Failing Ambush and encountering a monster - can evade?

[theshadowofchaos]

Apologies if this question has been answered, but I haven't been able to find it here or on BBG.

If, on Merisiel, I encounter Ambush but fail the check and a monster is pulled forth - should I be able to evade the monster using her power?

Thematically, it strikes me that she shouldn't be able to - she failed to notice it and now she is forced into combat with a penalty. However the card doesn't seem to indicate that the monster couldn't be evaded, so I suppose she could simply just be *that* slippery.

Ambush Card Text wrote:

The difficulty to defeat the barrier is increased by the adventure deck number of the current scenario, if any.

If defeated, you may immediately explore again.

If undefeated, examine the location deck until you find a monster; encounter it, subtracting 1 from each die rolled in your check. Shuffle the remaining cards into the location deck.

I know, "Cards do what they say". It doesn't say that she can't evade the monster, so most likely she can, but it contradicts how I feel the card works, thematically. There is some disagreement in my group in regards to this (I usually go with what makes sense thematically, while others in my group are more literal on the rules).

I'm probably wrong - but I am also stubborn! :) Thanks in advance for any assistance!

[Tim Statler]

How is Merisiel's evade power worded? That has a bearing also.

[Ashram316]

Unless the monster itself can't be evaded (some monsters have text to that effect), there's nothing that prevents Merisiel from evading the encounter (or any other character with an appropriate spell/power/card, etc. for that matter).

[Andrew L Klein]

When it comes to card games, gameplay can often overrule mathematics. Yes, thematically she was ambushed and probably shouldn't be allowed to evade, but as far as gameplay goes certain evasion spells 100% make sense to be able to evade with. It wouldn't make sense to say "You can evade the monster with A, B, or C, but not D, E, or F".

[theshadowofchaos]

Tim Statler wrote:

How is Merisiel's evade power worded? That has a bearing also.

It's a simple, "You may evade your encounter".

Ashram316 wrote:

Unless the monster itself can't be evaded (some monsters have text to that effect), there's nothing that prevents Merisiel from evading the encounter (or any other character with an appropriate spell/power/card, etc. for that matter).

That's how we wound up ruling it. I think we'd run into a Xulgath or some such... nothing that states you can't evade the monster.

Andrew L Klien wrote:

When it comes to card games, gameplay can often overrule mathematics. Yes, thematically she was ambushed and probably shouldn't be allowed to evade, but as far as gameplay goes certain evasion spells 100% make sense to be able to evade with. It wouldn't make sense to say "You can evade the monster with A, B, or C, but not D, E, or F".

Fair point! I have to go admit I was wrong now, and that Merisiel really is *that* slippery. :) Thanks!

[Michael Klaus]

You can say that (the Rise of the Runelords) Merisiel can almost not be ambushed. If she cannot turn the situation to her advantage (free exploration) she can still sneak past the enemies unnoticed (evasion).
I'm sure that is how it is supposed to be otherwise we would/will get Skirmish barriers that will forbid the evasion.