I've noticed a few encounter cards that grant allies are worded a little strangely.

EXAMPLE:

If you pass... He's impressed with you and offers to join you. Take his ally card. If it's not available he tells you some valuable information instead. Gain 2 Clue tokens. if you fail, nothing happens.

I interpret this effect as follows: Pass check: you get ally card, or two clue tokens. Fail check: nothing.

Another view is the following: Pass check: you get ally card and two clues, or just two clues. Fail check: nothing.

I don't agree with the alternate viewpoint, but because the "gain 2 clue tokens" is a separate sentence it's hard to argue.

Am I wrong? Do you get the clues with or without the ally card?

I read these as follows: If the ally is available you get the ally and the bonus from ally card. If the ally is not available then you get the 2 clues (or whatever the card dictates). Just see it as helping an ally thats already in play, or on their way out of town due to the terror. They help you out but have obligations elsewhere so don't join you.

snacknuts said:

This is the correct interpretation. If you pass, you get the Ally if he is available. If you pass and the Ally is not available, you get the "consolation prize." If you fail, you get nothing.