This is a pretty fun and easy run (with practice). Took me between 6-8 tries to actually get to the cave and be able to clean it out once.
One weird thing I've noticed ... There are a few Avarica Wise and Guiles that are VERY persistant, they follow for a long time even with a continuous sprint+charge setup, which makes the entrance of the cave not doable sometimes.
The other question I had was what about the Azure Shadows in the second part of the cave? Or is that part not doable? I'm using the w/me axe setup.
I cleared the first part of the case pretty easily, and that was with every single imp on me. But once I got to the ice beast and shadows it was curtains for this warrior.
Fear not, fellow farmers
mookster
Katari
Quote:
Originally Posted by mookster
The other question I had was what about the Azure Shadows in the second part of the cave? Or is that part not doable? I'm using the w/me axe setup.
Move slowly, so you don't awaken many at a time. Spam Heal sig like mad, and focus on the shadows first. This is where a more defensive build helps. I was able to kill them using Watch Yourself!, Dolyak, and Ele resist. With a less defensive build, I may have had problems.
kvndoom
Imps don't always spawn at the rear of the cave, fortunately. It's doable, but very, VERY time consuming. Never, ever let Dolyak run out, spam heal sig as much as you can when you get below 50% health (don't let it get too low or too many Sig of Judgements at once will get you), and use all your +damage attacks on the shadows. Ignore the ice beast because you can't kill it and it can't kill you. It takes forever, but I have gotten at least 3 swords from imps at the back of the cave, so it's always worth it to kill all of them. The rear of the cave is a lot easier when you have the +3 mending from favor. Still doable without, but every little bit helps...
Dwimmerlaik
For those stuck in Tasca's, definitely follow the map someone posted above. If you're going up against any Siege Ice Golem's in Tasca's, you've already done it wrong.
As for the Azure Shadows and Ice Beast; move EXTREMELY slowly, and you can spawn 3 shadows. Back off enough, then engage them in melee and kill them 1 at a time, no hitting AoE or Adjacent skills (you get hurt badly by retribution). As for the Ice Beast...well...you can't kill him without an Interrupt in your bar. If you didn't bring an interrupt, don't worry - he can't kill you either
Final Advice: Focus on getting to the cave first. If there're Avicara anywhere close to the actual entrance to the cave, you might be able to shake aggro. If there're Imps mixed in with them, it'll be quicker to go back to GC and rerun the thing. Get the Statue Blessing ASAP. With the statue's blessing, you practically can ignore healing signet.
Quick edit: Has anyone gotten a Gold or Purple IDS to drop?
As for the Azure Shadows and Ice Beast; move EXTREMELY slowly, and you can spawn 3 shadows. Back off enough, then engage them in melee and kill them 1 at a time, no hitting AoE or Adjacent skills (you get hurt badly by retribution). As for the Ice Beast...well...you can't kill him without an Interrupt in your bar. If you didn't bring an interrupt, don't worry - he can't kill you either
Final Advice: Focus on getting to the cave first. If there're Avicara anywhere close to the actual entrance to the cave, you might be able to shake aggro. If there're Imps mixed in with them, it'll be quicker to go back to GC and rerun the thing. Get the Statue Blessing ASAP. With the statue's blessing, you practically can ignore healing signet.
Quick edit: Has anyone gotten a Gold or Purple IDS to drop?
mookster
OK cool, was able to completely clean out the cave this time, but no IDS drops Will try again tomorrow. Going slow and only spawning 3 shadows works perfect as long as you keep a close watch on the health.
I've also noticed that the southern route in Springs seems to be a bit easier than the northern. More Fierce, lest casters. It's a little bit more of a hike, but so far I prefer it. It also seems harder, when arriving at the cave, if Trolls have spawned... I try to get rid of them first.
Will try again tomorrow. Going slow and only spawning 3 shadows works perfect as long as you keep a close watch on the health.I've also noticed that the southern route in Springs seems to be a bit easier than the northern. More Fierce, lest casters. It's a little bit more of a hike, but so far I prefer it. It also seems harder, when arriving at the cave, if Trolls have spawned... I try to get rid of them first.
LadySapphire
one question, how do you get past the f*cking giants
nvm i got passed them, but the damn elementalist boss
nvm i got passed them, but the damn elementalist boss
Katari
How many IDS have people seen drop when we don't have favor?
Nobody in my guild has seen one drop without favor. Now, the rarity of the IDS makes that poor proof on its own, which is why I'm asking here.
