Setting CSL before combat starts

[Christopher]

Can you set CSL before your first phase in a combat?

 

Especially, can he set them in the following sitatuions before, he has his first phase (and thus get the benefit against enemys who go before him, without need to abort):

1) The character asumes he is entering a dangerous area (entering a room that will likely have enemys, but he is not certain).

2) The character knows there will be a battle (the next room is full of enemys and he knows it).

3) He is in a Standoff that turns into a battle.

4) both parties see eacah other from afar, but the battle only starts after they closed the distance.

[Steve Long]

Re: Setting CSL before combat starts

 

Per HSS/TUS 119:

 

If characters are in a situation where they expect a fight to occur, or think they’re about to be attacked, they can, with the GM’s permission, allocate their Combat Skill Levels even though combat hasn’t begun and no one has had a Phase yet. But as noted below, CSLs applicable to DCV aren’t Persistent and can’t be assigned to increase DCV “at all times”; characters can only assign CSLs in advance of combat if they have a reasonable expectation of combat or danger, as judged by the GM.