A novel action is when a player decides to do something in a tableau that has not previously been explored.  This is created by editing the page to add a choice, and then describing the proposed consequences on the new page that it links to.  The proposed consequences will then be reviewed by the DM (or whomever is responsible for that adventure, even an external moderator or the group of players themselves) and the outcome written or rolled for.

For example, when being charged by a monster in a dungeon, they decide to collapse the ceiling by destroying the support beams rather than choosing the traditional options (attack, flee, hide, confuse, charm, etc).

Novel actions allow for customized story telling and a more flexible game similar to the PnP experience. They will typically occur as a result of an 'other' category in the menu of choices from a tableau, but can also be triggered manually by the player through an email or comment. (the 'other' option is preferable).

When faced with a novel action, a GM will be notified that it needs to be addressed (typically a GM associated with that adventure). The GM should search for similar actions within the game world to see if there has been a precedent for such an action and use/modify that if one does.

Otherwise, the GM and/or the player will need to present a justified argument for how the existing rules set should be used to carry out the action. The player can always submit their proposal at the time of declaring their initial action. This methodology should move quickly for those players familiar with PnP gaming.

If the proposed actions involve a lot of magical energy/action points/big effects, the proposed rules must be accepted by another GM as well. This allows for small novel actions to be processed quickly and allow for a degree of customization, while trying to keep large effects standardized.

To complete the example started above:

as the monster rushes towards the player down the mine shaft corridor, the player chooses to submit this novel action. S/he does not expect a precedent and submits their proposal along with their action. The proposal states that the action would start as a shockwave+minor quake spell cast at the strongest beam in the corridor. The effects would be the integrity (toughness/hit points) of the beam modified slightly by a resonance effect. Even if the beam breaks, the mine will make a saving throw versus collapse.

These rules are accepted and the actions rolled for. The stone wall does not collapse, making its saving throw. The monster moves forward the amount of distance for the time period in question and the player is given the chance at another option. The player decides not to flee or attack the monster and instead attacks another beam, the same rules are used and this time the cumulative effect upon the mine's integrity is such that it collapses, bringing tonnes of rock down upon the monster's head.

Note, it's a good idea to subscribe to the pages you want to catch the changes on.

Relevant links

character interactions - bottom of multiple characters page

Action Point - basic action currency