stranglers aren't really much in a fight. a few good strong dwarves with glorified billy clubs would be a match for them. Hell, six dwarves with a crude mix of tools and proper weapons can drive off the little freaks so long as no limbs get snapped in grapples. A horde of dogs can help too against them.
Yeah, but this fort is a part of the pick, plump helmet, and peasants challenge. The only axe we had is wood, and we have literally no dogs at all. I didn't really wanna test our lone "talented fighter" against some 10 or so crazy monkeys, even if they are bad at fights. One unlucky hit and boom, the fort's sole defense is dead and the monkeys would be free to either terrorize our little group or leave us to a potential tantrum spiral. The stranglers are gone now anyway, so eh.
We'll
probably be ready next time...maybe.