If the action is an attack, the player rolls the appropriate dice pool.

The following mechanics attempt to capture the drama and feel of combat without bogging the game down in unnecessary detail.

The same mechanics apply to both mortal and Cainite characters, though the latter can bring their own unique traits to bear in the martial arena.

Combat systems are meant to add depth to the game, not detract the from experience.

Opponents must be withing touching distance (one yard) to engage in unarmed combat.

Melee involves hand-held weapons such as maces and swords, and it is the principal form of combat in Dark Ages: Vampire.

If initiative ratings are also tied, the characters act simultaneously.

If two characters delay their action to the same point, the one with the higher initiative score for the turn acts first.

The player declares the total number of actions he wants his character to attempt.

He then subtracts a number of dice from his first dice pool equal to the total number of actions.

If a dice pool is reduced to 0 or below in this manner, the character may not attempt the action.

These extra actions may not themselves be divided into multiple actions, though.

If two or more characters take multiple actions, they take place in order of initiative.

Exceptions are defensive actions (such as multiple dodges), which happen as needed to avert an attack.

All second actions must take place before any third actions take place, and so on.

If the player rolls no successes, the attack fails and inflicts no damage.

Characters with either a melee rating of 3 or higher, or those with a Strength (or Strength Potence) that doubles what is required to use the armor suffer only half the indicated Dexterity penalties when wearing armour.

Declare the total number of actions to be taken (excluding Celerity) but not the nature of these actions.

At the same time, characters who intend to do nothing except parry this turn declare so.

Wound penalties subtract from initiative, but not penalties for multiple actions.

The player with the lowest initiative score declares first, and others do so subsequently based on their scores.

Since those with higher initiative scores will act first, however, they can delay their actions to any time later in the order of initiative - as long as they announce it now.

Dmg Optional Combat Rules