Q: For the ability of a follower like the alchemist, when can you use its ability, or for that matter, anything with an unspecified ability speed? During the start of your turn? During combat on your turn? During anyone's turn?

The rules of Talisman don't have a paragraph for something
like this (in general), which is why many people argue over this.

As written, you can use the follower at the start of your turn ,
before you move etc. before or after rolling the dice in combat
and during other players turns as well.

25 minutes ago, Lorinor said:

The rules of Talisman don't have a paragraph for something
like this (in general), which is why many people argue over this.

As written, you can use the follower at the start of your turn ,
before you move  etc. before or after rol  ling the dice in combat
and during other players turns as well.  

Alright, well what about when it's versus another instantaneous ability? Suppose someone has a spell or follower or ability that can be cast any time that destroys or takes your object. Can you use the alchemist's ability in time to convert the object to gold before the other spell/ability resolves? Actually, the ability doesn't even need to have instant speed. Does a stack for spells and abilities even exist in talisman? In order for the card Counterspell to work, it suggests there has to be some order to determine which spell/ability resolves first.

Like I said before, the are - unfortunately - no rules
for timing or sequencing of abilities and/or anything
else given.

Therefor, there is no definitive answer to any situation
that involves something like this.


Some players would probably say that you can't do
anything until the spell resolves so you can't use
the ability.

Others might argue that since you can use Counterspell
only in response to another one, you'd be able to use
anything that says it "can be used anytime" and/or doesn't
mention restrictions.

In the end, you have to house rule it like you / your
playgroup see/-s fit.

I would recommend allowing the Alchemist Follower to be used up to and including when a character declares they are going to encounter you. I would not allow its use after that.