Ok, this is my first guide of any sort that I have posted from my own discovery rather than contributing to the work already done by someone else, but thanks to some awesome builds being posted lately I have been inspired to try a few new things.
I was browsing Wiki and I came across a really nice looking shield: Merki's Gaze. I decided I had to have it so I went about finding out how to get it.
The shield is dropped by a boss named Merki the Reaver in Unwaking Waters (explorable area).
The build:
*Thank you Amsterdam for your awesome guide to Sskai's sword, it was my inspiration.
Str 14
Tactics 13
Zealous Sword
Shield with health always (can be obtained from a collector and damage reduction isn't important here if you only have a +health shield)
Stance collectors shield +45 -2 (for the run)
Heal Sig
Dolyak
Wary Stance (A blessing when running through the assasins as it prevents you from being crippled)
Grenths Balance
Riposte
Deadly Riposte
Bonneti's Defense (help with heal sig if you accidentally aggro more than merki)
Sprint
Instructions:
The only hard part of this run is actually getting to Merki and getting him separated from his goup.
1. Begin in Harvest Temple and take the only exit
2. Travel in a winding circle, casting shields up and sprint to move past the archers and Shiroken's
3. Once you reach the res shrine you are halfway there. It should take you no more than 30 seconds to get here. This is where things begin to get tricky.
Merki can be found hovering right outside the luxon entrance to Unwaking Waters mission area. He is surrounded by several mobs which will be in your way and getting to him in the first place can be a little annoying.
1st rule, do not get hit by any assasins. If you get crippled you are over with. Run past the carp and stay to the left. There is a boat of some sort to the left, stay near it. A group of assasins will spawn. Run past them and don't get crippled. Ditch them and if you have found a place to rest (there is only one) you are now very close to Merki.
There will probably be a couple of mobs between you and him and this is where it gets really tricky. You need to lure the mobs out of your way and then ditch them. It takes a little practice but you will get it down in no time. After you move the mobs, just wait for merki to break loose from his mob, he almost always does. Lure him to the area where you previously rested and then stand there whacking away at him until your health is really low and fire off grenths. Rinse and repeat 1 time. After that, hit Dolyak and keep riposting 3 or 4 more times and he will be dead.
He is really weak and this could be done entirely without dolyak, especially if you brought endure pain (which could also be useful during the run)
*Edit: I added the map image above to show you where to lure him. If you can bring him back to there you will be in good shape.
Also note that if you are having trouble with the mobs you can use the chest run trick on a couple of them. Specifically the Shiroken mobs will attack the outcast mobs. So if you are unlucky enough to get crippled aggro the two groups together and they will ignore you while you heal up and get the hell out.
He actually drops some decent stuff, he has dropped 3 gold scrolls, a gold rune and a broadsword plus other various loot in the 4 times I have killed him.
*Edit: You can clearly see him wielding the shield, so there is no need to kill him if he doesn't have it. This has been disputed by several accounts, so I will just note that he has never dropped it for me unless he was holding it.
This run is not one I would do for profit (unless you can sell this thing for a lot which I doubt) because he doesn't carry very often (took me more than 30 times to see him holding it). But it is fun to try.
Let me know how you like the build and the guide.
Anyway, I hope everyone enjoys the guide as much as I enjoyed making it.
Merki the Reaver farming ftw or wtf?
stool_cannon
pegasux
I have seen him wield the shield only once while trying to single him out. That buggar is hard as hell to get too also. A trick i use so that you don't have to worry about dying so much much is portal out the gate and get killed right away. This will spawn you at the half way mark. now aggro the carps and assasins back to the shrine so the Kurzs will kill them for you. repeat till most of the foes are dead. you are then left with 3 groups to deal with. there will be a group of 3 assasins that will drop from the right side near Merki...kill them. they are softie's with a ripostle build. now the next group of 5 or 6 can't be messed with so try and avoid them. next is the group that merki hangs with by the gate. if your lucky he won't be by them so can aggro him and pull him right next to the closed portal in the corner. I want the shield also cause it looks cool but haven't gotten it yet =(. btw nice guide =)
stool_cannon
Quote:
Originally Posted by pegasux
A trick i use so that you don't have to worry about dying so much much is portal out the gate and get killed right away. This will spawn you at the half way mark.
