p. 50 LB, in First Round - Loremaster Turn the rules state:

My question - are we really supposed to add an Adversary's attribute level when enemies attack using their favoured abilities? Certainly, for Heroes, the only way to add an attribute bonus is to spend Hope - is this mechanic different for monsters?

I don't know if I'm missing something, but this doesn't seem to be backed-up in any other discussion of combat, whether AB or LB. The added attribute level here also does not seem to be connected to a special attack or Hate point.

What am I missing?

Also, for context, this is housed in the Extended Example of Combat from the LB, providing a narrative description of a combat encounter. I was running through a scenario last night, was reviewing this section to ensure I was running combat correctly, and stumbled across this. Clearly, I could be misunderstanding something so, thought I'd ask for some insight.

Yes, if it's underlined, they get the attribute level added to the roll automatically without them having to spend anything. Note not for damage, as that's not a roll. Makes Trolls quite a bit more scary!

It's definitely mentioned in the rules somewhere, I think it might be in the LMB in the section just before the creature descriptions. Have you tried the expanded index?

d(sqrt(-1)) is absolutely correct. An enemy adds its Attribute level every time it uses a favoured weapon. If it rolls a great success it adds its attribute level as a Damage bonus.

LB 64, under Attribute Level says, "This replaces the three Attributes used to describe player-heroes. It is added as a bonus every time that a creature attempts a roll using a characteristic indicated as favoured (without the need of spending any point to invoke the bonus) and as a Damage bonus to be applied when the creature hits an opponent in combat rolling a great or extraordinary success."

The last part of the sentence was in need of a bit more clarification from Francesco, which we got here on the forum. As it turns out, the Shadow gains its Attribute level as a Damage bonus on a great success and double its Attribute level as a Damage bonus on an extraordinary success. That was the intention. Yes, Trolls look pretty scary!

This post has been edited by JamesRBrown on Nov 27 2012, 04:30 PM

Thanks for the insight, I was afraid I was missing something!

Now I feel terrible for cheating all those orcs, goblins, and wolves out of their attribute bonuses . . . or, do I?

You'll have a National Orc, Goblin and Wolf Strike on your hands if you're not careful! Everyone will be forced to be happy and carefree.