In any combat turn, a character can choose to make actions, reactions and/or follow-ons during his phase, and to make reactions and/or follow-ons during other characters' phases. A character may only make an action or reaction if he/she has sufficient action points remaining that turn.
An Action is a maneuver that initiates a chain of events. Only the phasing character may make actions. For example, only the phasing character may Move (action).
A Reaction is a response to someone else's action, reaction or follow-on. Anyone involved in the combat may make reactions, provided they are appropriate. For example, Cogan attacks Urlik with his sword (action); Urlik responds by blocking with his shield (reaction).
A Follow-on is a maneuver that a character can use to follow up a previous action, reaction or follow-on. For example, Urlik successfully blocks Cogan's attack, and then stands and attacks (follow-up) with his axe.
This section describes the actions, reactions and follow-ons available in the basic combat rules.
| Maneuver | Action, Reaction or Follow-on | Action point cost | Description |
| Move | Action (or rarely a Reaction) only | 1 | The phasing character advances by up to two hexes or moves backwards by one hex. A non-phasing character may react by following the phasing character. |
| Stand and attack | Action, Reaction or Follow-on | 2-4 (varies based on weapon mode) | The character remains in the same hex and attacks with a melee weapon. |
| Advance and attack | Action or Follow-on only | 2-4 (varies based on weapon mode) | The character advances by one hex and attacks with a melee weapon. |
| Speak | Action, Reaction or Follow-on | 1 | The characters speaks a word or few words. |
| Block | Reaction only | 1 | The character remains in the same hex and attempts to block an incoming attack with a weapon or shield. |
| Jump back dodge | Reaction only | 1 | The character moves away from the direction of an attack to avoid it. |
| Side-step dodge | Reaction only | 1 | The character moves sideways to avoid an attack. |
| Parry | Reaction only | 2 | The character moves away from the direction of an attack and attempts to deflect it with a weapon or shield. |
| Turn | Action or Reaction only | 1 | The character turns by 60, 120 or 180 degrees, while remaining in the same hex. |
| Ready weapon | Action or Reaction only | 3* | The character draws a weapon from a sheath or belt into his/her hands. |
| Prepare/cast magic | Action only | 2 to 5 | The character prepares or attempts to cast magic. |
| Soak | Reaction or Follow-on only | 1 | The character attempts to reduce the damage done by an attack that has hit him/her. |
* May be reduced through the use of Sleight of Hand (fast draw) skill.