Good trick. Only works when your alliance has control of the harvest temple though.
capitalist
actually it is based the faction you have... If you currently have more luxon faction, and the temple is controled by the luxons, you will rez at the shrine even if your allaince is kurzick (and vice versa).
And Merki is a stingy bastard.
And Merki is a stingy bastard.
stool_cannon
Quote:
Originally Posted by capitalist
And Merki is a stingy bastard.
25 -30 times out and he hasn't carried it once. I hate Merki.
Also, careful on Grenths, he can do 120+ damage in 1 hit
Also, careful on Grenths, he can do 120+ damage in 1 hit
pegasux
Quote:
Originally Posted by capitalist
And Merki is a stingy bastard.
lol sure is. Don't you wish the green drops were more like in Grenths Footprint. A green almost every time.
Hardi
just farmed one with my ritualist
i can post my build if you want
i can post my build if you want
stool_cannon
Quote:
Originally Posted by pegasux
lol sure is. Don't you wish the green drops were more like in Grenths Footprint. A green almost every time.
I would even settle for now and then. I'm not asking for 100 of them ANET, just one shield for my efforts.
pegasux
well i bet i can't be as bad as my luck with stoneroot. 70+ kills and only 1 dang shield! oh well at least at this rate greens won't be worth 1-2k
prodikal
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hardi
just farmed one with my ritualist
i can post my build if you want yes that would be nice.
i can post my build if you want yes that would be nice.
Hardi
Skills:
Pain
Blood Song
Shadowsong
Shelter
Union
Dissonance
Ritual Lord
You have to be allied with the faction that is holding the harvest temple. Enter the Unwaking Waters explorable, then die. You will be ressurected at a shrine. Set up your spirits there, then pull the Creeping Carps to the northeast into your spirits and the guards. Set up your spirits again and pull the two Outcast groups to the northeast (one by one). When they are dead, go to the northeast until 3 Outcast Assassins pop up. Run away from them, then put your spirits up just out of their aggro circle. Now pull them and run away a bit, they attack your spirits and get killed by them. Now put up Blood Song, Pain and Shadowsong at the place where the Assassins popped up. Watch Merki's route. You will see that at one spot he is seperated from his group, giving you the chance to pull him with a longbow. He should be killed fast by your spirits. Perhaps you have to recast Shadowsong one time.
Good luck
Pain
Blood Song
Shadowsong
Shelter
Union
Dissonance
Ritual Lord
You have to be allied with the faction that is holding the harvest temple. Enter the Unwaking Waters explorable, then die. You will be ressurected at a shrine. Set up your spirits there, then pull the Creeping Carps to the northeast into your spirits and the guards. Set up your spirits again and pull the two Outcast groups to the northeast (one by one). When they are dead, go to the northeast until 3 Outcast Assassins pop up. Run away from them, then put your spirits up just out of their aggro circle. Now pull them and run away a bit, they attack your spirits and get killed by them. Now put up Blood Song, Pain and Shadowsong at the place where the Assassins popped up. Watch Merki's route. You will see that at one spot he is seperated from his group, giving you the chance to pull him with a longbow. He should be killed fast by your spirits. Perhaps you have to recast Shadowsong one time.
Good luck
stool_cannon
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hardi
just farmed one with my ritualist
i can post my build if you want Question, is this one like some other greens where you can clearly see him wielding or does he drop it randomly?
i can post my build if you want Question, is this one like some other greens where you can clearly see him wielding or does he drop it randomly?
Hardi
Quote:
Originally Posted by stool_cannon
Question, is this one like some other greens where you can clearly see him wielding or does he drop it randomly?
