Knockouts

In Battle Fantasia, a character is unable to keep fighting when their Fatigue or Mana reaches 0, or when their Morale reaches -100. But what does this actually mean in terms of roleplay?

It can mean whatever the player wants, within reason; posing an attack being totally ineffective when it has knocked one's character out of the fight isn't very classy. Often, it means that the character can no longer retain their henshin, and revert to their base mode -- perhaps draped in ribbons of energy that somehow prevent their enemies from learning their true identity, a last bastion of Recognition Inhibition.

Here are some suggestions:

Fatigue 0: This is the most common 'KO' condition, typically caused by an opponent's attack. Being literally knocked out is fine, but simply too worn out to stand is just as genre-appropriate -- which is actually one reason why our hit points are called 'Fatigue'! Because a magical girl often has a higher purpose than crushing their enemies, their mission isn't always over when they reach KO! They are still allowed to speak and (weakly) move around. Remember, as a magical girl, your true power is in your heart, and some foes you cannot erase with an energy beam can be reached in other ways.

Mana 0: This usually happens either due to an Energy Drain attack or a Supercharged Henshin Mode's mana surcharge; either way, it generally means the same thing: the character lacks the energy to maintain their henshin (or re-transform), and reverts to their Base Mode. Such a lack of energy also often causes unconsciousness, but it need not.

Morale -100: This usually happens either due to a Quip or Taunt attack. A Morale KO generally represents a character losing the will to fight. Whether they become blank-eyed zombies, collapse in silent tears or walk -- or run -- away, they may retain the physical and magical strength to fight, but their heart just isn't in it, and in Battle Fantasia, it's the heart that matters most.

Escape: In all cases, it is sometimes appropriate for a character to withdraw rather than collapse. This is perfectly reasonable! However, it's good form to limp a little, after being walloped with a gigantic lovebeam, before tossing your cape, twirling your mustache, and vanishing.

For more information, please see: Battle