On Favored Rhythms and Weapons

Unchartered Poster Joined: Jan 28, 2016 Posts: 34

Some of the fighters I started in the 90s--before my long layoff--are now graduating. Their favorites, particularly in the way of rhythms, are far off from the way I've fought them.

For example, I'm graduating a Striker who's won 62% of his fights running 10-10-x with either a BS or SC. His favorites came back as VL/VL/ small shield, slash tactic.

Another is an Aimed Blow I've run at 10-10-x. His favorite came back as M/L.

My specific question: In the last fight in Basic, has anyone run their warrior with their favorite rhythm if that rhythm's been radically different from what you've run them with successfully? If so, how did they do in that last fight?

I'd love to run them in that last Basic fight with their favorite rhythm, but if they're just going to stand there and get pounded (my big concern) I'd rather not.

Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2016 2:33 pm

Well, it's the last fight. The fighter already has 'immortality', right? Next stop, Isle of the Eye? Some managers send their graduates to the Dark Arena just to see what happens. Why not try the 'favorites' and see what happens? Wink

If it won't kill 'em, why not? Think of it as an 'educational' experience.

Advanced Expert Poster Joined: Jul 30, 2003 Posts: 178

The VL/VL SM is pretty much your nightmare scenario. We all have them. I have that exact one. In that case I keep running him how I was before. He does OK! I did have a LU come back L/VH that I tried running that way and have kept him that way every since. He does well with it. I will basically try any favorites for a non TP that are NOT VL. I don't ever use VL for any non RPs. Warriors can do quit well not running their FAVs

Advanced Expert Poster Joined: Jul 30, 2003 Posts: 178

That should say any non TPs (total parrys) not RPs

ArchMaster Poster Joined: Apr 15, 2004 Posts: 2959

I try to incorporate some aspect of the favorites, but its not always easy.

In the case of your Striker, I would continue running him 10-10-x with BS or SC, but I would add his favorite Slash tactic. Strikers, Slashers, and Bashers benefit greatly from running 10-10-x in minute 1 regardless of their favorites, simply because those three styles are terrible at defensive stuff so really need to attack first.

In the case of your Aimed Blow, I would incorporate the Mod OE, but not the Low AL. So instead of running him 10-10-x, I would run him 6-10-x and 5-10-x. I might use the Low AL in late minutes, but certainly not early on or in desperation.

I rarely use Very Low OE or Very Low AL, while Low AL is situationally useful at best.

You will encounter other warriors, like LUs and defensives and hybrids who can use every bit of their favorites, and it can be fun to use them on their last fight in basic for a nice boost, whether against the Dark Arena monster or your nemesis in the arena.

Posted: Tue Oct 04, 2016 7:27 pm

I don't fight a ton in ADM, but I have always tried the fav's to see if there is a noticeable change. As the other guys eluded, it is most noticeable in the defensive styles. The offensive guys I have usually went back to what has worked well for them during their storied career in basic.

I have a TP in 107 that I run exclusively with his favs including the weapon (BA) and he does remarkably well.

As they say, "dance with the one that brought you there", if the strat has worked to this point, make minor adjustments and keep winning.

Isn't it funny when you come back after a long absence and start to learn the game again...and then look at your warriors designed years ago and wonder the hell you were thinking...so many have to die...

Unchartered Poster Joined: Jan 28, 2016 Posts: 34

Thanks, guys. Very interesting info. It seems like some of my concerns were justified. I'll take this to heart.