You can see it
Riceboi
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hardi
Skills:
Pain
Blood Song
Shadowsong
Shelter
Union
Dissonance
Ritual Lord
You have to be allied with the faction that is holding the harvest temple. Enter the Unwaking Waters explorable, then die. You will be ressurected at a shrine. Set up your spirits there, then pull the Creeping Carps to the northeast into your spirits and the guards. Set up your spirits again and pull the two Outcast groups to the northeast (one by one). When they are dead, go to the northeast until 3 Outcast Assassins pop up. Run away from them, then put your spirits up just out of their aggro circle. Now pull them and run away a bit, they attack your spirits and get killed by them. Now put up Blood Song, Pain and Shadowsong at the place where the Assassins popped up. Watch Merki's route. You will see that at one spot he is seperated from his group, giving you the chance to pull him with a longbow. He should be killed fast by your spirits. Perhaps you have to recast Shadowsong one time.
Good luck Nice! I'm surprised a boss can be killed by spirits! Never underestimate spirit power I guess! I really need ritual lord elite now! =)
Pain
Blood Song
Shadowsong
Shelter
Union
Dissonance
Ritual Lord
You have to be allied with the faction that is holding the harvest temple. Enter the Unwaking Waters explorable, then die. You will be ressurected at a shrine. Set up your spirits there, then pull the Creeping Carps to the northeast into your spirits and the guards. Set up your spirits again and pull the two Outcast groups to the northeast (one by one). When they are dead, go to the northeast until 3 Outcast Assassins pop up. Run away from them, then put your spirits up just out of their aggro circle. Now pull them and run away a bit, they attack your spirits and get killed by them. Now put up Blood Song, Pain and Shadowsong at the place where the Assassins popped up. Watch Merki's route. You will see that at one spot he is seperated from his group, giving you the chance to pull him with a longbow. He should be killed fast by your spirits. Perhaps you have to recast Shadowsong one time.
Good luck Nice! I'm surprised a boss can be killed by spirits! Never underestimate spirit power I guess! I really need ritual lord elite now! =)
Hardi
I think you can even do it without Ritual Lord, killing Merki in 30 seconds... Maybe you can try Painful Bond.
stool_cannon
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hardi
Skills:
You have to be allied with the faction that is holding the harvest temple. Very cool to see other classes able to solo. I was told you don't need to be with the faction, you just need to have more faction for those holding it. I have not tested this though.
Also note that it has been suggested that you run out and die to make this go faster but if you are a warrior using my build you can run to the rez shrine before you would respawn.
You just start off and hit sprint before the first mob, as soon as that expires hit wary stance and keep moving. All your energy will recharge due to blocked attacks. (If you don't have enough E to hit wary stance at that time switch to an offhand, hit it and get back to your shield)
You have to be allied with the faction that is holding the harvest temple. Very cool to see other classes able to solo. I was told you don't need to be with the faction, you just need to have more faction for those holding it. I have not tested this though.
Also note that it has been suggested that you run out and die to make this go faster but if you are a warrior using my build you can run to the rez shrine before you would respawn.
You just start off and hit sprint before the first mob, as soon as that expires hit wary stance and keep moving. All your energy will recharge due to blocked attacks. (If you don't have enough E to hit wary stance at that time switch to an offhand, hit it and get back to your shield)
yomama6969
i hate to burst everyone's bubble on this stupidity "if he's not wielding it he wont drop it" have non of u ever experience in SF a boss droping 2-3 greens.....
now how the hell do u figure a boss wields a staff and a off hand, or better yet, a staff, a off hand AND a focus?....
ppl dont be complacent, a green can drop on the first run, 10th run, or 1 billionth run, it doesnt matter if he's wielding it, infact he can be wielding it and NOT drop it -_-'
now how the hell do u figure a boss wields a staff and a off hand, or better yet, a staff, a off hand AND a focus?....
ppl dont be complacent, a green can drop on the first run, 10th run, or 1 billionth run, it doesnt matter if he's wielding it, infact he can be wielding it and NOT drop it -_-'
Hardi
I have found 2x Merki's Gaze so far. In both cases, Merki was wielding an Outcast Shield. The other ~5 times I killed him, he didn't drop the shield and he was not wielding one.
