Optimal or undervalued characters?

[Morreion]

The Daily Grind: Make your own kind of music

When you play an MMO, do you try and make your character optimal, or do you throw all caution to the wind and grab whatever you want? Do you play undervalued classes or use skills generally considered sub-par just because you like working up to the challenge? Do you like trying to crack a new build that no one else will realize the strength of for a while? What are your little ways of rebelling against the "correct" way to play and build your character, if you have them?

I've never been an 'optimal' player in the sense of being a min/max kind of guy who puts every single point in its perfect place. I am attracted to undervalued classes or unconventional builds. I never thought being Optimal Warrior #8,763 was that interesting, even if they were effective.

I played a Cabalist back in DAoC before Cabalists became cool Before they were beefed up, they were neither powerful nor numerous. I'd rather be playing a seldom-seen class or template that way.

[ariesel]

I won't sit for hours anymore like we used to do in EQ waiting for that optimum item (*cough* druid book *cough*) . But, I will take up at least two crafts in a game, because most times those items are better than dropped or quest rewards.

I really enjoy the trait system in LOTRO as well, so my hunter smashed millions of slugs just to ensure she had the Determination trait. And let me tell you, it took a lot of determination at 20-something to hunt level 5 slugs! ;D

So, I suppose I'm in the middle as far as "optimal" is concerned. As long as I can heal sufficiently and stay alive while doing it, that's ok with me!

[Rakul]

I go for uniqueness. If I like the look of something, I do it... value be damned! I was a Highlander Scout in DAoC, for goodness sake! heheh

[Morreion]

Hey Kul, I had a Highlander Scout too! *laughs*

Determination: killing a million slug. Sounds about right!

[Loendal]

I don't really pay attention to builds either. I grab what skills and traits (If there's any variation you are allowed to have) that appear to help for whatever task I've set myself to. My Cleric in DDO is the only healer for our little pack of vagabonds, so anything and everything I can put into healing and such, I go for. I want strong heals and alot of spell points to heal with so I don't run out in an emergency.

I'm a healing machine

[Rakul]

Nov 17, 2009 10:02:08 GMT -5 Morreion said:

Hey Kul, I had a Highlander Scout too! *laughs*

Oh, did you now? Though did you know that scout was my first 50?

[Regolyth]

Nov 17, 2009 9:51:25 GMT -5 Rakul said:

I was a Highlander Scout in DAoC, for goodness sake! heheh

That's just idiotic. Highlanders make horrible scouts, but then, I suppose that's the min/maxer in me coming out. I tend to play a little to bother sides. I rolled a elven Ranger, but if I really wanted to play the ranger right, I would have made him a lurikeen. Lurikeens got a bigger bonus to quickness/dexterity, whereas elves got more constitution (celts got more strength, which was useless to a good ranger). I liked RPing elves though, hence my decision. Not to mention living longer was a bonus for a ranger (I'm a defensive kind of player).

However, when it came down to speccing my talents and building a template of gear, I min/maxed the best I could. Sure, it wasn't as good as some of the experts out there, but I did make some darn good templates, and it showed in my success in RvR.

[Rakul]

I know they're horrible Scouts, but I liked the looks and RP aspect of it.

I never cared for the trouble it takes to min/max. Keens just wanna have fun!