Guild Wars Guru

55 Monk questions (come here to ask)

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.killjoy
Krytan Explorer
• #1
55 Monk questions (come here to ask)

I made this thread to help guide some of the eager solo 55 monks to being very good at what they are made for with either UW, or just solo farming in other spots.

I made this thread so people with questions could come here instead of making new threads (I hope this thread stays alive with questions).

Many people here helped to create the 55 for solo or dual farming and have lots of information in many threads,but come here for help!

Let the questions begin
Quote: Lets talk GEAR!

Armor: Proven to work best is tats. Droks, LA, 15k, fow.. your choice
Weapon: Usually any sword/axe with 20%,29%,18% enchant mod would help alot Fiery flame spitter or HOD is prime for this build while tanking.
Offhand: -50 cesta seems to be very common so thats what most use not sure if there is another -50 health offhand while you have a (DP) you should maybe have -20 health offhand from pre-sear you can get them pretty easy from post sear aswell.
All 55 builds will have Mending present along with protective spirit/bond, healing breeze and 1 or 2 energy managing skills.
Thats a brief gear/skill guild of the 55
Some of my builds or collected information for 55 ( 3 builds with pictures and info) and some other builds
http://www.killjoy.bhxhost.com/killjoy/

--edited (here-on down) by: Tsunami Rain: This shall reflect all 55 monk questions--

I'll add a bit to this...Before posting your questions about 55 monking, please read these threads (as they are helpful and may answer your question).

http://www.guildwarsguru.com/content...onk-id1626.php
^Cerb's solo-monk guide

http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/s...d.php?t=140037
^my solo monking guide (includes FAQ section)

http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/search.php?
^search button
L
Lord Omnipata
Academy Page
• #2
First, I'd like to thank Cerb/Tsunami/Sno and whoever else contributed to the guides above -- very helpful in getting started.

I've read everything I've seen about 55'ing on these forums, so try to be patient if I ask a nOOb question.

1. More of an observation than anything -- Tsunami/Cerb suggest different attribute allocation for 2 man UW runs. I think Cerb suggested higher smiting for aura's benefit, Tsunami more favor for spirit, spellbreaker, etc.

I see both angles, but personally found that the higher favor works better for me -- energy doesn't give me problems and the longer enchantment times seem to help me more.

Just two different approaches? Or is one considered better than the other?

Also -- if you use Tsunami's suggestion Wroth's rod no longer works, found that out the hard way. Divine collector rod from the scar works well.

2. Me and my SS/SV partner are getting better -- have cleared the smites twice since we started Sunday. We're extremely slow though, and some things still lay the smackdown on us at times.

Biggest problem is getting my prot spirit interrupted, I mask with Bonnetti's when I can but sometimes I just don't have the adrenaline. Took on a group of Coldfires & Smites last night and the coldfires must have interrupted, which then put a longer recharge on spirit -- Return to Outpost lol. Any thoughts here besides operator error?

3. 2nd biggest problem is those damn nightmares. I FINALLY realized that spellbreaker has to be the last enchantment up, or the first one the nightmares see. You don't know how many plat was wasted because of that -- a noob mistake I'm sure, but you guys might add that detail to your guides as I don't remember seeing that mentioned.

So, before attacking the aataxes, I'll cast PS, HB, and then SB. Problem is when two nightmares pop up -- I can kill them before they strip, but my breeze runs out before I can recast. A problem when a lot of aataxes are beating me. Maybe I just need to get better at managing things or should I not try to pop up multiple nightmares? Thoughts?

4. Is there any combinations of groups that I do not want to aggro at the same time?

5. What's the max amount of enemies that should be aggro'd at one time? Seems like there's a point where spamming HB, PS, and BD just couldn't keep up.


I apologize for the novel, but I'm having a lot of fun with this because it's actually challenging. Anyway, thanks for everyones help!
S
Shiney T
Lion's Arch Merchant
• #3
How on earth do you cap SoJ !

