Re: Joining an Extended Contest

From: Jamie <anti.spam_at_...>
Date: Fri, 24 Nov 2006 11:36:00 -0000

> Question: Four of the heroes are going to have their starting APs
> determined by the abilities they use to resist the broo attacks. After
> the initial surprise round, how do you determine when the two heroes
> who weren't attacked act?

I agree with Mike here, this phrasing in itself is not consistant with the rules. This, I think, is a more fundamental misunderstanding than the issue of when players join contests. It may also help with that issue if we address the underlying one first.

If you think the following is a side issue please feel free to ignore it, but I would be interested in your answer, and we might all gain somthing from the exchange if we do.

The action of the Broos in your case lacks specific goals, and there are two different ways to play it.

1. You as the narrator decide on the goals of the Broo in the contest, and these goals inform how the contest is handled.
2. You present the ambush situation to the players, and ask them to come up with goals, which you then use to inform the contest.

Which do you feel most comfortable doing with your group?

If 1, could you detail the goals of the Broo (or alternatives) for us, then we can get more specific with the example? We need this because contests are very goal sensitive in HQ.

If 2, the players would get to decide how they react based on their group goals or invividual goals if required, with the knowlege that they won't get to go first, and negatives may apply initially due to surprise.