Author Topic: Question(s) about converting evil character  (Read 6176 times)

Offline czepp

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Question(s) about converting evil character
« on: July 10, 2011, 07:26:58 PM »
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Let's say I converted my opponent's evil character into a hero brigade color of my choice.

#1.) If that character is a warrior class, does the WC enhancement already placed on that evil character stay while he/she is converted?

#2.) Does the special ability of the evil character remain, or is it negated?
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Offline Smokey

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Re: Question(s) about converting evil character
« Reply #1 on: July 10, 2011, 07:29:46 PM »
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The WC enhancement sticks, and it's ability still works.

As long as the evil character's ability doesn't harm a hero or do something that is unheroic (loose definition) it sticks.

For instance, Woman as Snares' ability would still work because she is capturing evil characters, but Disbeliving Sadducees ability wouldn't work because it removes heroes from the game.

Offline SomeKittens

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Re: Question(s) about converting evil character
« Reply #2 on: July 10, 2011, 08:33:24 PM »
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The converted character loses all abilities that:
-target a hero
-allow them to play an evil enhancement

WaS won't work, as she says "When blocking"
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Offline Korunks

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Re: Question(s) about converting evil character
« Reply #3 on: July 11, 2011, 08:39:06 AM »
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The converted character loses all abilities that:
-target a hero
-allow them to play an evil enhancement

WaS won't work, as she says "When blocking"

I think your are incorrect on that first point, I think they lose all abilities that "harm" heroes, not just target them.  Normal heroes target other heroes all the time.
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Offline Gabe

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Re: Question(s) about converting evil character
« Reply #4 on: July 11, 2011, 09:02:03 AM »
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Korunks is correct. The REG sums it up very nicely.

Quote from: REG
If an Evil Character is converted to a Hero, it’s special ability works as long as it does not harm Heroes (e.g., the special ability of Otho does not work as a Hero because it would be discarding himself, a Hero). Game rules are still operative (e.g., Heroes may not use evil enhancements or band to Evil Characters).
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Offline EmJayBee83

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Re: Question(s) about converting evil character
« Reply #5 on: July 11, 2011, 10:03:35 AM »
+1
Korunks is correct. The REG sums it up very nicely.

Quote from: REG
If an Evil Character is converted to a Hero, it’s special ability works as long as it does not harm Heroes (e.g., the special ability of Otho does not work as a Hero because it would be discarding himself, a Hero). Game rules are still operative (e.g., Heroes may not use evil enhancements or band to Evil Characters).

And the REG also defines what "Harm" means.  Specifically...

Quote from: REG
Harm

See Negative Effect
-and-
Quote from: REG
Negative Effect

A negative effect is any effect from cards not of the same alignment (i.e., good, evil, or neutral) targeting a character.

And since a converted evil character is now of good alignment, absolutely nothing he or she does will "harm" another hero (by the definition of harm). So the passage that Gabe quotes form the REG contradicts itself.

This has been a known issue ever since the "harm" redefinition was floated. For consistency sake, can we please get clarification on what EC abilities convert?

Offline Gabe

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Re: Question(s) about converting evil character
« Reply #6 on: July 11, 2011, 10:26:12 AM »
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It doesn't contradict itself if you interpret it correctly. ;) It should probably be changed because I know more than one player has been confused by the way it's worded. The "harm" or "negative effect" is talking about the ability prior to conversion. Before the EC is converted does it harm a Hero? Yes = ability doesn't convert. No = it does convert.
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Offline Korunks

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Re: Question(s) about converting evil character
« Reply #7 on: July 11, 2011, 11:16:51 AM »
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Now what if an Evil Characters ability "harms" a captured hero does it convert?  I.E. can a converted Salome discard a captured hero?
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Offline EmJayBee83

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Re: Question(s) about converting evil character
« Reply #8 on: July 11, 2011, 11:41:54 AM »
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It doesn't contradict itself if you interpret it correctly. ;) It should probably be changed because I know more than one player has been confused by the way it's worded. The "harm" or "negative effect" is talking about the ability prior to conversion. Before the EC is converted does it harm a Hero? Yes = ability doesn't convert. No = it does convert.
Really? To make it clear to me, can we look at a simple example...

I have Sapphira. As an EC, does her by the numbers SA harm a hero?  By the definition of "harm" it certainly does. We have always played that BTN abilities convert, however. Are you saying that Sapphira's SA does not convert?

I would have no real complaints with that--and it would be consistent. What it would mean, however, is that the vast majority of evil SAs would not convert. This would be a huge change to how I (and I believe most others) have ruled this in the past.

Offline galadgawyn

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Re: Question(s) about converting evil character
« Reply #9 on: July 11, 2011, 01:18:18 PM »
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I think this should go in the unresolved rulings thread.  A few years ago (2007?) this was debated and the rule changed several times in the same tournament year.  It ended with Rob announcing we were going to get a list of what did and did not convert to finally settle this.  I never saw that list.  I wonder if that is waiting on the new Reg to get released? 

