Triggers

Each move has a trigger, which says when the move kicks in. The trigger is almost always fictional; you say that your character does something that matches the trigger, and the rest of the move tells us how to resolve that action.

You might trigger a move intentionally, describing actions that you know match its trigger. Or you might say, "I Clash." That's fine, but expect the GM to ask you what that looks like, or what exactly you're doing to meet the move's trigger. To do it, you have to do it.

The opposite is also true: if you do it, you have to do it. If you elbow this guy in the face, and we all agree that you're fighting in close quarters, then that's Clash. You can back out ("Oh, no, I don't elbow him after all"), but if you carry on, make with the dice.

It's everyone's job to watch for moves. If you think you've triggered a move, say so. If another player triggers a move and no one notices, say something! "Hey, elbowing a guy in the face sounds like 'fighting in close quarters,' is this Clash?"

Everyone must agree that you're doing something plausible and that the trigger is actually met. For example:

• If the guy is 12 feet tall and holding you at arm's length, then his face isn't close enough to elbow! Do something else.
• If the guy is literally made of iron, an elbow to his face won't do squat and Clash doesn't trigger. If you insist on trying, the GM says what happens.
• If the guy is distracted and doesn't see it coming, then you're not really fighting and Clash doesn't trigger. You just bash his face and the GM says what happens next.

If it's unclear whether you're triggering a move, or which one you're triggering, talk it out. Clarify your intent and the details until everyone agrees.