So I have a question that I wanted to float by folks:

When there is a game element already on the board or in play and something comes up - either a reckoning effect, encounter, etc. - that tries to bring it into play, but you can't because it's already in play, do you just ignore the effect?

Example: The Zombie Horde Epic Monster is in play, as well as a regular Zombie and a Reckoning goes off during the Mythos phase.

Example: An Investigator already has a specific asset [example: The Derringer], but an encounter results in another player getting the same asset.

This has come up in almost every game we've played in some form or another. We've just been ignoring the effect, i.e. ignoring the Zombie Reckoning effect, ignoring the result of the encounter that results in the asset being acquired, etc. It can suck on the asset end of things, it can be beneficial on the monster end of things, so it's kind of a wash.

I guess what I'm wondering is if there any possible way to play a situation like this out that we're just not thinking about?

Short answer: you've been doing things correctly.

The FAQ has this Errata for the Zombie:

Regarding obtaining an asset already in play: while I cannot find it in the rules / reference I believe that they state somewhere that if a component is already in play, then it cannot be gained (either by an encounter or as starting equipment).

Regarding obtaining an asset already in play: while I cannot find it in the rules / reference I believe that they state somewhere that if a component is already in play, then it cannot be gained (either by an encounter or as starting equipment).

It is in the game guide, under "Gaining possessions and conditions", page 6.

If the specified card is not found while searching, he does not gain a card. For instance, if other investigators or defeated investigators possess all copies of the card or all copies of the card have been returned to the box.

I thought I read through the rules and game guide pretty thoroughly, but apparently not.

Thanks, I appreciate it!

It depends on the exact situation, but typically if a component is needed but already in play, I just yell "BONK" and nothing happens. This includes:

-Spawning specific monsters already in play

-Gaining an item or spell when all copies are currently held by other investigators (sorry Charlie)

-Gaining a Condition when all copies of the card are taken (Less an issue now that I have Forsaken Lore)

On the othe rhand, if I am ATTACKED by a monster during an encounter, and it's token is on the board, I usually consider myself still attacked by that monster since having its chit won't matter past that encounter.