Ok I havnt been reading the section where it tells you how many turns the players have to complete a mission...am I wrong? Looks like I should be telling them all the info such as when a door opens or when a special character appears etc? Seems odd, arnt things like Weiss appearing meant to be a surprise?

I thought I was doing this right but just read the FAQ-

Q: Should all the rules text of mission events be read out loud to Rebel players or only the flavor text? A: Yes, all event rules text, including mission briefing, should be read aloud to Rebel players when that event is triggered (with the exception of reading out all options when the Imperial Player chooses from a list).

You read each section when and only when it happens. This includes mission briefing, which happens at the start of the mission before the rebels arrive on or adjacent to the entrance.

Mission briefing usually contains a) rebel lose condition / imperial win condition, b) rebel win condition / imperial lose condition, c) round limit, which is usually rebel lose condition, but can be imperial lose condition too. Sometimes instead of a rebel win condition, the rebels know how to progress the mission.

See that the FAQ entry asks "should I also read the rules text or only the flavor text" of each event?

Be a lot more easy on my rebel players knowing how many turns they will have to finish something

Well, knowing how to win makes it possible for them to win. The round limit is in the same paragraph, so how would you reveal one without the other?

Arriving at the outpost, you immediately open fire upon the troops standing guard.

You suspect they knew you were coming and that you're likely walking into an ambush, so stay alert. All the same, with the signal continuing to broadcast, there just isn't time for a more subtle approach. The mission objective is what matters, regardless of any bumps and bruises any of you might get in the process.

Mission-Specific Rules
* A Rebel figure can attack a terminal (Health:4, Defense: 1 Block ). Apply +1 Block to the terminal's defense result if it is adjacent to 1 or more Imperial figures.
* Doors are locked to Imperial figures.
* The mission ends when all terminals are destroyed (Rebel objective), at the end of Round 6, or when all heroes are wounded.

Related follow up:

how much information about your open/reserved groups are you supposed to share with the rebels?

obviously not which cards they are, but they can certainly see the backs and guess about which scum unit one may be.

but do you really give them the spread of open vs reserved?

Depends on skill and mood of the players. For my more skilled group I won't give round limits but rather emphasise flavour text that suggests whether its shorter or longer. For beginners I definitely tell round limit.

For the open and reserved groups, there's nothing stopping them from seeing the backs of the cards, or the amount, but the content is secret. And you don't have to show the spread all the time. How ever there is a supply card that let's them see the content of both.

3 hours ago, neosmagus said:

Depends on skill and mood of the players. For my more skilled group I won't give round limits but rather emphasise flavour text that suggests whether its shorter or longer. For beginners I definitely tell round limit.

Not giving the full briefing is house rule territory and I have a hard time imaging any house rule that would make it more difficult on the rebels. If you like it, tho, go with it, but make sure that your group agrees to it.

36 minutes ago, Cremate said:

Not giving the full briefing is house rule territory and I have a hard time imaging any house rule that would make it more difficult on the rebels. If you like it, tho, go with it, but make sure that your group agrees to it.

It was actually requested by the rebels. Though I think we dropped that with Hoth.

Mine was a genuine mistake, only played with the wife and I thought it seemed harsh not giving the time limit...(but thought you shouldnt do by the rules)...instead I kinda warned her time was tight and it was essential you are 'in and out' as quick as can be on tight missions to help her.

She is going to be annoyed when I tell her