A couple days ago, my husband and I were running around Yak's Bend doing various quests. It was just the two of us, a W/E and Me/Mo, both level 13. We were able to kill pretty much everything. We failed Shiverpeak Stragglers because we were just running around half-heartedly mostly, but we did get Elsa near the gate of Yak's Bend before she died. We decided to call it a night, and try again later.
Tonight, a couple guildies offered to help me do some quests. One of them them was Shiverpeak Stragglers. Both my guildies are level 20. We failed repeatedly. Some other guildies offered to help. By the end of the night, there were 5 of us (two 20, two 12 and a 14) and Alesia. We never could get it. This mission is 10 TIMES harder than it was two days ago.
ONCE, early on, we almost passed the quest, but a guildmate ran into Yak's Bend too early and I didn't get my quest update. Only twice was Elsa still alive when we got to her. We tried approaching from several directions, some of us even ran ahead and ignored all mobs to get to her sooner. The times we did get to her still in one piece, some huge mob (one was close to 15) would kill our whole party somewhere along the way.
I'm not going to go into the "Save Us!" while she runs into the fray.
What happened? Two days ago, if I wasn't just goofing around at the time, I could have easily beaten this quest with just two or three people. We had 3 warriors, a ranger and 2 monks, with a variety of secondary skills, tonight and we got our rears handed to us repeatedly. Everyone in my group agreed that there were TONS more mobs than there were before.
What happened to Shiverpeak Stragglers?
Swampgirl Inez
Drakron
I think it depends were you reach then, I dont go the main road and take the side road that runs behind the main road, it allowed me to clean a safer route and got there before the mob decided to play tag with then, I think they are positioned in a way its best you lead then away since god knows NPCs loke to attack everything in sight.
psycore
Elsa's NPC behaviour is most frustrating, espeacially when they are yelling out "Please protect me!" and "Save us!" and "The dwarfs are coming!" whilst running towards a huge group of nasties, it's like a level 1 going "HELP ME!" then agroing Glint, what makes it worse is that mobs tend to target the NPC's first. Makes zero sense and I have no idea why arenanet decided to use the single NPC script for everyone, it would be easy to make a cowards / agressive scripts for different NPC's depending on the situation.
Ironsword
i always leave out of yaks bend and clear out the enemies on the path to them using the back road it's a pain but worth it and once you get close to where the party is your warriors need to use sprint and get in there before they die to distract the dwarves once you've done that all you have to do is walk back to yaks bend
the only problem i ever had with it was the party would get killed before i could get to them
the only problem i ever had with it was the party would get killed before i could get to them
thejynxed
The missions/quests also seem to scale in difficulty based on the average level of the party, so if you go out with more high-level players it seems to get more difficult than say going out with a few henchies. I completed Stragglers easily using henchies only where as I failed every time I went with other real players.
Swampgirl Inez
Quote:
Originally Posted by thejynxed
The missions/quests also seem to scale in difficulty based on the average level of the party, so if you go out with more high-level players it seems to get more difficult than say going out with a few henchies. I completed Stragglers easily using henchies only where as I failed every time I went with other real players.
Thanks, this is part of what I wanted to know. Also, did they increase the difficulty of this quest? Everyone in my group mentioned that it appeared harder and we have all tried it in various ways and with various groups before.
Arrow Whisper
You only have to save the NPC with the "!" over their head. It can be hard, but with a quick shot of Healing Seed it was a peice of cake keeping her alive until I could get off Healing Breeze. Those two spells coverd her until we could get the dwarves killed.
Again just save the NPC with the "!" over her head.
Again just save the NPC with the "!" over her head.
Swampgirl Inez
Yes, I know. My problem was she was usually dead before I even got to her. The other times, the mobs were so huge, my party couldn't keep up. At one point, we even assigned two people the jobs of being her protector and nothing else. My level 20 monk guildmate and myself, a level 14 warrior could NOT keep her alive because she aggroed EVERYTHING.
I could almost swear at one point there were dwarves respawning from nowhere.
I could almost swear at one point there were dwarves respawning from nowhere.
Swampgirl Inez
*bangs head on keyboard*
Nevermind... I just soloed it with a bunch of henchies.
*sigh*
Nevermind... I just soloed it with a bunch of henchies.
*sigh*
Lewick
What you probably ran into was a combination of quests. When you get The Road is Blocked, along with Shiverpeak Stragglers, both quests appear to drop extra mobs in the zone in order to emphasize the quest. That's what happened to me last night. I had every active quest in the zone, and basically there were hundreds of mobs in the zone. Even with the extra firepower of the stragglers, as well as having Cynn around (to do that quest) it was harsh. Heck, even Alesia died! 
Swampgirl Inez
The more I think about it, I think you are right. When I get to a new place, I load up my quest log with everything I can get. I'm sure some others in my group had a few queued up as well.
Apoc
I was able to clear my way to them (from Boris), but when I click on them, nothing happened...
Bug?
Bug?
