
I started out ignoring the advice in the sticky here, and bought three vampires, eight thralls and five rerolls. The teams that I play aren't that bashy, so I figured I could keep enough thralls on the pitch even with three vamps around, and so far I've been right. With the change to the blood lust rule I have the feel that even more vampires can be fielded, since they are less likely to cost rerolls - of course they will wear down the thralls, but that is really just an issue if you face teams that prefer long drives, and against these it would be sound vampire strategy to go agressively for the ball, which would either cause turnovers (meaning fewer BL-rolls), or get you the ball (shortening the drive). So I'm actually thinking that fielding as many as five vamps any given time would be ideal?
So the question becomes how to build them? Originally my plan was to go blodge and then see what felt right, but with more vampires building more specialized players seem smarter. Så far I've only had two increases (guard on a lucky thrall, block on a vampire), but I'd like some input. The vamps have great skill access, which is just brilliant. These are my thoughts, I'd like some comments.
I want two vampires to roam the widezones, and being inspired by my darkelves I'd like blode and side step on them - I'll go block first and then probably SS, as their ST4 will likely protect them somewhat. On the other hand dodge is very versatile early in thir development, as mobility is a huge asset for the vamps.
I'll also want two more destructive types - Block, MB, Tackle, Frenzy sounds great, but it is a long way. Again starting with Block seems obvious, as it is so useful on both attack and defence.
I'm thinking that the first one to roll a double should be built as a thrower/ball carrier. Giving him pass and then strong arm and sure hands will make him a decent thrower who can hold on to the ball even though block or dodge only cones as fourth skills.
But that was five players already, and I haven't any leap, strip ball or guard, which suggests to me that something is wrong. Am I mistaken in building "two of a kind", and should I mold each vampire into a specific role? Should I abandon dodge compeltely in order to get to the other skills faster? Is going for sidesteppers thinking too defensively? Should I take a lot more guard, as it can be used passively?
Any input is welcome:-)