how to gimp a toon

[arconalos]

So really what does it take to gimp a toon. Is it using skill points in swim? Not taking UMD? Having a 8 con? OR does it go all the way to minor things like 2 points in the wrong skill or stat?

[EAB]

Make a fighter with an 18 INT and put the rest of your points into CHA.

[Fenrisulven6]

Well, if you are minmaxing, 2 points misplaced will usually gimp you.

But I no longer believe in minmaxing. Its a game, not a career.

If someone's giving you hell because they think you are "gimped", tell them you prefer to save your powergaming for RL. Ya know, where it actually matters.

[arconalos]

Well, if you are minmaxing, 2 points misplaced will usually gimp you.

But I no longer believe in minmaxing. Its a game, not a career.

If someone's giving you hell because they think you are "gimped", tell them you prefer to save your powergaming for RL. Ya know, where it actually matters.

wow now thats an awesome idea +1 for you

[KingOfCheese]

Everyone defines gimp differently. Here's the major gimp build factors that many would probably agree on.

1) not enough hit points
2) not having a high enough casting stat if you expect to instakill or crowd control
3) multiclassing in non-complementary ways (sorc/wiz combo, etc.)
4) building up one marginally useful ability at the cost of useful abilities (e.g., super high "listen" build while sacrificing dps)

[sirgog]

Everyone defines gimp differently. Here's the major gimp build factors that many would probably agree on.

1) not enough hit points
2) not having a high enough casting stat if you expect to instakill or crowd control
3) multiclassing in non-complementary ways (sorc/wiz combo, etc.)
4) building up one marginally useful ability at the cost of useful abilities (e.g., super high "listen" build while sacrificing dps)

Add to that list one that's easily fixed if you want to fix it:

5) Fail to wear a Heavy Fortification item by the time it's important (Hard/Elite Gianthold and onward).

[Zenako]

So really what does it take to gimp a toon. Is it using skill points in swim? Not taking UMD? Having a 8 con? OR does it go all the way to minor things like 2 points in the wrong skill or stat?

You are gimped when your inclusion in the party does not make the quest easier to complete than an empty spot would. (while factoring out play skill from the equation. A really good player can make almost anything a net value, while a really bad player could mess up the most uberest of TR's in actual play). It is really hard to be that bad, but one can do it.

That would be someone who is unable to fulfill the roles they should be able to handle. A rogue and traps for example. A cleric and healing. A fighter and fighting. A bard and singing. Every class has some iconic roles that lie at their core. They should be able to contribute to those roles effectively on normal settings without question.

Now multiclass characters fudge this up a bit. And those are clearly the easiest to gimp when done without planning or any thought. Usually the most egregious examples of gimpdom can be found with multiclass toons, where the player has changed focus or blown with the wing/flavor of the day as they advance in levels.

[Gornn]

So really what does it take to gimp a toon. Is it using skill points in swim? Not taking UMD? Having a 8 con? OR does it go all the way to minor things like 2 points in the wrong skill or stat?

put more than two levels of monk on one character :P

[NXPlasmid]

put more than two levels of monk on one character :P

Yep, that way works everytime.

[Rabbi_Hordo]

Have the toon's name start with Hord_____

[Deathseeker]

To me, the answer to this depends on who you generally run with...because the answer is "whenever you provide less benefit to the group than someone they can easily replace you with".

Now, if you normally run with Elite guilds, that means if your character isnt of equal benefit to other guild members of the same class then I would consider it gimp. This likely means you probably need to be near optimally built. I don't believe 2 points in any stat is that big of a deal as a prior poster commented, but being below optimal in several areas will definitely become apparent with elite toons. Of course many guilds will run with a "gimped" toon just for the pleasure of the player's company (which must explain why my guild takes me along)!

If you instead run with medium pug's normally, you can get away with a much less optimized character as it would still benefit the group equally to the average pugger they could pick up. Just don't go in with no gear, no quest knowledge AND a funky build. You can probably get away with 2 of the 3 though.

If you run with a set group, then it doesn't really matter. You may choose to build a less optimal character on purpose for theme or playstyle reasons. If they weren't going to fill your spot with someone else, then it should still be good unless you actually cause more harm than good by coming along.

If you run solo, to me it doesnt matter. You'll just run content equal to your character's ability. Want to build a Wiz/Sorc/Monk? Go for it, you just won't be soloing quests that are level equivalent.

[dakkon75]

Have the toon's name start with Hord_____

Or Draz_______

Seriously folks I am just here to put some drazinyourpants.

[Slink]

put more than zero levels of monk on one character :P

fixed

[jcTharin]

multiclass without planing for it. the instagimp for any toon.

[Greydeath]

Follow a pre-made path

[Gornn]

fixed

lol it was right pre-edit! heheeh.

re: screenshots, in the end Aussie, I got nothing left to prove.

Only one person made a million plat off our two fights...and unless you bet on Gornn to win both times, it wasn't you.

[Strakeln]

Only the player can gimp a build.

Don't believe me? Give some of the best players the worst builds you can think of, and give some of the worst players the best builds you can think of. The better players, using ****ty will still outperform the poor players on uber builds.

[Emili]

Only the player can gimp a build.

Don't believe me? Give some of the best players the worst builds you can think of, and give some of the worst players the best builds you can think of. The better players, using ****ty will still outperform the poor players on uber builds.

... yet we knew that... as was a time we were all with little margins and we knew who plays well and who did not,,, it has not changed nor would I expect it to because the people behind the keyboard are ... well who they are.

[Aussieee]

put more than two levels of monk on one character :P

You know I am so tired of people talking **** about monks. If you wanna see how gimped monks really are come meet me in the pit





That is all

[Strakeln]

You know I am so tired of people talking **** about monks. If you wanna see how gimped monks really are come meet me in the pit

That is all

/scratches head

"Monks are uber, here's proof!" <shows screenshot of a bard> "See?"

/continues scratching head