Nobody in my guild has seen one drop without favor. Now, the rarity of the IDS makes that poor proof on its own, which is why I'm asking here.
Mojobaby817
I have two trouble spots in this run, besides the bad spawns.
There are two spots where the avicara can totally whipe me out (across the bridge and when the avicara group and the imp group spawn right next to each other near the entrance of the cave).
I was wondering if there was an easier way around these areas, or a good tip against avicara mesmers. I'm currently running a W/Mo build, because I lack alot of the requirements for the pure stance build. (I don't have the CC shield, but I do have a -2/-2 shield. Also, I lack a sword with a +5 armor mod, and also alot of the armor).
I've successfully done this run 3 times, and I've gotten 2 swords. But ever since, I haven't been able to do it. I think it's because we haven't had favor...
I'm going to try the W/Me sword build next, but I don't know what skill #5 is, as well as a way to get around the damn avicara. If anyone could help, that'd be awesome, thanks.
There are two spots where the avicara can totally whipe me out (across the bridge and when the avicara group and the imp group spawn right next to each other near the entrance of the cave).
I was wondering if there was an easier way around these areas, or a good tip against avicara mesmers. I'm currently running a W/Mo build, because I lack alot of the requirements for the pure stance build. (I don't have the CC shield, but I do have a -2/-2 shield. Also, I lack a sword with a +5 armor mod, and also alot of the armor).
I've successfully done this run 3 times, and I've gotten 2 swords. But ever since, I haven't been able to do it. I think it's because we haven't had favor...
I'm going to try the W/Me sword build next, but I don't know what skill #5 is, as well as a way to get around the damn avicara. If anyone could help, that'd be awesome, thanks.
Dwimmerlaik
Quote:
Originally Posted by LadySapphire
one question, how do you get past the f*cking giants
nvm i got passed them, but the damn elementalist boss I usually get past the giants by killing them. They tend to drop gold, and golds. The ele boss is rough though - either you make it, or you don't. Or you reset the zone.
nvm i got passed them, but the damn elementalist boss I usually get past the giants by killing them. They tend to drop gold, and golds. The ele boss is rough though - either you make it, or you don't. Or you reset the zone.
Katari
Interestingly enough, I have not once seen a Giant Herder use Giant Stomp either when solo, or with a small group of warriors. Maybe we ran past too fast, I have no idea. Either way, giants are never a problem, ubless they happen to be physicaly blocking my path. As such, balanced stance is a waste of a skill slot entirely,
Reks
Well I've stopped taking the northern route and opted instead for the eastern route more and more. The randomness of the giants is the only troublespot there. I find that I can make it pass a small group of 2 or 3, but any more I'm forced to fight them. What's worse is that I can only take on a max of 5 or else I get overwhelmed. If only I had Physical Resistence then I could take on all of them at once. 
As for the ele boss I have made it pass once. The Lieutenant's Helm came in handy that time.
As for the ele boss I have made it pass once. The Lieutenant's Helm came in handy that time.
kvndoom
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mojobaby817
I have two trouble spots in this run, besides the bad spawns.
There are two spots where the avicara can totally whipe me out (across the bridge and when the avicara group and the imp group spawn right next to each other near the entrance of the cave).
I was wondering if there was an easier way around these areas, or a good tip against avicara mesmers. I'm currently running a W/Mo build, because I lack alot of the requirements for the pure stance build. (I don't have the CC shield, but I do have a -2/-2 shield. Also, I lack a sword with a +5 armor mod, and also alot of the armor).
I've successfully done this run 3 times, and I've gotten 2 swords. But ever since, I haven't been able to do it. I think it's because we haven't had favor...
I'm going to try the W/Me sword build next, but I don't know what skill #5 is, as well as a way to get around the damn avicara. If anyone could help, that'd be awesome, thanks. Skill #5 is "Heavy Metal Freak"
Description: Strum mad tunes from your electric guitar. Then enter an apoplectic rage and smash your guitar over nearest enemy's head for +10-34 damage. Linked attributes: Rock & Roll
There are two spots where the avicara can totally whipe me out (across the bridge and when the avicara group and the imp group spawn right next to each other near the entrance of the cave).
I was wondering if there was an easier way around these areas, or a good tip against avicara mesmers. I'm currently running a W/Mo build, because I lack alot of the requirements for the pure stance build. (I don't have the CC shield, but I do have a -2/-2 shield. Also, I lack a sword with a +5 armor mod, and also alot of the armor).
