Monk "55 build" clarification

Miao Ying

Pre-Searing Cadet

Join Date: Dec 2005

Mo/W

Given that the search function is a bit hit and miss here I really would like to know about this "55" monk setup.

From what I gathered just by browsing: It has the potential to make you psuedo-invulnerable due to a careful choice of skills, having set up your armor with mostly superior runes (and one major?), and the repeated mention of a "-50 focus item".

My questions:

What are the specifics to setting this up?
How many and what runes are we talking about here?
Can someone clarify where and how I can get this "-50 focus item"?

Thank a bunch in advance for those who can inform me.

Barry Bethell

Barry Bethell

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Sep 2005

No Inherent Effect [NiE]

W/

You need superior runes on every piece of your armor and the -50 icon can be obtained from the 'cities of ascalon' quest in ascalon city from the scribe geezer (or you could be lazy and buy one for around 4k)

the skills are pretty simple, mending and balthazars spirit are your maintained enchantments

then use prot spirit (needs to be on at all times)
healing breeze
zealots fire
SOJ
bonettis defense
and another aoe smite (i prefer symbol of wrath these days since they nerfed aoe attacks because of it's low energy cost and high dmg per second)

Hope this helps

(forgot to add, the skill setup i mention is mainly what i use for griffons/trolls and the uw other skills are needed for different enemies)

seeker821

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Oct 2005

Mo/W

I can't answer the first question there, but the second two are easy.

At level 20, you have 480 hitpoints. There are only two ways of bringing this down. (a) the use of major or superior runes, with the exception of vigors and absorptions. Major runes for your profession will reduce hitpoints by 50, and superiours reduce hitpoints by 75.

Multiply that by five, and you're looking at a HP reduction of 250 (if using majors), leaving you with 230 hitpoints. If using superiors, your HP reduction is 375, leaving you with only 105 hitpoints.

Now, as for the -50 focus item, there's only one that I know of in existence, and that's part of the reward for the cities of ascalon quest from symon the scribe (he's in ascalon city, by a fire behind the fountain - a lot of people miss him since he is kinda out of the way). This is a necro item, but the -50 hp will affect you regardless of the class you are. Add that to a set of five superior monk runes and voila! - you're monk is now at 55 hp total.

Miao Ying

Pre-Searing Cadet

Join Date: Dec 2005

Mo/W

Wow you guys are awesome, thanks for helping clear that up!

Tzhebee

Tzhebee

Academy Page

Join Date: Oct 2005

WA (GMT-8)

The Imperium of Lazy Nation [LaZy]

Mo/

Quote:
Originally Posted by Miao Ying
What are the specifics to setting this up?
How many and what runes are we talking about here?
Can someone clarify where and how I can get this "-50 focus item"?
The specifics for setting up the 55 build would a set of armor, each having a superior rune. Buy all 4 monk sup runes, and a second monk superior of whichever the cheapest is (becase you will not get the bonus, only the negative HP). Many people choose Droknar's asthetics armor for the bonus energy, but you can pull it off with any armor (even pre-sear if you were so inclinded).

As stated before, the -50 focus item is a quest reward from the Cities of Ascalon quest given by the Simon the Scribe. This item is actually a blood req. item, but the -50HP "bonus" takes effect regardless of character class.

The specific build (skills needed) changes depending on what area and what kind of monsters you are fighting. The one skill that is a must no matter what/where you are would be protective spirit. Other skills chosen are based on your particular preference and the monsters you will be fighting.

Samueldg

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Oct 2005

Colorado

N/Mo

the cheapest is tats in LA... def doesnt matter but the ene bonus is the same as tats in forge... save some money and use the forge armor for when ur healing in party or doing quests...

Josh

Josh

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Oct 2005

England, UK

D/Mo

Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry Bethell
You need superior runes on every piece of your armor and the -50 icon can be obtained from the 'cities of ascalon' quest in ascalon city from the scribe geezer (or you could be lazy and buy one for around 4k)

the skills are pretty simple, mending and balthazars spirit are your maintained enchantments

then use prot spirit (needs to be on at all times)
healing breeze
zealots fire
SOJ
bonettis defense
and another aoe smite (i prefer symbol of wrath these days since they nerfed aoe attacks because of it's low energy cost and high dmg per second)

Hope this helps

(forgot to add, the skill setup i mention is mainly what i use for griffons/trolls and the uw other skills are needed for different enemies)
Symbol of Wrath *is* an AoE spell.

Miao Ying

Pre-Searing Cadet

Join Date: Dec 2005

Mo/W

Quote:
Originally Posted by Samueldg
the cheapest is tats in LA... def doesnt matter but the ene bonus is the same as tats in forge... save some money and use the forge armor for when ur healing in party or doing quests...
Oh good.. I'm a bit lacking in money atm!

