The core rules of Novus contain 23 Combat Skills, one for each group of related weapons and then 6 specific Combat Styles that may also be learned. Here is a list of the available Combat Skills.
- Archery
- This is an advanced style allowing for special Combat Moves. Bows is a prerequisite for this skill.
- Axes & Hammers
- Hand axe, Battle Axe, and War Hammer.
- Basic Martial Arts
- This skill covers the most basic Martial Arts. This skill is a prerequisite for learning Sanju.
- Bows
- Includes Short Bow, Long Bow and Composite Bow. This Combat Skill is a prerequisite for Archery.
- Boxing
- The art of fisticuffs.
- Chains Plus
- Includes Ball & Chain and Morning Star.
- Clubs
- Includes Baton, Club, Mace and War Hammer.
- Crossbows
- Includes Light Crossbow and Heavy Crossbow.
- Great Blades
- Includes Bastard Sword and Greatsword. Weapons of this group are used 2 handed.
- Heavy Blades
- Includes Bastard Sword, Broadsword, Falchion.
- Light Blades
- Includes Rapier, Scimitar, Short Sword, and Smallsword.
- Pole Arms
- Includes Pole Arms, Pole Axes and Spears. Weapons in this group are used 2 handed and may be used to attack foes up to 10’ away.
- Sanju
- This is a special Combat Style using the Martial Arts. It requires the character to have an equal or greater number of ranks in Basic Martial Arts.
- Short Blades
- Includes Dagger, Main Gauche and Sai.
- Slings
- Includes Sling and Sling Shot.
- Spears
- Includes Javelin and Short Spear. Weapons in this group are used 1 handed and may be used with a shield.
- Staves
- Includes Quarterstaff, Short Spear and Spear.
- Sword & Board
- This is a special Combat Style that focuses on using a sword and shield in combination.
- Thrown Axes & Hammers
- Includes Hand axe and War Hammer.
- Thrown Blades
- Includes Dart and Dagger.
- Thrown Spears
- Includes Spear, Javelin and Short Spear.
- Two Weapon Combo
- This is a special Combat Style that utilizes two weapons. It requires the character to have an equal or greater number of ranks in the weapon skill associated with the primary weapon of this combo.
- Wrestling/Grappling
- The skill of manhandling a person or creature, immobilizing it.