Does the Hermetica Occulta's effects only occur when moving onto Hermann's path from a different path? Or, if you are currently in the middle of Hermann's path, you can not move any further than one circle that turn regardless if you win the duel because you can only initiate the duel once per activation?

"This duel must be fought each time a character wishes to enter into a circle on your path."

So if character is already standing on yout path and want's to move then:

• if the next circle is on Hermann's path he (the moving character) must conduct mental duel.
• if the next circle is on different path, he's ok

On the other hand, this could result in blocking character's movement since he can make only one duel per activation. I guess that's ok with me since General then does't have other aggresive equip.

Uh oh, I see I didn't answer completely. I guess character standing on the same path and loosing mental duel is Stuck in place. (does't even move one space) since it prevents the character moving into a circle on your path. Of course he can move to a different path that he does't share with general.

I would suggest shooting as the best option if you find yourself in this situation.