Barry Bethell

Barry Bethell

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Sep 2005

No Inherent Effect [NiE]

W/

Quote:
Originally Posted by Samueldg
the cheapest is tats in LA... def doesnt matter but the ene bonus is the same as tats in forge... save some money and use the forge armor for when ur healing in party or doing quests...
Yup, my 55 build armor is LA tats, saves you some cash cos those sup runes cost a fair bit, hmmmm, maybe i should have mentioned this in my first post?

Something else that hasn't been mentioned is your main hand weapon, use a sword or axe with a 20% enchant pommel/grip on and a furious hilt/haft is a plus

Or if you're feeling rich enough get a HoD +5 energy sword and put the furious and enchant mods on it (just got mine btw :P )

Miao Ying

Pre-Searing Cadet

Join Date: Dec 2005

Mo/W

Quote:
Originally Posted by Josh
Symbol of Wrath *is* an AoE spell.
So it's safe to assume that this would indeed trigger AI scatter huh.. that sucksss...

Barry Bethell

Barry Bethell

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Sep 2005

No Inherent Effect [NiE]

W/

Quote:
Originally Posted by Josh
Symbol of Wrath *is* an AoE spell.
Show me where i said it wasn't?

read it again smart a**

was just pointing out that since they nerfed aoe i dont think aura with a 25 energy cost is very efficient in comparison to wrath which only costs 5 energy


sheesh, some people are so quick to criticise

odins daughter

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: Dec 2005

Mo/Me

forgive me for be ignorant but why would any1 want to only have a Hp 55 ?

surely one hit and u die?

Barry Bethell

Barry Bethell

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Sep 2005

No Inherent Effect [NiE]

W/

Protective spirit only allows you to lose no more than 10% max health per hit from melee or spell, so you only lose 5 hp per hit which with your health at 55 healing breeze and mending easily compensate for.

quickmonty

quickmonty

Ancient Windbreaker

Join Date: May 2005

SoJ:

Signet of judgement?

or

Shield of judgement?

Would like to have that clarified. Thanks.

Wrath Of Dragons

Wrath Of Dragons

Burninate Stuff

Join Date: Aug 2005

New Mexico

E/Mo

shield of judgement. signet is almost completely useless in a situation like this, and it is an aoe too.

Age

Age

Hall Hero

Join Date: Jul 2005

California Canada/BC

STG Administrator

Mo/

You have to be a hard farmer to make a build like this as superior runes have hit the roof.When my monk is fineshed the game after 2 more missions I am going to be useing major runes instead i do have the focus icon.

laurson

laurson

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Sep 2005

Enschede, Holland

W/

I'm a 55hp monk atm, but farming solo takes too much time. I'm going now with 1 necro/mesmer in the UW

Former Ruling

Grotto Attendant

Join Date: Oct 2005

Cedartown, Georgia

R/

Quote:
Originally Posted by Age
You have to be a hard farmer to make a build like this as superior runes have hit the roof.When my monk is fineshed the game after 2 more missions I am going to be useing major runes instead i do have the focus icon.
You'll be taking twice the dmg or more.

and with the already less effective AoE smite making this last longer, that might not be something you can compensate for once your in there.

Especially if you are griffoning and get a rockshot on you.

quickmonty

quickmonty

Ancient Windbreaker

Join Date: May 2005

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wrath Of Dragons
shield of judgement. signet is almost completely useless in a situation like this, and it is an aoe too.
Thank you

Age

Age

Hall Hero

Join Date: Jul 2005

California Canada/BC

STG Administrator

Mo/

Quote:
Originally Posted by Former Ruling
You'll be taking twice the dmg or more.

and with the already less effective AoE smite making this last longer, that might not be something you can compensate for once your in there.

Especially if you are griffoning and get a rockshot on you.
Then what would you suggest then I am not paying close to 100k for superior runes?That is how much they cost almost as much as a Warrior superior absorbtion run at 100k more than a sigil.ATM I am useing minors.

Fyre Brand

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Sep 2005

Shadowlight Order [SoR]

Unless Superior Monk Runes have skyrocketed in the last few days they are actually cheaper than they have been in a long time. You can get each (and you want 5) for 8 - 9k from the trader or maybe 500g to 1k off that from a player. So you are only out a little less than 50k for the runes. Get Lions arch tatoos, they are cheap and your AL doesn't matter anyways. Energy boost from tats isn't that important but in some situations can really help, especially with my following suggestion.