I've successfully done this run 3 times, and I've gotten 2 swords. But ever since, I haven't been able to do it. I think it's because we haven't had favor...
I'm going to try the W/Me sword build next, but I don't know what skill #5 is, as well as a way to get around the damn avicara. If anyone could help, that'd be awesome, thanks. Skill #5 is "Heavy Metal Freak"
Description: Strum mad tunes from your electric guitar. Then enter an apoplectic rage and smash your guitar over nearest enemy's head for +10-34 damage. Linked attributes: Rock & Roll
Sir Krohan
Quote:
Originally Posted by kvndoom
Skill #5 is "Heavy Metal Freak"
Description: Strum mad tunes from your electric guitar. Then enter an apoplectic rage and smash your guitar over nearest enemy's head for +10-34 damage. Linked attributes: Rock & Roll
ROFL nice one
Description: Strum mad tunes from your electric guitar. Then enter an apoplectic rage and smash your guitar over nearest enemy's head for +10-34 damage. Linked attributes: Rock & Roll
ROFL nice one
dont feel no pain
Quote:
Originally Posted by kvndoom
Skill #5 is "Heavy Metal Freak"
Description: Strum mad tunes from your electric guitar. Then enter an apoplectic rage and smash your guitar over nearest enemy's head for +10-34 damage. Linked attributes: Rock & Roll
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA ROFL!
Description: Strum mad tunes from your electric guitar. Then enter an apoplectic rage and smash your guitar over nearest enemy's head for +10-34 damage. Linked attributes: Rock & Roll
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA ROFL!
dont feel no pain
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dwimmerlaik
I'm calling bullshit until i see further screens/methods.
As it stands now, i practically carbon copied the original build and method, minus charge since i do not have it. After trying the "shorter, faster" northern path, i'm calling pure bullshit on this. Let's begin:
I'm wearing: Knight's Boots, Plate Legs/Chest/Gloves, and the Denravi Lieutenant Helm. I'm wielding carbon-copies of kvndoom's weaponry.
I die on the exact same spot every time: the 4 ice imps and the 1 level 10 golem about halfway through the run. If i sprint, they freeze. If i rush, they freeze. They use Water Trident religiously, which knocks me down. I considered bringing balanced stance, but realized i'm repeatedly frozen to hell. I attempted to kill the 4 imps and the golem, and successfully was nuked to death by them. They weren't doing 0 damage to me with everything up - they were doing 20-30 per special, which came in waves. If i attempt to run through them, i get slowed down and hit the Tengu who are camped IMMEDIATELY behind them, with no chance of losing aggro.
So what is your magic secret? Or are you guys jerking everyone's penis around? EMMM no it's not bullshit we have done the run i done it 4 times and got my IDS on the second run with a simular build , and those ice imps and ice golems that i faced 1/2 way i killed and i lost the aggro mob before i got to them and then i was open to sprint through the next mob. , they are easy to kill and if u cant take on 4 imps what chance do u have at the cave.
As it stands now, i practically carbon copied the original build and method, minus charge since i do not have it. After trying the "shorter, faster" northern path, i'm calling pure bullshit on this. Let's begin:
I'm wearing: Knight's Boots, Plate Legs/Chest/Gloves, and the Denravi Lieutenant Helm. I'm wielding carbon-copies of kvndoom's weaponry.
I die on the exact same spot every time: the 4 ice imps and the 1 level 10 golem about halfway through the run. If i sprint, they freeze. If i rush, they freeze. They use Water Trident religiously, which knocks me down. I considered bringing balanced stance, but realized i'm repeatedly frozen to hell. I attempted to kill the 4 imps and the golem, and successfully was nuked to death by them. They weren't doing 0 damage to me with everything up - they were doing 20-30 per special, which came in waves. If i attempt to run through them, i get slowed down and hit the Tengu who are camped IMMEDIATELY behind them, with no chance of losing aggro.
So what is your magic secret? Or are you guys jerking everyone's penis around? EMMM no it's not bullshit we have done the run i done it 4 times and got my IDS on the second run with a simular build , and those ice imps and ice golems that i faced 1/2 way i killed and i lost the aggro mob before i got to them and then i was open to sprint through the next mob. , they are easy to kill and if u cant take on 4 imps what chance do u have at the cave.
