Loving the game so far, but occasionally we find ourselves wondering about plot card use. At times, they are clear enough to understand that they are affecting all players, but at times they also seem to mean that they only affect the player that holds them (without directly saying STARK ONLY, etc).

Are the plot cards specific to just the house that holds them, or do all players take them into account? For example:

While holding the fewest number of characters in play, each of your characters gains +2 STR

If I played the above card, but had 5 characters in play, and my opponent held 3 characters, are we to read this as my opponent gets the +2 STR for each character?

It depends on the specific wording. If the effect says "you" then it only applies to you as it does in the example you give. It only affects you, so if you have the fewest number of characters in play, then your characters get +2. If any other opponent has the fewest number, then the plot has no effect.

I'm glad you're enjoying the game so far. Welcome to the forums!

To answer your question, a card you control or a plot card you reveal is always read as if it's talking to it's controller. In this case it is speaking to you by saying "each of your characters gains +2 STR". If it meant to benefit any other players, it will reference them on the card as "player" or "opponent". In this case the card is stating "you", so it only affects you.

Thanks for clarifying! Your help is appreciated.