Ars Magica Definitive Edition, Chapter Eleven: Obstacles

Combat

Combat is generally not the most important part of Ars Magica stories, but when it occurs it is both dramatic and deadly.

Combat Scores

Characters have five combat scores: Initiative, Attack, Defense, Damage, and Soak. If a character is just using one weapon, the weapon modifiers can simply be read off the weapon table (see below). If the character is using a weapon and a shield, add together the modifiers of the weapon and the shield to get the final modifier.

Initiative Total
Quickness + Weapon Initiative Modifier – Encumbrance + Stress Die

Attack Total
Dexterity + Combat Ability + Weapon Attack Modifier + Stress Die

Defense Total
Quickness + Combat Ability + Weapon Defense Modifier + Stress Die

Damage Total
Strength + Weapon Damage Modifier + Attack Advantage

Soak Total
Stamina + Armor Protection (+ Form Bonus, for magi)

In addition, the Attack Advantage, calculated during combat, is central to resolution.

Attack Advantage
Attacker's Attack Total – Defender's Defense Total