Actually, if Larfleeze's Orange Constructs ability was an SP, as opposed to a trait, he could simply turn off the power at the beginning of an opponents action, since powers are optional unless stated otherwise. But since it is a trait, no such luck because traits are non-optional.

Rules-wise, yes. It's like canceling Embiggen to make a declared attack against the Joker illegal.

Intention-wise, I'm guessing no. There was such a concerted effort to prevent WCs from making actions illegal via a change that I'd imagine the designers would not be wanting any sorts of responses being able to illegalify a legally declared action.

I see your point about the wild cards.

According to this quote from the 2010 rulebook however, a power can only be canceled at the beginning of an action in which the power in question would come into play. So if they updated this part of the rulebook to match the WC wording, Larfleeze could not turn off his own power, even though it is still considered "optional". Assuming it was a power and not a trait.

Um, no it doesn't.

This part in particular of 2010 Rulebook pg 15:

This is the only place that I can find in the rules, that states exactly when an optional power can be canceled or turned off ,that is timing specific. Maybe there is something more in he PG that you could cite.

I suppose we could use Combat Reflexes as a legitimate example. CR is an optional power. CR activates during an action containing a close combat attack. CR is assumed to be in effect during an action unless you canceled it at the beginning of that action. So you can't wait until after the attack roll to turn off CR, and you can't cancel it before the action is declared because it is assumed in effect by rule.

So, in the hypothetical scenario I proposed, Larfleezes power would have to be canceled at the beginning of an action. Or is it assumed that you can turn off an optional power whenever you want to? To be consistent with other aspects of the game in regards to specific timing, like WC rules, IMO this issue should also be timing sensitive.

I think harpua is trying to say that this is the case whether the power comes into play during that action or not. When you make a close combat attack against an opposing figure, you could cancel your Combat Reflexes if you want. Sure, the attacker's Combat Reflexes doesn't really do anything during that action, but you are free to cancel it.

I agree with you. I've argued that point many times. But that also assumes the rules as written are clear. If the rules clearly say one thing then that rule is meaningful. If the rules are ambigious, then a forum ruling can control. So the question here is: Is the text clear? I'm thinking you think it is clear that it must go both ways. In that case, you are correct that the Player's Guide would need to change the text or provide an overriding clarification. If the text is not clear, then a forum ruling is sufficent. Given the differing opinions in the various threads on this topic, I don't think the rules text is clear on this issue, so a forum ruling does become the rule. Of course, none of this really matters since it will be up to the judge at each event to rule as that judge sees fit. (And personally, given all the confusion, I do think a comment in the Player's Guide is appropriate.)

Precisely....

Are you saying that you can only cancel your fig's defensive powers on your turn? I'm pretty sure you can cancel your fig's powers on your opponents turn. They are the player declaring the actions, but if your fig is effected by their action and your fig's powers do come into play. I would assume that you would follow the same timing rules for canceling powers as the controlling player, and would have to cancel your fig's CR when your opponent declared an action with a Close Combat Attack against your fig.

Notice that this quote does not specify who's turn the action takes place in. It refers to "an action" and "that action", but not "your action". I can't declare actions on your turn, but I can still decide how to control my fig's powers, on your turn, if they are optional. I think

But nothing in there says that the power being canceled has to be involved in the declared action. In fact, nothing says that the figure on whom you are canceling powers has to be involved in it.

You could declare a close combat attack on my Archangel. I can take this opportunity to cancel Leadership on Professor Xavier.

I see. So in this hypothetical scenario, unless it was the 1st declared action of your opponents turn, you could cancel any optional power at the beginning of any action prior to the action which would activate that power. Thanks Harp.

Note: Larfleeze can Quake everyone near his Constructs. Mikron can help with that

So, going back to LARFLEEZE, how should we plat him? as intended(it works one way)?

or as worded (works both ways)?

Still wondering that myself. The ruling will make the difference between him being ok and him being really, really unplayable.

I would play it as worded (both ways) until they change the wording in a future PG update.

Your judge could make up his own rules though and tell you how to play. Dumbest rule ever and I don't agree with it, but judges do have the power to play god with Heroclix rules if they want to. They can enforce rules that they know go against the actual rules wirh no one to answer to. It's been that way since the old Wizkids went out of business.

I say learn the actual rules as best you can, and follow them as close as possible. Don't worry about intent. If the intent does not match the written rules, just wait for the next PG update and see if they cahnge it. Either way, have fun...