Like many others, I have experimented with the striker style, though I waited nearly two years into playing this game before doing so. Recently, while preparing for a tournament, I was reviewing the many roll-up sheets I had ordered in hopes that I might find a warrior or two who might have a good chance at a TV, or even a TC prize. Most of the roll-ups were born losers, or mediocre warriors at best, so I decided to experiment with the striker style. Most managers will agree that in order for a warrior to have a long-term potential (Primus), you need a will of at least 15. I wouldn't know, never having gotten a warrior that far. However, not all roll-ups will give you the opportunity for a 15+ WT/WL/DF combo. With that in mind, I made a few high WT, high DF, low WL strikers and hoped for the best. I was relying on their superior decise to get in the first blow, and hoping to finish off the opposition before they had a chance to swing back. Before you mega-managers say it, yes these guys would have made good, albeit extremely fragile aimed blows with the stats such as the following. I know, I had one with similar stats TV at the same tournament with a 9-1-0 record. However, I am writing about the low-will striker, not aimed blows.
The result:
11-12-10-19-9-6-17 & 9-12-12-19-7-4-21These guys have absolutely no realistic long-term potential once past basic, assuming they live that long (that single digit will is a killer). However, #1 managed to go 8-2-1 in the tournament, picking up an impressive 18 skills in the process. He also managed to take out all 4 TP scum he faced, going 9 minutes in one fight, and 5 in another (his overview claimed "poor endurance"). #2 started with very "little endurance," yet managed to last 8 minutes vs. a TP-ratings, and had no problem sending those pesky TP-scum desperate before the end of the first minute.
Give your striker a scimitar and let him go out 10-10-7 decise. With the high-decise style advantage strikers get, he should get in the first, and hopefully last, blow. Slow him down to about 6-4-6 minute 2, then go 6-1-1 thereafter. He'll either have won or lost by the end of the 3rd minute vs. most opponents. Have him come out at 6-4-6 (min 1), 6-2-6 (min 2), and 6-1-6 (min 3+) vs. TP-scum. I aim for the legs (I don't know of anybody who protects the legs, especially at tournaments), though if you want to go for the kills, aim for the head.
Will these kind of rollups TV every time? NO! Their problem is a distinct aversion to pain, one blow will usually do them in. It is, however, a far better way of enjoying those frustrating low WL warriors than simply writing DA on the strategy sheet.
If you are really gutsy, run these guys in the arena. They are a sure bet to be killed before their 15th fight, but will probably have a winning record when they die.
Comments, derision and just about anything else welcome.
-- Blind Man, Red Branch (3)