Is there a rank challenge on the rise, defending your home from unwelcome rogues, or wanting to settle an argument with a scuffle once and for all with force? Then you've come to the right place!
Stand Your Ground
First things first... There are three things to consider:
- Attacks are simply what they are. Your wolf attempts to injure or gain hold of part of the other wolf. Attacks should always have attempted consequences (and you should never assume that your wolf made his mark, as this is powerplaying!). Realistically, only a wolf with high physique points in strength and speed will be able to attack with consistent success.
- Evading comes in response to an attack, meaning that your opponent misses. Realistically, wolves with high speed points can evade more easily than others. Sometimes, even if your wolf evades, he can still take minimal damage.
- Counter-attacks can act as defensive maneuvers (like attacking to prevent your character from getting hit), or they can come after your opponent's attack (like attempting to tackle the other wolf after their attack missed). Wolves with high stamina points will be able to counter-attack well for the duration of most fights.
Here is an example of a thread/scenario...
Wolf A: (Attack) Lunges for Wolf B's throat, thinking that if he gets the hold, he'll be able to use his size to wrestle his opponent to the ground.
Wolf B: (Evasion) With his speed and agility, he leaps out of the way, taking only a scratch from his opponent's jaws to his neck. (Counter-attack) Turns quickly, leaping at Wolf A in an attempt to tackle him.
Wolf A: (Counter-attack as defensive maneuver) Opens his jaws to intercept Wolf B as he deals with the force of being tackled, hoping to get hold of Wolf B's ear, which is dangerously close to his mouth.
Wolf B: Growls in pain as Wolf A bites down on his ear. (Counter-attack) Snaps at Wolf A's throat, hoping to get him to release his hold... (etc)
Set the Mood
Pay attention to the thread setting; have your wolf scope out the landscape and be mindful of the weather. Is the ground stable enough for sure footing (hard-packed snowbanks, cold soil, stony ground, etc.) or treacherous to tread (marshland mud, ice patches, fresh snow, etc.)? Are there trees available to provide cover or avoid? Is it raining (which may hinder your character's sight) or foggy (which might make it easy for a surprise attack)? If the sun is out, is there possibility of a glare from certain angles?
The time of day is also important. Here are some additional things to consider:
- Morning: Most wolves are just waking up at this time, preparing their rested bodies for the day to hunt, travel, patrol, etc. Early morning light provides just enough light to highlight the landscape.
- Afternoon: The sun reaches its highest point during the day and shadows almost disappear as its rays beat down upon Relic Lore. In the Summer, the afternoon heat may quickly sap dark-pelted wolves of energy when engaged in strenuous activity. Sounds made during the day may be easily overheard on a particularly warm afternoon.
- Evening: The temperature begins to drop and the sun begins to set as the moon begins to rise. Packs may have a routine they keenly stick to, be mindful of where members might be or where rogues might use the cover of darkness to their advantage when crossing territorial lines. Sounds made during the evening might sound muffled to even the most vigilant at a distance.
- Night: Wolves' eyes were designed for night vision; any available light is reflected in their eyes, making the sense of sight possible in the dimmest moonlight. Sudden movement is quick to spot and due to the reflection of light, eyes shine in the dark.
Strength, Stamina and Speed
Secondly, size up your opponent. Compare their character's size and Life Points to yours. Remember: Wolves with higher SKILLS in fighting, along with their PHYSIQUE points, are more inclined to win a rank challenge or fight. Differentiate where their strengths are and where your strengths lie. Are they quicker on their feet? Stronger? Thinner? Write in how you think your wolf will consider his offensive or defensive tactics - a large, strength-dependent wolf may try to use force just as a small, speed-dependent wolf might rely on their reflexes to evade oncoming attacks. More often than not dominance matches and scuffles are all about posture. It is very seldom that blood is drawn or violent action is taken.
Body posture is unquestionably important in these matters. Here are key points to be aware of as the line is drawn:
- Head/Shoulders: Domineering wolves, at first, will have their head raised up high, but upon engaging in combat, lowering the skull will protect the neck when the shoulders are hunched forward.
- Eyes: In order to protect the eyes from injury and damage it is suggested to narrow or half-close them. This will create a sort of tunnel vision as your wolf focuses upon and targets their opponent; doing so will also protect the eye if your opponent attempts to bite or claw your character's face (preventing blindness).
- Ears: Aggressive or angered wolves turn their ears forward to express their temper but if they aren't careful, opponents may easily target them. It is suggested to pin them back defensively.
- Muzzle: To snap one's jaws is to express definite vexation and is used as a form of intimidation. Curling the upper lip up back reveals your character's fangs and makes a growl seem all the more powerful up front.
- Tail: Like the cranium, tails are also held upright in a dominant fashion and may curl over their back. When prompted to attack it may be held straight out as the fur along your character's back bristles and their hackles rise.
- Overall Frame: Be mindful of your character's footing and how they manage to keep their balance. Once your wolf is on their back, it is usually game over.
Defeated or yielding wolves will often signal the fight has come to an end or draw when they are no longer able to stand, expose their underbelly to the victor, or turn tail and run.
TIP
It is easier to envision a thread if you think of each post spanning over a few seconds. Your character will not have time to wait for an attack unless they have successfully evaded and stepped a good distance away.Settle the Score
As a reward for becoming the victor or the humbly/honorably defeated, points eligible for such events are as follows:
- Win a Fight: +50 points (Skills)
- Draw a Fight: +30 points (Skills)
- Participate in a Scuffle: +10 points (Skills)
- Lose a Rank Challenge: +10 points (Pack)
- Ascend in Rank: +10 points (Pack)
- Completed Thread with New Wolf: +30 points (Development; thread must be >10 posts)
- Completed Thread: +20 points (Development; thread must be >10 posts)
Also, please note, a fight is a formal challenge and consists of 6-8 posts minimum. A scuffle is an informal event with 3-4 posts (must have a minimum total of 10 posts total in the thread).
In special circumstances, please be aware of these Life Point values as well:
- Become Leader of the Pack: +100 points (Skills)
- Lose Leadership of a Pack: -80 points (Skills)
- Demonstrate Pack Role (Guardian): +10 points (Skills; thread must be >15 posts)
- Leave a Pack: -100 points (Pack)