Masta Devious
I can run to the the cave fine with my W/Me and have done so 6 times. I just cant kill any of the imps. Something keeps interupting my healing sig, and then it takes an age to recharge and its curtains. I think its the troll(s). Is nobody else having this problem, its doing my nut 
Witchblade
i m also thinking about a favor based drop
i vent seen a damn sword yet
i vent seen a damn sword yet
kvndoom
Quote:
Originally Posted by Masta Devious
I can run to the the cave fine with my W/Me and have done so 6 times. I just cant kill any of the imps. Something keeps interupting my healing sig, and then it takes an age to recharge and its curtains. I think its the troll(s). Is nobody else having this problem, its doing my nut
I'm so sorry about your nut, I really am. 
You gotta prioritize, just like with any other mob. Trolls are your biggest threat; they must die first. Notice the description of Elemental Resistance? Your physical armor goes down. Or did you just copy the build and not learn its strengths and weaknesses? Naw, nobody would do that. So of course the trolls are going to do more damage to you, though you'll never face more than 2 at a time. And they use Disrupting Chop, which, well, read the skill description. When you see a troll on you, it should be your top priority.
I'm so sorry about your nut, I really am. You gotta prioritize, just like with any other mob. Trolls are your biggest threat; they must die first. Notice the description of Elemental Resistance? Your physical armor goes down. Or did you just copy the build and not learn its strengths and weaknesses? Naw, nobody would do that.
So of course the trolls are going to do more damage to you, though you'll never face more than 2 at a time. And they use Disrupting Chop, which, well, read the skill description. When you see a troll on you, it should be your top priority.
Shaz
Quote:
mookster
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shaz
Happen to me a few times too. I found that if you just stop and let them cast a spell on you then sprint or charge! away they will stop. Only one IDS so far after 12 runs
Glad I'm not the only one! I've done 7 or so solo runs and no IDS yet. All I really want is one, for me, not to sell... Not that I really like swords all that much, but it'd be nice to have around.
Glad I'm not the only one! I've done 7 or so solo runs and no IDS yet. All I really want is one, for me, not to sell... Not that I really like swords all that much, but it'd be nice to have around.
doYouWantFriesWitThat
can someoen show me the path to ice caves? and can u guys help me with this aeromancer avicara boss? he just uses this crippling move and then the rest of the avicara purely OWN ME
silent333x2
I wanted to mess around so I came up with a monk running build that isn't 55. I was able to run all the way to the ice caves next to the statue fairly easy. I was also able to run becons, but couldnt get passed the halfway mark. I kept getting killed by the mountain giants that throw the big rocks . I think I might be able to run the whole thing if I get a low req tactics sheild w/ +45 -2 dmg.
I don't wana release this running build just yet. Still trying to get my 55 monk started. Then I'll buy some Judges armor, tactics sheild w/ health, sword w/ +30 hp. Then I'm sure I can do the whole run to drocs
. I think I might be able to run the whole thing if I get a low req tactics sheild w/ +45 -2 dmg.I don't wana release this running build just yet. Still trying to get my 55 monk started. Then I'll buy some Judges armor, tactics sheild w/ health, sword w/ +30 hp. Then I'm sure I can do the whole run to drocs
mookster
Quote:
Originally Posted by doYouWantFriesWitThat
can someoen show me the path to ice caves? and can u guys help me with this aeromancer avicara boss? he just uses this crippling move and then the rest of the avicara purely OWN ME
The path is pretty straightforward. It's a giant loop, but I took a SS of it for you anyways. As for the Ele boss - If he spawns in your path, it's pretty much a 50/50 chance you'll make it. What I've done is cast Ele Resistance before going in, then Charge! ... Hopefully I get past the mob, then can Sprint by the time the hexes wear off. If not, head back to Citadel and try again.
Here's an image of the southerly route that I prefer.
The path is pretty straightforward. It's a giant loop, but I took a SS of it for you anyways. As for the Ele boss - If he spawns in your path, it's pretty much a 50/50 chance you'll make it. What I've done is cast Ele Resistance before going in, then Charge! ... Hopefully I get past the mob, then can Sprint by the time the hexes wear off. If not, head back to Citadel and try again.Here's an image of the southerly route that I prefer.
agent of ascalon
hay that imp build is what Mr Happycakes uses ^^
Rufio Lostboy
elemental resistance + dolyak + watch yourself FTW!
