Best Gear set up for "Round up"

[kiitz]

Hello Everyone,

Just want to first say, I've read close to every post on this forum and appreciate all the insight and strategy you have all contributed.

I have a lvl 55 tank bear with full hate and full bodyguard. I recently found out the joys of the "round up" in stronghold and its probably the most fun I've had playing a tank bear. I am currently switching to my bodyguard set for when I do the round ups (1st room, corridor, back room) and using a combination of all the cooldowns and HP pots to get back alive. I find I still have to use at least 3-4 pots, sometimes many more if my character gets "stuck" in position with the game resetting my position when I get hit.

My question is - what is the best gear set up to wear for maximum defensive stats for doing these round-ups? I noticed Royal Sewers only has a helm and chest. I assume those would be used. What about sword and shield? Fury Fighters? Would fully fury fighters be better? Another mix?

I would like to work on building up toward a good gear set for doing this and I wanted to get some input on where to start and what to work toward.

Thanks for the help! :D
Kiitz (IGN Kiitz)

[Echelong]

Pots
blah blah blah /10 char

[kiitz]

Pots
blah blah blah /10 char

Okay, besides using a tanking or speed pot, any other recommendations?

[Echelong]

Lol I meant spamm health pots not an elixir. Well joke aside the highest dodge one would be best fury is excellent and so is sewer gear with fury shield and sword. Expensive though

[kiitz]

Lol, okay I see. Yeah, I spam health pots when I need to. Started with 1000 of them in the morning and down to about 250 today. I played quite a bit yesterday though.

I just wasn't sure if I should get better gear to alleviate the pressure, or if its going to be like that regardless. If you could choose, would you go full fury or Royal Sewer + Fury Shield + Sword?

I definitely don't have enough to get it all yet, but if I know what i'm shooting for, then I can at least keep my eye out for pricing on the CS. Thanks!

[Echelong]

Well for tanking sewer is the best one because of 8 dodge but no m/s and it has no bonus. I am positive that devs will add a bonus to the sewer sets and put 1h weapons and shield. If you want the bonus now then fury the one for you. Also try mixing purples, greens and oranges. Sometimes greens are better than purple and for tanking all you need is high dodge, armor and h/s the rest is secondary been hit and m/s. Check out Ellyidols threads on the Warriors section he is far better for this.

[kiitz]

Okay, thanks a bunch. Yeah, I've spent a lot of time in that thread looking at the different gear. I'll probably start with the Royal sewers because I don't think I'll be getting the FF shield or sword anytime soon. Appreciate the help!

[Sky../]

Hey kiitz good to see you here. Don't know if you remember playing with my bear (hanibaz). He's hibernating though. Been stuck at lvl 42. Since we last played.

[Moogerfooger]

I use a Royal Sewer Helm and Plate, and for max tank use a Bodyguard Shield and Sword. With certain rings you can push your armor to 180 :)

There may be even tank-ier swords and shields that might be a couple of armor higher.

[neko]

Lol, okay I see. Yeah, I spam health pots when I need to. Started with 1000 of them in the morning and down to about 250 today. I played quite a bit yesterday though.

I just wasn't sure if I should get better gear to alleviate the pressure, or if its going to be like that regardless. If you could choose, would you go full fury or Royal Sewer + Fury Shield + Sword?

I definitely don't have enough to get it all yet, but if I know what i'm shooting for, then I can at least keep my eye out for pricing on the CS. Thanks!

Hey Kiitz,

It was fun playing a few rounds with you yesterday (as Corrvus). I've played in many good and epically bad "roundups" and the ones that seem to be most successful at it is when they pot up with a tank and speed elixir, equipment notwithstanding.

In the end, I hope you find your equipment as drops!

[Ellyidol]

Definitely a trend nowadays, most PUGs I'm in have them even slightly.

IMO, if you want the tankiest setup, Royal + Fury pieces no doubt. Royal has the best tank stats but there are only 2. Fury comes next. The most tank gear, but not the most cost efficient. :)

[kiitz]

Sky../ (Hannibaz) - Oh man. I'm glad you posted here. I kept wondering, where is Hannibaz? I told my gf (Kiittz) that I thought maybe you quit :( At least now I can add your main and hopefully get in some more runs with you in the future.

Neko (Corrvus) - Yeah, I enjoyed those runs a lot as well. Thanks for running with me since I wasn't even lvl 55 then even. Looking to get more runs in with you as well whenever you need a willing tank!

