Pure Defensive, parry based:
These are the next easiest warrior type to design, master, and create a strategy for. There is a well known 'catch all' strategy for this type of warrior as well. It is 1 OE, 1 AL, parry tactic. In the hands of the right warrior (typically TP's), it is a very difficult strategy to beat.
You can play around with numbers and Assur has run parry based defensives from anywhere from 1-6 OE, and anywhere from 1-6 AL. I'd love to hear the Consortium's thoughts and musings on how to best optimize these warriors, because he runs more parry based pure defensives than most. You also don't have to use the parry tactic. These warriors typically don't need it.
Armor: Usually APA/F or APM/F. Assur rarely goes below ASM/H. Weapon: Off-Hand shield! Many of these also use main hand shields, but you can also use a weapon. Sometimes you might even attack with it.
Countering the parry based pure defensive.
Option 1: If you can't beat them, join them. It is always an option to try and counter with the same strategy. Fights like this can end up going a long time (typically in the 30 minute range in basic and can extend 100's of minutes in Advanced). In basic, Assur has had success using a single big weapon and lighter armor so that when both warriors are so tired they can barely hold their hands up, you might win by attacking.
Option 2: Slow Down! The pure defensive isn't going to try and attack you, so you can normally slow down to 1 AL. This conserves your endurance. Then, if you think you know your favorite OE, use that. Also use the biggest weapon you are well suited to.
Option 3: Aimed Blows... There is nothing an Aimed Blow typically likes more than a defensive warrior to fight. Their ability to ignore armor makes them able to beat plate clad warrior better than most. It depends a little on your Aimed Blow, but this matchup heavily favors the aimed blow, all else equal.
Option 4: Avoid! These guys can be tough to beat, especially for Lungers. There is no shame in avoiding parry based pure defensives with obscene records. They've beaten lots of others before you.
-- By Assur