got mine in 4 runs
tip: take candy canes for losing DP, and shiverpeak keys (got me a 15>50 req 9 fellblade there)
the hardes part are the ice golems in tasca's demise .. i HATE deep freeze
got mine in 4 runs
tip: take candy canes for losing DP, and shiverpeak keys (got me a 15>50 req 9 fellblade there)
the hardes part are the ice golems in tasca's demise .. i HATE deep freeze
eifiji20
I've done like 6 or 7 solo runs, and 3 or 4 with groups, and no IDS to show for it
exodite
ive tried this build a few times but i keep dying im going to try doing it with another person as it should make it alot easier + we each free up a slot as only one need charge and the other takes whatch
kvndoom
Hmmm...
http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=99310
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kapper
http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=99310
Quote:
Title pretty much says it all. I made a video tutorial explaining and showing how to solo to obtain an Icy Dragon Sword. It's a little large at 150MB but I wanted to show everything from start to finish to make it as easy as possible.
A few notes:
1) The spawn locations of the enemies in Mineral Springs in particular vary a bit. Some runs are harder than others and require different tactics.
2) In my video I didn't encounter any trolls in the cave but if you do, take them out first. Their disrupting attack on your healing signet can be annoying so wait for them to use their disrupt (they often try to use it vs desperation blow), before using your signet, if possible.
3) Since making the video I have found it much easier and faster to simply alternate Sprint and Charge! through all of Tasca's Demise rather than wait for the bridge patrols as I do in the video. Sometimes the spawns require you to wait, but often you can just race through the whole area.
Comments are most welcome as are donations of candy canes or frigid hearts. =)
I hope this helps a lot of people in the community get their GW Holiday present!
http://www.filefactory.com/get/v3/f2...a8d242451637fa
- Shinobu Shinrei (Kapper)
********************************
Overview (Recommended the video be watched to best understand how it works):
Warrior/ Mesmer
Attribs:
Swords: 11+1
Tactics: 11+1
Strength: 8+1
Inspiration: 3
Skill Bar:
Sever Arterty, Desperation Blow, Sprint, Charge{Elite}, Healing Signet, Watch Yourself!, Dolyak Signet, Elemental Resistance
Armor: Gladiator with Knight's Boots and Denravi Hex Helmet Recommended
Sword: +5 Defense Recommended
Shield: +45 Health -2 Damage in Stance or Similar Recommended Somehow sounds familiar, eh?
Can't imagine why he didn't post it in the Builds section, eh?
A few notes:
1) The spawn locations of the enemies in Mineral Springs in particular vary a bit. Some runs are harder than others and require different tactics.
2) In my video I didn't encounter any trolls in the cave but if you do, take them out first. Their disrupting attack on your healing signet can be annoying so wait for them to use their disrupt (they often try to use it vs desperation blow), before using your signet, if possible.
3) Since making the video I have found it much easier and faster to simply alternate Sprint and Charge! through all of Tasca's Demise rather than wait for the bridge patrols as I do in the video. Sometimes the spawns require you to wait, but often you can just race through the whole area.
Comments are most welcome as are donations of candy canes or frigid hearts. =)
I hope this helps a lot of people in the community get their GW Holiday present!
http://www.filefactory.com/get/v3/f2...a8d242451637fa
- Shinobu Shinrei (Kapper)
********************************
Overview (Recommended the video be watched to best understand how it works):
Warrior/ Mesmer
Attribs:
Swords: 11+1
Tactics: 11+1
Strength: 8+1
Inspiration: 3
Skill Bar:
Sever Arterty, Desperation Blow, Sprint, Charge{Elite}, Healing Signet, Watch Yourself!, Dolyak Signet, Elemental Resistance
Armor: Gladiator with Knight's Boots and Denravi Hex Helmet Recommended
Sword: +5 Defense Recommended
Shield: +45 Health -2 Damage in Stance or Similar Recommended Somehow sounds familiar, eh?
Can't imagine why he didn't post it in the Builds section, eh?
kvndoom
There are some things I should clarify, since browsing the forums I see a lot of repetitive questions and comments. I use specific skills / stats / items for a reason.
Gladiator's Armor: I have a set of Gladiator's, but I never use it in this run (except for my arm piece, which I just haven't gotten around to replacing yet). Why? Gladiator's: base 80AL. Wyvern: base 85AL. The base AL is your elemental defense. When you enter the cave and get bombarded by Imps, you can possibly take 3-5 more damage per attack spell wearing Gladiator's. That adds up fast, obviously. The net result is you have to heal more often. If you bring Watch Yourself that's negated, but some people choose not to bring WY. Fine, just keep healing when you should be killing. Don't complain to me about how long it takes or how the imps keep kicking your ass.
