Combat is fought in rounds. Special attacks include such things as dragon fire and battle spells. Unlike missile and melee attacks, some special attacks can hit any unit on the other side, including those in the back rows of the combat and nobles who would normally be protected by their men. Missile attacks phase. All troops with missile weapons who are not in the front row of the battle attack.
Missile attacks strike the front row of the opposing force.
Melee attacks phase. The front row of troops attacks the opposing front row. At the beginning of a battle, the defenders get a free round of missile attacks. Targets are chosen at random from amongst the applicable enemy troops. For melee and missile attacks, the target may be any of the men in the enemy's front units.