How to defeat Runt (without a bow!)

Steps to defeating runt in a duel.

Step 1: equipment

Before you begin the assault there are a few things you need to buy if you don't have them already.
The first thing you need is a long sword. The most basic one will do, just make sure you have one. You dont need much armor, a gambeson and a metal helmet will do. The last things you need to buy are a few healing potions. I used a marigold and a lazerus.

Step 2: training

Next, go to captain bernard select the master strikes dialogue option and ask him to teach you how to riposte with a sword. After he teaches you do a training bout with him and pratice ripostes and perfect blocks until you can do them consistently.
tip: dont watch for the green shield on your crosshair, instead hit the block key when you see your opponent begin to attack.

Step 3: the assault

During the assault there are a few things you should do to make sure you have as much health as possible during the duel with runt
Crossing the bridge:
Let the soldiers go in front of you so that they can take the arrow fire. once over the bridge you should be able to kill the enemy with your longsword fairly easily. Just remember to go for slash attacks and to not be afraid to back up if your stamina is low.
The cuman camp:
upon entering the camp don't go for the cuman footsoldiers, instead try to kill the archers as otherwise they will kill most of your men. Right after the camp is cleared is the best time to heal.
It is important to save as many of your sodiers in this section as possible.
Attacking the church:
Be very cautious as there are many heavily armed and armored opponents. Remember to block/riposte. once the your men start trying to break the door down stand up against the wall and DO NOT FIGHT. If you step away from the wall to fight the archers will shoot you.

Step 4: the duel

During the duel with runt play on the defensive. Wait for him to attack then riposte! then while he's stunned go for a attack. you should be able to do damage to him wherever you hit now that you have a longsword.
tip: remember to block as he begins to move for the best chance of a riposte/perfect block.

conclusion

Congradulations! You've beaten runt without resorting to using a bow! Give yourself a pat on the back.

[Ironside32B]

train, train hard, get experience learn from bernard thats all you need to do, i beat him first try on my first play through

[S R A B]

it's a lot of information, Thanks dude

[JmZ-x-]

People have trouble beating this guy? He's pretty easy to beat :/ Nobody in this game is difficult to beat 1 vs 1. The Challenge comes from fighting against groups.

[Pilda]

GloriouSin you can instant kill him with a bow. Just one shot to his head and he's dead.

[GloriouSin♪]

People use a bow on him?! How is it easier with a bow lol?! How can ANYTHING in this game be easier with a bow?

[Zachary Gamble]

i just hit him in the head a few times with a short sword and killed him just fine my first playthough on hardcore XD

[Diamond_]

I did the first sword combo Bernard teaches and instantly killed him.

[Deuhn]

I just used a bane potion on my blade and bought time.