Describing Your Attacks in Combat
On Television, the wrestler arches an eyebrow and plays to the crowd before grappling his opponent. In the pages of a comic book, Spider-Man swings into the action while tossing a snide remark out at Dr. Octopus as he shoots his web at him. And in Kill Bill, the Bride wipes her own blood off and readjusts her sword grip before launching at the enemies surround her.
Whether you’re running a session or playing in one, you can bring a cinematic sense to your combat turns that are exciting for everyone in the game. It’s fun to look out across the table and see everyone at the edge of their seats as you describe your turn versus having them all with their heads down, staring at their own character sheets. As a Game Master, it’s a tried and true way to keep the players engaged. And as a player, it’s a great way to earn Experience Points or Inspiration from your GM. In a previous post, we mentioned ways to describe spell casting. Now, let’s examine a few ways to describe your martial attacks.
DESCRIBE YOUR MOTIVATION
It’s always a good idea to remind yourself and others what motivates you to swing your sword. This can be relevant at the start of combat when you’re deciding which of the ten opponents in front of you to attack first. However, it can also come into play when you feel the need to switch up your tactics. Here are some examples:
“Hiding in the tree, I scope out the bandits headed toward our location. Hoping to cause chaos, I exhale slowly as I shoot my arrow at the leader up at the front.”
“There may be five members of the cult standing before us, but I’ve only been staring at one figure this whole time. The red-bearded Dwarf with the scar across his eye killed my brother. And now’s the time for my revenge! I run over and swing down with my axe.”
“Now that they’re behind cover, I’m no good to anyone back here. But I do see my friend in trouble. I drop my bow, unsheathe my longsword and dash to join the fray.”
REACTING TO YOUR OPPONENT’S ACTIONS
This tactic is a good idea to use either if your opponent just attacked, or if it’s been quite a few rounds, and it might be necessary to remind everyone what happened to you last. You can use this during your action, but obviously comes into play as well during your Reaction. Describing your character’s senses to what just happened is a great way to start your turn.
“Patting the last of the flames out of my clothes from the fireball, I sneer at the Wizard. Now it’s his turn to feel some pain. I get up nice and close before chopping down with my warhammer.”
“The two swings of his sword clinked off my shield. Seeing a hole in his own defense, I strike out with my spear towards his torso.”
“I can taste the blood in my mouth, and know that I may fall in this next round. No reason to hold back now. I’m using my Action Surge.”
WHAT DO YOU SAY?
This is one of my favorite ideas that adds some fun to your action. Are you a talker in battle? You can have a catchphrase that you’re known for. If you worship a particular deity, maybe you call out to them for strength, power, justice, etc. Or maybe you’re a friendly neighborhood hero who enjoys taunting your enemies, especially when they miss.
ADDING FLAVOR WITH YOUR BUILD
Your choice of Species, Class or Equipment can also play into your combat descriptions. A Dwarf Barbarian will fight differently than a Tabaxi Ranger or a Warforged Bard. For instance:
“A wild look is in my eyes. My beard almost seems to extend a little further, and I yell a battle cry to Moradin as I rage! My axe chops down twice on my enemy.”
“A faint purr can be heard and my tail swishes from side to side. I take aim and fire away.”
“I ping my metal body; using it as a tuning fork to tune my lute. I missed last time, but I won’t miss again.”
USING A VARIETY OF DESCRIPTIVE TERMS
One last variable to remember is to use other words besides “attack.” Have a few different options based on the type of weapon you’re using. Here are some examples for you. Thesaurus.com will be your best friend as well.
Melee Attacks:
Backhand, Chop, Hack, Jab, Kick, Pound, Pummel, Punch, Reverse, Slap, Slash, Slice, Stab, Strike, Swing, Thrust
Ranged Attacks:
Barrage, Bombard, Fire, Hurl, Toss, Throw, Launch, Let Fly, Loose, Release, Shoot, Volley
Movement:
Advance, Angle, Dive, Feint, Jump, Leap, Maneuver, Pivot, Roll, Run, Saunter, Shift, Slide, Sprint, Swagger, Turn
CONCLUSION
Incorporating just a few different options into your attack descriptions makes it fun for you and your friends. “Rolling left and thrusting your shortsword at the belly of you,” is far more engaging than “Moving 15 feet and then attacking.” I hope you found this article useful!
