Combat Basics

Morale

Performance in battle affects unit's morale. As one might expect, high morale increases performance, while units with low morale are not as effective. The morale of both the friendly and enemy forces is displayed across the top of the screen. On the battlefield moral is affected by: Critical Strikes, Interceptions, Raidlock, Flank Attack, Rear Assault, and Massive Strike. This doesn't include the Arts that affect moral, such as Bluff.

Deadlock

When unions are caught in close combat, it is known as Deadlock. In such situations, the two unions are set in what they may target. If a Deadlocked union is commanded to perform long-range attacks, support skills, or movements, Deadlock is broken.

Canceling Deadlock leaves a union wide open to attack and gives the opposite union to engage them in Raidlock for a large damage bonus. Keep this in mind.

Multi Deadlock

Some special unions, such as those containing certain extremely large units, are able to Deadlock multiple unions at once. This is called a Multi Deadlock. Units which have previously flanked or rear-attacked a multi-deadlock unit may bypass the multi-deadlock by selecting "Strike from the sides!" or "Hit them from behind!" commands (i.e. if one unit is still deadlocked to an enemy who multi-deadlocks 3 unions, you can ignore the two other deadlock spots and flank). If no unit is currently deadlocked, these commands will result in a raidlock.

Raidlock

It is possible to force a union into Deadlock without being physically near. This is called a Raidlock. While raiding, the target union is hit for extra damage, but the raid only lasts for one turn.

Interference

Interference is a state in which the player union or an ally union forces an enemy union, which has a different union targeted for Deadlock, into a Deadlock. This is called Interception when done by an enemy union to the player union or an ally union.

Flank Attack

If a Deadlocked union is melee attacked from the side, it is known as Flank Attack. It is possible to be flanked by two unions at a time. Unions performing Flank Attacks deal extra damage.

Rear Assault

When in Deadlock, if one union is Flank Attacked by two unions, any further union Deadlocking the victim union launches a Rear Assault. Unions performing Rear Assaults deal extra damage.

Massive Strike

When in Deadlock, if one union is Flank Attacked by two unions, and rear assaulted by another union, any further union that deadlocks the victim union launches a Massive Strike. Unions that perform a Massive strike deal a great deal of extra damage.

Bonuses

A union victim to a Flank Attack, Rear Assault, or Massive Strike will be hit for additional damage. The damage bonus for Rear Assault and Massive Strike is greater then that for Flank Attack.

Reinforcements

When a new union enters the battlefield, the side it is supporting is Reinforced. Reinforcement may correspond to anything from a large linked battle, or the effects of an enemy skill. Being Reinforced increases the morale of the side that is being Reinforced.