Played a fun game of Talisman at the weekend but one issue comes up. There are a number of cards that mention you 'engaging in combat', things like the Champion and the various Summon small and puny creature spells.

The question is can you cast these spells (or use your Champion) if another Character has encountered you? Or does engaging in combat require it to be your turn with you choosing to do the encounter?

We ruled it was the second option but I wanted to get some kind of official heads up.

You can use Summon Spells regardless of who attacks who. If you're the weaker character, a Summon Spell gives you a way out when another char lands on you.

Engaging in combat covers any situation wherein you engage in either Battle or Psychic Combat regardless of who initiates it. Player turn is irrelevant unless otherwise stated on individual cards. If any card you hold (Follower, Spell, etc) does not require you to use it in your own turn only, then it can be used in any combat.