Reflection on a trigger

[OddHat]

Character A has a 4 SPD, DEX 20, and Missile Deflection (with the Reflection adder) on a self re-setting trigger. On phase 5, he is hit with an attack and automatically Reflects the attack. Phase 6 rolls around. Since he Reflected an attack on Phase 5, has he burned his Phase 6 action, as though he had aborted to the action?

 

In phase 9 on Dex 26 another attack comes in. Once again the trigger goes off and Character A Reflects the attack. Dex 20 comes around. Has Character A burned his action for phase 9, or, since the Reflection was triggered, can he choose to act?

 

As always, thanks.

[Steve Long]

Re: Reflection on a trigger

 

*NEW*Q: If a character has a Triggered power, and the use of that power under ordinary circumstances (i.e., without a Trigger) would constitute either an Attack Action or a defensive Action, does the Triggering of that power automatically use up the character’s Phase, force him to Abort his Phase, or the like?

 

A: The answer depends on how long it takes the character to activate the Trigger. If activating the Trigger is an Action that takes no time, then no, using it does not constitute taking an Attack Action, using up a character’s Phase, or requiring him to Abort. (For Attack Actions, this is specifically stated on 5ER 270.) In essence it’s a totally “free” attack or Action that doesn’t in any way use up any of his “resources” or require anything of him other than choosing to activate the Trigger.

 

If the Trigger requires a Zero Phase Action to activate, activating it still does not constitute an Attack Action, as specified on 5ER 270. However, the character has to be in a position to take a Zero Phase Action, meaning it has to be his Phase and he has to have not already used up the entire Phase. If he has, then he either cannot use the power or, if it’s a defensive power and it’s possible for him to Abort, he has to Abort his next Phase to use it.