Question about Infernal Contraption 2nd Ed terminals

[Spleen Hammer]

Heya,
I just picked up IC for my my 13 year old (loved it!) and there was a brief argument about that constitutes a terminal. I think that a terminal is the last card in the main line, with or without plugs. I look at as the definition of a terminal of a train line, literally the end of the line. The contraption is called a main line, hence my interpretation. My son says that a terminal is any card that is plugged in to the contraption. So a plug would be a terminal. A contraption card plugged in to the main line would be a terminal. Perhaps even a power core could theoretically be a terminal by that definition.

So, which is it? Neither? Anyone know the scoop on this? Thanks a bunch!

Spleen Hammer

[Mod_Donaldbain]

According to the original rules:

A terminal is any card in the machine attached at only one socket regardless of where in the machine it is attached.

[Whimper]

That is correct for the 2nd Edition as well. This means the OP's son is correct: the ends of the main line are terminals, and all plugs are terminals as well.

[GrandMcMuf]

what about the main power core? if it is open is it a valid target for a terminal?

[Whimper]

The main core is a terminal if it is the end of the main line. However, it is immune to effects that would remove it from your machine.