Area Information
Area: Witman's Folly
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Enemies encountered: Grawl, Grawl Crone, Azure Shadow
There are two factors that can cause this run to be a little harder than griffon farming: knockdown and chillblains. However, if you analyze the area like I did beforehand, you should have a good idea on how to overcome these factors. I'll explain my thinking process for this run, hoping that it gives you a good idea on how to create your own builds:
Problem 1: Chillblains
Enemy using it: Grawl Crone
Solution: Grawl Crones are ranged, and chillblains is not single-target, it effects a certain area, pretty much like Heal Area. With basic knowledge of the enemies' AI, you would know ranged enemies don't rush into you, but rather attack from a range. Therefore if you do not get too close to them, Chillblains will not affect you, and will not strip any enchantment.
Problem 2: Knockdown
Enemies using it: Grawl
Solution: Using Dolyak Signet prevents knockdown for 8 seconds, with a recharge time of 20 seconds. Bonetti's Defense would also work, blocking 75% of incoming melee and ranged attacks. I used both in the video
Additional Question
Is there some kind of common health degeneration? (hex/condition)
No, so you will be fine with 9 points in healing prayers (Mending +3, Healing Breeze +7), and maximum pips for regeneration (either health or energy) is 10.
The core of a 55 build would be Protective Spirit, Healing Breeze, Mending and Balthazar's Spirit. Since we are using warrior as secondary profession, we will use Shield of Judgement as primary damage-dealer, and Blessed Aura to lengthen its duration. This leaves us with two slots, one of which will be Bonetti's Defense, always a good pick
I chose to fill the remaining slot with Dolyak Signet to assure Shield of Judgement does not get interrupted, as the possibility a Grawl's Hammer Bash attack knocks you down through Bonetti's Defense still exists.It's always good to overcast Protective Spirit and Healing Breeze in case something could happen. Also, the Divine Favor bonus is very nice if you're getting low on health. You should never be using Bonetti's Defense if you're enchanted with Shield of Judgement, as it would be counter-productive (Shield of Judgement triggers when you are hit, and Bonetti's blocks 75% of the hits you take).
You will encounter bosses in the run, but do not worry too much about them. You might have some problems with the necromancer and ranger bosses (Life Siphon and Poison Arrow, respectively), just make sure you keep overcasting PS and Breeze. It is possible to take both of them though, as well as the Elementalist boss. As for the monk and warrior bosses, you would need to tweak your build.
I suggest a single-handed weapon with a longer enchantment mod, such as an upgraded Fiery Flame Spitter of Enchanting. As for offhand, you will need the -50 health Grim Cesta from the Cities of Ascalon quest. If you have no idea what am I talking about and/or do not know what a 55 monk is, I suggest you go learn how it works now. Search around for a "Comprehensive Solo Monk Guide" written by some guy going by the handle of Cerb. Back on topic, I'll use a secondary weapon set with a max damage, customized Smiting or Holy Rod (used an Holy Rod in the video, but both work) to wand off targets that stay alive after Shield of Judgement. Don't forget a +1 Smiting Prayers scalp.
Here were the attributes I ran:
9 Healing Prayers
16 Smiting Prayers
9 Protection Prayers
13 Divine Favor
And the skills, for the lazy:
Protective Spirit, Healing Breeze, Shield of Judgement (E), Bonetti's Defense, Dolyak Signet, Mending, Balthazar's Spirit, Blessed Aura
If you keep dying, then you probably didn't read the guide at all, and just scrolled to the attribs/skill lists. You might either want to post in this thread asking for help and get a reply 1-24 hours later, or read the guide, that would help you with your problem as well as help you coming up with your own builds and ideas (see thinking process).
Keep in mind you don't have to do exactly like me. I highly suggest you add your own touch to the build, thumbs up for innovation
I recorded a short run, or very short I would say. It just demonstrates how to take care of grawls + crones, and should definately be enough to help you farm the area.
MOVIE LINK: http://rapidshare.de/files/15694366/PortSledge.wmv.html
I hope you enjoyed this guide as well as the movie and I'd really like it if you would leave feedback, questions and comments, whether they are positive or negative. Thanks!
