So how long do Assets and Complications last?

[Phantomdoodler]

Having read the rules, I am confused to how long assets and Complications last because the rules contradict each other.

On page OM22, it says that "Assets usually last until the end of the scene" but in the example provided on page OM23, the player of Kitty Pryde is deciding to give his newly created COMPROMISED SECURITY asset to one of the other players, or for another roll against the Hellfire club`s computer system, implying that the asset lasts for a single roll.

For Complications,in the example provided, The BOUND IN IRON complication affects "future rolls against the Guard" so unless removed,it sticks around.

However, under Persistent Assets and Complications, spending a Plot point "makes an asset or complication last longer than a a single roll or conflict", and unless removed , "last until the end of the next action scene."


So, do Assets and Complications last a single roll (or mental or emotional conflict), and then extended to the end of the next scene by spending a plot point and turning them into persistent assets or complications?

OR

Do they last a single scene, extended to the end of the next scene by spending a plot point?

OR

Do Assets and Complications last different times?

Its all pretty confusing.

[Loxly]

Do Assets and Complications last different times?

It's this. Meaning, it depends on what the Asset or Complication is.

For example: If Colossis picks up a car and wields it as a weapon, the Asset lasts until he no longer has the car. If he picks up Wolverine and throws him in a Fast Ball Special, an Asset created and givin to Wolverine, it lasts until Wolv lands from the throw.

[pavieira]

Ok, assets and complications can have different durations. But when should I spend a plot point to "make an asset or complication last longer than a a single roll or conflict"

According to the Persistent Assets and Complications rules, one must spend a plot point for an asset or complication to last longer than a single roll. In your exemple, do I have to spend a plot point to use the car Colossus picked up for more then 1 roll?

There's a clear contradiction on the rules regarding the use of plot points. On page OM22 an asset last until the end of the scene, but on page OM29 you must spend a plot point to make the asset last longer than a single roll.

[Lindharin]

I had the same question, since there is no clear definition of "conflict" as game terminology. Then I noticed that the official definition of a scene - on om32 - starts with the sentence "A Scene is a period of time centered on a single conflict or situation". That implies a conflict is the same as a scene, so the sentence on 29 isn't actually a contradiction. An asset can last anywhere from one roll to one scene, depending on the narrative. You only need the PP if it needs to last a second scene. At least, that's my understanding.

[Supplanter]

Lindharin's got it. Basically, your asset or complication WILL NOT LAST LONGER THAN THE END OF THE CURRENT ACTION SCENE unless you spend a PP to make it persist to the end of the NEXT action scene.

It may last less than the current action scene if an opponent takes successful action to remove it, or if it ceases to have logical salience within the fiction.

e.g. I'm a mystical hero playing through Act I of Breakout. I create an Asset by drawing a pentagram on the floor of a hallway in the Raft, so I can summon eldritch energies through it to fight the mob of minor villains. This works and I win!

But now I head down another level to try to get the backup generator working. And there, in the dark by the backup generator, is Carnage. My pentagram no longer counts as an asset, because it's "back up there" and now I'm "way down here."


Jim

[Cam]

RE: conflict. This is exactly why we don't use "combat" as a time measurement or anything, but it would probably make sense to be more explicit about what we mean when we say "current conflict." "No later than the end of the Action Scene" is a nice rule, though the narrative is your guiding factor for when it might not last that long. Many assets only get used once, because they're part of a support combo like the Fastball Special.

Cheers,
Cam

[Keji]

While on the topic of assets/complications, I was wondering bout Mimic/shapeshift.

If I'm attacked, can I use them in a reaction roll to use a shape or power for a moment to defend myself?

When I attack, can I use the shapeshift/mimic in the attack roll to inflict stress or complication?

Or do I need to make assets first?