[Cerek the Barbaric]

AD&D is designed for high level mages to be the most powerful character class in the game.

However, high level fighters can eat a LOT of damage the mage deals out.

It would really depend on what items each character had and who got initiative.

I happen to play a Wizard Slayer, and they are darned effective against spellcasters. In addition to the their Magic Resistance, they have a 10% (cumulative chance) per hit to cause Miscast Magic. At 40th level, a Hasted fighter with Mastery or better will have 5 attacks/round. Even if they don't cause Miscast, they stand a GOOD chance of disrupting the spellcasting.

You are correct that Wizard Slayers can only use Armor and Weapons. NO cloaks, rings, girdles, etc. However, they CAN use boots and guantlets.

I've downloaded a couple of items from outside the game that give me some extra advantages.

Charon's Gauntlets - automatically TURNS any spell 6th level or below back onto the caster (except for Area of Effect spells, like Fireball).

Bala's Axe - Imported from BGI. It also has a 10% chance per hit to cause Miscast Magic.

Riftsword - Gives Protection from Magic. Plus, each hit drains one spell from mage's memory.

And if all else fails....

Sihn's Soulreaver - 75% chance PER hit that the target must Save vs Death or die.

I would put Cerek up against any wizard, but even with all my special abilities and weapons going for me, a couple of Time Stops will completely ruin my day.

So..to answer the question...the Law of Averages favors the mage. He will probably win 60%-70% of the time, but the fighter has pretty decent odds too.