Re: DM: Another Question on Using Tactics

From: Ben 'Critical' Hitz

Date: Wed, 17 Nov 1993 02:03:55 +0000

In article <1993Nov17.011016.11894@dragon.acadiau.ca>
860099w@dragon.acadiau.ca (Marty Ward) writes:
>:
>:Following the last question on using Responsiveness, I'd like to
>:ask about the other defensive tactics: Parry, Dodge, and Riposte.
>:
>:1) Of Parry and Dodge, which do you use for your Defensive (and
>:   even Offensive) fighting styles?
>:
>:1a) When would you use Parry? When would you use Dodge?

Parry and Dodge are used (simply enough) when you are willing to forgo the
offense, in order to save your butt.  I ususally use parry with TP's WS's
(obvious), and PL (less obvius).  If you have a warrior that can't jump
others you might want to use Parry.  Sit there are tire that lunger out,
then go offensive in minute 2.  Once you have a good parry skill, it
shouldn't be necessary, although I would use it in desperation.  In
addition to the above 3 styles, it is 'suited' to PR, PS, and AB.  I
haven't had much sucess using _anything_ with AB and PR, parry included
(actually I did have a good PR-- running 6-6-6-x-x).  I've never used with
PS, (though I don't run many) -- I usually run decis in minute 1, and
response in desperation.  P would be good if I had a high CN, was slow.
Or is probably as good as S in desperation (depends on parry skill)

I don't use dodge nearly as much.  I usually use it in desperation with LU
(but I only run 1), SL (occassionally), or PL, and AB (see above).  I have
only had sucess with the LU.  I don't think this is any fault of the Dodge
tactic, but rather that my warriors' defense ratings suck.  Even PL
(allegedly better dodgers than LU) take a while to get their defense in
gear.  In general, I would say (because of lower skill levels), it is less
useful than parry.  The exception is LU, who have no parry, and great
defense.  If I had a Lu that was low on decis, I might run him dodge in
minute 1, especially against ST,PS,SL,BA, and other LU.  (this is infact
the case: my LU has Master Defense, no rating decis).  I have never used
dodge with PS, TP, WS, or PR, although it is suited to TP's.  T

>:2) And what about that Riposte tactic?  Does it do any good?

I haven't used it much, and not particularly sucessfully.  Desperation
with SL, or WS with good parry/lousy riposte (i.e., most).

>:2a) Since there already is a Riposte style (the PR), then why
>:    a Riposte tactic?  Can you use the Riposte tactic with the PR style?

It is well suited to PR, but not all that useful (except maybe vs. styles
with very high init--SLashers).  The reason is that with PR, riposting is
the _least_ of your worries.  More important is defending (parry or
dodge), and attacking.  I have had my only sucess with PR going no
tactics, although I've heard that low numbers with Parry works.  I think
the key to PR is finding your favorite rhythm, but I couldn't proove that,
since my PR died!  (I have another, but he's much lamer-- and no where
near ADM)

>:2b) Would you use the Riposte tactic with these styles: TP, PS, PL, WST?
TP: maybe, although I don't run very many.  Usually your trouble is
attacking, not riposting.

WS (see above) WS have notoriously lousy riposte ratings.  They seem to
ripose OK, however.  If your parry/defense far outstrips your riposte, and
you have a good attack, you might try it in minute 1 or minute 2.  I don't
think it's suited.  I never really had trouble running WS, they win at
most 'standard' WS strategies, so I haven't experimented much.

PL/PS never tried it.  It's not suited.  with PS, I would use respons.,
and generally a PL defenses aren't good enough.

Ben
---
"With humor Comrade, always with a bit of Humor"
         From 'The Manchurian Candidate'

References

DM: Another Question on Using Tactics
860099w@dragon.acadiau.ca (Marty Ward)
Wed, 17 Nov 1993 01:10:16 +0000