[2] Before play begins, each player creates a mage by rolling dice to generate values for five abilities: Talent, Reflexes, Perception, Stamina and Resistance.
If an attack succeeds, damage is rolled according to the mage's current animal form, minus the target's armor rating.
39), Aaron Allston was not impressed, saying, "I can't recommend Duel Arcane as a game unto itself; it's playable, but not worth the trouble.
However, there's plenty of food for thought here concerning shapeshifting in various FRP magical systems, especially about totem animals and acquisition of forms.
On the plus side, Smith liked the game because the characters generated were very unique individuals, and because the combat system was quick and flexible.