I keep dieing
Could really use some help on this matter.
capblueberry
capblueberry
Krytan Explorer
• #4
Ok here's my set up:

Protect: 9
Divine Favor: 9
Smiting: 16
Healing: 13
(both 15 pt attritbute quests done)

Protective Spirit
Healing Breeze
Balthazar's Spirit
Blessed Aura
Mending
Blessed Signit
Zealots Fire (replace with bonetti's if ur power lvling)(it is aoe so dont cast to much at one time or monsters will run away)
Shield of Judgement {e}

Full Droks tattoo armor with Smiting +1 Scalp design
5 Superior monk runes:
1 or each and duplicate of another (which ever one is cheapest)
NO VIGOR RUNES

Fiery Flame Spitter of Enchanting
19% longer enchants
improve skill rechange (10%)

Grim Cesta
-50 health

Backup (if I die): Protective Icon
armor +4
health -20

UW setup:
just use the same attribute setup as above but remove all pts from smiting and put them in divine favor and protection

Also for UW replace shield of judgement with Spellbreaker and replace zealots fire with bonnettis

NOTE TO SHINEY T:
the best thing you can do to cap SoJ is to look for a group in granite citadel skill capping and Mineral Springs and join them, thats how i got finally after many tries
s
seifer402
Ascalonian Squire
• #5
ok im definately not expert on these things, but ill try and answer a few from my experiences :P

Quote: Biggest problem is getting my prot spirit interrupted, I mask with Bonnetti's when I can but sometimes I just don't have the adrenaline. Took on a group of Coldfires & Smites last night and the coldfires must have interrupted, which then put a longer recharge on spirit -- Return to Outpost lol. Any thoughts here besides operator error? might be in a maelstrom :P interrupts you every second for 10 seconds, if you see a huge ice diamon thing hit you then move a few paces :P

Quote: I can kill them before they strip, but my breeze runs out before I can recast. A problem when a lot of aataxes are beating me. Maybe I just need to get better at managing things or should I not try to pop up multiple nightmares? Thoughts? SB lasts for like 20 seconds so you have enough time to recast HB if needed and still kill 2 or 3 nightmares

Quote:
Is there any combinations of groups that I do not want to aggro at the same time? imo terrorwebs shouldnt be aggroed with anything else at all :P but i dnt like colds + smites either, just cause im not that good yet though i think, i think the pro's aggro them all

anyway hope that helped
L
Lord Omnipata
Academy Page
• #6
Thanks seifer -- it did help.

Am I imagining things when I say that spellbreaker only works if it's the last enchantment cast? I swear that was the case last night -- if it was buried under other enchantments the nightmare would simply rend everything. So if I recast anything spellbreaker loses it's effect correct?

Perhaps this is common knowledge, but I've never really had to worry about enchantments and their cast order before -- doesn't come into play much in PvE which is all I've done thus far.

Thanks again
s
seifer402
Ascalonian Squire
• #7
nope, i cast SB first a few times, still works just the same :/ you sure the aatxe didnt interrupt it when you cast? happened to me a few times :P
T
Tweecers
Academy Page
• #8
Personally I believe FFS is garbage. Absolute garbage. +5 energy is much better imo, then waiting for FFS to prove itself worth 1 in 10 SoJ's. That 5 mana is worth alot in many farming builds.

That +5 mana means I can wear judges or saintly armor and still have the same mana your ascetics has, meaning my def is better with the same mana your ascetics has basically for example.


I believe a HoD is still the best, the people who diss on them just cant afford them ><.


* FFS is ok in some situations, but in farming.. the only skills I can see as "spammable" like pro spirit/healing breeze already have extremely low recharge times, so the 33% faster really has no effect on me. SoJ a recharge would be nice, but 1 of 10, isnt enough for me to give up 5 mana, when it is extremly valuable.

I speak of titan farming, where with the new mantra of resolve, mana actually means something.
cerb
cerb
Jungle Guide
• #9
Quote: Originally Posted by Lord Omnipata 3. 2nd biggest problem is those damn nightmares. I FINALLY realized that spellbreaker has to be the last enchantment up, or the first one the nightmares see. You don't know how many plat was wasted because of that -- a noob mistake I'm sure, but you guys might add that detail to your guides as I don't remember seeing that mentioned. Ok first off, my approach favors taking on large amount of enemies quickly whereas Tsunami's is for security over speed.