Siran Dunmorgan
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lewick
What you probably ran into was a combination of quests. When you get The Road is Blocked, along with Shiverpeak Stragglers, both quests appear to drop extra mobs in the zone in order to emphasize the quest. That's what happened to me last night. I had every active quest in the zone, and basically there were hundreds of mobs in the zone. Even with the extra firepower of the stragglers, as well as having Cynn around (to do that quest) it was harsh. Heck, even Alesia died!
This "additive" property of quests is true. It's also why you shouldn't take "Siege of Piken Square" with any of the other Piken Square quests. Also, it applies across the party: if any of you have an active quest pertaining to the area you're in, all of the associated mobs, bosses, and objects will be there for all of you. What I have not verified is whether things get worse when multiple party members have the same quest, e.g. if there are more enemies around when more than one of you has The Road is Blocked.
The general rule for me is that when I want to explore an area, I don't take any quests associated with it. I go in, things are real peaceable-like, explore the area, figure out what's what, and then I go back for the quests; that's when I get my ruddy bum handed to me on a Res.-shrine-shaped platter.
—Siran Dunmorgan
The general rule for me is that when I want to explore an area, I don't take any quests associated with it. I go in, things are real peaceable-like, explore the area, figure out what's what, and then I go back for the quests; that's when I get my ruddy bum handed to me on a Res.-shrine-shaped platter.
—Siran Dunmorgan
Swampgirl Inez
Quote:
Originally Posted by Siran Dunmorgan
What I have not verified is whether things get worse when multiple party members have the same quest, e.g. if there are more enemies around when more than one of you has The Road is Blocked.
—Siran Dunmorgan Hmm.. I don't think that applies. After getting tired of dying on Shiverpeak Stragglers, our group went on to do some other quests. Again, while running around with my husband a few nights ago, we did the first two Minaar's quests at Iron Horse Mines. Last night, three people in my group also had to do these two quests. I didn't notice a change in that one at all.
TIP: While in a group, if you do the quest and return to get your reward, wait a moment to talk to your reward NPC. The others in your party who did not have the quest can talk to that person, get the quest and then you can all benefit from the reward. EG - A guildmate had Minaar's Troubles queued up. Our party helped him do the quest. Before he talked to Rangil, my husband talked to Rangil, put the quest into his queue and then my guildie talked Rangil and both of them got the reward.
—Siran Dunmorgan Hmm.. I don't think that applies. After getting tired of dying on Shiverpeak Stragglers, our group went on to do some other quests. Again, while running around with my husband a few nights ago, we did the first two Minaar's quests at Iron Horse Mines. Last night, three people in my group also had to do these two quests. I didn't notice a change in that one at all.
TIP: While in a group, if you do the quest and return to get your reward, wait a moment to talk to your reward NPC. The others in your party who did not have the quest can talk to that person, get the quest and then you can all benefit from the reward. EG - A guildmate had Minaar's Troubles queued up. Our party helped him do the quest. Before he talked to Rangil, my husband talked to Rangil, put the quest into his queue and then my guildie talked Rangil and both of them got the reward.
spiritofcat
I did Shiverpeak Stragglers a few weeks ago now, but I had a lot of trouble with it at that time too.
Eventually I found a strategy that worked well though.
I entered the area from Ascalon Foothills and rushed immediately to the aid of the stragglers and with a little luck, killed the dwarves before they could kill the important NPC. After she was safe I then proceeded to clear the path back to Yak's Bend before talking to her. By clearing the path before talking I ensured that she stayed in the nice safe place she was in while my henchies and I cleared the way, then when the way was clear we talked to her and got her to follow down the now deserted road to Yak's Bend.
Eventually I found a strategy that worked well though.
I entered the area from Ascalon Foothills and rushed immediately to the aid of the stragglers and with a little luck, killed the dwarves before they could kill the important NPC. After she was safe I then proceeded to clear the path back to Yak's Bend before talking to her. By clearing the path before talking I ensured that she stayed in the nice safe place she was in while my henchies and I cleared the way, then when the way was clear we talked to her and got her to follow down the now deserted road to Yak's Bend.
madness2k4
I done this quest just a few hours ago, it was piece of cake first try solo with henchies I play as an elementalist throws some phoenix, immolate fire storm them a bit and I saved them and lead them back to yak's bend quest done easy.
Oh yeah I was lvl 12 when I did that.
Oh yeah I was lvl 12 when I did that.
Judas Hawksriff
How hard is this quest STILL - tried with henchies - still can't do it!
Alodarn
I found a the best way (assuming you can get to her in time) is to head away from town, towards ascalon foothils, and then go up the "back passage" to the east.
lightblade
it depends on where and how you reach them
i went from the northern main road, and got off of it right north of the stragglers
i went from the northern main road, and got off of it right north of the stragglers
Harlas Kije
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lewick
What you probably ran into was a combination of quests. When you get The Road is Blocked, along with Shiverpeak Stragglers, both quests appear to drop extra mobs in the zone in order to emphasize the quest. That's what happened to me last night. I had every active quest in the zone, and basically there were hundreds of mobs in the zone. Even with the extra firepower of the stragglers, as well as having Cynn around (to do that quest) it was harsh. Heck, even Alesia died!
