Gluttons for Punishment
by Charis

Class: Paladin, Barbarian optimal. Others possible.
Tag: GFP

Introduction

The Health Nut and Damage Sponge are the two types of GFPs. The former is nuts about his body, vitality and life, forsaking all else. The latter is more reasoned, pushing the ability to 'tank' and absorb massive damage, taking the heat off his partners. There are several common characteristics, but some key differences as well.

## Health Nut

Rules

The Health Nut will pump only vitality.

Items

Armor
It'll be light because strength will be too low for others.

Weapons
What's the point? (j/k)
Life, and life loss avoidance are the key factors here, rather than damage. Crushing Blow is good for meleers.

Enchantments
+Life is very strongly preferred, life regeneration is fair.

Skills

No restrictions, but the above requirements need consideration.

Paladin
The main Health Nut. Thorns, and more thorns, adding in some conversion for an effective combo. Sacrifice, redemption, holy freeze and concentration are also a good combo. The life loss from Sac is less noticeable on a GFP. It's a matter of pride that he can do 300 damage to himself and not blink.

Barbarian
Highest hp per vit point, he's more able to use items for +strength, and along with shout and iron skin, have a chance to avoid getting hit. Whirlwind dmg will be lower than other bars, but chance to survive a bad WW are better. Find Potion is a crucial skill. With some increased stamina available, this guy is a marathon runner. With Battle Orders raising hp, his life will skyrocket for periods.

Necromancer
Iron Maiden, Life Tap, Blood Golem. This could be fun. Low str is ok, low DR will be his main form of damage!

Amazon
Low DR, all lightweight items (so no Gothic bow) but otherwise they go about their business as normal, just with triple normal hit points. A Crush(ing Blow)azon-GFP sounds like a good option.

## Damage Sponge

Rules

Mainly vitality, but some strength or dexterity to be able to wear more items is ok.

Items

Geared more toward a normal character, but with life showing up a lot, along with damage reducing items.

Enchantments
+Life is good, but -DFE, -MDR, and Thorns are excellent, too.

Skills

Can go with a thorns or IM approach like the Health Nut, or go for high dmg and life steal. New alternatives arise as well.

Paladin
Would NOT choose Sacrifice, as the emphasis is on minimizing damage. Redemption will be nice. (High level prayer push? Very variantish.)

Barbarian
Taunt and Battle Cry and others weaken the foe, and their damage.

Necromancer
Decrepify and Weaken become strong choices.

Amazon, Sorceress
They'll be avoiding melee anyway, so this should result in a character with few deaths.