About your #3, it sucks to tell you but you are totally wrong. As long as you have Spellbreaker on you, each spell/hex spell targetting you will fail. What this means is, the caster will lose the energy required for the spell to be cast but isn't actually interrupted or anything, so it's possible for them to start rending you the second SB wears off. Just cast PS & SB using your weapon set with a longer enchanting bonus, then switch to your (customized) rod and wand off nightmares as soon as they pop up. You sound like the guy that could miscast SB on your necro, watch out for that :P


Quote: Originally Posted by Lord Omnipata So, before attacking the aataxes, I'll cast PS, HB, and then SB. Problem is when two nightmares pop up -- I can kill them before they strip, but my breeze runs out before I can recast. A problem when a lot of aataxes are beating me. Maybe I just need to get better at managing things or should I not try to pop up multiple nightmares? Thoughts? I suggest you watch my 2-man UW video (link is in my thread or Tsunami's) and notice how I'll aggro stuff while taking care of nightmares. I'll most likely never (unlike many other monks) cast Breeze while I'm aggroing, so you can learn to deal with that by watching me play. Of course, this is how *I* do it and I'm not saying it's the best way, it's just a matter of playstyle and learning how to deal with things your own way.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Tweecers
Personally I believe FFS is garbage. Absolute garbage. +5 energy is much better imo, then waiting for FFS to prove itself worth 1 in 10 SoJ's. That 5 mana is worth alot in many farming builds.

That +5 mana means I can wear judges or saintly armor and still have the same mana your ascetics has, meaning my def is better with the same mana your ascetics has basically for example.


I believe a HoD is still the best, the people who diss on them just cant afford them ><. I personally think that what you personally think is garbage. Absolute garbage. You sound very unexperienced the way you put things. Please, tell me why would you rather have Judges or Saintly than Ascetics? Do you even know how the concept of an invinci-monk works? You could have a Judges armor or a pre-searing armor, you would still take 5 damage per hit.

You overestimate the HoD very much because of its price on the market. If it sells high, the only reason is because it's a discontinued item. It is very good on a warrior runner due to their low energy, but monk farmers have Balthazar's Spirit and/or Essence Bond and/or Blessed Signet and/or Bonneti's, which is enough to keep your energy up at all time. I do not see why I'd rather have 48 energy out of 48 rather than 43 out of 43.



Additional Information that people should know:

-= Concept of Adrenaline =-

From GuildWiki.org
Gaining adrenaline means every adrenaline skill in your bar gains that many points.
For every attack you make that hits, you gain 25 adrenaline points.
For every 1% health lost from your maximum, you gain 1 point of adrenaline.
For every 25% of your health lost, you gain approximately 1 "strike" of adrenaline--the equivalent of an attack landing. Note that health lost includes ranged attacks but excludes health degeneration.

Bonetti's requires 8 strikes of adrenaline, or 200 adrenaline points.
Balthazar's Spirit gives you 2...5 adrenaline points each time you are hit.

Level 0 Smiting Prayers: 2 points per hit
Level 3 Smiting Prayers: 3 points per hit
Level 8 Smiting Prayers: 4 points per hit
Level 13 Smiting Prayers: 5 points per hit

Now, let's come back to this:
Quote:
For every 1% health lost from your maximum, you gain 1 point of adrenaline. You lose 10% of your health everytime you are hit, giving you 10 points of adrenaline for each hit you take. With Balthazar's Spirit, you gain 10 points per hit plus additional points depending on your Smiting Prayers level.

Level 0 Smiting Prayers: 12 points per hit, Bonetti's Defense charges in 16.6 = 17 hits
Level 3 Smiting Prayers: 13 points per hit, Bonetti's Defense charges in 15.3 = 16 hits
Level 8 Smiting Prayers: 14 points per hit, Bonetti's Defense charges in 14.2 = 15 hits
Level 13 Smiting Prayers: 15 points per hit, Bonetti's Defense charges in 13.3 = 14 hits

Note that adrenaline charges upon taking damage and not upon being hit. Therefore, you being the target of Smite Hex will charge Adrenaline just like taking a Zealot's Fire burst will. (Refering to smites).
Tsunami Rain
Tsunami Rain
mmmmmmmm pie.
• #10
Quote: Originally Posted by Lord Omnipata 1. More of an observation than anything -- Tsunami/Cerb suggest different attribute allocation for 2 man UW runs. I think Cerb suggested higher smiting for aura's benefit, Tsunami more favor for spirit, spellbreaker, etc.