Note: Its kind of funny, but it makes sense that the good players I meet in game also are on the forums. Its those people who come to the forums to seek out information to improve that are usually the better players.

Also, I went with a Royal Sewers Chest off the CS for about $470k. Also swapped in a lvl 55 fury helm that I had in my stash... Bodyguard sword and shield. Will be watching the CS and saving money for reasonably priced FF sword and shield and possibly Royal Sewers Helm. Also picked up an Acrobat's Fine Golden Band for the extra 2% dodge and 8 armor. Current stats for round up tanking: 32% Dodge, 177 Armor. Regular tanking (hideout) i'm still just using full Hate.

[kiitz]

Definitely a trend nowadays, most PUGs I'm in have them even slightly.

IMO, if you want the tankiest setup, Royal + Fury pieces no doubt. Royal has the best tank stats but there are only 2. Fury comes next. The most tank gear, but not the most cost efficient. :)

Thanks - thats what I'm going for now. Lol, definitely not the most cost efficient... don't have the close to 2 mil to burn on the sword and shield.

Btw, i'm a big fan of your video/guides, Ellyidol. I basically just use your tanking technique I've seen in your video/guides.

[Sky../]

Cool. I will mostly be on my pally (traigomuerte) since i still have 75k to go to get to lvl 56.

Btw, i just noticed, we're practically neighbors. I'm also from LA

[Ellyidol]

Thanks - thats what I'm going for now. Lol, definitely not the most cost efficient... don't have the close to 2 mil to burn on the sword and shield.

Btw, i'm a big fan of your video/guides, Ellyidol. I basically just use your tanking technique I've seen in your video/guides.

Thanks! :)

I hope I have time for more, as I enjoy making them too :D

If your going for semi cost efficient, I use :

Royal Helm
Rooter Sword
Royal Plate
Cleaner Shield

Gives me decent crit/dodge/armour, and I still get that MS from Rooter's.

If you want very cost efficient, just replace the Royal pieces with Plungers. :)

[WhoIsThis]

Personally, I wonder if the gear even has to be that tanky. True, every mob is going to gang up on you, but it's only the ranged ones that will do a lot of damage.

More important is when the enemy faces the rest of the group. You've got to keep the aggro off of everyone - especially the int mages as best you can.

[Physiologic]

I was in a party today with a bear that was "rounding up" at Stronghold...he died about 5-6 times trying to round up before he quit my party :) Not sure if that was due to questionable gear or questionable skill though (forgot to see his equips).

[WhoIsThis]

I was in a party today with a bear that was "rounding up" at Stronghold...he died about 5-6 times trying to round up before he quit my party :) Not sure if that was due to questionable gear or questionable skill though (forgot to see his equips).

Skill will have a lot to do with this. You need an experienced bear. Most bear that try this will fail a couple of times (at least the ones who had the guts to admit this to me). Eventually, they'll become experienced enough to handle it.

Then, when the party faces the mob, the team must be well experienced too. If there are members who die regularly facing 5 bandit boys - well here are 20-30 of them at once! It is very critical that at least one int mage survive to nuke. I've seen many mages die. I haven't had enough experience with this, but I have survived a few encounters. The trick is to hold your health pot down in between spell recharges. Expect to burn up about 4-8 health pots to clear up the area. Acceptable IMO.

Birds should try to hold their spells until the targets are all bunched - ever see cruel blast hit 8+ targets at once? Also remember to cast thorn wall of the mage's lightning. Don't repulse either - it pushes the intended targets away from the mages nuke. Only repulse stragglers and try to push them towards the mage's nuke.

[Ellyidol]

Personally, I wonder if the gear even has to be that tanky. True, every mob is going to gang up on you, but it's only the ranged ones that will do a lot of damage.

More important is when the enemy faces the rest of the group. You've got to keep the aggro off of everyone - especially the int mages as best you can.

True, the mobs aren't THAT hard to tank anyway. I don't really know what other stat, aside from tank stats, help with rounding up though. Hit maybe? For beckon/taunt/hell scream?

[WhoIsThis]

True, the mobs aren't THAT hard to tank anyway. I don't really know what other stat, aside from tank stats, help with rounding up though. Hit maybe? For beckon/taunt/hell scream?

I was opting more for an attack bear just running around and picking everyone up then letting the group have it. The attack bear is far more likely to pick up some aggro. This will probably be a half dex and half str bear something tanky, but reasonably high in DPS - high enough to keep aggro after the mage nukes. The entire mob usually takes 2-3 volleys to kill.

