Encounter

An Encounter is a mechanical term used to break a larger Scene into smaller, more manageable events. The bulk of play in Meat Space takes place moving from one Encounter to the next. An 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 Encounter is variable and is largely determined by the needs of the story. As a general rule, an Encounter lasts for the duration of a single event, conversation or challenge. While the Game Master will typically determine when an Encounter begins and ends, the Cast are encouraged to help identify these transitions, as Appropriate.

At the start of a new Encounter, Players should perform a Swagger or Presence Test, as Appropriate, to determine Morale. They may also need to perform an Initiative or Reaction Test to determine the Turn Order, as Appropriate. This is also the time to resolve any trigger Abilities or effects.

At the end of an Encounter, several things occur. These are listed below:

• Several effects, Conditions or Abilities may end.
• Morale is set to Neutral and unspent Priority is lost.
• Strain is restored to full.
• The GM gives the Cast an Appropriate amount of Exp.
• Certain Abilities may trigger. Resolve them as Appropriate.

The Players can resolve these in any order that feels Appropriate before moving onto the next Encounter or ending the Scene.