Combat follows the basic mechanics of Novus,  and then extends them accordingly.

The TN for making an attack is the targets Defense score (DEF). This is equal to 15, plus the character’s Speed stat bonus,  plus a +1 modifier for every 5 ranks that the character has in his best melee skill,  plus a shield bonus if he has a shield,  plus any other modifiers, such as from Dodging or Fighting Defensively.

The character makes an attack roll against the target’s DEF,  if he succeeds,  he does the Base Damage for the weapon he is using. Base Damage is equal to the Damage Rating (a static, unchanging number) and the stat bonus of the stat used in making the attack. So, if a character has a Dex bonus of +2, and is using a weapon that has a DR of 6, then his Base Damage for that weapon is 8.

However,  we don’t stop there. For every point that the attack roll was above the target’s DEF,  the character delivers another point of damage. Plus, for every 10 points above the target’s DEF,  the character earns a Boon Point.

Any Boon Points earned must then be immediately spent (they cannot be saved!),  to purchase additional effects,  such as a higher DEF for your character (in the same round or even the next), a bonus to your character’s initiative in the next round,  extra damage on the target (in the form of penalties,  extra hits,  bleeding,  stuns (stunned foes are helpless),  etc),  extra attacks (against the same foe or another one within range). You could,  if you earn enough Boon Points,  even cause your foe to die instantly.

Armor protects you from damage. It will reduce the amount of damage you receive from an attack. However,  heavier armors also reduce your Dexterity (and Speed if you are untrained in it),  and impede spellcasting.