stool_cannon
Quote:
Originally Posted by yomama6969
i hate to burst everyone's bubble on this stupidity "if he's not wielding it he wont drop it" have non of u ever experience in SF a boss droping 2-3 greens.....
now how the hell do u figure a boss wields a staff and a off hand, or better yet, a staff, a off hand AND a focus?....
ppl dont be complacent, a green can drop on the first run, 10th run, or 1 billionth run, it doesnt matter if he's wielding it, infact he can be wielding it and NOT drop it -_-' First of all nice flame. It was definitely called for. We are all "stupid". Especially me who spent half an hour writing this "stupid" guide for all of the other "stupid" people to benefit from.
Second of all, experience tends to lead us to the exact opposite conclusion. And if you had ever actually farmed SF you would know that you can look right and ANY of the bosses to determine if they are wielding and going to drop CERTAIN of their items.
The only place you were correct is that they may be weilding and not drop. That does happen now and then but not often.
Sorry for being so "stupid".
now how the hell do u figure a boss wields a staff and a off hand, or better yet, a staff, a off hand AND a focus?....
ppl dont be complacent, a green can drop on the first run, 10th run, or 1 billionth run, it doesnt matter if he's wielding it, infact he can be wielding it and NOT drop it -_-' First of all nice flame. It was definitely called for. We are all "stupid". Especially me who spent half an hour writing this "stupid" guide for all of the other "stupid" people to benefit from.
Second of all, experience tends to lead us to the exact opposite conclusion. And if you had ever actually farmed SF you would know that you can look right and ANY of the bosses to determine if they are wielding and going to drop CERTAIN of their items.
The only place you were correct is that they may be weilding and not drop. That does happen now and then but not often.
Sorry for being so "stupid".
prodikal
Quote:
Originally Posted by stool_cannon
First of all nice flame. It was definitely called for. We are all "stupid". Especially me who spent half an hour writing this "stupid" guide for all of the other "stupid" people to benefit from.
Second of all, experience tends to lead us to the exact opposite conclusion. And if you had ever actually farmed SF you would know that you can look right and ANY of the bosses to determine if they are wielding and going to drop CERTAIN of their items.
The only place you were correct is that they may be weilding and not drop. That does happen now and then but not often.
Sorry for being so "stupid".
FTR I dont think he was saying anyone was stupid "this stupidity" as he puts is referring to the idea that a boss must be wielding to drop. Just my take though.
Second of all, experience tends to lead us to the exact opposite conclusion. And if you had ever actually farmed SF you would know that you can look right and ANY of the bosses to determine if they are wielding and going to drop CERTAIN of their items.
The only place you were correct is that they may be weilding and not drop. That does happen now and then but not often.
Sorry for being so "stupid".
FTR I dont think he was saying anyone was stupid "this stupidity" as he puts is referring to the idea that a boss must be wielding to drop. Just my take though.
Novalon
In defense, I killed Sskai when he wasn't wielding his sword and he dropped it.
Perhaps there is a certain inventory that an enemy holds, and they have a chance to drop things, though more than likely a higher chance if it's actually equipped in their weapon slot.
Perhaps there is a certain inventory that an enemy holds, and they have a chance to drop things, though more than likely a higher chance if it's actually equipped in their weapon slot.
VitisVinifera
Thanks for posting the build, and yes this is a tough run, especially if you can't rez at the shrine (which I presently can't).
As for drops, I'd say the boss drops the green more often if you see him wielding it, though for sure they can drop when you don't see them holding it.
As for these new Factions greens, since I really don't know what any of them look like, I just kill them each time if I can.
As for drops, I'd say the boss drops the green more often if you see him wielding it, though for sure they can drop when you don't see them holding it.
