Hi there

I am a complete novice in terms of text adventure design, but have decided to take the plunge and try my hand at it! The adventure I have in mind would contain substantial dice-roll combat elements and I was wondering if you think that Quest would be suitable for this?

Sorry if this is a stupid question or has been fully answered before - my "search-fu" is sometimes lacking!

Thanks in advance

You could start with this : viewtopic.php?f=18&t=4886&hilit=combat

you're probably going to have to learn how to do some code scripting (as it's easier than trying to do it via using the GUI~Editor ~ my opinion anyways), as your described combat system (of using 'substantial dice roll elements' ) is likely one that will be using Attributes (life, damage ~ offense, mana, defense
~ resistance ~ armor class, attack rating ~ to hit ~ accuracy, evasion ~ dodging ~ parrying ~ blocking, fleeing ~ escaping, and etc) + Expressions (your combat math equations~formulas), and so, for when you work with code scripting, here's some direct Functions~Scripts for what you're asking about~for:

Randomizations:

http://docs.textadventures.co.uk/quest/ ... eroll.html
http://docs.textadventures.co.uk/quest/ ... omint.html
http://docs.textadventures.co.uk/quest/ ... ouble.html
http://docs.textadventures.co.uk/quest/ ... hance.html

ask if you need any help, as a combat system is very advanced (if you want it complex), and requires some good coding ability+logic that people new to coding will need help with.