I agree that Gabe's answer might work but that it would be a change from how most people I know (if not all) have played it. 

This is also not a complete answer because it doesn't cover things like abilites that could harm a hero but don't necessarily do that.  Like "discard an Egyptian" which potentially target a hero or evil character but are decided by the player's choice. 

It also lets many non heroic abilities like: shuffle a lost soul, increase evil characters, search for Asherah Pole, etc convert while stopping abilities like Sapphira's that make sense as a hero.  I personally think the original "in the nature of a hero" worked better than any of the unclear attempts since then.

P.S. Can heros like Women as Snares now be "blocking" in response to a taunt?  What do you call your hero blocking an opponent's taunt?

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Re: Question(s) about converting evil character
« Reply #10 on: July 11, 2011, 02:28:23 PM »
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It doesn't contradict itself if you interpret it correctly. ;) It should probably be changed because I know more than one player has been confused by the way it's worded. The "harm" or "negative effect" is talking about the ability prior to conversion. Before the EC is converted does it harm a Hero? Yes = ability doesn't convert. No = it does convert.
Really? To make it clear to me, can we look at a simple example...

I have Sapphira. As an EC, does her by the numbers SA harm a hero?  By the definition of "harm" it certainly does. We have always played that BTN abilities convert, however. Are you saying that Sapphira's SA does not convert?

I would have no real complaints with that--and it would be consistent. What it would mean, however, is that the vast majority of evil SAs would not convert. This would be a huge change to how I (and I believe most others) have ruled this in the past.

Sapphira's ability doesn't target characters, it only targets abilities. If I/P/N abilities targeted cards, and not just their abilities, then Benedictus couldn't negate Caesarea Phillipi. So Sapphira doesn't harm heroes.

I do agree that there is still some confusion surrounding the issue, and that it should be resolved. It has made sense to me for the most part, but I can see how it might be complicated to others. I'll try to bring it up on the other side.
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Offline The Warrior

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Re: Question(s) about converting evil character
« Reply #11 on: July 11, 2011, 04:32:44 PM »
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Now what if an Evil Characters ability "harms" a captured hero does it convert?  I.E. can a converted Salome discard a captured hero?
and for the record, Captured Heroes aren't Really "Heroes",right? i know there have been threads about this surrounding whether captured heros retain their identifiers for sake of cards that need certain factions in play to function (e.g. Iron Pan Needs a Bab in play)
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Re: Question(s) about converting evil character
« Reply #12 on: July 11, 2011, 04:38:39 PM »
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Look this seemed pretty cut and dry to me. If a characters special ability targets hero's then it doesn't convert. If it can target anything then it doesn't. You guys are looking at harm the wrong way. Take the Sapphira example. yes, when she's an evil character her special ability harms heroes in the sense that it negates their special abilities. But that is only because at the time she is in battle with a hero. If she is converted, she is no longer fighting against heroes, so her ability does not harm them.

Simple breakdown that may later be overruled, but for now its a good guideline.

Does the special ability specifically target hereos? (i.e. capture a hero)
Yes: Then it doesn't work when they are converted.
No: Then it's still in effect

Offline SomeKittens

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Re: Question(s) about converting evil character
« Reply #13 on: July 11, 2011, 08:47:39 PM »
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Just out of curiosity, are there any special abilities that target, but do not harm, a card of the opposite alignment?
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Offline Professoralstad

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Re: Question(s) about converting evil character
« Reply #14 on: July 11, 2011, 09:35:05 PM »
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Just out of curiosity, are there any special abilities that target, but do not harm, a card of the opposite alignment?

No...harm is defined as being targeted by cards of a different alignment, based on the REG quote MJB provided. So technically, Elijah's Mantle "harms" heroes. Harm is one of the things that will likely be overhauled/clarified in the new REG, but for now we have a system that is fairly sufficient, with perhaps a few holes.
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Offline SomeKittens

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Re: Question(s) about converting evil character
« Reply #15 on: July 11, 2011, 11:06:40 PM »
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few holes?  I still have no idea how to rule at a tournament.  I thought I knew what was going on, but somehow, not?
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Offline Korunks

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Re: Question(s) about converting evil character
« Reply #16 on: July 11, 2011, 11:16:15 PM »
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Look this seemed pretty cut and dry to me. If a characters special ability targets hero's then it doesn't convert. If it can target anything then it doesn't. You guys are looking at harm the wrong way. Take the Sapphira example. yes, when she's an evil character her special ability harms heroes in the sense that it negates their special abilities. But that is only because at the time she is in battle with a hero. If she is converted, she is no longer fighting against heroes, so her ability does not harm them.

Simple breakdown that may later be overruled, but for now its a good guideline.

