I have what I think is probably a dumb question about Set Up Actions. The answer may be obvious, but its come up enough at my table that I need to get a solid answer!
When performing a set up action, how is effect measured against future actions that take advantage of the set up?
If a character performs a set up action and the gm decides it’s a risky position with a standard effect, we assume +1 effect level or improved position for follow up actions. But say the effect is limited due to something like tier or magnitude, do the subsequent actions get the same benefit? And on the other hand, if our set up action is executed to great effect, should we consider raising the bonus?
Thanks in advance!
I would say that if the effect of a set up action is limited, then if the character succeeds they still need to do something else to get the benefits from set up. Limited effect means there is still something let to do, so a follow up action might be required now that the first obstacle has been overcome.
If the set up action would give great effect, I have ruled in the past that this means that the character who takes advantage of it has both increased position and effect, or benefits of the setup last longer, perhaps represented by a clock the GM can advance as the lows rolls come in. Depends on the fiction and what makes sense.
Chet Farley Psst, Chet, You replied in the wrong place 😉
Michael Elliott That makes perfect sense. Thanks for your insight!
A couple other options – you might rule that the opposition has the PCs so outclass that Great effect will be necessary for any setup action to be useful. You can also say, for Limited effect, that the PC doing the setup needs to be continuously acting (say, being a lookout), so that the setup takes up their action for the scene.