What melee skill would i need to reliably kill foxes? Also, would trading for a decentish sword lower the skill needed to be effective Vs lower level foxes? i'll have full nooby q leather armor and a shield if that makes a difference.
You always need UA. Even if you're going full melee, you need UA to back it up or you're easy game to both animals and players. The reason why is Delta and Maneuvers. Both improving your own to speed up combat in your favor as well as decreasing your opponents so they can't overwhelm you.
If you don't understand how to utilize maneuvers, moves, and special moves yet then 35 UA, 10 Melee will work just fine. If you do understand them, then you can probably get away with far less. Just keep practicing and you'll be the Blood God in no time.