+4 Against Males

[aeronaut]

ReverendSmeg does correctly point out that neither Erik nor I completely addressed that aspect of the question in a clear and unambiguous manner. So:

If a monster states that they have a bonus against a specific race, class, gender, or anything else, that bonus applies if there are one or more of the specific race, class, gender, etc., in the combat. It is not cumulative. Of course, if the specific monster's card has wording to the contrary, that would take priority over this ruling, as the rules state that stuff on cards overrules stuff in the rules.

In short, Moon maidens fights male, get +4. Moon maidens fights male with male helper, get +4. Hope that covers the issue completely.

And as a final note, if the thief uses the backstab ability to interfere with combat, the thief can backstab both the main combatant, and the helper, giving two penalties, but must discard 2 cards to do so. This is different from affecting a side of combat, it's affecting a munchkin, and the rules spell that out clearly as well.

The interesting (and related) question to me is suppose a female gnome is fighting the moon maidens (not sure if this is possible, don't have the card in front of me,) and uses the illusion power to have a Male Chauvinist Pig help her with the combat. I think technically, the moon maidens would get no bonus, since the MCP is a monster and not a male munchkin, but spiritually, the maidens should get the +4. How about an official ruling on that one? (I'm pretty sure it's no bonus.)

Regards,
aeronaut