Collodi's Holding the Strings and activations

[Amidian]

Our gaming group has recently returned to Malifaux, and we are finding that some rules are being interpreted differently by us this time round. We got an interesting one going recently which we can't find a definitive answer to.

Can "Holding the Strings" actually lead to models getting more than one activation? Is there a rule that would state "No" or just an intent? Because it seems 'off'.

Reasoning -

p7 little manual says a specific rule can break a core rule

p31 little manual states Models only activate once per turn, unless an ability otherwise indicates.

The second rule implies that a model can activate more than once in a turn, and 'Reactivate' is an ability that is an example of this.

Therefore, what rule actually negates the following from happening?

Throughout the turn, Marionettes all activate.

Later, Collodi activates. Holding the Strings, as an ability, allows the marionettes to activate (2nd time within turn)

Later, Doppelganger activates, mimics the talent, Holding the Strings, allowing the marionettes to activate (3rd time within turn)

So please, point us toward the rule that makes this not so.

[Adran]

The rule on the card needs to say that the model can activate a second time for it to activate a second time. An Ability which says "Target model activates after this model" does not give the model permission to activate a second time, so if it has already activated, then ability does nothing.

Every model ability which allows a model to activate a second time gives a model reactivate. It is worth noting that Reactivate gives a model permission to activate a second time. Gettign a second reactivate ability will not allow you to activae a third time (as that is not a second time).

Hope that answers the question

[TheUnseemlyOne]

This is actually covered in the FAQ. Basically a model may only activate once, unless it has/gains reactivate. Abilities that specifically activate a model don't negate this.

[Amidian]

Ok missed that one on the read through. It seemed wrong and we didn't want it to go ahead. So now we have something that says it can't. Thank you.