Smashed Golem Specificity

[Teyik0]

The situation is the followed one:
-> J1 is lvl 7 and has 6 points of equipments
-> J1 looking for a fight and put a Gerbosaure (lvl6) on the field
-> J2 use stray monster with a smashed golem (lvl14) We can say hello to the golem or fight him.
-> J1 has 13 powers and has not enough power so J1 puts a bonus of 2 for him and a -5 on the golem.
-> New situation is J1 has 15 powers and monsters have 15 but J1 is a warrior
-> J2 add a +5 bonus for the monsters

Here is the problem.
-> J1 wants to use the ability to say hello to not fight the golem but J2 thinks he's already in battle and should roll the dice to escape.
Who is right in this case ?

Thank you

[Mr_Draco]

I believe you are talking about Stoned Golem in the English version.

Unless the player is a halfling, they can ignore the golem and not count it's power in combat. They will not get any levels or treasure from the golem if they do this. So J1 is right.

[berger]

I would have called that the other way. Since a -5 was played on the Stoned Golem the battle has now begun and you can no longer just wave and walk past him.

I think a ruling from Devin Lewis is needed.

[Devin Lewis]

You can choose not to fight the golem, even after combat has begun. This is a longstanding ruling by Steve.

[Mr_Draco]

Originally Posted by berger

I would have called that the other way. Since a -5 was played on the Stoned Golem the battle has now begun and you can no longer just wave and walk past him.

I think a ruling from Devin Lewis is needed.

This exact scenario is also covered in the FAQ