As for these new Factions greens, since I really don't know what any of them look like, I just kill them each time if I can.
stool_cannon
Quote:
Originally Posted by VitisVinifera
Thanks for posting the build, and yes this is a tough run, especially if you can't rez at the shrine (which I presently can't).
As for drops, I'd say the boss drops the green more often if you see him wielding it, though for sure they can drop when you don't see them holding it.
As for these new Factions greens, since I really don't know what any of them look like, I just kill them each time if I can. I have never experienced them dropping when they were not holding but it would seem that there are several accounts of this so I take everyones word for it. Although I did kill this particular boss 9-10 times when he wasn't holding it just for the practice and he never dropped
As for drops, I'd say the boss drops the green more often if you see him wielding it, though for sure they can drop when you don't see them holding it.
As for these new Factions greens, since I really don't know what any of them look like, I just kill them each time if I can. I have never experienced them dropping when they were not holding but it would seem that there are several accounts of this so I take everyones word for it. Although I did kill this particular boss 9-10 times when he wasn't holding it just for the practice and he never dropped
SlashR4
The running is insanely difficult I always die. No energy and no offhand to give me energy... seems like the offhand is a must. I get all my energy stolen that by the time I run through the first mob I can't hit wary stance
and my hp is low too. Sprint hasn't charged up by that point and I have already aggroed the second mob of shirokens, its all curtains after that.
and my hp is low too. Sprint hasn't charged up by that point and I have already aggroed the second mob of shirokens, its all curtains after that.
VitisVinifera
Quote:
Originally Posted by SlashR4
The running is insanely difficult I always die. No energy and no offhand to give me energy... seems like the offhand is a must. I get all my energy stolen that by the time I run through the first mob I can't hit wary stance
and my hp is low too. Sprint hasn't charged up by that point and I have already aggroed the second mob of shirokens, its all curtains after that. since you are sprinting, and sprinting is a tactic, get a shield that has -dam and +health either while in a stance or unconditionally
Ive made this run with my wammo a few times, and while I can't get Merki out by himself, at least I've gotten that far
I think the rit build would be better though, and just dying to get to the rez shrine. I prefer deliberate slower solos than mad, reckless usually gonna die surrounded by enemies runs
and my hp is low too. Sprint hasn't charged up by that point and I have already aggroed the second mob of shirokens, its all curtains after that. since you are sprinting, and sprinting is a tactic, get a shield that has -dam and +health either while in a stance or unconditionally
Ive made this run with my wammo a few times, and while I can't get Merki out by himself, at least I've gotten that far
I think the rit build would be better though, and just dying to get to the rez shrine. I prefer deliberate slower solos than mad, reckless usually gonna die surrounded by enemies runs
2ndName
Yea, not sure about the whole "If the boss is holding the item, it will drop the item" speech. I killed Sskai a few times when he was wielding the sword and he does not drop anything. So I am sure that the rule has not changed for this boss.
Any tips for a War/Monk or a N/Monk (55)?
Any tips for a War/Monk or a N/Monk (55)?
Russell.Crowe
I die to get to the rez shrine everytime, much faster. He is very easy with even 60 dp so it's no big deal. He is much easier than Sskai to lure out and solo.
stool_cannon
Quote:
Originally Posted by Russell.Crowe
I die to get to the rez shrine everytime, much faster. He is very easy with even 60 dp so it's no big deal. He is much easier than Sskai to lure out and solo.
This tactic works, I just find the run so easy there is no point. And then there is the problem that you cannot always rez there.
I will try to post a video of the run for those who are having problems.
I will try to post a video of the run for those who are having problems.
Russell.Crowe
Quote:
Originally Posted by stool_cannon
This tactic works, I just find the run so easy there is no point. And then there is the problem that you cannot always rez there.