Sprint + Charge: Ok I abandoned Charge for a while, but went back to it. Why? Two reasons. 1) Obviously I want to get to the cave as fast as possible. With both skills, you're at 125% speed 100% of the time. With just Sprint at 12 strength, it's 65% of the time. In Tasca's, if you're using both you can actually beat that Dolyak / Ranger patrol to the bridge and not have to wait for them to cross, and even beat the Golem / Heretic patrol to the last part of the map. I get lucky sometimes and make it to the warp before the Heretic patrol who guards it, and them I'm home free. 2) I do just fine with only Sever Artery and Desperation Blow. 20 seconds or less per Imp. Don't underestimate bleeding. -3 health regen adds up faster than you realize. I have no use for an elite attack skill. Those of you who load up on axe attack skills, I have a feeling you're still not killing them much or any faster. I didn't see any noticable improvement in kill time when I came stacked with Eviscerate, Executioner's Strike, and Penetrating Attack. You're looking at the big numbers in the skill description and letting them deceive you, especially since they all use adrenaline.
Tundra Giants: You're kidding, right? These guys kill you? With Dolyak and Watch Yourself up, their stones do 0-1 damage and don't knock you down. Giant Stomp does 25 damage and doesn't knock you down. How can that possibly kill you? Stroll up to one, start him bleeding, spam Desperation Blow when it recharges, watch him fall dead, stroll up to the next one. Sheesh, I took on 6 or 7 of them at once and never even came close to dying. And you shouldn't take the back way anyway, which I'm going to explain in a bit.
Helms: I have a Lieutenent's Helm with a minor strength rune, and a Wyvern Helm with a Superior Strength. When I get to the cave, I switch. At 15 Strength Dolyak lasts 20 seconds, so it's never down. If you don't understand the usefulness of a Lt's Helm, you haven't used it. Every hex lasts half as long as usual. I can now survive Thunderwing's Iron Mist almost every time. I just hit Healing Signet repeatedly until the spell wears off, then immediately Sprint away. Here's where 2 running spells makes a hell of a difference. If you only have Sprint and it's not recharged when IM wears off, you're screwed. And health degen hexes, well, wouldn't it be nice to cut those -3's in half, time-wise? You'd sure last a lot longer, especially if the next mob is too close for you to stop to heal up and recover.
North route vs. south route, and spawns: I strongly recommend never taking the longer south route. There are numerous reasons for this. The biggest is protection against a bad spawn (too many chickens mixed with the imps at the caves, for example, or Thunderwing at a choke point and you don't think you can get past) and respawning after clearing the cave. When you take the north route, if you die, you go all the way back to the rez shrine near the Tasca's exit. That's a GOOD thing. Just run out and rezone. Voila'! Whole new spawn, one which could be better for your purposes. Killed all the imps in the cave? No problem? Run out to the closest group of birds, let them kill you, and boom, you're back at the beginning of the zone. Death Penalty? Who cares about DP?!? All those frigid hearts you have collected and you don't have ANY candy canes? You don't deserve an IDS, sorry. Go back to farming skeletons or something. The kicker is, there IS another rez shrine in Mineral Springs, but you only pass it if you take the south route. And it's not even remotely close to the rezone point. So if you go that way and hit a bad spawn, or die, or clear the cave and want to start over, you die and STILL have to trudge your way back to the Tasca zone point. For this reason alone, it's never worth going that way. Never mind that it takes almost twice as long to get to the cave if you go that way.
I read on this forum, and even get PM's in game from people who make this a heck of a lot harder than it really is. There are only 2 circumstances that MIGHT kill me in Mineral Springs: 1) I hit 2 or more Trolls at the same time in the cave, and 2) Thunderwing's bunch gets the better of me. I've made dozens of runs, and looted a total of 12 swords, so it's not like I'm offering any advice that isn't already proven to work.
Gladiator's Armor: I have a set of Gladiator's, but I never use it in this run (except for my arm piece, which I just haven't gotten around to replacing yet). Why? Gladiator's: base 80AL. Wyvern: base 85AL. The base AL is your elemental defense. When you enter the cave and get bombarded by Imps, you can possibly take 3-5 more damage per attack spell wearing Gladiator's. That adds up fast, obviously. The net result is you have to heal more often. If you bring Watch Yourself that's negated, but some people choose not to bring WY. Fine, just keep healing when you should be killing. Don't complain to me about how long it takes or how the imps keep kicking your ass.
