The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - Gimli's Skills Guide For Gameboy Advance ************************************************** _ _____ _______ _____ | | / _ \ |__ __| | __ \ | | | | | | | | | |__) | | | | | | | | | | _ / | |___ | |_| | | | | | \ \ |_____|ORD \_____/ F |_|HE |_| \_\INGS ************************************************** Version 1.4 First written in January of 2004 by Soapman87 (soapman87@yahoo.com) **Please e-mail me to make a contribution, submit an error, or give thanks** This guide (as of now) is only to be posted on gamefaqs.com. If you wish to post this guide on your website, please just email me first Table of Contents: Quick Search Key (Ctrl+F) 1) Introduction to this Guide -Intrtg- 2) Introduction to Gimli -Intrg- 3) Gimli's Skill Trees -Gst- A. Passive Skills Tree -Pst- B. Active Skills Tree -Ast- 4) In-depth look at Gimli's Skills -Idlgs- A. In-depth look at the Active Skills -Idlas- B. In-depth look at the Passive Skills -Idlps- 5) Different Types of Gimlis -Dtg- A. Treasure Hunting Gimli -Thg- B. Melee Gimli -Meg- C. Missile Gimli -Mig- 6) My Current Gimli -Mcg- 7) Other People's Gimlis ***COMING SOON*** -Opg- 8) Credits -cred- 9) Version History -vers- ************************************************** -Intrtg- +-------------------------------+ + 1) INTRODUCTION TO THIS GUIDE + +-------------------------------+ This guide is made to analyze and asses in-depth all of Gimli's Active and Passive Skills in "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" for GBA. -Intrg- +--------------------------+ + 2) INTRODUCTION TO GIMLI + +--------------------------+ In my opinion, Gimli the Dwarf is one of the best characters to start off with if this is your first time playing the game. He is a strong and hardy character with a wide (well, maybe not that wide) range and selection of skills, both active and passive. According to the game, "Gimli, son of Gloin, is a sturdy Dwarf. His toughness adn mastery of the axe is well-known. He travels with Aragorn and Legolas in the wilds of Middle-Earth." Gimli is my favorite character in the game by far. -Gst- +------------------------+ + 3) GIMLI'S SKILL TREES + +------------------------+ These Skill Trees may seem a bit confusing but its not that hard to understand -Pst- A. Passive Skills Tree ++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++ +++++++++++++ + Death Strike +-+ Axemaster +-+ Keen Eyes + ++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++ +++++++++++++ | | | +++++++++ +++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++ + Hardy +---+ Orcslayer +-+ Dwarf Sense + +++++++++ +++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++ | | | +++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++ + Berserker +-+ Battle Scarred +-+ Gloin's Double Axes + +++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++ -Ast_ B. Active Skills Tree +++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++ + Axe Throw +--+ Whirling Attack +--+ Dwarven Rage + +++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++ \ / \ / ++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++ + Stoicism +--+ Earth Shatter + ++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++ \ / ++++++++++++++++++ + Herbal Healing + ++++++++++++++++++ -Idlgs- +------------------------------------+ + 4) IN-DEPTH LOOK AT GIMLI'S SKILLS + +------------------------------------+ -Idlas- A. In-depth look at the Active Skills Axe Throw (Level 2) - Gimli throws an axe for 12 damage +2/level. Axes track at level 3. 