The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - Gimli's Skills Guide
For Gameboy Advance

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_ _____ _______ _____
| | / _ \ |__ __| | __ \
| | | | | | | | | |__) |
| | | | | | | | | _ /
| |___ | |_| | | | | | \ \
|_____|ORD \_____/ F |_|HE |_| \_\INGS

**************************************************
Version 1.4

First written in January of 2004 by Soapman87 ([email protected])
**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