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We actually play RAW - spend the hope and take the attack roll. Its usually used when the "protected companion" is close to weary/unconsciousness.

I understand the argument on intent, and in your scenario it makes sense, and is easy to narrate, the protector sees the blow coming in (maybe from behind) and they stick their sword/shield/body etc in the way depending on the dice results. There is no gamble on the resources (Hope), it then comes down to a simple choice, who will take the hit.

However reality is RAW is pretty explicit. You spend the HOPE and You become the target of the roll. Your version is in effect a house rule.

bluejay wrote:I've asked Francesco directly for clarification on Hope spend for Protect Companion. Hopefully I can get an official answer soon.

It'd be nice to get a reply. It won't change how I employ it, for reasons already stated, but would be interesting to see what the intent was with regard to Hope expenditure.

Fatpob wrote:We actually play RAW - spend the hope and take the attack roll. Its usually used when the "protected companion" is close to weary/unconsciousness.

That's usually where it gets used in my game too.

Fatpob wrote:I understand the argument on intent, and in your scenario it makes sense, and is easy to narrate, the protector sees the blow coming in (maybe from behind) and they stick their sword/shield/body etc in the way depending on the dice results. There is no gamble on the resources (Hope), it then comes down to a simple choice, who will take the hit.

The attack could still miss the companion who's stepped in (ie, the roll result is above the original character's defense but below the protecting character's). I just state whether the attack would hit the character who is being protected so that the protector can spend the Hope to step in and protect their companion; they don't know whether they'll be hit or not. So they're still, ultimately, becoming the target of the attack but only if that attack was a successful attack when their companion was the subject of the attack. This feels more in keeping with the value and utility of Hope in the rest of the rules.

Fatpob wrote:However reality is RAW is pretty explicit. You spend the HOPE and You become the target of the roll. Your version is in effect a house rule.

Not considering intent then yes, I'd agree, but not in this case as the intent is the big thing for me. Rules in RPGs aren't just about what is there in black & white but what they are trying to do; in the case the area of concern is in the intent and spirit of how Hope works when it's spent. After speaking to Francesco a couple or times, and other guys involved with TOR over the years, I do wonder if this could be such a case. Likely not, but it is enough to make me wonder and to interpret the rule based on intent and not just what is there on the page.