I had the same problem. I took the stragglers quest by itself--I did not complete the quest at that time--too busy exploring. BUT there were not an ass whooping gaggle of mobs at the time. When I logged back on to finally do it--I took every quest in Borlis that I could get. Once in--I got beat down pretty damn hard. There were mobs coming at me from everywhere.
I abandoned a few quests and redid it. The zone was back to the way it was when I just had the straggler quest. Finished that--then got the other quests back to complete.
I had the same problem. I took the stragglers quest by itself--I did not complete the quest at that time--too busy exploring. BUT there were not an ass whooping gaggle of mobs at the time. When I logged back on to finally do it--I took every quest in Borlis that I could get. Once in--I got beat down pretty damn hard. There were mobs coming at me from everywhere.
I abandoned a few quests and redid it. The zone was back to the way it was when I just had the straggler quest. Finished that--then got the other quests back to complete.
Mana Garmr
I did this quest yesterday with henchies. When I left town I turned south as soon as possible, and didn't turn west until I had to to get to the stragglers. There was a group of 3 dwarves/golems close to them, but they didn't attack them.
YCantUDie
Quote:
Originally Posted by spiritofcat
I did Shiverpeak Stragglers a few weeks ago now, but I had a lot of trouble with it at that time too.
Eventually I found a strategy that worked well though.
I entered the area from Ascalon Foothills and rushed immediately to the aid of the stragglers and with a little luck, killed the dwarves before they could kill the important NPC. After she was safe I then proceeded to clear the path back to Yak's Bend before talking to her. By clearing the path before talking I ensured that she stayed in the nice safe place she was in while my henchies and I cleared the way, then when the way was clear we talked to her and got her to follow down the now deserted road to Yak's Bend. did the same thing by myself with henchies...run from yaks bend to ascalon foothill (who cares if elsa dies right now..she'll respawn)...then run back through the portal...past all the snow ettins (u can let ur henchies die here)..kill off that ice dude, the dwarves, and the snow ettins here (elsa can take care of the alpine seed dudes so dont go rushing to help her if they attack)..then clear out the entire road back to yaks bend b4 u talk to her and lead her all the way back to yaks bend
Eventually I found a strategy that worked well though.
I entered the area from Ascalon Foothills and rushed immediately to the aid of the stragglers and with a little luck, killed the dwarves before they could kill the important NPC. After she was safe I then proceeded to clear the path back to Yak's Bend before talking to her. By clearing the path before talking I ensured that she stayed in the nice safe place she was in while my henchies and I cleared the way, then when the way was clear we talked to her and got her to follow down the now deserted road to Yak's Bend. did the same thing by myself with henchies...run from yaks bend to ascalon foothill (who cares if elsa dies right now..she'll respawn)...then run back through the portal...past all the snow ettins (u can let ur henchies die here)..kill off that ice dude, the dwarves, and the snow ettins here (elsa can take care of the alpine seed dudes so dont go rushing to help her if they attack)..then clear out the entire road back to yaks bend b4 u talk to her and lead her all the way back to yaks bend
Odai
This one should be a piece of cake.
It only took me 2 tries woth y Necor\ele the first time and once wit myu W/Mo last night.
the trick is to get to them as fast as possible.
If you stop along the way to perform some casual mayhem you won't get ther in time.
Also if you go the back way you have to take out more bad guys than if you go straight out the gte to the second left and then make a bee-line to the stragglers.
Going this way you only have 4 or 5 quick kills.
You have to evade as many enemies as possible to get there before the golems and warfs arrive.
It only took me 2 tries woth y Necor\ele the first time and once wit myu W/Mo last night.
the trick is to get to them as fast as possible.
If you stop along the way to perform some casual mayhem you won't get ther in time.
Also if you go the back way you have to take out more bad guys than if you go straight out the gte to the second left and then make a bee-line to the stragglers.
Going this way you only have 4 or 5 quick kills.
You have to evade as many enemies as possible to get there before the golems and warfs arrive.
Volarian
I think I was able to complete that once out of 15 or so tries between two builds.......3 attempts with a War build and some other players but we did have to zone and come at it from the back way as is being suggested above.
All the other times I tried with my Ele build using henchies and approaching from Yaks, heading straight out of the Yaks zone, slightly right, then up over that lil hill (where the bridge with Ice Golem + Dwarves is to your left) and every time no matter how quickly I got to Elsa....they were engaged and dying before I had a chance or several times didn't spwn.
All the other times I tried with my Ele build using henchies and approaching from Yaks, heading straight out of the Yaks zone, slightly right, then up over that lil hill (where the bridge with Ice Golem + Dwarves is to your left) and every time no matter how quickly I got to Elsa....they were engaged and dying before I had a chance or several times didn't spwn.