Combat

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In ArM5, the combat rules were extensively revised from previous editions (not for the first time).

They are found in pages 171-178 of the core rules book and involve the calculation of five total values to be used during combat:

Initiative Total, used to determine the order in which combatants may act. Includes an stress die.
Attack Total, which is influenced by the weapon used and may help in causing greater damage. Includes an stress die.
Defense Total, which represents the ability of avoiding being hit. Includes an stress die.
Damage Total, influenced by strength, weapon, and attack and defense totals.
Soak Total, which determines how much of a succesful attack's damage is avoided by way of dispersion into armor and stamina.

A succesful attack may cause no damage (if the soak total compensates it entirely), or a Light, Medium, Heavy, Incapacitating or even Fatal Wound,

References

Ars Magica Fifth Edition - Design Notes: The Art of Combat by David Chart, hosted at Atlas Games website and available from their ArM5 page under "Downloads".