the battle system in atelier iris is turn-based. combat is tactical in that the party members can have their positions arranged in their half of the playing field before battle, and can be knocked back by some attacks. each participant in the battle chooses an action from the ring of commands available. all characters can use actions such as attack, skill and items but klein, as the only alchemist of the party, can use mana items and mana synthesis (which duplicates the effects of mana items, at the expense of mp.) once enemies are defeated the party gains experience, gold and possibly items. every time a character levels up, he gains 3 points to be added to the skills of the player's choice. characters equipped with mana spirits gain bonus skill points.