Jonric: How does combat actually work? How does a battle begin, and what steps ensue from then until it ends?

Steve Fawkner: A combat starts when I decide to move a group of my troops into a space on the map occupied by some enemy troops. Usually, this is in a city, but it might also be because I am searching a ruin for treasure (ruins are occupied by all kinds of monsters), or trying to battle my way across a bridge.

Now both opponents choose one of their men to begin the fight (or they could cast spells). When that man dies, his owner chooses another (or once again casts a spell). This continues until one side has been eliminated. As you can see, it is very simple, but when you mix in almost 40 special abilities for the troops and 100 spells, an STS combat can become a true battle of wits.