Phoenix Reborn
Combat
Combat is commonplace in Phoenix Reborn. The wastelands are rife with danger, and even within the walls of Gelf it can be necessary to solve disagreements with violence.
Our game is designed to give combat a heroic feel, with special blows ringing out from time-to-time, whilst heavy armour protects prepared warriors from all but the most deadly blows.
Some of the key aspects are described below. Please see the Players Almanac for more information.
Combat
Fighting in Phoenix Reborn should be dramatic, heroic and dangerous. To achieve this, the rules have been designed to keep combat simple so players and crew can focus on making fights enjoyable and exciting.
Heroic, but deadly
When a character is reduced to zero hit points, they must fall to the ground. Usually, they are also unconscious. They are considered to have suffered so much concussive damage that they simply lose consciousness or fall over and cannot get back up unaided.
However, should a character suffer a "special blow" they are carrying a serious injury and being reduced to zero hit points begins a countdown to their death!
Damage and special blows
Generally, blows in Phoenix Reborn are considered to inflict a single point of damage.
However, skilled fighters can land heroic blows which have a range of effects on their victims. These include piercing through armour, stunning the target, and even cleaving limbs from their body!
A simple citizen of Gelf may only have one or two hit points. In contrast, a skilled warrior may have five of six (not including any armour they wear).
Armour
Armour is key to survival in the world of Phoenix. Players are free to wear mix and match armour. Each character will have an armour rating (AR) which will range from 0 to 5.
AR acts like hit points, however, all damage taken in combat is deducted from AR before being deducted from current hit points. So if a warrior takes few blows during combat they could emerge physically unscathed.
Armour is fully effective at the start of every combat (AR refreshes to maximum after each combat). Armour does not degrade in Phoenix Reborn.
Combat in Phoenix Reborn is not compulsory, players who do not wish to participate, or are unable to, can opt our of this aspect of our game. Where possible, a good in-character reason will be offered to the player to roleplay why they do not take part, and to explain why the crew avoid them!