Conventions and use of the English language is one thing; its use in the application of rules for a game is something else. Yes, there is a dichotomy (as ridiculous as some may fathom it). I know and am aware of what "can", "may" and "must" mean beyond the context of HeroClix, but in the game of HeroClix - as it has been pointed out by others a few times now - they mean something else.

For matters pertaining to how the game is played and how rules (i.e. the language of the game) are to be interpreted, the call made by an "orange name" holds credence. For matters pertaining to the conventions, rules, and use of the English language, you won't find the answers here. Don't assume inferior education or lack of understanding of others due to the language of the game; although in English, it has its own language.

Foras pacem, stulti.

Nice, thanks for clearing that up.

Let me see if I can explain this a different way.

When a power or ability indicates that the character “may” do something, that indicates an option that the player of that character can make when the situation presents itself. Other than that, powers and abilities are not optional. A special power that says “Character can use Blades/Claws/ Fangs and Stealth” does not allow the character to choose whether or not it is using Stealth (since that standard power’s description does not use the word “may”) but does allow the character to choose when it will roll a d6 for its close combat attack (since the description of that standard power does use the word “may").

Note, this does not say "must" anywhere in the ruling. It is commonly used that "can" equals "must" but the rules don't flat out say it. There are reasons and there are reasons why they don't just flat out say "must" in the powers.

While you would prefer the word "must" since you feel that better fits the description of what is going on, it does not actually work.

Character can use Energy Explosion.

Character must use Energy Explosion.

The problem with using "must" as a game term is that it is probably more confusing. It is an absolute with no options. I have now taken away this characters ability to make close combat, power, and move actions, because it "must" use Energy Explosion.

Using "can" and giving it a game term does allow options for the character. The character can use Energy Explosion (and will use it when a Ranged Combat Action is activated by that character) but the character "can" use other options.

Sounds about right. There's English, and there's WizKids English. The two languages are very similar but subtle and sinister differences exist.

What's strange with the whole can/must/may thing is the word Can is almost an unnecessary word. It isn't right to say "must" because must suggested a forced action.

Where as "can" in clix seems to be an explanation of a state of being.

Excample...
Could just as easily read...
So you'd think, that in this pretty much the same situation.
Would be
But it's ruled as not. whatever. I don't care. God forbid we ever actually be able to explain why something in this game is ruled one way in some cases and the opposite in other cases. You guys make us look like cheaters and #######s when we have to explain this logic that essentially boils down to... "just trust me". "In this situation this means one thing, and in this situation it means the opposite. You aren't a grammar scholar, and neither am I... but trust me."

Just out of curiosity, who is this "you guys" that you're directing this at?

In this instance, whoever is deciding that 'can' isn't the dictionary definition for the purposes of heroclix, but then decided it is the dictionary definition for the purposes of this power; As Chrismodil pointed out some posts ago.

Sorry, I'm just imagining trying to explain this to one of my players after I tell them the very opposite thing a week earlier. For Baby G's sake, be consistent!

Splitlip had a specific intent. The rules change on Relics creates a whole new situation that was not part of his intent when he was released.

We are verifying in which direction Game Design wishes this figure to be used.

To relate to the topic, I see both sides in this argument. I agree with BigBlue on how it should work, but see why chris ruled the way he did.

Maybe for the next big rules shakeup, the powers that be should just work on simplifying the "language of Heroclix". Fix all these little issues that make for confusing conversations for players and/or judges that lead to someone saying "Well, that is how it was ruled" as their only real justification for how a certain power/combination works.

Start the "Road to the Rulebook: 2015"!!!

I like a lot of what MLM is saying here.

See also the pointless use of "always" in Black Manta's power.

CONCUSSIVE EYE BEAMS: Black Manta's ranged combat attacks always generate knock back.

There's no option in the game to decide if you cause knockback or not. It isn't optional. "Always" already exists in the framework of the rules.

There are sometimes, such as with force blast. "Always" makes it crystal clear that there is NOT an option in this case.

That's fine. And not to argue, but does it change any intention?


This is not a contention, i'm just trying to illustrate a talking point...
Before the new rules, split lips power either disallowed power-actions for relic rolls or it didn't. This question wasn't only present after the rules change. It's just there was no advantage to the power action in that game state, so this didn't come up till now. Because who cared.

Pre rules change-
So without splitlip on the board, one per game/turn every friendly character could only roll for a relic once(as a power action) per game, but also only once per turn(because of how power actions work).
With split lip on the board that sentence is still exactly true except free action instead of power action. You could still only roll once per game, but a character could still only have 1 attempt per turn.

post rules change-
Without splitlip on the board, a character may roll any number of times per game for a relic(as a power action) per game, but also only once per turn(because of how power actions work).
With split lip on the board that sentence is still exactly true except free action instead of power action. You could still only roll any number of times in a game, but a character could still only have 1 attempt per turn.

if anything it seems like not adhering to the precedent rulings for the word "can" is a relative buff to splitlip. Because he is now the only thing in the game that allows a single character 2 relic roles in a turn. Well I guess there are some mind control scenarios that would allow this as well.

Yeah, but that's Force Blast. It has the "may choose that it generates knockback." aspect. Since Manta doesn't get FB with the power, they could have left out always.

Unless Black Manta does get Force Blast, which is not that hard anymore.

So if he did get force blast via a resource or something, and his power didn't have the word "always" in it. It would then be optional?

It seems he would still have 2 separate powers that contain some overlap, but also some non-overlap.