50 Spirit. My Evaluation: Axe Throw is an amazing skill for a Missile Gimli. It is super at killing Ringwraiths and enemies that are too hard to reach otherwise. For example, in the Ithilien board, there are those 2 Orc Archers that are impossible to hit without a ranged attack and can only be hit by Axe Throw or something of that nature. It is also very effective in destroying Crebain before they have a chance to fly away, as well as Goblin Drummers. Whirling Attack (Level 2) - Gimli spins his axe to hit all nearby foes. +2 damage/level. 75 Spirit. My Evaluation: Whirling Attack is an okay skill, but only good for those who are using a Melee Gimli. In my opinion, this skill is completely useless. If you really want to use this skill on a Melee Gimli, then you also really need to max it out ASAP, and really focus on putting Attribute Points into Strength, Courage, but most of all, Health, as when you are in the heat of battle and enemies are all around you swinging like crazy, it's kinda hard not to get hit. Not worth it unless you maxed out every other skill. Dwarven Rage (Level 2) - All attacks are critical hits for 3 seconds. +2 seconds/level. 65 Spirit. My Evaluation: What a Skill!!! This is an amazing advantage for a Melee Gimli. All of your attacks can be critical hits for a maximum of 11 seconds, which is enough time to complete 1/4 of the first part of the Helm's Deep bonus level. Stoicism (Level 5) - Gimli take 15% less damage for 3 seconds. +2 seconds/level. +10% less damage/level. 85 Spirit. My Evaluation: Again, an amazing active skill. Once maxed out, Gimli takes a grand total of 55% less damage for 11 seconds. When used in conjunction with some of the other skills, it can be greatly applied to your advantage. Can be used with the greatest advantage as a Melee Gimli, as in the heat of battle, things can sometimes get really rough. Earth Shatter (Level 12) - Knocks and damages all enemies near Gimli. Radius expands 10% per level. 120 Spirit My Evaluation: This is probably one of, (if not the) best Active Skill which Gimli has to offer. It is amazing when used against Trolls, or even against massive amounts of enemies. Some reasons that it is good against massie circles of enemies, is that when you are in the heat of battle and enemies are all around you, if you use this skill then all those enemies take some damage, and are also pushed away from you, sometimes out of melee hit range. Herbal Healing (Level Max) - Gimli uses Kingsfoil herbs to heal himself. Cannot be improved. My Evaluation: All of the characters have this skill and it cant be improved so it's really not that amazing, except for the fact that it lets Gimli regain his health. Rating Chart of Active Skills Skill My Rating (out of 10) Best Used With ---------- ----------------------- ---------------- Axe Throw 9/10 Missile Gimli Whirling Attack 4/10 Melee Gimli Dwarven Rage 9/10 Melee Gimli Stoicism 9/10 Melee Gimli Earth Shatter 10/10 Melee Gimli Herbal Healing 4/10 Any Gimli -Idlps- B. In-depth look at the Passive Skills Death Strike (Level 2) - You know how to hit the enemy hard. (+3%/level Critical Hit Chance) My Evaluation: Okay skill, but not something you should concentrate on right away. It does provide a 15% chance of a critical hit once it's maxed, you could get that same chance with one weapon and one shield. Not so great but if you have extra points, its a place you might want to dump 1-3 points in here. Axemaster (Level 2) - Your power weilding an axe is legendary amongst Dwarves. (+1 Damage/level) My Evaluation: Once again, an okay skill, once it's maxed but not something to put points into early on. If you have extra points, maybe dump 'em here. Keen Eyes (Level 2) - Your vision is unmatched (You find 5% more gems and better items/level) My Evaluation: If you're using a treasure hunting Gimli, then this is a skill you want to max out As Soon As Possible. Once it's maxed out, you have a 25% chance of finding more gems, and a 25% chace that you will find better items, which