[MITSUISUN]

I have had the luck to group with awesome new player/friends that I just met recently on this in both Stronghold and Catacombs, where they not only round up, but always "trains" to a place while team does not agro at all trailing behind a bit distance and setup huge aoe kills.

It's really skills and health pots, team work and let "rounders" do their thing without interrupping, i guess, and it's not just bears, it's pally, war birds and full int mage. I was just amazed, it's like playing the old school druid/ranger went out pulling while the group rest up, bring back mob, repeat. All we needed to do was wait, sit, buff up get rdy, couple skills spam and kaboom, move on to the next spot, repeat.

What's even more interesting is when we started to take 2 paths in Stronghold and met jointly after the first bridge. 3 spots in Stronghold then king/queen, this is the first map in BS that I could play with 1 hand heh.

There were no pots used on the "rounders", but I always use damage pots now since Elly got me hooked :p

There's ought to be a video made for this like Phy's hideout runs/skill demo. I have a whole new aspect of game play and salute to you "rounders" doing it for the party.

[Ellyidol]

And I blame tee for my pot addiction. Lol

Now if only you can find a way to stop dying... LMAO JK!

[ReddWolfAK]

Hey I did a few runs win you earlier. Don't use elixirs there's no point. I can do I fine with out it. I think it is the most fun for bears ATM to. But the boss sucks. What ever that's all I have to say.

[Ellyidol]

Hey I did a few runs win you earlier. Don't use elixirs there's no point. I can do I fine with out it. I think it is the most fun for bears ATM to. But the boss sucks. What ever that's all I have to say.

We did? :)

Yeah there's no need for elixirs, but great damage on a bear sure is yummy ;)

[Necrobane]

No wayyy, Oh YOUR corrvus. Lol, when you said it it literaly went into one ear and out the other ;P I'll try play with you moar often :D

[Necrobane]

Mits, you have GOT to let me run as one bear for that, sounds like just the kinda thing I like :D

[FluffNStuff]

Best Rounder I have seen is actually a Paladin named Olli Walli. Not sure if he posts here though.

[neko]

Cool. I will mostly be on my pally (traigomuerte) since i still have 75k to go to get to lvl 56.

Oh that was you? We did a handful of runs together (I was Urrsus) and was thinking, "What does that name mean? I think "murete" means death in Spanish"

[neko]

Best Rounder I have seen is actually a Paladin named Olli Walli. Not sure if he posts here though.

Olliwalli is cool. I haven't played roundups with him but we leveled up together when we were grinding away to 56.

I give props to Narilover (56 Warbird) who was the first to introduce me to it some time back. He must have a deep pockets because he'll almost always pot up with a speed and tank elixir and if the group is weak he'll throw in a damage pot as well.

[Riccits]

Best Rounder I have seen is actually a Paladin named Olli Walli. Not sure if he posts here though.

hes registerd but not posting much! everyone should try to play with him stronghold to c and learn :)

[Sky../]

Oh that was you? We did a handful of runs together (I was Urrsus) and was thinking, "What does that name mean? I think "murete" means death in Spanish"

Oh yeah, that was just a hour or so ago hehe. Had to go to work so i left. Nice to see players you play with here on forum.

Ps. Traigo means bring. Muerte is death.
Pps. No habla espanol. Lol. I do understand a bit though.

[Moogerfooger]

The key to rounding, if done, is for the other party members to NOT attack the train/rounded-up mobs; totally jacks it all up because the mobs will turn/stop to the attacking mage/bird usually and ignore the rounder.

On that note, on a whim last night (party knew I was rounding up), I decided to round up the entire trap room on Stronghold in one fell swoop, and see if I could do with no pots at all :) although I did indeed round the entire room at one shot, it was ugly and I was was constantly getting micro-stunned and burned 30 pots or so just making my way around the room. But it was epic to see me running back towards the entrance with the entire room in tow. However, it was just too much for the unpotted team and we all got a laugh out of it upon eating it (I owe you guys for elixirs, if you are reading this).

[MITSUISUN]

Best Rounder I have seen is actually a Paladin named Olli Walli. Not sure if he posts here though.

