In this section we assume you have the sample data (shipped with 1.1.0). If you don’t have that you will have to create a party yourself (see Managing your Parties and Encounters). With the encounter files ready running a battle is a simple task.

1. Select File > Load party... then select the party file (the sample-enc.peml in case you use the sample data).
   Note: If the file is invalid or not all entries exist in your compendium you will get a confirmation window. Check the party files in the Party Editor to verify what is wrong
2. All loaded combatant will appear in the Combat Sequence in not particular order. You can load other files if necessary, not need with the sample data.
3. Starting a combat requires two steps first you must Combat -> Roll Initiative.... The Roll Initiative windows will appear.
   • You can adjust the initiative score for the combatants (on the Init column);
   • Place the dice roll for player or monster (on the Roll column), or leave the r to have VCC roll for you.
   • If you specify something like: r/r or 7/13, you are telling VCC that the creature should have two initiative (either rolled or specific respectively). You can use any number of initiative slots for a combatant, for example r/r/10/r means 4 initiative slots (one of the will have a result of 10).
   • You can also group monsters with the same name (this will make groups of creature initially are placed together).
   • Set them to reserve, meaning they are not take part of the battle for now (use this for companions);
   • Pressing OK and VCC will sort and place the combatants in the correct sequence.
   • The sequence table will now show the combatant in initiative order. You can re-roll initiatives if necessary.
4. To start the combat use Combat -> Start Combat.
5. From there on you can use the Initiative Actions, Health Change and Effect Creation panels to start and end round, apply damage and healing, add effects, etc.
6. You can go back to the initiative window to roll initiative for other combatant (useful if you add combatant after the combat has begun).

In addition to the basic running of the battle you can:

• Combat > End Combat to end the battle and place all combatant in reserve;
• Combat > Rest to clear all the effects and temporary HP;
• Combat > Extended Rest to recover all the HP
• Combat > Clear Monster to remove any combatant that is note a Player Character from the roster.
• History > Undo to undo the last action (you can redo them again). This is the way to move back in time.