Can I initiate a challenge type without assigning attackers? I.E. Initiate a military challenge with no attackers, then after defenders assign, use things like Naval, Horseback Archers, Longship Maidens Bane, etc It seems like you can because in the framework actions for challenges in the FAQ, there are 2 separate steps for initiating a challenge and assigning characters. Thanks.

No - a challenge is not in progress until you have declared attackers. So, abilities that allow you to add someone to a challenge can't be triggered until you've already committed an attacker.

Got it. Thanks.

The core set rule book is where it describes the challenge as not beginning until both things have happened.

What do you mean "until both things have happened" ... surely not attackers and defenders?

I expect you mean declaring the challenge (choosing the defending player) and declaring attackers?

Even if attackers are declared, if some other action then removes them from the challenge it just fizzles doesn't it - so you would then not be able to bring in naval characters

What do you mean "until both things have happened" ... surely not attackers and defenders?

I expect you mean declaring the challenge (choosing the defending player) and declaring attackers?

Yes. Announcing the challenge type/opponent and declaring attackers are the two things that at issue.

Even if attackers are declared, if some other action then removes them from the challenge it just fizzles doesn't it - so you would then not be able to bring in naval characters

Not exactly. The challenge only "fizzles" is there are ever no participating characters at all. The challenge would continue and you could bring Naval characters in (etc.) after all the attackers are removed - provided there are still participating defenders.