When I first started my 'invinci' monk I could only afford 4 runes. I could have bought a 5th major rune and made do, but this is cheaper and easier. When you head out where ever you go, lets say Augury for example you just die. Take a 15% DP and it will bring you down. This is a pain in the butt, however it is much more effective than trying to do this at 130 health or whatever. It is actually better to have 15 or 25 health than 150 health.

darkMishkin

darkMishkin

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jul 2005

UK

Servants of Fortuna [SoF]

Mo/

Quote:
Originally Posted by Age
Then what would you suggest then I am not paying close to 100k for superior runes?That is how much they cost almost as much as a Warrior superior absorbtion run at 100k more than a sigil.ATM I am useing minors.
Try buying 3 superior runes, then every trip out kill yourself once or twice, any health 11-55 should be an ok amount. Really though, 55hp farming isn't for poor people. And your faming won't be efficient if you have to spend 2 minutes dying each trip. As long as Protective Spirit exists there will always be a 55hp monk build, just fork over the cash and get ready to hate being a monk.



mish

Hendorr

Hendorr

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Sep 2005

Enschede

W.o.F.

N/Me

I'm a necro/mesmer and I always go with a 55hp monk in UW. (the monk is Laurson )

It's a really strong combo in the UW, FoW or Desert. Monk goes tanking (and only tanking) and the necro does all the dmg.

Age

Age

Hall Hero

Join Date: Jul 2005

California Canada/BC

STG Administrator

Mo/

This will take time though as I still want a superior absorbtion rune for my Warrior and maybe vigor.What about that for 55 Monk the vigor runes?I would still like to get Judges or Saintly armor as well but in the meantime I may go with Censor as I bought some in LA some time ago.

Barry Bethell

Barry Bethell

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Sep 2005

No Inherent Effect [NiE]

W/

God no! a vigor rune would put your health up, you can get the full set of sup runes for under 50k if you shop around and you'll have made that back in no time if you master uw farming.

ZainAhmed

Academy Page

Join Date: Nov 2005

Earth

I need a guild

R/Mo

Just wanted to about the focus bcz i go the mission but the reward doesn't say -50.

So is it still -50 or did that get removed?

FFF_WarRaven

FFF_WarRaven

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Apr 2005

Behind the black shroud.

FFF

R/Me

Hey what do ya know a uw/solo tut, the search really does work, and on the first try even: SoLo MoNk This thread starts before all the nerfing, but ends after, it should give you the whole concept of solo monk'n :P

:::End Transmission:::

Volarian

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: May 2005

Texas

NOT-Nomads Of Turmoil

Try taking N/Mo as your running partner, things die allot faster than with a N/Mes - no energy problems and with the right items combo, fast casting and recharge capabilities for maximum dmg output.

Essence Bond pwns for the 2 man setup.

ZainAhmed

Academy Page

Join Date: Nov 2005

Earth

I need a guild

R/Mo

Well in these forums someone posted that having a level 16 in Protection Prayers gives you 2 energy loss from Portective Bond but it DOESN'T; it gives 3 AND NOW I HATE THIS BUILD IT WAS A WASTE OF MY TIME(i think).

Anyway i try it with Prot. Spirit, which is a little easier to work with but 10% is no good for me i have 105 health and still tring to get that dam item.

Why i have posted is BCZ i need some advice. This farming build is difficult but most effective against warrior mosters. But i still keep dying since i dont regen. enough energy and bond ends.

So what should i change in my build:

1 h breeze heal
2 zealots attack
3 bonettis energy
4 b aura attack
5 b spirit energy and adrenaline
6 essence bond enegy
7 prot. bond OR prot. spirit
8 blessed signet energy

thanks in advance to those non-critisizers(spelling)

CKaz

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Feb 2005

Just tailgaiting on this, I'm a N/MO (also be happy to N/ME for Sympathetic Visage and whatever else might be desired) - PM me if wanna tag team, I'd like to UW 8D

ZainAhmed - go spirit and get the item, add elite (SB or SoJ)
I might even have one of those -50 to sell

kimo the healer

Frost Gate Guardian

Join Date: Oct 2005

ucsb

E/Me

Protective bond got nerfed 3 months ago.
Also, it's alot more difficult to do this with 105hp. You need another sup rune.
(sorry, see post below) buy icon for 5-10k

Once your hp is 55, here is what you need.

Mending (+3 or more)
Balt spirit (for energy)
Essence Bond (for energy)
Divine Aura (increase duration of enchants)
Shield of Judgement (doing damage)
Zealot (so all your spells do damage)
Prot Spirit (10% damage or 5 hp per hit)
Healing Breeze


Quote:
Originally Posted by ZainAhmed
Well in these forums someone posted that having a level 16 in Protection Prayers gives you 2 energy loss from Portective Bond but it DOESN'T; it gives 3 AND NOW I HATE THIS BUILD IT WAS A WASTE OF MY TIME(i think).

