Killing foxes UA, how?

[kaneburrower]

Can anyone teach me what moves, attacks I need to use to successfully kill a fox UA? I currently got 41 STR(with bear talisman) and 30 UA and leather armour set. I will get Bear Cape tomorrow and get some more str boost.
But I need a detailed guide on how to better kill them. I tried googling and wiki as much as I could, but the results are miserable. I can barely scratch their defense(then they regain fast) and they get my def down very fast.

[Dataslycer]

Did you try my combat guide? What level was the fox?

[Zerrata]

Hmm, I'm not sure if this will help, as my unarmed skill is higher (although str is lower), but I'll write it anyway.

Against foxes I start combat using a 'dash' (just to initiate combat). I then change maneuver from 'dodge' --> 'death or glory', to build initiative. At the same time I use 'slide' to help keep defence up (you start with a full attack bar that you can use for 'slide'). Once I get above 6 initiative I switch back to 'dodge', and use 'flex' to gain attack. If I need defence I just use 'slide' again to convert attack into defence. Once I have a full attack bar I use 'punch', which depletes the fox's defence entirely and deals some damage (assuming combat advantage is at least neutral). Then I just build attack to about halfway (fox's defence won't have regenerated much) and 'punch' again. Rinse and repeat until you defeat it.

If you're having trouble try gaining some combat advantage early on by using 'sidestep'. Build initiative to 10 instead of 6, 'sidestep' and then proceed as usual. If more is required, then build enough for 2 or 3 'sidesteps'. Also remember that dealing damage to your opponent gives you combat advantage.

There are obviously more advanced moves and techniques that can be used to defeat an enemy, but this is just what works for me against foxes (and lower-med lvl boar).

[Zerrata]

Oh, and I forgot, just some general tips:

If you want to get some practice just using the combat system, find some ants and just attack a single bunch of them (don't raid the nest). You can then experiment with various moves to find out what effects they have. Don't ignore any move, check them all out. Knowing more about all the moves, maneuvers, etc, means you can adapt to any fight more effectively.

Also, the lvl of animals can vary. Animal lvls are generally lower around settlements (claims, hearthfires etc reduce lvl of animals in surrounding areas). Try practicing on lower lvl foxes first.

And more on combat advantage: it's very important, don't let an animal gain advantage over you, especially boars. Foxes don't actively seek to gain advantage; however, if they damage you they will gain some as a result. Combat advantage affects the effectiveness of your attacks, and how effective your oppenent's attacks are. If you have high advantage, even a small amount of denfence can hold off an enemy attack; and punch with a half-filled attack bar can still break the enemy's defence.

Lastly, make sure you watch both your attack/defence bars and your opponent's. Ensure that you have enough defence for when the enemy's attack bar becomes full and they launch an attack.

[Dataslycer]

One thing I should mention. If you have 10 IP you should use Invocation of Skuld instead of sidestep if you have Warrior Spirit for advantage. You can also use Seize the day if Intensity (fire with number) is 5+ and your attack (red meter) is 75+. Just make sure to know that it uses your defense.

Animal level is affected by villages, not personal claims or hearthfire.

[Zerrata]

One thing I should mention. If you have 10 IP you should use Invocation of Skuld instead of sidestep if you have Warrior Spirit for advantage. You can also use Seize the day if Intensity (fire with number) is 5+ and your attack (red meter) is 75+. Just make sure to know that it uses your defense.

Animal level is affected by villages, not personal claims or hearthfire.

Thank-you for the combat tip. That might be useful.
As for animal lvl, that's just what I was told. Maybe it's right, maybe not.