DKP Information
Zero-Sum DKP

In a zero-sum DKP system the guild DKP records always end with a zero total point balance. The person that is interested in an item may voice interest no matter their points balance. The player with the highest points balance receives the item and goes down that amount of points even if they were at a negative number or it will take them to a negative value.

Zero-sum takes some time to get used to and is more complicated but many feel it is a fairer system and allows people to get items they need even if they do not have points, instead of disenchanting them.


Zero-Sum DKP Example:

The following group is in a DKP rated instance with the starting totals shown:


Name DKP
Messiah (Mage) 15
Ratboy (Ranger) 5
Boomjack (Druid) 0
Ralphedel (Warrior) -5
Ethec (Priest) -15
Total 0


After killing the first boss a caster staff drops that was assigned a value of 10 points. Messiah, Boomjack and Ethec all want it. Messiah has the highest current DKP so is awarded the staff, which costs him 10 points. Each member of the party is then also awarded 2 points for the drop (10 points / 5 players), which leaves us with the following.


Name DKP
Ratboy (Ranger) 7
Messiah (Mage) 7
Boomjack (Druid) 2
Ralphedel (Warrior) -3
Ethec (Priest) -13
Total 0



The next boss drops 2 items, an Axe worth 15 points and a casters ring worth 10 points. Both Ratboy and Ralphedel are interested in the axe, but Ratboy has the most points so gets it. Ethec is the only caster than wants the ring (Messiah and Boomjack already have it) . Ratboy spends 15 points and Ethec spends 10 (driving himself further into the hole, but still getting items!). Also 25 points were dropped so each player earns 5. The chart would now look like this:


Name DKP
Messiah (Mage) 12
Boomjack (Druid) 7
Ralphedel (Warrior) 2
Ratboy (Ranger) -3
Ethec (Priest) -18
Total 0


Zero-sum DKP was originally designed to resolve the issues around item rot. What is item rot you ask? It was what happened to items that nobody could afford due to lack of points, or was not willing to spend all their points knowing they would be near zero and not be able to get anything else after.

An example of this would be that a Boss drops an uber sword of fire. It is worth 120 points, but nobody that wants it has 120 points. Without zero sum it would not be given out and would "rot" on the corpse. The saying, "Grats Rot" was common in EQ for this reason.




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