Slayer of Gimps
2012-02-10, 10:03 AM
Let's get something out of the way right off. You should really be playing something better. You gain nothing by doing otherwise except headaches.
Despite this, some people insist upon using them anyways.
So if you have someone in your group that wants to do this or you are that person here's a few ways to get the most out of them:
Send them ahead: Have the low tier guy proceed ahead of the rest of the group. If the way is clear you'll know it. If not then you will get advance warning of enemy presence and capabilities. However when using this technique keep in mind that they are a consumable resource, so make sure you have plenty of replacements and make sure you can deal with the likely possibility of it backfiring by alerting the enemy and giving them chances to buff instead of just killing them right off. However if it works there is a great deal of profit to be had here.
Establishing dramatic tension: So you are a DM and you want to establish a given enemy is a threat, but you don't want them killing the main cast. No problem. Just have them invoke the Worf effect.
Don't correct them: A very large number of these characters tend to grossly overestimate their own capabilities, in a fantasy mirroring of the Dunning-Kreuger effect perhaps? Whatever the reason you might be tempted to set the record straight by illustrating to them exactly how capable they really aren't. Don't. Instead, let them think whatever they like. The enemies will set them straight soon enough, and this is a very effective way for the rest of the party to have plenty of fun and profit. Besides, however well intentioned your advice they won't take it anyways.
The pack mule: So you're at such low levels you can't have a haversack yet, and no one has any packmules for sale. No problem, just get a bagboy to hold your things! This one is far from ideal - after all, an actual pack mule is far cheaper, and likely better behaved and smelling as well but sometimes you have to take what you can get.
The longshot bet: Say you've gone and got yourself an unlimited supply of raises. You want some entertainment. Just put the low tier guy up against a level appropriate fight, invite people to place bets on him winning, then raise him when he almost inevitably loses.
The mascot: Every team needs someone who might be cute but isn't useful around, and the unique sets of skills shared by all low tier classes make them ideally suited to this party role.
Keep in mind that submissions must be effective, fun, and profitable, those that aren't are off topic and not relevant to the discussion thread.
Despite this, some people insist upon using them anyways.
So if you have someone in your group that wants to do this or you are that person here's a few ways to get the most out of them:
Send them ahead: Have the low tier guy proceed ahead of the rest of the group. If the way is clear you'll know it. If not then you will get advance warning of enemy presence and capabilities. However when using this technique keep in mind that they are a consumable resource, so make sure you have plenty of replacements and make sure you can deal with the likely possibility of it backfiring by alerting the enemy and giving them chances to buff instead of just killing them right off. However if it works there is a great deal of profit to be had here.
Establishing dramatic tension: So you are a DM and you want to establish a given enemy is a threat, but you don't want them killing the main cast. No problem. Just have them invoke the Worf effect.
Don't correct them: A very large number of these characters tend to grossly overestimate their own capabilities, in a fantasy mirroring of the Dunning-Kreuger effect perhaps? Whatever the reason you might be tempted to set the record straight by illustrating to them exactly how capable they really aren't. Don't. Instead, let them think whatever they like. The enemies will set them straight soon enough, and this is a very effective way for the rest of the party to have plenty of fun and profit. Besides, however well intentioned your advice they won't take it anyways.
The pack mule: So you're at such low levels you can't have a haversack yet, and no one has any packmules for sale. No problem, just get a bagboy to hold your things! This one is far from ideal - after all, an actual pack mule is far cheaper, and likely better behaved and smelling as well but sometimes you have to take what you can get.
The longshot bet: Say you've gone and got yourself an unlimited supply of raises. You want some entertainment. Just put the low tier guy up against a level appropriate fight, invite people to place bets on him winning, then raise him when he almost inevitably loses.
The mascot: Every team needs someone who might be cute but isn't useful around, and the unique sets of skills shared by all low tier classes make them ideally suited to this party role.
Keep in mind that submissions must be effective, fun, and profitable, those that aren't are off topic and not relevant to the discussion thread.