I will try to post a video of the run for those who are having problems. The run is easy, however if you have 10k in both factions you always rez there (which I do). He is so simple to lure, the only thing that sucks about this run is to make it easy I lure the Shiro'ken over to kill the groups in my way. It works well because it leaves open a large area where I can fight Merki. I've gotten 2 drops so far today btw =P, 7 runs FTW
I will try to post a video of the run for those who are having problems. The run is easy, however if you have 10k in both factions you always rez there (which I do). He is so simple to lure, the only thing that sucks about this run is to make it easy I lure the Shiro'ken over to kill the groups in my way. It works well because it leaves open a large area where I can fight Merki. I've gotten 2 drops so far today btw =P, 7 runs FTW
Chinson Windancer
anyone found that Merki always wield the outcast shield modle since this morning?
I bet they nerf the appearance
I bet they nerf the appearance
Jedimagician
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chinson Windancer
anyone found that Merki always wield the outcast shield modle since this morning?
I bet they nerf the appearance yes... was so excited too thought i was gunna get 1 on first run but NAH a few runs hes carrying the stupid shield and no drop...
I bet they nerf the appearance yes... was so excited too thought i was gunna get 1 on first run but NAH a few runs hes carrying the stupid shield and no drop...
HK White
after the recent update, i found that most of the bosses were 100% wielding their unique items.
e.g. the sskai sword boss outside the jade sea always with the sword equiped but he won't drop it everytime.
I think anet may nerf it and so we can't determine whether the boss will drop the greens by observation.
e.g. the sskai sword boss outside the jade sea always with the sword equiped but he won't drop it everytime.
I think anet may nerf it and so we can't determine whether the boss will drop the greens by observation.
pegasux
i've noticed that almost all bosses now wield their wep all the time also =(. dang so much for the easy way. Rajazan on the other hand doesn't wield his wep all the time. most of the time he is wielding the wicked sword skin. saw him with is sword once last night and got the sword from him that time.
Chinson Windancer
I guess that will be fair for those bosses whoes appearance not human.....like razorfin or ironclaw .......
stool_cannon
Quote:
Originally Posted by Russell.Crowe
I lure the Shiro'ken over to kill the groups in my way.
That was already in the guide :P
I do that sometimes depending on what the aggro looks like or if I accidentally get hit and crippled etc.
But I still find it easier to just pull Merki out of the way solo.
I'm just stubborn like that
I do that sometimes depending on what the aggro looks like or if I accidentally get hit and crippled etc.
But I still find it easier to just pull Merki out of the way solo.
I'm just stubborn like that
Kep
This boss is really starting to wear my patience, I've killed it 50times and it still hasn't dropped the weapon. I've also killed Geoffer Pain Seeker 50times as well, and he hasn't dropped his weapon. This is stupid, wasted ages of my time for nothing 
I've done Ironclaw 10times, havent got that either. These Anti-Farming codes are really annoying.. not enjoyable playing the game without anything to show for it.
I've done Ironclaw 10times, havent got that either. These Anti-Farming codes are really annoying.. not enjoyable playing the game without anything to show for it.
Eclair
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chinson Windancer
I guess that will be fair for those bosses whoes appearance not human.....like razorfin or ironclaw .......
Strongroot's not human, but on the times he drops the shield he actually WEARS the shield on his arm, totally wierd lol.
stool_cannon
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kep
This boss is really starting to wear my patience, I've killed it 50times and it still hasn't dropped the weapon. I've also killed Geoffer Pain Seeker 50times as well, and he hasn't dropped his weapon. This is stupid, wasted ages of my time for nothing I've done Ironclaw 10times, havent got that either. These Anti-Farming codes are really annoying.. not enjoyable playing the game without anything to show for it.
I have to agree here. This is why I play the game. To enjoy the challenge of soloing and trying to get cool weapons. Not always to sell either. Most of the time I get one, keep it and move on to the next boss. I think Anet has gotten this all wrong with the farming code.
I've done Ironclaw 10times, havent got that either. These Anti-Farming codes are really annoying.. not enjoyable playing the game without anything to show for it.
I have to agree here. This is why I play the game. To enjoy the challenge of soloing and trying to get cool weapons. Not always to sell either. Most of the time I get one, keep it and move on to the next boss. I think Anet has gotten this all wrong with the farming code.