For those of you who’ve played “Fable II,” you know the game is about the choices you make. For the most part, you’re in control of how you want your player to end up — good or evil.

But there is one aspect beyond players’ control… what happens when you unintentionally push the B button near loved ones.

Let me explain: In “Fable II,” players can assign different magic abilities to the B button. Many players, myself included, went with a power called “Inferno,” a spell that allows the player-character to shoot fire from his/her hands.

When in the towns, you can interact with people and perform expressions to amuse them, even drawing large crowds to you. But in doing so, it’s also easy to accidentally hit the B button when navigating the menus. And whatever spell you’ve assigned to that B button — well, you can guess what happens.

If you’ve had this problem too, you’re not alone. There’s a Facebook support group called the “Association of Accidental Arsonists.” The description reads, “A support group for Fable II players who’ve set spouses, houses and mouses ablaze in err.” Yesterday I found out who started this group.

It was actually founded by the Community team at Xbox.com. Associate community editor Kevin Paul told me via e-mail that the idea for the group came about when he and his co-workers discussed the game and shared similar stories of “accidental spell-casting or firearm discharge” upon their spouses and children.

“Have you accidentally manifested a bevy of blades which found their way into the Town Crier? We’re here for you.”

There is a safety to prevent players from doing harm to innocents, but if you’re playing as an evil character, that safety is often turned off. Paul explained, “Lionhead made a fine game, and they put plenty of precautionary measures to prevent user error of the homicidal nature. Unfortunately for those dearest to my avatar, my many civilian killing sprees require that I disable said features for lengthy periods of time.”

At the time of this writing, there were 50 members. Paul also wanted to note that the support group is not exclusive to arsonists. “Those of us at AAA are accepting of all forms of accidental property damage and manslaughter! Have you accidentally manifested a bevy of blades which found their way into the Town Crier? We’re here for you.”

Will you be joining them? Have you accidentally set your comrades aflame (or ablade or ashock)?

Related Posts:
Game Diary - November 5, 2008: The Final Choice Of ‘Fable II’
‘Fable II’ Community Lead Describes Challenges Of Passionate, Critical Fans