Special Powers - Optional or Mandatory?

[erp3]

Came up in a game with my son yesterday. I knocked his force Obi-Wan out, he was white so "Replace one of your other jedi with this figure". He replaced Plo Koon, then my second shot I took out Obi Wan again, knowing that the special was still in effect, because Shaak Ti was still alive and more of a threat to me. We were unsure, at that time if the special powers were mandatory or optional, and he didn't want to exercise it so I told him we'd ask here. Opinions? Rules? I couldn't find any while searching...

[YodaBreaker]

I say mandatory, largely based on this particular case. This is why I don't really like Shooter Kenobi's special power.

[warlordofmars]

I also have to say mandatory, although there have been several instances when I sure didn't want to exercise the special power. Seems like it would just raise too many questions to have it optional.

[Phoenix]

Joe and I discussed this one just now and we have to say it's mandatory too. Just using good strategy there. Haven't had special powers used against me yet but that was a really great 'case study.' Thanks for posting it erp3!

[Lonestar]

You know, I didn't really think much about this, but you guys are right.

While I always would agree that invoking the special powers is mandatury, the ones like this that did give you options, we always just played optional and rarely ever replaced another Jedi with the fallen Obi Wan.

I kind of think that this special isn't so special after all, because I would HATE to lose a MACE, OBI Striker, or Ki-Adi having to replace with the Obi force blast.

I am affraid this figure will fall to the bottom of our box along with Anikan Force Blast, Bail, and Padme as useless figures.

[Radar]

I've always assumed it was optional. No real justification for it though. -Radar

[boudreauxshakey]

i thought it was optional to but my uncle says that it manditory

[webhead817]

I'd go with Mandatory.

However, shouldn't you grind a fig whenever it is KO'd and then returned to play (even if it happens immediately?).

[erp3]

webhead817 said:

I'd go with Mandatory.

However, shouldn't you grind a fig whenever it is KO'd and then returned to play (even if it happens immediately?).

I'd say no, since there is no rule saying to do so. "Stand up if you have another jedi/sith in play" is one instance. Well, since I know that the special power is activated, if I'm the opposing player, I won't attack that piece on my next turn if he doesn't move it. That opens more strategic elements

[YodaBreaker]

Actually, there are a few rules in the book about this:

"If a special power calls a figure back into play (from the defeated area or your backups), be sure to grind the figure (roll it forward a few tix) before putting it back in the playing area. Place the figure 2 tix away from your starting line."

And:

"Remember: Always grind your figures before putting them into play!"

Thus, it seems you should always grind them, even if it's the Recover power that's activated. For this reason, I included this in my unofficial tournament rules in rule 4.1.5.6.

[Yaggleberry Finn]

Overall, the design of the rule is to reset the special power of a figure that has been defeated. So I think that would extend to a defeated character who immediately gets to stand back up and doesn't go to the defeated area. We haven't been playing it this way, but we will grind "recover" figures from now on.

[warlordofmars]

I say abovery *friendly* personely grind the fig before you stand him up. We actually had to implement this rule in our house because of armored Vader. I usually play with him and grab a bunch of cheap troopers but keep my troopers back while Vader kicks rear. If we didn't grind after knockdown, Vader would be nigh invincible! (not that he isn't already)

[erp3]

beevomit said:

Actually, there are a few rules in the book about this:

.

Well darn it all, I was sleepy when I wrote that...or on medication, or jet lagged, or something other than my usual sheer stupidity :-)

[Radar]

I got a new question about powers. Let's say the ability comes up, "free shot for a Republic Launcher" or some relative shooting ability; does that authorize you to reload, or are you only able to fire with a character that is already loaded? I ask because I seem to remember that you re-load at the beginning of the turn. Thanks, -Radar

[YodaBreaker]

You may reload a figure, then fire. That way, that figure's launcher is still unloaded by the time the first team's next attack takes place.