Developing a STR4 High Elf Linemen

[RogueThirteen]

I've started a new High Elf team at the local league, and a few games in I've gotten a linemen who rolled 6+6 as a first skill-up. I thought about taking Guard (less TV, makes multiple players "STR4"), but opted for the STR4 piece for something fun. I think my new objective will be to get this guy as many TDs as possible to get to the next level quickly, and let MVPs + Completions keep moving the rest of the team's SPP forward.

Thinking about development, there are two options I was considering. It's a finite length league (~15 games), so I wouldn't expect this player to get more than one or two more skills, at best. So, given that restriction, what are some good ways to develop this piece with only one/two skills?

(1) Defensive: Anti-Leaper -- Sure Hands, Block (or Dodge)
There are a couple of Wood Elf teams and a lot of Dark Elf teams in the league right now, so I wouldn't be surprised to face quite a few leaping Blodgers with Strip Ball. Against such teams, this guy could grab the ball and go inside a cage for a running game, forcing a 2-Die Block my choice when someone tries to leap next to him. Downside is that Sure Hands won't be terribly useful outside of this. That being said, I'm not terribly scared of leaping strip-ballers because as an elf team, it's easy enough to recover the ball and odds are if it's stripped one of my cage or screen members will catch the ball or at least it will be in a lot of TDs. Plus, leaping is a good way for Blodgers to get hurt, because even if they stick the landing it's FOUL! time once their trapped inside the cage for a turn.

(2) Offensive: Leaper -- Leap then Strip Ball (or Block)
See above, only now this player could Leap into a cage and throw a 2-Die block against most opponents.

(3) Offensive: Path-Blazer -- Frenzy then Block ( or Sidestep)
A little frenzy is always nice on any team, and there's not much more you could ask for than a mobile STR4 frenzier.

(4) All-Around -- Block then Dodge
Boring, but a STR4 Blodger would always be a pain to take out and would be really flexible when making Blocks/Blitzes.

[mattgslater]

Block, then Dodge.

[DoubleSkulls]

Block then Dodge.

[Nod_Hero]

What they said.

[Smurf]

IMO Guard would have been better.

But Block then Dodge

Depends how offensive you want the player

Block then Tackle is also good. Especially against the Elves!

[plasmoid]

IMO an ST4 leaper is a big deal.
leap, block, dodge. Or leap, block, strip ball.

[garion]

I would go block, dodge, frenzy, tackle, SS
Leap is a great skill but I prefer it on an ag5 player so the roll is 2+. I have seen too manay great elves die from failing a leap on a 3+ to risk losing a St4 one. With St4 frenzy. he will be an amazing back field sweaper and after the a blitz on a ball handler if the ball should pop free then you will be able to pick it up knowing your opponent will have a pretty tough time getting it back off you. Also obviously great for surfing players.

[nick_nameless]

I would go wither Block Dodge Sidestep or Block Sidestep Frenzy

If you get doubles next, I would take Guard

If you get doubles third, I would take Guard.

If you get doubles 4th, it depends which build you were going for...and I would take Guard for build one or replace Frenzy with Mighty Blow in the second build.

[mattgslater]

I know this sounds funny... but I wouldn't take Side Step on this piece until 76. Leave that for the ST3 supporting cast; few coaches will sell out to blitz ST4/Blodge if he's not holding down a strongpoint. If he makes it to 51 SPP, take Leap or Frenzy.

[RogueThirteen]

That's a lot of votes for Block --> Dodge. You guys are boring!!

Not that I'm matters, I'm sure he'll die within two games (after the apothecary fails him, of course) hah.

[mattgslater]

Boring wins.

[Smurf]

Boring can me predictable. Therefore when everyone is behaving predictably... it is boring and chances will luck out somewhere.

Unconventional play is exciting and therefore needs to be examined for degrees of success.

[mattgslater]

But Block and Dodge don't speak to playstyle. Want to play unconventionally? Take Blodge and do whatever unconventional thing you were going to do, only with more confidence!

[juck101]

Boring is not always because its dull, more its just been tried and worked well. Block and dodge are good on any elf, and subsequently pretty good on any elf that gained a stat also.

I can think of many many ways to play a st4 blodge elf. All of them are good fun also

[RogueThirteen]

I think I'll go the Block-Dodge route. He hasn't died yet, but two games in he is MNG with a niggling injury now.

Such is BloodBowl. Unleveled chump linemen? They'll get knocked down all game long without a scratch to show for it. AG4 Skink? STR4 Elf? Big Guy with Block? Well, if a thrown rock doesn't injurel 'em you can bet the first time they're knocked down will! ha