Tandem action instincts

[24 Oceans]

Quickie question:

Instinct - When angered, I draw my sword and assume an aggressive stance.

Is that one instinct or two?

[MetalBard]

I can't remember the example in the book, but I think the aggressive stance instinct assumed the drawing of a weapon as well, not sure though.

Anyway, it could be argued that the drawing of a weapon is also the setting up of a certain stance, especially in some of the Asian martial arts styles you see sometimes. Think of those samurai moves where as the weapon is being drawn the samurai simultaneously sets their feet and body positioning.

[Ferrum Angel]

In my mind, I see it as two different instincts: "When angered, I draw my sword." then "When I draw my sword, I take the aggressive stance."

To take this to the absurd extreme (as I'm often fond of doing), what's to stop me from having an instinct that says: "When angered, I draw my sword, take the aggressive stance, then stab the closest person in the face!!!!!"?

[Thor]

That's two Instincts as far as I'm concerned, but this is not me checking the book for what it says.

An "aggressive stance" Instinct does not just let you draw your sword either. You can be in aggressive stance and punch or kick someone too.

One Specific Stimulus.
One Specific Action.

[Kaare Berg]

To take this to the absurd extreme (as I'm often fond of doing), what's to stop me from having an instinct that says: "When angered, I draw my sword, take the aggressive stance, then stab the closest person in the face!!!!!"?

The queen turns down your gift with a haugthy smile, "little boy" she says, "come back when you've killed a real dragon"

you want to play your instinct now.

IMO the original instinct is fine and one instinct.

There is a major difference in type of instinct between
Instinct - When angered, I draw my sword and assume an aggressive stance.
and
"When angered, I draw my sword." then "When I draw my sword, I take the aggressive stance."
Both in what it tells you about your character and the applicability in play.

[MetalBard]

"If I am esorcelled by a wizard, I plunge my sword into my throat and kill myself"


I am assuming that this instinct would go off whether or not the character's sword was drawn.

I think rephrasing the instinct in question may actually make it more palatable to some people:

"When angered, I assume an aggressive stance with my sword drawn."

[24 Oceans]

"If I am esorcelled by a wizard, I plunge my sword into my throat and kill myself"


I am assuming that this instinct would go off whether or not the character's sword was drawn.

Consider the possibility: Actions are handled differently with the basic conflict resolution than they are with Fight!

If this is true, does this impact the scope of what one can do with a singular instinct?

Discuss.

[Kublai]

The original example is most certainly two instincts. One Action per stimulus is your best guide here!