Does the special ability specifically target hereos? (i.e. capture a hero)
Yes: Then it doesn't work when they are converted.
No: Then it's still in effect

This is simply incorrect (currently), the rule as it listed in the REG is anything that harms a hero does not convert.  It is entirely possible to convert an Evil Character that could band to a hero.  Based on your wording that ability would not convert because it could target a hero. 
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Offline SomeKittens

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Re: Question(s) about converting evil character
« Reply #17 on: July 11, 2011, 11:21:50 PM »
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Saph can band to a warrior-class philly.  This doesn't directly target a hero, but if converted, he could band to Ittai.  Since it doesn't directly target a hero, it'd be converted too.

/My bet:5 minutes until I'm told otherwise.


Side question: If I convert both Ananias and Sapphria, can they still band?
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browarod

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Re: Question(s) about converting evil character
« Reply #18 on: July 11, 2011, 11:23:34 PM »
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Side question: If I convert both Ananias and Sapphria, can they still band?
I believe so, yes.

Offline Professoralstad

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Re: Question(s) about converting evil character
« Reply #19 on: July 11, 2011, 11:26:02 PM »
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A few guidelines that I use when determining if an ability converts:

Does the ability say if blocking? If yes, then the ability doesn't convert, if no, then go to next question.

Does the ability cause an impossible situation, like a Hero banding to an Evil Character or playing an Evil Enhancement? If yes, then the ability doesn't convert, if no then go on to next question.

Is there any Hero in the game whose special ability can do exactly what the converted EC would be able to do? If yes, then the ability does convert, if not go on to next question.

Does the ability target characters at all? If no, then the ability does convert, if yes, go to the next question.

Would the converted ability allow for the discard, capture, removal from the game, shuffle, withdraw, ignore, or set-aside of a Hero, or would it cause a side battle involving two Heroes? If yes, then the ability doesn't convert, if no, then it does.

Following these guidelines will make you correct at least 98.7% of the time. The rest of the time you might have to make a judgment call.

In your example, Saph can't band to Ittai, because his ability actually says WC Philly EC. However, Ananias can band to Sapphira if they are both converted.
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browarod

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Re: Question(s) about converting evil character
« Reply #20 on: July 11, 2011, 11:29:39 PM »
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If Ananias is converted before Sapphira, wouldn't it violate your "impossible situation" clause? Does that magically get undone if Sapphira is converted later?

Offline Professoralstad

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Re: Question(s) about converting evil character
« Reply #21 on: July 11, 2011, 11:32:49 PM »
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If Ananias is converted before Sapphira, wouldn't it violate your "impossible situation" clause? Does that magically get undone if Sapphira is converted later?

I should clarify that all EC's that have SAs keep their SAs when converted. The only thing is that some of them can work as Heroes, while others can't. So while Ananias is a Hero and Sapphira is an EC, Ananias still has the SA "May band to Sapphira, CBN" but it doesn't do anything unless a Hero Sapphira is in play.
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Offline EmJayBee83

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Re: Question(s) about converting evil character
« Reply #22 on: July 11, 2011, 11:53:55 PM »
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Sapphira's ability doesn't target characters, it only targets abilities. If I/P/N abilities targeted cards, and not just their abilities, then Benedictus couldn't negate Caesarea Phillipi. So Sapphira doesn't harm heroes.

"Hmmmmmmmmm.... That is an interesting way to approach the question," he says in a serious intended as a compliment sort of way.

One tangentially-related question...
I should clarify that all EC's that have SAs keep their SAs when converted.
Does the same hold true when a hero is corrupted?  Is the original hero SA simply unusable or is the SA actually removed?
« Last Edit: July 11, 2011, 11:59:54 PM by EmJayBee83 »

Offline RTSmaniac

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Re: Question(s) about converting evil character
« Reply #23 on: July 12, 2011, 12:28:49 AM »
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it is ruled that heros abilities to not convert when "corrupted"

what if a hero is holding a weapon and is "corrupted"? does the weapons ability convert?
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Offline Prof Underwood

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Re: Question(s) about converting evil character
« Reply #24 on: July 12, 2011, 09:49:05 AM »
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A few guidelines that I use when determining if an ability converts:

Does the ability say if blocking? If yes, then the ability doesn't convert, if no, then go to next question.

Does the ability cause an impossible situation, like a Hero banding to an Evil Character or playing an Evil Enhancement? If yes, then the ability doesn't convert, if no then go on to next question.

Is there any Hero in the game whose special ability can do exactly what the converted EC would be able to do? If yes, then the ability does convert, if not go on to next question.

Does the ability target characters at all? If no, then the ability does convert, if yes, go to the next question.

Would the converted ability allow for the discard, capture, removal from the game, shuffle, withdraw, ignore, or set-aside of a Hero, or would it cause a side battle involving two Heroes? If yes, then the ability doesn't convert, if no, then it does.

Following these guidelines will make you correct at least 98.7% of the time. The rest of the time you might have to make a judgment call.

In your example, Saph can't band to Ittai, because his ability actually says WC Philly EC. However, Ananias can band to Sapphira if they are both converted.
This is similar to how I think about converted EC SAs.

what if a hero is holding a weapon and is "corrupted"? does the weapons ability convert?
I think that WC enhs all convert with their characters.  So I would say, "yes".

 


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