Is there a term or name for the face-up cards (like ongoing, equipment, device, etc.) in play? The only term that comes close from regular card games is tableau in solitaire games. It would be nice to have a word to use to describe or indicate those cards, like "That is a very strong tableau Ra has".
I dunno, I tend to use the word "stuff" :D.
I might say "setup".
"Play area" has sometimes been used in the game.
The term meld is used for a set of matching cards, but that isn't quite right for Sentinels.
I would say “tableau;” other games like Dominion and Race for the Galaxy use that term.
Board state is what we use in Netrunner. Setup is what my more casual friends use.
Setup is what I would use, too. Not familiar with using tableau in for this.
Setup is not bad, if a little bland. Since there doesn't appear to be a card game convention, >Games should invent one for the game. Powerbase has a nice ring to it, and ties in with the hero's abilities. You can build or grow your powerbase. Conversely, your powerbase can be reduced or destroyed.