Alright Nightrunner in T1 the first thing to do is set a stance. A stance will describe the character, the environment and to some degree their mental and physical preparedness for combat. However in the stance or first post of a fight neither side is prepping for combat as this is simply the introduction to the character. 

Each writer is allowed to have a stance post then the process goes forward on a post by post basis for prepping attacks, attacks, defenses and counters. Ultimately resulting in a hit by one or both opponents. Usually this is written in a semi-closed post where each side unleashing an attack will post what they expect to happen if the hit occurs. If the opponent accepts the hit they can mitigate the damage through movement or defenses but not entirely. 

So I will post an opening stance post then you will.