27:33 - Don't worry Cathal, we played Ars Magica 5th
edition which removed most of the madness. 4th ed had different
phases within the combat round. Declaration/Movement with
engagement rolls if there was a conflict in targets/goals,
Missiles, Melee, Missiles (yes if you were fast enough you could
get two missiles off in a round), Magic and then work out what
fatigue everyone clocked up. You might think this left wizards at a
big disadvantage but given the wizard would probably take a light
or medium wound and then turn an entire group to a smouldering pile
of ash, it was reasonably balanced and very thematic, if a bit of a
headache.