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Adding Attacks

Table of Contents

See also Character Creation

Novus Utum allows you to add attack sequences to your character sheet, which are used in turn by the Dice Roller in chat.

It is important to distinguish between the attack sequence (which comprise all the attacks you make during a full round action) and an individual attack (which is a single D20 roll plus the damage associated with it. Thinking about attacks in this way makes it much easier to understand how to fill out the sheet.

Basic Attack Entry

To enter a basic attack, add a new attack entry, as displayed in the Basic Attack Entry image below.

The name of the attack should be the weapon you use for the attack, for example "Unarmed Strike", "+1 Longsword" or "Masterwork Composite Longbow". If you list attacks that only apply while you are shapeshifted or something like that, you can add a note to indicate this in the appropriate field.

You should also select whether the attack is Melee or Ranged. Melee attacks automatically add Strength while Ranged attacks add Dexterity and list a Range Increment.

If you have a special case where different abilities apply, Weapon Finesse for example, select "Other" - you will need to add the appropriate ability manually in that case (see below).

First Attack in your Sequence

Your attack sequence will automatically have one single attack listed, with your full Base Attack Bonus and Strength (or Dexterity). In the "Modifiers" section at the bottom, add any other bonuses that apply to your attack. This is where you add such things as bonuses from feats like Weapon Focus, class abilities, etc.

If you selected Other, you can also add your different ability score here, as displayed in the Base Attack Entry - Zen Archery bonus below. Enter the appropriate ability score as Bonus Source. The sheet will automatically recognize the score, highlight it in green and keep it updated, even if you later change your Wisdom.

Damage for the Attack

Next, enter critical range, damage, damage type and range increment for your attack. Damage has been split into Damage and Extra Damage. Extra Damage is used for any damage that does not get multiplied on a critical hit, such as Sneak Attack or the fire damage from a Flaming sword.

For example, if you attack with a Flaming longsword, and your Strength bonus is +2, you would enter 1d8+2 as Damage and 1d6 as extra damage. The dice roller will then give you 2d8+1d6+4 damage on a critical hit.

Adding Additional Attacks to a Sequence

Once your Base Attack Bonus goes to 6 or higher, you can make multiple attacks in a round. First, fill out the complete details of your first attack. Once this is done, you can press the "Derive BAB" button. The sheet will then add additional attacks to the sequence with the appropriate "second attack", "third attack" etc. modifier

The attack sequence should also list these additional attacks for you, summarizing the individual attacks you entered.

You can also copy an individual attack in a sequence using the Copy button, or copy an entire attack sequence with the Duplicate button.

Flurry of Blows

If you have flurry of blows, you need to make two attack entries. First, enter your -normal- attack as if you are not using Flurry of Blows.

Once this has been entered, Duplicate the attack using the Duplicate button, and copy the lead attack to add it to the sequence.

This means you should have two attack sequences: one for normal attacks and one for flurry of blows attacks.

Two-Weapon Fighting

For Two-Weapon Fighting, you use a single attack sequence for both weapons. The name of the attack should list both weapons in the name.

Enter the attack sequence for the primary weapon as normal, including any penalties for two-weapon fighting (you have to manually add these penalties!). You can then use the Derive BAB button for your primary attack to add extra attacks you get to make with your primary weapon.

Next, press the "Add additional attack..." button to add another attack to the sequence. This one will be blank.

Add the bonuses, damage, critical range, etc for your off-hand weapon, including all penalties that apply for using two weapons.

If you have Improved Two-Weapon Fighting, you can use Derive BAB for the second weapon as well, and additional attacks are added to the sequence based on the off-hand weapon.

If you have a BAB of +11 or higher and you lack Greater Two-Weapon Fighting (which means you don't get a third attack with the off hand weapon), simply delete the final extra attack generated.

If you use a double weapon like a quarterstaff, dire flail or gnome hooked hammer, treat each end as if they are a separate weapon when adding the attack sequence

Tip: If you regularly draw only one of your weapons instead of both, make separate attack sequences for each individual weapon as well as their combination, to avoid the penalties for wielding two weapons being applied if you are only holding one weapon.