Sprint + Charge: Ok I abandoned Charge for a while, but went back to it. Why? Two reasons. 1) Obviously I want to get to the cave as fast as possible. With both skills, you're at 125% speed 100% of the time. With just Sprint at 12 strength, it's 65% of the time. In Tasca's, if you're using both you can actually beat that Dolyak / Ranger patrol to the bridge and not have to wait for them to cross, and even beat the Golem / Heretic patrol to the last part of the map. I get lucky sometimes and make it to the warp before the Heretic patrol who guards it, and them I'm home free. 2) I do just fine with only Sever Artery and Desperation Blow. 20 seconds or less per Imp. Don't underestimate bleeding. -3 health regen adds up faster than you realize. I have no use for an elite attack skill. Those of you who load up on axe attack skills, I have a feeling you're still not killing them much or any faster. I didn't see any noticable improvement in kill time when I came stacked with Eviscerate, Executioner's Strike, and Penetrating Attack. You're looking at the big numbers in the skill description and letting them deceive you, especially since they all use adrenaline.
Tundra Giants: You're kidding, right? These guys kill you? With Dolyak and Watch Yourself up, their stones do 0-1 damage and don't knock you down. Giant Stomp does 25 damage and doesn't knock you down. How can that possibly kill you? Stroll up to one, start him bleeding, spam Desperation Blow when it recharges, watch him fall dead, stroll up to the next one. Sheesh, I took on 6 or 7 of them at once and never even came close to dying. And you shouldn't take the back way anyway, which I'm going to explain in a bit.
Helms: I have a Lieutenent's Helm with a minor strength rune, and a Wyvern Helm with a Superior Strength. When I get to the cave, I switch. At 15 Strength Dolyak lasts 20 seconds, so it's never down. If you don't understand the usefulness of a Lt's Helm, you haven't used it. Every hex lasts half as long as usual. I can now survive Thunderwing's Iron Mist almost every time. I just hit Healing Signet repeatedly until the spell wears off, then immediately Sprint away. Here's where 2 running spells makes a hell of a difference. If you only have Sprint and it's not recharged when IM wears off, you're screwed. And health degen hexes, well, wouldn't it be nice to cut those -3's in half, time-wise? You'd sure last a lot longer, especially if the next mob is too close for you to stop to heal up and recover.
North route vs. south route, and spawns: I strongly recommend never taking the longer south route. There are numerous reasons for this. The biggest is protection against a bad spawn (too many chickens mixed with the imps at the caves, for example, or Thunderwing at a choke point and you don't think you can get past) and respawning after clearing the cave. When you take the north route, if you die, you go all the way back to the rez shrine near the Tasca's exit. That's a GOOD thing. Just run out and rezone. Voila'! Whole new spawn, one which could be better for your purposes. Killed all the imps in the cave? No problem? Run out to the closest group of birds, let them kill you, and boom, you're back at the beginning of the zone. Death Penalty? Who cares about DP?!? All those frigid hearts you have collected and you don't have ANY candy canes? You don't deserve an IDS, sorry. Go back to farming skeletons or something. The kicker is, there IS another rez shrine in Mineral Springs, but you only pass it if you take the south route. And it's not even remotely close to the rezone point. So if you go that way and hit a bad spawn, or die, or clear the cave and want to start over, you die and STILL have to trudge your way back to the Tasca zone point. For this reason alone, it's never worth going that way. Never mind that it takes almost twice as long to get to the cave if you go that way.
I read on this forum, and even get PM's in game from people who make this a heck of a lot harder than it really is. There are only 2 circumstances that MIGHT kill me in Mineral Springs: 1) I hit 2 or more Trolls at the same time in the cave, and 2) Thunderwing's bunch gets the better of me. I've made dozens of runs, and looted a total of 12 swords, so it's not like I'm offering any advice that isn't already proven to work.
