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Exhaustion
Exhaustion is a mechanic. It is the negative outcome of trying to do the same thing repeatedly, too quickly.
When a Character performs an Ability with the same name as another Ability they have already performed during this Turn they trigger Exhaustion. When Exhaustion is triggered, roll a D4 and take the Result as Strain Loss before the Ability resolves. If this Strain Loss would result in the Character receiving the Downed or [Flight] Conditions or otherwise suffering an incapacitating Trauma. The Ability does not resolve, and any Action or Quick Action Points spent are lost.
Should you perform the same Action more than once as a result of Abilities with different names. You do not trigger Exhaustion.
Each time Exhaustion is triggered after the first occurrence each Turn, the Strain Loss Determination Die is Upgraded until the start of your next Turn.
Example: Trombone Tony has performed a Move Action and a Combat Action this Turn. Tony decides he needs a little more cover and performs a second Move Action. As this is his second Move Action this Turn it causes him to trigger Exhaustion. He rolls a D4 getting a Result of 3. Tony takes 3 Strain Loss, subtracting from his current total of 11, leaving 8 remaining. Since this doesn't cause him to become Downed, receive an incapacitating Trauma or other such effect he resolves his Move Action as normal.
Tony feels a bit safer behind cover, so opens fire. He performs his second Combat Action this Turn. This once again causes him to take Exhaustion. But this time the Strain Determination Die is Upgraded to a D6 due to his previous Exhaustion this Turn. Tony rolls the D6 getting a Result of 5. He takes 5 Strain Loss subtracting from his total of 8, leaving 3 remaining. Since this doesn't cause him to become Downed, receive an incapacitating Trauma or other such effect, he resolves his Combat Action as normal.
Playing With Exhaustion
This section provides additional information for using Exhaustion during play. It expands on the rules with advice, examples and context to help you make informed choices about what Exhaustion can do and how it operates in a campaign. It also provides in-universe context, but does not introduce additional mechanics.
This section is planned but has not yet been written - AAXW!
Meat Space is currently in pre-alpha, and this page will be expanded with additional guidance, examples and context during development.
Changelog
Version 0.5c - Aug 2026
- Page updated.