An interesting question on BGG:
https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/2775282/token-quantity
Can you complete a gradual action in a single go, assuming you have enough intent, even though there are not enough tokens available because some are already placed on a different action?
So, for example, in a 3 player game, 2 wrath tokens are in use.
I have enough wrath to complete a different gradual wrath action elsewhere in one go, but only 2 tokens are left in the pool. Must I steal a token from the first action, or can I complete it without placing any tokens at all?
A related question:
When paying for multiple steps at once, must each be paid separately?
So, if a gradual action costs 1xplayers in a 3 player game, can I just spend a 2 and a 1 together, or must I spend 1, then 1 then 1 (overpaying at each step if necessary)?
I found an answer to the second part here:
You can pay it all in one go, as a single cost.
I am assuming therefore that if you pay the full cost immediately, no intent tokens need actually be placed.