Redwall Duels

[James Gryphon]

Vote for who you think wins the following match by posting your preference. Feel free to explain your choice.

First character to get 4 votes wins the round.

Round 1: Greypatch w/cutlass (Mariel of Redwall) vs. Klitch w/short sword (Salamandastron)

[Banya]

I vote that Greypatch wins this match.  He has combat experience on his side, while Klitch's experience lies greatly within the realm of espionage and deception.  His intelligence gives him an edge, but his rashness and limited combat experience wouldn't allow him to best Greypatch's skills with a blade.

Am I doing this right?

[James Gryphon]

That's a very good post, yes.

I'd like to comment on this matchup; I'll wait for at least one more vote before I do, though.

[Hickory]

I vote for Klitch. Banya's made some good points, but Klitch would sensibly be more nimble and quick. He can make up for his deficiency in the blade by playing defensive, but he's still able to dart around and attack Greypatch. It's like a annoying fly to a large rhino, and if you leave it alone it can do more harm then it normally would.

[Jetthebinturong]

Sage makes a good point. Bigfang was going to best Greypatch in Mariel until Greypatch tricked him into walking into the fire. Greypatch is too old to be fighting someone like Klitch.

[James Gryphon]

In all fairness, Bigfang was supposed to be particularly large and strong, and yet he only had a "slight" edge. Greypatch might not have been as young as he used to be, but he wasn't exactly ready to go to the nursing home for searats either; after all Gabool was as old as he was and yet he was still known as a famous fighter (and backed up his rep by killing his closest rival). I think the speed argument is overrated, too; an experienced fighter who's trained for decades (or in this world, many seasons) is going to be pretty fast and strong regardless, even if they're no longer in their prime.

When Greypatch was fighting Bigfang, the thing that was going was his endurance, which was apparently not as great as it used to be. However, he still had the strength to "redouble his efforts" and force the younger rat back into the fire. The only trick he used was when he dodged away to make Bigfang think he could look at his injury; actually getting the rat into that fire still required some strength.

That said, Klitch was smart. He was already a successful commander, more so than Greypatch ever was. If he had survived, he would have one day been just as good as his old man, maybe even better (since he was able to learn from him instead of having to come about it on his own like Ferahgo did). In terms of intelligence, Greypatch doesn't have any advantage.

Also, it's safe to assume that Klitch would have received the best in combat training. After all, he was good enough that he could credibly threaten Ferahgo (as experienced a killer as any in the series) at close-range.

However, Klitch has one big weakness. For all his training, he isn't yet mentally tough. When he and his father fought Lord Rawnblade, he got scared and became useless as soon as he got whacked around a little. With time and more exposure to combat and life-threatening situations, he would have eventually overcome this, like his dad, and become a great warlord -- but as it was, he never got that chance.

Greypatch has been there. He lost an eye and came back stronger for it. He's used to taking damage, and can keep it from distracting him in a life-or-death fight.

Here's what I'd speculate for a duel: Klitch starts with the advantage, expecting an easy win over a doddering old fool. As the battle lingers on, though, that doesn't happen, and he maybe gets a scratch or two, he starts to get a little more desperate and a little less poised. Greypatch stays focused, keeping his single eye open for a chance, and when it comes, he strikes.

It wouldn't be quick, and he might get a few gashes and bruises along the way, but I think the veteran corsair eventually takes this.

[Hickory]

Next round?

[James Gryphon]

It's two to two. One character needs four votes.

[Hickory]

Right, forgot.

[rrrrr]

I vote Greypatch. He's just stronger.

[James Gryphon]

Revive; I figured this deserved another chance.

We'll go with 3 being sufficient for a win until further notice, so Greypatch wins.

Next matchup: Bane w/curved sword (Mossflower) vs. Balefur w/battle axe (Outcast of Redwall)

[Skyblade]

Which book is Balefur from? (I haven't read them all)

[James Gryphon]

Outcast of Redwall; he was the one that threatened Swartt's position, and who Nightshade tricked into going into the quarry.