If playing in person without software assistance, it is recommended to use the card props provided, although other methods are possible. If cards are used, the diagram below shows the order in which cards should be placed on the table top. One row of cards would be laid out for each combatant. For combat involving many opponents, instead use the Mass Combat rules and layout, as individual piles for each combatant will quickly overwhelm the play table. The letters and symbols on the cards layout below correspond to the ND1 Action Codes. Cards are selected and laid on the table from left to right face down except in the case of the Stance card.

1. C- classifier: the type of action to be performed. This is the first card to be placed face down because opponents don't yet know what action the Actor is about to take. Although this is combat, the Actor may try to talk their way out, cast as spell, or simply run. The Observe Foe phase may reveal what opposing actors intend to do.