Was or were?

My guess, Seth, and I'm the last one you should ask, would be "was" if they answered together but "were" if they answered separately. My Better Half, who you must by now know is much smarter than I, disagrees, maintaining that only "were" applies here

She says "was" might be used but only if the sentence is reworded, "Answering the call was a group comprising a tailor, a soldier and a priest"


Con, help me here

Answering the call was a tailor, a soldier and a priest. (he was answering)

Answering the call were tailors, soldiers and priests. (they were answering)

As a general rule, use a plural verb with two or more subjects when they in a list or are connected by and. Answering the call were a tailor, a soldier and a priest. On my desk are a pen, a pencil and a notepad.