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THE BRAINY – LOW WILL STRIKER

     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   &   9-12-12-19-7-4-21

     These 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 skill sin 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.

                                             Diplo Blind Man, Red Branch (3)
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