I see both angles, but personally found that the higher favor works better for me -- energy doesn't give me problems and the longer enchantment times seem to help me more.

Just two different approaches? Or is one considered better than the other?

Also -- if you use Tsunami's suggestion Wroth's rod no longer works, found that out the hard way. Divine collector rod from the scar works well. As cerb has mentioned, my build is more for security. If you're just starting out 55ing the UW it's a great build as you will have to worry just a little less. As you get better I suggest that you aggro more and possibly switch to cerb's build.

As for the rod, I don't use wroth's sorry to say, I use a rare max damage smiting rod with +energy while enchanted. Even though you dont have the required points into smiting prayers, it still does significant damage if you customize it (20% damage) and attack nightmares with it.

Quote: Originally Posted by Lord Omnipata 4. Is there any combinations of groups that I do not want to aggro at the same time? Coldfire's+smite crawlers. It just makes things way more difficult.

Quote: Originally Posted by Tweecers
I believe a HoD is still the best, the people who diss on them just cant afford them ><. HoD is still the best (I agree) but FFS is MUCH cheaper. I would suggest HoD to only those that have the resources to afford it (and are perfectionists). As for the majority, getting hold of a HoD will be well away in the future (if you can find someone that's selling one that is).

--edit--

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tweecers
That +5 mana means I can wear judges or saintly armor and still have the same mana your ascetics has, meaning my def is better with the same mana your ascetics has basically for example. The only advantage I can clearly see is that if PS ever wears off, you might get a little less damage. However, if PS wears off, chances are...you're dead. Not to mention that HoD is very expensive Anyone want to donate one to me? just kidding.
T
Tweecers
Academy Page
• #11
Quote: Originally Posted by cerb

I personally think that what you personally think is garbage. Absolute garbage. You sound very unexperienced the way you put things. Please, tell me why would you rather have Judges or Saintly than Ascetics? Do you even know how the concept of an invinci-monk works? You could have a Judges armor or a pre-searing armor, you would still take 5 damage per hit.

This is for farming and for Mo/R running. ( non 55) HoD wins hands down. I mean armor because I run, and armor does matter cerb, you of all people should know that.


My bad for not saying I run as well.

When I see people talk about 55's they seem very narrowminded.

You should not just be able to farm, you should be able to run people places too.

I run Mo/R non 55, and Mo/x 55, HoD is the best all rounder, 10% recharge really is negligible.

Again, 1 out of 10 spell breakers will not matter running. Prove me wrong.

I mean really.... if you are relying on a spellbreaker recharging every time, hoping you hit that 10%, you should not be running

or should I put it in 55 terms.

If you need to rely on a recharge of ... ( 55 spell here) you shouldn't be 55'ing!


what skills dont recharge under like.. 5 or 10 seconds on a 55 other then SoJ/B.Aura/SoW that *can* be crucial to a build.

I dont like relying on a % to *make* my build.

Yes it is helpful dont get me wrong, but 10%? it is just not probable that it will save my life good enough to sacrifice the 5 mana.

Go titan farming with the new mantra of resolve, and tell me if you dont need that 5 mana.

I speak from a.echo/soj energy management.


55 monks can do many things, I use mine for running and for farming purposes, HoD wins hands down.


FFS is just a poor mans HoD, I just really cant see 10% spell recharge as useful, whereas a HoD is like a jack-of-all trades.


I think I remember you cerb saying , if you base a build off 1 mana, you shouldnt really be asking a question.


5 mana is a bit more weighing, but 10% recharge on skills that recharge in like.. 5-8 seconds is just overkill.


IMO, FFS is for newer 55'ers who need that 10% to save thier lives, whereas my experienced 55'er does not need to have that 10% chance of a "faster protective spirit"


I run Mo/R with my HoD and farm with it, I farm 55, run 55/ non 55, my armor argument was based on non 55, HoD gives mucho options for my runner, and it is a great sword.





I mean for all of you people hating on the HoD sword, there is a reason HoD is removed from the game, and your FFS isnt.