really is just another 25% to add on to your total treasure hunting bonus. Amazing if you're a treasure hunter, but if you're not, then avoid this skill for now. Hardy (Level 4) - You are extraordinarily healthy and strong (+15 hit points/ level) My Evaluation: A very good skill once it's at least at level 3 which give you an extra 45 H.P., and once at level 5, you get a +75 Bonus. An amazing and must have skill for any Gimli, melee, missile, or any other, because any bonus health can always benefit you. Orcslayer (Level 8) - Years of fightin Orcs has benefited you. (+1 damage/level to Orcs) My Evaluation: This skill has got to be, by far, the worst skill that Gimli has in his skill selection. Wow, and extra maxed 5 damage to orcs. How wonderful. NOT!!! Dwarf Sense (Level 8) - You are more likely to find better items. (+10%/level chance of finding better items) My Evaluation: This skill is amazing, but really only is used to its full maxed potential if you are playing as a treasure hunting Gimli. Once you get this skill maxed, it's as if you have another extra 50% chance of finding better items. Combine this with Keen Eyes and you could get an extra 75% total. Berserker (Level 15) - You gain fury with each enemy slain. (+4/level hitpoints and +4/level spirit for each foe killed) My Evaluation: This skill is definately the best passive skill that Gimli has. Once maxed, you gain 20 H.P. and 20 Spirit points back with each enemy that you kill. Not bad considering that if you kill 5 foes you gain back 100 H.P. and Spirit. Battle Scarred (Level 15) - You are nearly impervious to damage (+1 armor toughness/level) My Evaluation: Avoid this skill at all costs, unless it is the only skill left that you have. It stinks, and it really doesn't help you at all. I don't see why EA even put this skill into the game. It would only benefit you if you are a melee Gimli Gloin's Double Axes (Level 20) - Gimli will throw two axes at once with his axe throwing skill. Both will track! My Evaluation: An amazing level 20 skill if you are using a Missile Gimli. If you aren't, then there is really no need to put the point into the skill, as any other kind of Gimli, save a Missile one would really be using the Axe Throw skill. Rating Chart of Passive Skills Skill My Rating (out of 10) Best Used With ---------- ----------------------- ---------------- Death Strike 6/10 Melee Gimli Axemaster 6/10 Melee Gimli Keen Eyes 10/10 Treasure Hunting Gimli Hardy 9.5/10 Any Gimli Orcslayer 2/10 Melee/Missile Gimli Dwarf Sense 10/10 Treasure Hunting Gimli Berserker 9/10 Any Gimli Battle Scarred 4/10 Melee Gimli Gloin's Double Axes 8/10 Missile Gimli -Dtg- +------------------------------+ + 5) DIFFERENT TYPES OF GIMLIS + +------------------------------+ -Thg- A) Treasure Hunting Gimli Most players who use Gimli use him as a treasure hunter for him and the rest of their characters. I don't blame them, as he is the best character to use for this job. A treasure hunter will want to have a high attack and all of their items should, preferably, have an extra treasure modifier or two in them. This is an example of a treasure hunting Gimli: Equipment recommendations: 1) Any item that ends in any of the following: a) _______ of the (+60%) Listed in the best order b) _______ of Luck (+30%) c) _______ of Hope (+25%) d) _______ of the Owl (+20%) e) _______ of the Queen (+20%) f) _______ of Middle Earth (+10%) 2) Any pendant which has the following prefix: a) Dark Sapphire ___________ (+90%) 3) Any handwear/footgear with the following prefixes: a) Blood Pirate ______________ (+45%) Listed in the best order b) Pirate ____________________ (+35%) c) Traveller's _______________ (+10%) Also recommended is any item with Gemfinder Skill reccomendations: Active Skill # of Points How fast