COMBAT IN ELDARAENTH

Getting Wounded

Eldaraenth’s combat rules use a basic wound system that allows for fast paced and simple combat. Any time that a limb that is not protected by armour is struck it is considered to be a wound serious enough to prevent further use of the limb. Losing the use of three limbs results in the character becoming critically wounded and no longer able to continue fighting. It is important to remember that critically wounded characters are considered subdued and may still be taken prisoner or healed. Only if not healed before the call of resurrection will a critically wounded, or subdued, character die from his injuries.

Getting Killed

Eldaraenth’s combat system is fast paced and deadly. Even experienced players are very likely to see death many times at each event they attend; because of this penalties for death generally caries very little penalty to your character. Death may even be beneficial at times, as only following resurrection are your character’s lost armour and broken shields considered repaired. As mentioned above a character who loses the use of three of his limbs is considered to be critically wounded, and will die if not taken prisoner or healed prior to the call of resurrection. In addition whenever a combatant receives a blow anywhere on the torso that is not protected by armour they are immediately considered critically wounded. There are several in game abilities that allow for the revival of  a dead character. These abilities cancel out the death, and do not restore any skills, abilities or armor a character may have. Only by being revived by a ressurrection does a character begin a new life and regain the use of their abilities. It should be noted that being killed in battle does not kill your character. Your character is very resilient and only experiences permanent death when you wish it to happen. This allows you to plan an elaborate death, suicide, or something equally heroic if you wish. Be forewarned, however, that after you end the life of one character any new character must begin from scratch. All rank and merit belonging to the previous character are lost.

Searching the Dead

Eldaraenth allows surviving combatants the ability to search their fallen foes for in-game items. A player wishing to search a character who is dead or subdued need only inform the fallen player of his intent by saying “I search your corpse.” Searching a fallen player should never require physical contact between the two players.

If you are searched after having fallen, or being subdued in combat you are expected to freely turn over any in-game items you are carrying, and to inform your searcher of any enchantments that may be currently placed upon your body. A player’s weapons, armour, shield, and garb are not considered in-game items.

Combat Legal Targets

Combat legal targets in Eldaraenth consist of

• The arm above the wrist.

• The leg above the ankle

• The torso from the bend of the waist to the armpit, and including the shoulders and buttocks

Any time you receive a blow to a legal target you are expected to acknowledge the hit location to your opponent. A simple statement of “good arm” or “good leg” without interrupting combat provides your opponent with acknowledgement of an accepted hit and helps to promote better safety and communication between combatants. When wearing armour, an accepted practice is to acknowledge blows by stating the number of times you have been hit in the location. Communicating “one arm” or “two body” helps both you and your opponent to better track the state of your armour.

Arms

If a wound is made to an arm, the arm becomes unusable. If you are wielding a weapon with that arm you should drop your weapon and put your arm behind your back. If you are wearing a shield, then you are expected to simply drop that arm and not employ the shield, or if possible drop the shield.

Legs

If a wound is made to the leg, the leg becomes unusable. Kneel, with the knee of the wounded leg on the ground and the good leg up. This allows all combatants to see what limb has been lost. If both legs are wounded then put both knees on the ground.

Combatants who have lost one leg are allowed to pivot in order to defend themselves, and may move about the battlefield by crawling. A combatant who has lost both legs may pivot, but may not move about the battlefield. Hopping on one leg is prohibited during combat, as it is potentially unsafe.

Torso

If a killing blow is made to the torso, you have been slain. A spectacular death scene is in order as you fall to the ground. You are expected to remain on the ground until you are either raised by a healer or resurrection is called. As stated in the rules of engagement there may be times when you will need to leave the battlefield for both your own safety and the safety of combatants who are still fighting. If it is necessary to remove yourself from the battlefield assume an out of game stance by holding your weapons in both hands above your head. After moving out of the path of danger, resume playing dead until resurrection is called.

Illegal Targets

If you receive a blow to an illegal area, you are not expected to acknowledge the wound, though the option to do so remains yours. If you are hurt as the result of an illegal blow, call a HOLD and remove yourself from combat. If you are responsible for accidentally landing an illegal blow, ensure that your opponent is not hurt before continuing battle. If you see that your opponent is hurt, call a HOLD, and summon a Safety or Combat Marshal for assistance. 

In Eldaraenth illegal targets consist of

• The groin.

• The hands.

• The head and neck.