====== Encounter ======

An [[:Game Mechanics:Encounter#Encounter|Encounter]] is a mechanical term used to break a larger [[:Game Mechanics:Scene]] into smaller, more manageable events. The bulk of play in Meat Space takes place moving from one [[:Game Mechanics:Encounter#Encounter|Encounter]] to the next. An [[:Game Mechanics:Encounter#Encounter|Encounter]] can be as simple as a conversation, game of chance or travel montage, or as involved as a lengthy social, technical or combat challenge.

The length of an [[:Game Mechanics:Encounter#Encounter|Encounter]] is variable and is largely determined by the needs of the story. As a general rule, an [[:Game Mechanics:Encounter#Encounter|Encounter]] lasts for the duration of a single event, conversation or challenge. While the [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Game Master]] will typically determine when an [[:Game Mechanics:Encounter#Encounter|Encounter]] begins and ends, the [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Cast Member|Cast]] are encouraged to help identify these transitions, as [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Appropriate]].

At the start of a new [[:Game Mechanics:Encounter#Encounter|Encounter]], [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Player|Players]] should perform a [[Ratings:Swagger]] or [[Ratings:Presence]]  [[:Game Mechanics:Test]], as [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Appropriate]], to determine [[:Game Mechanics:Morale]]. They may also need to perform an [[Ratings:Initiative]] or [[Ratings:Reaction]] [[:Game Mechanics:Test]] to determine the [[:Game Mechanics:Turn Order]], as [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Appropriate]]. This is also the time to resolve any triggered [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Ability|Abilities]] or effects.

At the end of an [[:Game Mechanics:Encounter#Encounter|Encounter]], several things occur. These are listed below:
  * Several effects, [[:Game Mechanics:Conditions]] or [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Ability|Abilities]] may end.
  * [[:Game Mechanics:Morale]] is set to Neutral and unspent [[:Game Mechanics:Morale#Priority]] is lost.
  * [[:Ratings:Strain]] is restored to full.
  * The [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Game Master|GM]] gives the [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Cast Member|Cast]] an [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Appropriate]] amount of [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Experience|Exp]].
  * Certain [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Ability|Abilities]] may trigger. Resolve them as [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Appropriate]].

The [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Player|Players]] can resolve these in any order that feels [[:Game Mechanics:Definitions:Appropriate]] before moving onto the next [[:Game Mechanics:Encounter#Encounter|Encounter]] or ending the [[:Game Mechanics:Scene]].