I do respect you cerb as you have enlightened my in the past, I am sorry to have you hate on me like that. Good Day to you mate. no hard feelings.
Tsunami Rain
Tsunami Rain
mmmmmmmm pie.
• #12
Quote: Originally Posted by Tweecers
This is for farming and for Mo/R running. ( non 55) HoD wins hands down. I mean armor because I run, and armor does matter cerb, you of all people should know that. I just use my staff for non-55 and it does the job I'm not a real particular type of person. If I were, I would have changed out to tats a long time ago and rebuilt my 55. As for armor, I went from Ascalon City to Ascending with my monk in post-sear Ascalon City armor! one of my greatest accomplishments (not to mention that I must have only died about 7-9 times during that whole period as a healer).

No hard feelings but HoD isn't worth the price (imo). It would be nice to have but it really isn't worth the effort.

-Tsunami
T
Tweecers
Academy Page
• #13
Before I used to have my HoD, I would always try new ideas,but there was something always holding my build back, basically due to energy problems, or not enough energy'. This sword was like the secret ingredient, I just love it, and I do not like to see people hating on it. But literally the HoD sword has opened many builds, and numerous doorways, because energy is a monks blood so I would think that it would help alot I dont even know what a HoD sword is worth nowaday's, I can imagine they are only getting more expensive


From my viewing, I would say 50% say HoD, 50% FFS.

I guess it is just opinion, but I think mana opens more doors build wise.
Tsunami Rain
Tsunami Rain
mmmmmmmm pie.
• #14
Quote: Originally Posted by Tweecers
Before I used to have my HoD, I would always try new ideas,but there was something always holding my build back, basically due to energy problems, or not enough energy'. This sword was like the secret ingredient, I just love it, and I do not like to see people hating on it. But literally the HoD sword has opened many builds, and numerous doorways, because energy is a monks blood so I would think that it would help alot I dont even know what a HoD sword is worth nowaday's, I can imagine they are only getting more expensive


From my viewing, I would say 50% say HoD, 50% FFS.

I guess it is just opinion, but I think mana opens more doors build wise. well lets go to the polls be back in a sec.

--edit--
http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/s...d.php?t=141047
^HoD vs FFS poll!
cerb
cerb
Jungle Guide
• #15
Okay, first off, eliminate all armor, defense and non-55 stuff. This is a 55 Monk thread.

First, you do not need Mantra of Resolve for Titan farming. If you have to rely on MoResolve, then perhaps you aren't worthy enough of calling people new(bs):
Quote: Originally Posted by Tweecers
IMO, FFS is for newer 55'ers who need that 10% to save thier lives, whereas my experienced 55'er does not need to have that 10% chance of a "faster protective spirit" Nobody literally relies on a FFS. Go try Ice King in UW (24 dryders) and mix multiple coldfires and smite crawler groups (14 smites++with 2-3 colds++) and tell me if you'd rather keep your HoD.
sno
sno
Look into the Eye.
• #16
In 2man UW farming, FFS > HoD, end of story. For other things, HoD is better, but for strictly 2man UW, FFS owns it.

I use both (for different things obviously,), so don't try telling me it's a poor mans version of anything.
Batou of Nine
Batou of Nine
Desert Nomad
• #17
this is a good idea... too many 55 monk questions... and in all forum sections tOO!! OMFG!!

and btw, its called looking first. The reason people post 55 monk questions all over teh place is because they are too lazy to LOOK FIRST!! Nearly ALL you need to know is a STICKY THREAD in this monk forum section.. Just press back on ur browser then scroll to the top of the section...

here is the link itself for all you UBAR lazy 55 monk enthusiasts...
http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/s....php?t=126474\

so, PLEASE STOP WITH ALL THE 55 MONK THREADS/POSTS~!!!!
enjoy.
T
Tweecers
Academy Page
• #18
Quote: Originally Posted by cerb First, you do not need Mantra of Resolve for Titan farming. If you have to rely on MoResolve, then perhaps you aren't worthy enough of calling people new(bs):

mantra of resolve is 100% needed... havnt you ever farmed?


only other spells I can think of are....


distortion which is 5 seconds * laugh* and its 75% chance to evade attacks.

Maelstrom is 10 seconds.




bonetti's doesnt even matter because maelstrom is a spell....


how else do you not get interuppted?