to put them in? ------------- ------------- -------------------------- Axe Throw 1-5 At your liesure Whirling Attack 0 N/A Dwarven Rage 3-5 Max as soon as possible Stoicism 5 Max as soon as possible Earth Shatter 2-5 At your liesure Herbal Healing N/A N/A Passive Skil # of Points How fast to put them in? ------------- ------------- -------------------------- Death Strike 4-5 Fill up right after Keen Eyes Axemaster 5 Max as soon as possible Keen Eyes 5 Max as soon as possible Hardy 4-5 Max by level 20 Orcslayer 0 N/A Dwarf Sense 5 Max as soon as possible Berserker 3-5 At your liesure Battle Scarred 0 N/A Gloin's Double Axes 0 (1) Only if you use Axe Throw skill Stat impotantcy: 1) Health/Strength 2) Defense 3) Courage 4) Accuracy -Meg- B) Melee Gimli A melee Gimli is another smart way to use your Gimli, as he can become a very powerful warrior, given the right stats, skills, and items. He should focus on items with modifiers that give extra health, extra strength, extra damage, and a powerful shield. This is an example of a Melee Gimli: Equipment recommendations: ***COMING SOON*** Skill reccomendations: Active Skill # of Points How fast to put them in? ------------- ------------- -------------------------- Axe Throw 1-3 At your liesure Whirling Attack 3-5 Max by level 15 Dwarven Rage 5 Max as soon as possible Stoicism 5 Max as soon as possible Earth Shatter 4-5 Max by level 20 Herbal Healing N/A N/A Passive Skil # of Points How fast to put them in? ------------- ------------- -------------------------- Death Strike 5 Max as soon as possible Axemaster 5 Max as soon as possible Keen Eyes 1-3 At your liesure Hardy 4-5 Max pretty quickly Orcslayer 1-2 At your liesure Dwarf Sense 1-3 At your liesure Berserker 5 Max as soon as possible Battle Scarred 1-3 Not so important Gloin's Double Axes 0 (1) Only if you use Axe Throw skill Stat Importantcy: 1) Strength/Health 2) Accuracy 3) Defense or 3) Courage 4) Courage or 4) Defense -Mig- c) Missile Gimli A third way of using Gimli is as a Missile Gimli, focusing mainly on accuracy, Axe Throw, and leveling yourself up to level 20 ASAP. This is an example of a Missile Gimli: Equipment: ***COMING SOON*** Skill reccomendations: Active Skill # of Points How fast to put them in? ------------- ------------- -------------------------- Axe Throw 5 Max as soon as possible Whirling Attack 0 N/A Dwarven Rage 5 Max as soon as possible Stoicism 5 Max as soon as possible Earth Shatter 0 N/A Herbal Healing N/A N/A Passive Skil # of Points How fast to put them in? ------------- ------------- -------------------------- Death Strike 5 Max as soon as possible Axemaster 5 Max as soon as possible Keen Eyes 1-5 At your liesure Hardy 1-5 At your liesure Orcslayer 3 Not too fast Dwarf Sense 1-5 At your liesure Berserker 5 Max as soon as possible Battle Scarred 1-3 At your liesure Gloin's Double Axes 1 Max as soon as possible Stat importantcy: 1) Accuracy 2) Courage or 2) Strength 3) Strength or 3) Courage 4) Health 5) Defense ************************************************* -Mcg- +---------------------+ + 6) MY CURRENT GIMLI + +---------------------+ Since this is a Gimli skill guide, I figured I may as well include my current, and most favoritest character, Gimli, and his stats and weapons. I'll update it when I feel that there has been a significant change in the stats or something. Gimli - Level 43 - A Treasure Hunting Gimli Current Board - Rohan: Hills Experience 1,345,197 Next Level 73,353 Strength 85 Hit Points max. 658 Accuracy 84 Spirit Points max. 472 Health 90 Damage 42-51 Defense 90 Melee Armor 27 Courage 88 Missile Armor 18 To Hit 84% Points Left to Distribute: 140 Dodge 0% Shield Block 35% Gems 56,636 Enemy Kills 26,597 Active Skills Passive Skills Axe Throw: maxed out Death Strike: maxed out Whirling