In our
Dresden Files game, my Scion is going to be taking on a Russian ghoul in what is basically a no-holds barred cage match.
If you're interested in the why, there's been a murder of a connected Fae alchemist on our Accorded Neutral Territory, and the local Fae are offering up some juicy information on the killer to whomever wins the match. The ghoul is part of a Russian clan of them who have turned up mob-handed in response to a bounty from the triumvirate of hags who run the city. There's several other mercs/bounty hunters who've turned up, but that's not really relevant here.
The Fae were looking for an entertaining match of supernatural-on-supernatural, but no one was willing to fight Boris, the rather burly ghoul offered up as one side of the fight. My Scion accepted the offer of providing the other half, though (Compel! He's a former slave-soldier with a great deal of martial pride) declined to throw the fight and share the information (Boris' cousin who was organising the fight, seemed unconvinced my character could actually win). Winner takes the spoils! This is not to the death, mind, though it won't be gentle.
I might be presuming much that it will be a fair fight (ie no prepared magic items or thaumaturgical enchantments), but for the purposes of this thread, let's assume it is. The GM has said it will be a "challenging" fight, meaning he's tailored the ghoul to provide a tough fight. First combat of the game, too, by the way. Let's assume this is going to be unarmed combat, no weapons.
My character's relevant stuff is as follows:
Great (+4): Athletics and Fists
Good (+3): Alertness, Discipline and Endurance
Fair (+2): Intimidation and Might
Average (+1): Empathy
Inhuman Recovery, Speed, Strength and Toughness
6 Physical Stress boxes and Armour:1 when all powers are active (which they will be)
4 Fate Points going into the fight (I've been storing them up)
I've listed the Intimidation and Empathy, but I'm not sure either will be hugely relevant.
A standard ghoul would be a near-even match as it is:
Great (+4): Athletics and Fists
Good (+3): Alertness, Endurance and Intimidation
Inhuman Speed and Strength, Supernatural Recovery, Claws
4 Physical Stress boxes
I'm guessing old Boris might have Superb (+5) Fists and at least Good (+3) Might - pertinent because I'm expecting grappling to factor in. Possibly Inhuman Toughness, which would eliminate the one distinct edge I have if that's true. I'm hoping he doesn't have Supernatural Strength or I'm toast! We may have a "gentleman's agreement" not to use Claws, but we'll see how that bears up.
If we're equal, then it's down to luck on the dice and FP expenditure, which isn't exactly a great strategy. So what can I do to tip things in my favour (without simply cheating and possibly getting disqualified from the fight)?
One notion I have is my cornerman (likely to be one of the other PCs) pulling manuevers that aid me, possibly the odd Assessment or Declaration. It's also a way to bring some of the other PCs into what could otherwise be a solo scene.
What else can be done to prevent a roll-off that's down to luck?