escape, they got to you, maybe even turned you. What now? |
| Exposed -> | Hunted (by ___) | |
| Hurt ->Wounded -> | Maimed -> | Dying |
