seriously... i know this has been brought up millions of times but can someone explain the first half of this feat to me?

"when an agent is given an action you may choose to give one of it's combat values +1 until the beginning of your next turn"

1. does this mean its not a free action?
2. do i have to perform an action to then add one to a combat value?
3. can i +1 to my defense until the beginning of my next turn?


the reason i ask is that we've been using it as a free action and it's really a potent feat. so much so that it really seems unreasonable for only 10 per character.

1. It can't be used with free actions. Only actions that lead to the character getting a token.

2. The increase is applied as soon as the action is declared. You can increase your attack or damage values before actually rolling an attack.

3. Yes. That is one of the biggest advantages of ICWO. Perplex goes away at end of turn. ICWO sticks around untill the start of your next turn so it can be used on defense and will still be there when your character gets attacked.

Check the Errata and Clarifications document. The part you are asking about is addressed:

It's not that the characters gain the ability to, as a free action, give themselves a +1. Whenever they take a non-free action, they can declare a +1 to one of their stats. Examples would include: +1 to range when making a range attack, +1 to move when Charging, +1 to damage on a close combat attack, +1 to defense when moving.

So:
1) It's not a free action.
2) You have to perform an action in order to get the bonus, but you get the bonus at the beginning of that action.
3) The bonus lasts until the beginning of your next turn (as per card text).

does the action have to relate to the +1? meaning can i attack an opposing figure and then +1 my defense? or does it really have to be "used with" the action? such as +1 move/charge or +1 attack/then attack, etc...?

You can get a +1 to any of your combat values for any (non-free) action. You can up your defense on an attack (or indeed any non-free action).

thanks for the help! it's greatly appreciated!