Dungeons and Dragons Tutorial Pt 3:

Combat

We have made it to the end of our 3 Part series of basic Dungeons and Dragons knowledge. Moving on to combat is where we start getting into the meat of the complexities of Dungeons and Dragons mechanics.

A single round of combat takes place after all parties have taken a turn in which they can complete a single action and move within 30 feet of their starting point at the beginning of their turn. Regardless of how long it takes for the players to complete a round in real time, in game each round only lasts 6 seconds.

At the beginning of any combat encounter, the Dungeon Master running the game will ask the players to roll a d20 dice and add your dexterity modifier to determine the Initiative. The Initiative determines the combat order, or the order in which everyone takes their turns, for players, NPCs, and enemies a like.

To attack a player must make an attack roll to determine whether or not the attack hits or misses the intended target. An attack roll is made by rolling a d20 dice and adding the appropriate modifier, which varies depending on the weapon or method of attack.

If the attack roll is greater than or equal to the target’s Amor Class, the player is successful and makes the attack. An Armor Class, or AC, is determined by the character’s dexterity modifier added to whatever armor the character may be wearing.

If the attack is successful, the player then rolls for damage, which varies depending on what weapon or method of attack the player has chosen.

Details regarding ability scores, modifiers, weapon damage, and armor are typically determined by the Dungeon Master. However, there is a standard guide to basic armor and weapons located in the official Player’s Handbook, which can also be found online.

This may be a lot of information to take in all at once. However, once you have mastered the art of in game combat, you should be able to understand the depth of dice rolls and any modifiers which are applied in every aspect of the game.

Above all, remember that even the official Handbook states that the rules are merely suggestions used to better organize gameplay, and often times very from player to player or Dungeon Master to Dungeon Master. The most important thing is to create an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

So get out there and have yourself an adventure. Happy dungeon-ing and dragon-ing, and remember to have fun!