User blog comment:Commander Marko/Strix, The Vampire Leech/@comment-216.197.154.216-20130122073216/@comment-4290320-20130122140611

The ability needs to be leveled up at least once for the effect to be working. And if he maxes Cruentus by level 9, he will be lacking power to deal burst damage and the life steal is a bit useless.