I posted this question in the Wizkids forums, but figured it would be worthwhile posting it here too.

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I am curious about the nature of damage vs 'critical' damage. In particular it's relevance to Mind Control (MC), Steal Energy (SE) and Incapacitate (INCAP).

My argument starts with the wording in the rulebook regarding Critical Hits: 'If your attack roll dice result is a "12", then you have automatically hit the target. This is called a critical hit. If you were trying to damage the target, then the critical hit delivers one extra click of damage'. Very clear and concise. The rulebook also elaborates on the affect of a critical hit when using Support, but that is not relevant in this thread.

There has been an interpretation making it's way around the various forums that if a figure with MC and SE rolls a critical hit when attempting a MC, that they will recover one click becuase the attack inflicted damage. However, the wording from the rulebook clrealy states 'If you were trying to damage the target....'.

A MC does not have the intent of damaging your opponent. The result may be that they take a click of damage from pushing (or using other super powers), but clearly the initial intent of the MC is not to damage the target.

INCAP's wording in the PAC says 'reduce damage to zero', which would allow critical hit damage to be applied (alas SE and INCAP are both on attack).

Now, due to the fact that a critical hit only applies if the attack is trying to inflict damage, why would a figure with SE get a click back if they rolled a critical hit while doing MC?

Read the faq, it clearly states that you do take 1 click of damage.

I am well aware of what is in the FAQ. Presumably there has been an update to the rulebook to remove the part about 'the attack trying to do damage'?

Just because the FAQ has the official ruling does not mean that there cannot be debate about it. If I remember correctly the FAQ was once updated to say that fliers in b2b contact with an opposing figure could not perform ranged actions. That ruling was removed.

I think his question is if Sauron, in an attempt to Mind Control, rolls a critical hit, does Steal Energy now come into play and he receive a clik of healing?

Am I interpreting your question correctly?

Since my Edit button doesn't seem to want to work, let me add: I would guess it would. But I think a Judge would be better to answer it.

I kinda agree with you there, ol' Cabbage. It has even been ruled that you cannot SHIELD/Enhance MC because of the lack of a numerical amount of damage - it's not 0 damage, it's 'no damage'. So why would you take a click from a really really good MC attempt?