Combat Rules

Whether attacking each other or an NPC, here are couple of ground rules you must remember--

Keep stats in mind.
If you are trying to dodge an attack, is your opponent's dexterity higher than yours? If you are trying to hold a cat down or ram into them, how high is your strength? Remember that the average is 5. Even if you are stronger than your opponent, still consider if it's lower than usual. For example, if your strength is 3 and your opponent's is 1, you have an advantage but will still struggle whilst completing your attack, because you are below average.

Don't decide what happens to your opponent.
Even if you have a higher stat, deciding that you have "ripped open their belly and they are starting to faint from blood loss" is annoying and makes you seem like you only appreciate winning, not the storyline.
Ex.
DON'T- Petalfire leaped at Hallowleaf, tackling him to the ground and standing on top of him, painfully digging her claws into his chest.
DO- Petalfire yowled a battle-cry, and leaped at Hallowleaf, aiming to ram him into the ground.

At the end of a battle post, make some ooc comments!
It can be confusing to sift through the thoughts and actions of a cat to see exactly what they're doing. By no means am I trying to say not to write descriptively! Please do, it adds to the mood and helps us picture the scene. But when another user is trying to retaliate, to avoid confusion, add some comments at the end that state your disadvantages and strategies. Also feel free to explain your thinking behind each decision.
Ex. -insert long battle post here-
++Petalfire is aiming to crash into Hawkshadow from behind, to take her by surprise!
--Petalfire is fatigued by such a long skirmish, which may throw off her aim.
--Petalfire has fur clogging her claws, which may make her slashes less effective!
**Petalfire has a stealth stat of 9, allowing her to get behind her in the midst of battle without her noticing.

Don't god-mod.
Every cat has weaknesses. Every cat will not complete an attack. Every cat will not dodge in time. Not everything is successful!

Pay attention to the specific Keeper attacks with NPCs.
Sometimes a Keeper will add a stat check to an attack with an NPC. Players are not allowed to initiate stat-checks.
Ex. You must have a strength stat of 6+ to kick off Hallowleaf! If you don't, try finding another way to get away from her.

If everyone follows these rules, combat will be interesting, colorful, and logical! If you break any of these rules, the usual punishments will ensue.