Building a Group
Together with the selection of primary and secondary classes, specialising in certain skills determines the role of a character in combat. A solo player will use a wide range of melee attacks, ranged attacks and healing skills, while in contrast, groups work best with strict task-sharing.
In a well-built group, warriors, knights and their variations should stand in the front line to stop the enemy from breaking through and reaching the mages and priests, who are very vulnerable to physical attacks. While doing that, they need to keep the attention of the enemies by using their attacks and skills and of course have to deal as much damage as possible with their swords and axes. The ranged combatants like mages and scouts cause damage from the much safer second line with volleys of arrows and fire. The priest can aslo join in combat action from time to time, but most of the time he is busy healing the front line fighters and keeping them alive. While the scout can help in the front line if the need arises, rogues are mostly on the move. They can deal a lot of damage, but must always be alert to evade incoming attacks. In this position, you don’t have a chance to make mistakes a second time.
Tactics
A proven method for defeating many strong enemies is to lure single fighters out of the group by well directed taunts or ranged attacks. If their rush is stopped by the front line of a well organized group, it doesn't usually take long before they meet their demise.
Combat groups can repeat this again and again, but it’s not always that easy to separate leaders from their bodyguards. In this case, the best tactic is to keep the most dangerous enemy busy, until his helpers have met their maker. Character classes such as knights or scouts are suited for this task since they can root an enemy out and delay a fight that way. They always have to keep the attention of their opponent – but that can be arranged by one or two well directed attacks. This game of attack, root and retreat has to be kept up long enough for the group to get their hands free to sort out the situation once and for all.
The Fruits of Victory
Being victorious over dangerous monsters not only means experience and fame for the winning hero, but they might find interesting items as well. Loot can range from bear-skins and other hunting trophies, rune stones, tools, bits and pieces, and clothing up to weapons and armour, which in certain cases might have special properties.
Furthermore, from time to time, glowing magical spheres emerge from fallen enemies. These spheres grant the adventurer special powers for a certain period of time.
Death
When an adventurer loses a battle and dies, Ayvenas summons him to his realm. After what seems to be only a short time, the deceased finds themselve at one of the holy stone circles. They can never remember their voyage through the realm of the dead, and they are generally quite dizzy and weak, and should rest a while. Usually it is quite a good idea to use this recovery time to check armour and weapons and visit the local blacksmith for repairs.
The presence of a priest who is familiar with the Ritual of Resurrection can be a great help when there are fatalities. The voyage through the halls of Ayvenas can be shortened considerably and the effects of death can be alleviated. And for groups exploring ancient catacombs deep underground, it is very important that dead adventurers can be resurrected on location.
