Concept: Fighting Styles
Tom being the best fighter for a while in s1 not because he was technically skilled, but because he was reckless. For a group not used to having to fight or die, as a zombie he didn't feel the same strain on his body as he fought.
Heavier swords, more power behind his movements, less pain after each hit taken. Tom took over the battlefield because he was a zombie, unable to feel the consequences of his reckless, destructive behavior.
Which is why, when the playing field was leveled through gear and improvement, Tom started to fall behind in combat prowess. Why Jordan began to outmatch Tom.
Jordan was pure technical skill. He was meticulous and methodic in his practice, preferring the discipline of bows over the raw power of swords. He took his time, planned his blows, and knew where to best hit his opponent. Tom didn't feel pain as much as the others, but a good strike still would take him down and have him grit his teeth.
Tucker focused on his swordsmanship and working shields into his style. If Tom was sheer force, Tucker was a solid defense. The first time Tucker blocked Tom's sword and held firm, a shift happened between them. It wasn't Tom dominating every fight anymore. It was a genuine battle, an actual dance of blades.
Sonja isn't a fighter, but she's quick and agile. Unless she has to make a stand, she runs, darting between trees and bushes and rocks and leaving people behind in a daze of twists and turns. When she has to fight it's with a single shortsword, allowing her to sneak in quick, shallow hits that wear you down over time. Against Tom, she is at a disadvantage, but if need be she can work to wear him down until one of the others arrives.
Wag doesn't fight in any traditional means. He is a magic user through and through, even when stripped of it. With his magic he is a force to be reckoned with, able to conjure up a quick defense or blast out a strong offense. Without it, he works on deceptions and slight of hand. It's similar to magic, really, all about getting the opponents focus away from what you're really trying to do. While his form with a sword is sloppy at best and his bow aim is barely there, as long as he can get you distracted he stands a fighting chance. And if things go south, one good misdirect is all he needs to a quick exit.