Unless you like having to recast soj a second time due to interuption every time, be my guest, but I happen to like speedy farming.



I might be missing a totally ownage spell for interuptions, but I dont think I am.

2 water born titans will disrupt any spell you have... so ps, hb, soj.. w/e you know?

How can you say you dont need those spells on a 55? They are crucial. Being interupted means you die, kinda like in UW, cept those are physical and can be blocked by bonetti's, but we arnt talking physical here are we.


Come titan farming and show me how you do it.


Quote:
Originally Posted by cerb
Nobody literally relies on a FFS. Go try Ice King in UW (24 dryders) and mix multiple coldfires and smite crawler groups (14 smites++with 2-3 colds++) and tell me if you'd rather keep your HoD. how does 10% recharge have anything to do with that? What are you going to recast PS faster? 1 in 10 tries? I dont think its life or death there sorry. 1 fast casted ps isnt going to make your run a success or a flop, which is exactly what you are telling me by saying..


Use FFS on these monsters, it will rape them!!!

or use a HoD

and die!


Kinda bias dont you think?

Unless what you mean by using a FFS is that it has some secret nuke button that will magically kill all those dryders and smites, other then that, your last gargle of stuff has no relavence to your theme.


10% skill recharge will magically make that run a success?

and a hod will make it fail? I cannot see how that is even remotley possible, and it is borderline stupid.


monk:"Look guys I listened to cerb and got a FFS for UW, look I fast casted my PS!!!"

necro: and that helps us how........?

monk: ----






to anyone i am offending, please accept my apologies, but I do not think I am that in the wrong right now, I am giving examples for my opinions, and a good argument is all we are having, I would rather learn from cerb then just sit here and be owned, if I am saying anything that is wrong please post.



Cerb, I want to learn as much as I can on your theories, I am doing this as gentleman like as I can, please reply back, I want to learn.

your a great player, and in no way am I hating on you, but a good debate is something I will never turn down.


IGN: Divine Player


whats yours?
Linsys
Linsys
Banned
• #19
Quote: Originally Posted by cerb
Nobody literally relies on a FFS. Go try Ice King in UW (24 dryders) and mix multiple coldfires and smite crawler groups (14 smites++with 2-3 colds++) and tell me if you'd rather keep your HoD. No problem... i just take a support monk with echo / sb / healing seed...




Thought i'd charm in, someone wants to hear from me :0


My thoughts....

1) Ascetics best armor for 55 monk

2) HB is not needed in the begining of taking agro, however I like to hit, PS, Breese, SB, then go take on 4 ataxes and 10 grasping... I don't need breese if 2 nightmares pop up untill I kill them just be quick on bonetti's when it charges up... this means STOP attacking for 2 seconds to press the key on your keyboard which is associated with bonetti's.

3) The FFS is better then the HoD for a 55 monk, however I generally run 3+ man UW clear groups which means I have a support monk with me running echo / sb... I rahter NOT give up showing off my HoD just to get a 10% chance for recharge.

4) The ice king can eazily be completed with no spell breaker... not sure why anyone would take 2-3 colds + 14 smites then get the ice king quest.. maybe just to show off... but generally I kill everything up to the reaper so I can get the ice king quest.. just what I do...

5) The ONLY place in the game a SB recharge is important is in the chaos planes, however if you 2 man to the chaos planes and clear the chaos planes with 2 people then you are the 55 GOD MONK, and you better teach me your 1337ness.. If not then you should have a support monk with you who can echo spell breaker... this will give continious spell breaker for long enough to kill 12 mindblades...

6) Both my HoD & My FFS have a furious mod on them... which still makes my FFS a FFS just not a Firey Flame Spitter, its now a Furious Flame Spitter Of Enchanting..

7) The End.,
cerb
cerb
Jungle Guide
• #20
Tweecers, all you have to do is stand out of maelstrom, it's as simple as that. And my point with the FFS is that, it helps tremendously and will often save your life. What if you happen to lag some and get surrounded in smites and a coldfire was to cast Maelstrom on you. Wouldn't you be happy if SB recharged faster? (With fast recharge and 14 DF, you can recast it before your old copy wears off) Of course you would. Still, that's about luck, just like getting surrounded was about bad luck. It's a probability, a chance. However, you don't have that chance with a HoD.