Anyway i try it with Prot. Spirit, which is a little easier to work with but 10% is no good for me i have 105 health and still tring to get that dam item.

Why i have posted is BCZ i need some advice. This farming build is difficult but most effective against warrior mosters. But i still keep dying since i dont regen. enough energy and bond ends.

So what should i change in my build:

1 h breeze heal
2 zealots attack
3 bonettis energy
4 b aura attack
5 b spirit energy and adrenaline
6 essence bond enegy
7 prot. bond OR prot. spirit
8 blessed signet energy

thanks in advance to those non-critisizers(spelling)

Sir Edri

Sir Edri

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: May 2005

McAllen, Texas

Black Metal Clan

W/Mo

Quote:
Originally Posted by kimo the healer
Also, it's alot more difficult to do this with 105hp. You need another sup rune.
He does have 5 superior runes on him...that's why it's 105hp he just needs the -50 icon to bring it down to 55hp

ZainAhmed

Academy Page

Join Date: Nov 2005

Earth

I need a guild

R/Mo

Alright thanks ill try SOJ AND Divine Aura.

Age

Age

Hall Hero

Join Date: Jul 2005

California Canada/BC

STG Administrator

Mo/

Why can't you use 5 major runes as it is -50 to superior -75 and I do have the grim cesta the -5 focus item?I have to think of skills as well and they are 1K for my monk and warrior getting close to it for my ranger.I was thinking of getting tattoos from stingray strand much cheaper than the forge.What is wrong with majors and they are in my budget?The only other way is if I bought gold online which i am not about to.

Valerius

Valerius

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Apr 2005

Canada

R/

well... cause then u'd have 180HP... and taking 18dmg a hit isn't the greatest...

Fyre Brand

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Sep 2005

Shadowlight Order [SoR]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Age
Why can't you use 5 major runes as it is -50 to superior -75 and I do have the grim cesta the -5 focus item?I have to think of skills as well and they are 1K for my monk and warrior getting close to it for my ranger.I was thinking of getting tattoos from stingray strand much cheaper than the forge.What is wrong with majors and they are in my budget?The only other way is if I bought gold online which i am not about to.
Read the thread again carefully as well as the pointer link above. It is explained fairly clear why you need low health. Again, monk runes are probably cheaper than ever before. It doesn't really take that long of "regular" farming with any character in South Shiver to get enough gold to buy the runes. To say the only way you will get the gold to buy those runes is to purchase gold on ebay is an exaggeration and a boo-hoo whine. You've said in several posts that you want to spend money on several different characters and their needs. If you want to build this monk you will just have to focus for a while on it or come back to it later. It isn't the easiest thing in the game to instantly accomplish but it's very workable in a short period of time (lets say a week or so).

To explain again again why you need low health: Protective Spirit allows a maximum damage to you per hit of 10% of your health. So if you have 105 health you will take 10 damage per hit. If you have 55 health then you take 5 damage per hit. If you have 13 health you take 1 damage per hit. Believe it or not it is so much easier to maintain control of your health and the mops around you when you have low health. At 105, 130, or higher you will take too much damage for mending, breeze, and the divine bonus to keep up with. This is because of the cool down between spells that the spike heals from the divine bonus provide.

Retribution X

Retribution X

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Nov 2005

Check behind you again.

N/

There IS another build which uses prot bond... it works too...

Red Sonya

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Jul 2005

What about Protective Bond, does it not work anymore? I notice the warrior gets a +3 energy per hit elite "Warriors Endurance" no way to use Protective Bond and this skill together here?

Also I found a -20 Health icon with +3 Energy always and +12 Energy < 33% health and +10 Armor <33% health would this be a good icon as well? This would make an 85 monk build wonder if dmg rounds up or down?

Also what are the attributes you guys are using? 16 healing?? 16 smite???? what what what?

Retribution X

Retribution X

Desert Nomad

Join Date: Nov 2005

Check behind you again.

N/

Quote:
Originally Posted by Red Sonya
What about Protective Bond, does it not work anymore? I notice the warrior gets a +3 energy per hit elite "Warriors Endurance" no way to use Protective Bond and this skill together here?

Also I found a -20 Health icon with +3 Energy always and +12 Energy < 33% health and +10 Armor <33% health would this be a good icon as well? This would make an 85 monk build wonder if dmg rounds up or down?

Also what are the attributes you guys are using? 16 healing?? 16 smite???? what what what?
Um, it MIGHT, but i don't know. i'll have to try that. MY prot bond works fairly, as you have necro secondary... (blood Sacrifice! YEAHH!!!)

ChoKILLate[FDG]

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jul 2005

[FDG]-Fudge

Mo/Me

Hendorr,

What skill does the necro require...if I may ask?