Fumble Tables - terminology

[Titus]

When the fumble tables say something like "Lose next 1D3 Combat Actions", how is that supposed to be interpreted?

1. Select the "Do Nothing" activity the next 1d3 times that your Strike Rank comes up and you get a turn.
2. When you would want to use a CA, you lose it instead. (want to parry but lose the CA)
3. Subtract 1d3 CAs from your remaining CAs for this turn and if negative, apply the to CAs you get next turn.

I have previously assumed #1.
Now I am leaning towards #2.

As I am putting together a player guide, I am becoming a little sensitive to specific terms. The term combat action seems to mean different things in different parts of the rules.
My take is:
A combat action is something you spend.
A combat activity is something you spend a combat action on. (Attack, parry, cast spell, Do Nothing, etc.)
Your turn is when your Strike Rank comes up in the cycling through a combat round.

 

[mwsasser]

I think you might always want to have a minimum of 1 CA in a round. Also you could keep the results of the fumble a secret and use it as an element of drama. Just say.. "you were off balance and missed" instead of telling them what the fumble result was.

But I'd just do this: If a character has for example 3 CA in a round. On their second action they fumble and lose 3 CA. They lose the 3rd CA that round (because they had 1 left) and next round they only have 1 CA.

 

[sdavies2720]

I've been playing option #1, but seeing it laid out like this I might go to #3. I'll have to think about it. Each have advantages and disadvantages.

Steve

 

[Loz]

The intention is #3.

But if people find it works better under 1 or 2 then excellent!

 

[Titus]

Thanks folks.

I will be clarifying that in my player guide. I will probably go with #3 option as I think it will be easier to implement than #2. Though I do find mwsasser's idea about the secret number of lost actions intriguing. :twisted: