Combat System

Real-time action where position, timing, and commitment matter.

Core Combat Principles

  • Position matters - Flanking, high ground, and spacing affect combat
  • Timing matters - Well-timed blocks and attacks are rewarded
  • Stamina management - Actions cost stamina; running out leaves you vulnerable
  • Attack commitment - You can't cancel mid-swing (Dark Souls-inspired)

Knockdown & Recovery

Heavy hits cause knockdown with ragdoll physics. Recovery takes about 3 seconds, during which you're vulnerable. This creates high-stakes moments where a knockdown can be devastating.

The 8 Ability Slots

Your combat abilities come from two sources:

Weapon Skills (4 slots - fixed by weapon)

SlotFunction
Light AttackFast combo starter
Heavy AttackSlow, breaks guards
Weapon ArtSignature technique
FinisherPowerful, requires buildup

Technique Slots (4 slots - from Discipline)

See the Discipline System article for details.