Can someone shed some light on combat?

[abaret]

The wiki is pretty vague. I don't understand what the bars mean at the top. Mostly I don't understand the basics of how combat works. I know initiave and defense is involved. I've got four sets of moves right now: special moves, moves, manuevers, and attacks. I don't know how they are used, what to use them on or when to use them. thanks forum.
-abaret

[sabinati]

check out the combat guide. it's stickied.

[abaret]

also what should I be putting skill points in to make my moves/special moves/attacks/maneuvers better??

[abaret]

Thanks. Completely read through it. Very helpful.