Attack: 1/5 Axemaster: maxed out Dwarven Rage: maxed out Keen Eyes: maxed out Stoicism: maxed out Hardy: maxed out Earth Shatter: 1/5 Orcslayer: maxed out Herbal Healing: maxed out Dwarf Sense: maxed out Berserker: maxed out Battle Scarred: 0/5 Gloin's Double Axes: maxed out Points Left: 4 Current Whetstone: Mithril Whetstone - Keeps weapons in perfect condition. +8 Damage Ent Water: Yes Fresh Kingsfoil Herbs: (restores 120 H.P.) 0 Dried Kingsfoil Herbs: (restores 60 H.P.) 10 Equipment: Refugee's Talisman of Luck Min. Level: 14 +1 Defense, +1 Courage, +25 Spirit Points, +30% Extra Treasure, +15% Critical Maiden's Greathelm of the Fates Min. Level: 19 +1 Melee Armor, +20 Critical Armor, -3 Accuracy, +1 Defense, +1 Courage, +60% Extra Treasure, +20% Critical Skin Heavy Cloak of the Argonath Min. Level: 17 +3 Melee Armor, +5 Missile Armor, +1 Defense, +50 Hit Points, +5 Spirit Points, +5% Speed, +5% Critical Dwarf Maiden Skeggox Axe of Luck (with Elf Rune III - Sacred Heart) Min. Level: 15 9-18 Melee Damage, +12 2H Damage, +1 Strength, +1 Accuracy, +1 Defense, +1 Courage, +2 Spirit Regen, +30% Extra Treasure, +20% Critical White Runed Lorica of the Fates Min. Level: 20 +11 Melee Armor, +8 Missile Armor, +5 Accuracy, +60% Extra Treasure, +20% Critical Madril's Tower Shield of the Fates (with Elf Rune III - Sacred Heart) Min. Level: 19 +1 Melee Armor, +1 Strength, -5 Accuracy, +2 Spirit Regen, +60% Extra Treasure, +20% Critical, +35% Shield Block Blood Pirate Shoes of the Eorlings Min. Level: 13 +2 Damage, +3 Melee Armor, +2 Strength, +1 Accuracy, +4 Health, +5% Speed, +45% Extra Treasure Blood Pirate Chain Gloves of the Moon Min. Level: 11 +2 Damage, +3 Melee Armor, +1 Strength, +3 Accuracy, +1 Defense, +45% Extra Treasure, +5% Critical TOTAL EXTRA TREASURE PERCENTAGE: 330% E.T. TOTAL EXTRA TREASURE PERCENTAGE INCLUDING KEEN EYES: 355% E.T TOTAL EXTRA TREASURE PERCENTAGE INCLUDING KEEN EYES AND DWARF SENSE: 405% E.T GRAND EXTRA TREASURE TOTAL: 405% Extra Treasure (and counting) CURRENTLY SEARCHING FOR: Blood Pirate Winter Coat of the Fates CHANCE OF FINDING THE ABOVE ITEM: 1 in 1,000,000,000 or some other high number -Opg- +--------------------------+ + 7) OTHER PEOPLE'S GIMLIS + +--------------------------+ ***COMING SOON*** -Cred- +------------+ + 8) CREDITS + +------------+ J.R.R. Tolkien - For writing all these amazing books Peter Jackson - For creating the amazing movies Electronic Arts - For making this game AdvanceWarsRocks - submitting his Gimli -Vers- +--------------------+ + 9) VERSION HISTORY + +--------------------+ Began on 1/18/04 - Version 0.5 - Added T.O.C. - Added Introduction to the Guide - Added Version History - Added Credits Section - Added Introduction to Gimli - Added Gimli's Skill Trees Section - Began the In-depth look at the Skill section - Began the In-depth look at Passive Skills section Updated on 1/19/04 - Version 0.6 - Added My Current Gimli section - Put in Other People's Gimlis Section Updated on 1/20/04 - Version 0.75 - Updated In-depth look at Passive Skills section - Corrected some spelling mistakes - Added the In-depth look at Active Skills section - Began the In-depth look at Active Skills section - Added the Different Skill Combos section - Added a few people in the Credits section - Changed the "Currently Searching For" item Updated on 1/23/04 - Version 0.76 - Updated the "Currently Searching For" item Updated on 1/26/04 - Version 1.4 - Updated the In-depth look at Active Skills section - Updated the In-depth look at Passive Skills section - Changed the "Currently Searching For" item - Completed the In-depth look at Active Skills section - Completed the In-depth look at Passive Skills section - Updated the "My Current Gimli" section - Added and Began the "Different Types of Gimlis" section