Hey, thanks for the comment!
I like to describe how the enemy are trying to hit the players and let them describe how they are avoiding it (so they can use positioning, group tactics and items to gain more dice). And them I let them make their attacks in the same way. And unless their are surprised, players always go first.
For bosses I use 4 to 7 hearts.
But as always, feel free to adapt as you see fit. Hope you have fun!
I kinda give the monster a turn, but is the players that roll to defend. If they fail to defend they take damage. This way I can give the monsters unique combat styles and give the players opportunity to be creative both attacking and defending. To give an exemple:
Gamera and Bowie are exploring a cave when they see a bat-like creature light in flame flying in they direction. I ask "what you guys do?" the Bowie player decides to use a slingshot and wait until the last minute to take the shot, I give her two extra dices, one for the weapon use and another for the time take to aim, but I ask her to roll after Gamera's action. Gamera's player says that she'll throw rocks and scream to attract the bat for her (+2 dices).
Bowie miss her shot, but Gamera manage to get the bats attention. The creature screams and the flames grows around it, "How are you going to defend yourself Gamera?". Her player says "I'm going stand my ground and use my shield to block the creature attack", I'll give her 2 extra dice. She fails on the roll and takes 2 damage setting part of her clothes on fire.
Then I go around the players again asking what they are going to do until the combat resolves.
Hope this helps! :)
