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Round 1 information:

- The winner of this duel will be guaranteed the rank of 'Corporal'.
- The winner is the lion/ness who rolls the highest number across 5 turns. An extra turn must be rolled by each player to break a tie. [Reminder of rolls: 1 - miss, 2 - bide/glancing attack, 3 - hit]
- Even if you rolled highest, if you fail to edit your rolls with an RP, your character is disqualified.

The deadline for this RP is: Sunday 19th March.

Good luck!

Move 1: Glancing Blow

Ud walked towards the sandy, smooth fighting arena in the pride, rolling his shoulders to loosen up a bit. He had recently joined the ranks of fighting adults within the pride, having completed his training and succeeded fairly well at it. He had already been on a few missions with his guard group and he felt very secure in his position in the pride.

So secure, in fact, that he had decided to try out for the little battle challenge to see if he could climb the ranks a bit. The last time he had entered one of these he had done fairly well, finding Agni-pariksha with just one other lioness out of all those that had hunted. This was more a test of battle strength and skill rather than tracking ability, though, so he had a new skill to prove.

His first test was a daunting one, that was to be sure. Azar'bijan was a well-known lion by Ud's standards. He was already a Corporal and had years of experience and learning that Ud couldn't hope to have. Still, Ud had confidence and a cool, level head. He was sure he could hold his own against the older lion.

Azar'bijan's first move was dodged, and Ud retaliated with a quick, clawless swipe. This wasn't to draw blood, after all.

Move 2: Bide
Total: 4

Ud was glad he at least touched the older lion in this duel and that alone gave him another little spike of confidence. He got a smack to his shoulder in return, but had dipped out of the way for it to do anything more than sting. The question made a little grin curl his muzzle and with his lowered brows it came across as more of a snarl than a smile. Still, his voice carried a teasing lit to it.

"Why can't it be both?" he asked, golden eyes watching the red Corporal intently, hoping to pick up on his next move to either dodge or counter it. It was amusing to think that Azar'bijan was generations older, and yet he was the one with the grey streaks in his mane.

Move 3: Glancing Blow
Total: 6

Ud gave the older lion a moment to move, and there it was. The lunge. Ud dodged the attack, once again swiping with his paw to land another light hit on the older male. He knew his skills were top notch as he was fresh from training and his first few guard missions, but a bit of luck never hurt anyone, either. He was more than happy to take both and use them to his advantage.

So far it seemed to be working. He wouldn't turn his nose up to it now if it was going to help him get through this first round. He had his heart set on the first promotion, but wouldn't mind if his luck and skill combination carried him further through the competition.

Move 4: Hit
Total: 9

Ud wasn't surprised that Azar finally got a good hit. He was honestly surprised that it had taken this long for him to land one, in fact! He took the blow well, letting it absorb through his body, and yet he could tell that if claws had been involved it would have been a much harder blow to shake off. The feeling of confidence rolled off the older male in waves, making Ud stay sharp and alert. The end of the duel was nearing and he couldn't let up now.

Taking the confidence Azar was giving off, Ud summoned his own and returned the blow, landing a good strike on his own. He was holding his own pretty well against the Corporal and even if he did fall in the final round here against him, he hoped he could make a good impression on the older male. Sometimes having friends in high places were better than winning.

Move 5: Miss
Total: 10

Ud pulled away after his hit in time for a large red paw to breeze past him. His heart was still pounding with adrenaline and the goad for one more attempt at a hit called to him. He bounded forward and lifted a paw to strike, but pulled his punch at the last moment, whiffing wide of the veteran's head. It had finally gotten through to him that this was the end of the battle, that Azar'bijan was calling him the victor. It wouldn't do to hit a lion while he was 'down', so to speak. While the Firekin valued strength and power, they certainly didn't promote overkill. There needed to be some restraint shown in order to be a good fighter...or leader.

"I think I'll save some energy for later," he finally said with a wry smile before giving his head a quick bob. "It was a good fight, Azar'bijan. I'm Ud," he added, realizing the Corporal probably didn't know him from the next young lion. "Perhaps I'll meet you out on patrol some time."

Azar snorted. He was a bad loser, normally but under the watchful eyes of the pride members who had gathered to watch, he held his tongue and, instead of throwing out excuses and angry words chose something quite out of character.

Perhaps the advice he had been given by a certain lion only a few days previously had been taken to heart.

"Listen well, Ud," he growled, "I'll be watching your next round and there'll be hell to pay if you lose it, ok?" And then, just to sound a little less like he was trying to be helpful, he added: "I want to say that I lost to a General."

And, with that, he turned and left the arena.



/fin