Each turn, the speed of each actor is computed. The turn order then goes as follow:
Actors using a move of highest priority act first.
Actors using a move of the same priority act in the decreasing order of their speed.
Actors with the same speed using a move of the same priority act in a random order.
Speed is computed each turn by taking the character's agility and adding a random integer between 0 and agility/4 + luck/20 -1. The fractions are rounded down after being added together.
Some move have higher priority than others. Guarding and using Protect I/II have higher prority than other actions. Actors going with one of these moves will act before the others. The move Energy of the Rabbit also has high priority.
All other actions have no particular priority over each other.
Criticals happen when a basic or martial attack hits while the attacker has the Tactical Advantage status effect. When they occur it multiplies the damage of the attack by 3.
When you initiate a battle with an enemy facing away from you, you perform a Preemptive attack. This lets you take one full turn of combat with the enemy unable to act. A surprise attack occurs when the enemy initiates a battle while you are facing away from them.
Many enemies are positioned such that it is possible to get around behind them.
Many powerful attacks are telegraphed by being proceeded by a buff. Additionally most enemies attack in set patterns or use attacks when specific circumstances are met. Learning these patterns and the appropriate counters is the key to winning.
For example a Minotaur will use the skills Heat Up I, Windup I then Rampage I. Using Guard or having a durable companion use Protect n the third turn will minimise the damage.