Trigger and execution time

[Tonio]

Trigger can be set up to take no time to activate, but does this mean the Triggered action takes no time to execute/occur, too?

For example, I set up Teleport with a Trigger, and pay for both the "activating takes no time" and "automatically reset" options. Does this mean I could Teleport multiple times as an action that takes no time? Or does the Teleport still take a half or full phase, even though I'm still free to take a full phase's worth of actions, since I took no time to activate or set up the trigger? Can I, effectively, Teleport an unlimited number of times (Charges and/or END allowing) in no time? Is this Power-dependent? (I.e. would it be possible with Teleport, but not with Running?) SFX-dependent? (I.e. possible with an instantanous teleport, but not with a teleport defined as stepping into the Ethereal Plane, running some distance, then stepping back into the Material Plane?)

[Steve Long]

Yes, that's exactly what it means -- it takes no time to activate, which is the same in this instance as "no time to use." There are some tiny abstract points of the system where there might be a difference between "activate" and "use," but this isn't one of 'em. Otherwise an awful lot of Triggered powers would become just plain useless, and that's no fun. ;)

However, as always the GM has to keep game balance and other factors in mind, not to mention common sense and dramatic sense. Even with a Trigger that immediately automatically resets and activates automatically, there may need to be restrictions imposed on its use if the player himself isn't mature and responsible enough to impose them voluntarily. I've played characters with instantly-Triggerable Teleportation for example, but I never use it more than once a Phase, so the GM has no problem with it. That's a flavorful, fun ability that adds to my combat flexibility and everyone's enjoyment of the game. If I tried to claim that this power somehow let me Teleport around the world instantaneously by re-Triggering it again and again, the GM would look at me like I was an idiot... because I would, in fact, be acting like one. ;) (Not that I can't find other ways to do that, of course. :eek:)