Se7en Sagas

Greetings, survivors and strategists!

Today, we’re excited to introduce the newly revised combat system for Dawnfall, designed to deepen your tactical gameplay and enhance your immersion in our post-apocalyptic world. Whether you’re a seasoned fighter or a newcomer to the wastelands, this guide will help you understand the essentials of surviving and thriving in combat.

Initiative: Quickness Wins the Fight

In the brutal landscapes of Dawnfall, the speed of your reaction can mean the difference between life and death. Initiative in combat is determined by your relevant combat skill—be it Melee or Ranged Combat—adjusted by any Perks and equipment you possess. This determines the order of actions, ensuring that those well-prepared can act swiftly.

Strategic Action Choices

Each turn, you have the power to decide your course of action from the following options:

• Attack: Engage the enemy directly using your weapon and skills.
• Move: Position yourself strategically on the battlefield.
• Utility: Use an item or a special skill that can turn the tide of battle.
• Special: Perform a complex action that can have significant effects on the battlefield.

Remember, choose wisely, as each action can significantly impact the outcome of the encounter.

Understanding Combat Distances

Combat in Dawnfall is all about positioning and understanding the effective range of your weapons:

• Near Range: You must be up close to engage in melee combat.
• Medium Range: Ideal for medium-range weapons, though long-range weapons also perform well with a bonus – a +1 to hit.
• Far Range: Medium-range weapons are less effective – a -1 to hit – , while long-range weapons maintain their standard effectiveness.

The Importance of Cover

Navigating the terrain effectively can provide significant advantages:

• Cover Bonus: Gain a +1 to your skill attacks when you are shielded by cover.
• Enemy Cover Penalty: Suffer a -1 penalty to your attacks if your enemy is well-positioned in cover.

Resolving Your Actions

Your efforts in combat are represented by the Effort Points you allocate based on your skills, as per the rules in the core book:

• Hit: Successfully surpass the enemy’s Difficulty.
• Critical Hit: Achieve double the enemy’s Difficulty, enhancing your attack’s impact.
• Equal: Match the enemy’s Difficulty, succeeding at a cost.
• Miss and Fumble: Less than the Difficulty, with more severe consequences when significantly underestimating your foe.

The Nuances of Combat Damage

Weapons in Dawnfall are not just tools of destruction but instruments of strategy, as per our post on Equipment:

• Weapons modify damage: Each successful hit adjusts the damage based on the weapon used.
• Armor absorbs damage: Don’t overlook the protective gear of your adversaries.

Special Actions to Turn the Tide

To give you more control and strategic options, Dawnfall includes several special actions:

• Aiming: Improve your next attack by focusing your efforts, provided you’re in a position to do so.
• Targeted Attacks: Aim for critical areas at a penalty for greater effect.
• Defensive Move: Opt to maneuver into safety instead of attacking, relying on your agility to save you.

Status Conditions and Their Impact

Master various conditions to control the battlefield:

• Stun, Bleed, Disarm, Blind: Each condition affects your enemies in different ways, from limiting their actions to causing ongoing damage.

Final Thoughts

Our revised combat system is designed to provide you with a rich, strategic experience that rewards thoughtful planning and tactical execution. Embrace these changes, and you’ll find your encounters in Dawnfall more engaging and dynamic than ever before.

We’re eager to hear your thoughts and see how you utilize these new rules in your battles. Share your stories, feedback, and perhaps even a tale of a critical victory or a devastating defeat.

Stay sharp, and may your decisions be wise and your reflexes quicker!