Gift_of_darkness
AHHH i hate the mesmer boss :'(
Gift_of_darkness
A big thankyou to kvndoom who just helped me getting to the ice cave and clearing it and also taught me a few other tricks along the way
thanks, time to get rich
thanks, time to get rich
aZaaaad
hey
im havin only 1 problem
the ice imps kill me
i can run there
but the ice imps keep killing me
im havin only 1 problem
the ice imps kill me
i can run there
but the ice imps keep killing me
Witchblade
Watch yourself+Dolyak Signet+Elemental Resistance u can hold +- 7 of em easily
badd
u can hold all of them easily
dunky_g
how do i get to the cave? i am using the exact same build as everyone else, but dont seem to get very far, im desperate for one of these swords!
i have got one now, on 1st run, other party members werent happy lol
i have got one now, on 1st run, other party members werent happy lol
aZaaaad
yes
its a pice of cake
its a pice of cake
eifiji20
finally got one, me and a guildie two manned and each got one on the run
our build works perfect..
with swords.
Working on one, using Illisionar Weaponry.
only tried once, had limited success, just need to tweak things i think...it keeps they dmg up and constant. and also helps those with out stace shields, but have enchant ones. still use dolyak, watchyourself...and if you 2 man, have room for rez. work in progress though. HAve the other build pretty much perfected, but like to try new things
our build works perfect..
with swords.
Working on one, using Illisionar Weaponry.
only tried once, had limited success, just need to tweak things i think...it keeps they dmg up and constant. and also helps those with out stace shields, but have enchant ones. still use dolyak, watchyourself...and if you 2 man, have room for rez. work in progress though. HAve the other build pretty much perfected, but like to try new things
kaya
in the little time i had today i went 4 out of 12. pretty good odds.
stool_cannon
Quote:
Originally Posted by mookster
As for the Ele boss - If he spawns in your path, it's pretty much a 50/50 chance you'll make it.
I don't know why everyone is having such a hard time with this guy?
I have run right by him with no issues every time. I even made it by him and the necro boss standing on the same bridge on my last run.
My build is the same skill point setup as the standard axe build from this thread and I bring
Heal Sig
Dolyak Sig
Elem Resist
Desperation Blow
Power Attack
Watch Yourself
Sprint
Charge
It takes just under 30 seconds per imp with this build. You can speed it up by 5-8 seconds per imp by bringing another attack instead of Watch Yourself or Charge but what's the point? Overall it might be a 3 min different on the entire run and this more defensive version is WAY easier. With "Watch Yourself" constantly running there are never any issues with defense even for the 2 seconds that Dolyak is down every cast.
I take 1-2 total damage for every 10-12 hits from imps and I need to cast heal sig every 30 seconds or so vs the Shadows.
Now for the bad news, no IDS for me yet.
Thanks for creating the build [insert name here because I forgot it]. This is great fun and very easy.
I have run right by him with no issues every time. I even made it by him and the necro boss standing on the same bridge on my last run.
My build is the same skill point setup as the standard axe build from this thread and I bring
Heal Sig
Dolyak Sig
Elem Resist
Desperation Blow
Power Attack
Watch Yourself
Sprint
Charge
It takes just under 30 seconds per imp with this build. You can speed it up by 5-8 seconds per imp by bringing another attack instead of Watch Yourself or Charge but what's the point? Overall it might be a 3 min different on the entire run and this more defensive version is WAY easier. With "Watch Yourself" constantly running there are never any issues with defense even for the 2 seconds that Dolyak is down every cast.
I take 1-2 total damage for every 10-12 hits from imps and I need to cast heal sig every 30 seconds or so vs the Shadows.
Now for the bad news, no IDS for me yet.
Thanks for creating the build [insert name here because I forgot it]. This is great fun and very easy.
Dwimmerlaik
Quote:
Originally Posted by stool_cannon
I don't know why everyone is having such a hard time with this guy?
I have run right by him with no issues every time. I even made it by him and the necro boss standing on the same bridge on my last run.
Perhaps because he Iron Mists you to a 10% speed crawl, all the while his hex buddies are leeching you to death and he's tossing lightning balls that hit very hard.
Personally i took what someone said earlier to heart and make it by him now with much issue: wait for the group to clump (they always clump up), sprint past, when you get Misted hit Doly and Ele Resist, spam Healing Signet, and when Iron Mist is up nail Sprint and get out of there.
I have run right by him with no issues every time. I even made it by him and the necro boss standing on the same bridge on my last run.
Perhaps because he Iron Mists you to a 10% speed crawl, all the while his hex buddies are leeching you to death and he's tossing lightning balls that hit very hard.
Personally i took what someone said earlier to heart and make it by him now with much issue: wait for the group to clump (they always clump up), sprint past, when you get Misted hit Doly and Ele Resist, spam Healing Signet, and when Iron Mist is up nail Sprint and get out of there.