Hello, I'm having a problem in Hardcore Difficulty.
When I get to the part where the orcish leader challenges me to a duel, he simply one-hits me.
Even using the 3 oil jars, and fire traps to try to burn him down during his talk, I can't get past it. My phoenix ring doesn't seem to go off either.
Anyone able to help?

I have passed it very easy. My strategy was simple:Block when he attack me for a first time,hit with leg and then 1 powerful hit with sword. Then I was running around the arena and repeated this actions again. I have passed it for a 3 times.

By the way I have used electrical daggers. It's very helpful weapon in this situation. You can easily shock orc.

The orc guard captain can power strike through your block, you have to power strike him first(hold strike, rush forward, and release strike). I used lightning daggers.

The duel whit the orc is a nightmare. I win using rocks i find in the floor and impale him MANY times. He resist 3 or 4 impales...