Very, I think it was 2-3 weeks ago. I forgot how I met OlliWalli but we met in Stronghold, and he was the first pally that showed me the move. Couple of us were wondering what's going on when a huge train of bandits showed up at the square, we took it down with fireworks and lag combo. After clean up on asile 5 I said "I don't know what's going on but I am playing along :p"

Very good memory when meeting awesome players that just open eyes for a noob like me

One of these days I need to jog down their stats and remember what they are wearing etc.

[neko]

The key to rounding, if done, is for the other party members to NOT attack the train/rounded-up mobs; totally jacks it all up because the mobs will turn/stop to the attacking mage/bird usually and ignore the rounder.

On that note, on a whim last night (party knew I was rounding up), I decided to round up the entire trap room on Stronghold in one fell swoop, and see if I could do with no pots at all :) although I did indeed round the entire room at one shot, it was ugly and I was was constantly getting micro-stunned and burned 30 pots or so just making my way around the room. But it was epic to see me running back towards the entrance with the entire room in tow. However, it was just too much for the unpotted team and we all got a laugh out of it upon eating it (I owe you guys for elixirs, if you are reading this).

Ahh...'splains the messiness last night. *grin* Sorry about that.

From where I was (middle of the room, and where other groups I've played with stand) I thought you were bringing the mob for us to kill but in fact you were trying to round up the ENTIRE room! Ambitious! We usually take out the mob in two groups: first loop (we stand just ahead of the row of three firepits leading into that room), then the back wall (which is where I was when I was picking off that congo line). Hmm...I wish I was playing Corrvus at the time as my "chubby bird" Urrsus just didn't quite have as strong an AOE to wipe the mob out as quickly. I also wish I was in a better vantage point to take a screencap.

If anything, lemme owe you some pots - my pot spamming is just part of the fun.

[kiitz]

Speaking of doing the "round up" or "death train", has anybody seen anyone do it successfully in other maps?

It is especially suitable for stronghold just because of the nature of the map:
1. 1st room is annoying to do regularly because all the mobs are spread out
2. straight and right corridor round up nicely because the tank can take an alternate path and everyone can meet in the middle
3. backroom is annoying to do with all the fire traps

I've never been in a group in any of the other maps and seen someone do a death train. It seems like those other maps aren't as suitable, but it must be possible and is probably at least slightly faster as well. I think the ideal would be like Moosefooger mentioned - basically all DPS hold onto their attacks until everything is rounded up, and then everyone combos together. If the party is fairly strong and everyone coordinates to chain their combos, a lot of times there are fireworks and then everything is dead.

I'm thinking about doing some tests to see the max range for pulling groups away from their spawn points, but I wanted to first see if anyone else has experience with this. Also, if anyone is interested in running some death trains, I'm on most evenings after 6-7pm PST (break for dinner).

Kiitz

[StompArtist]

Speaking of doing the "round up" or "death train", has anybody seen anyone do it successfully in other maps?

It is especially suitable for stronghold just because of the nature of the map:
1. 1st room is annoying to do regularly because all the mobs are spread out
2. straight and right corridor round up nicely because the tank can take an alternate path and everyone can meet in the middle
3. backroom is annoying to do with all the fire traps

I've never been in a group in any of the other maps and seen someone do a death train. It seems like those other maps aren't as suitable, but it must be possible and is probably at least slightly faster as well. I think the ideal would be like Moosefooger mentioned - basically all DPS hold onto their attacks until everything is rounded up, and then everyone combos together. If the party is fairly strong and everyone coordinates to chain their combos, a lot of times there are fireworks and then everything is dead.

I'm thinking about doing some tests to see the max range for pulling groups away from their spawn points, but I wanted to first see if anyone else has experience with this. Also, if anyone is interested in running some death trains, I'm on most evenings after 6-7pm PST (break for dinner).

Kiitz

Works in CTK but some enemies have short leaches so you have to know where and when pretty well.

[kiitz]

Works in CTK but some enemies have short leaches so you have to know where and when pretty well.

Yeah, but you can do CTK pretty much as fast as you can run so no need. I meant more just sewers maps.

[drewcapu]

Speaking of doing the "round up" or "death train", has anybody seen anyone do it successfully in other maps?


Big room in Pitz is a candidate :)

But I wouldn't bother there since it's better to do a speed run. My fun in Pitz is timing the first set of fire traps so you can walk down the middle unscathed.

[MITSUISUN]

Speaking of doing the "round up" or "death train", has anybody seen anyone do it successfully in other maps?

Kiitz

I group with couple people on "death train" ing in catacombs. about hmmm 2-3 trains then boss. I think it's best for pally or crazy mage to take this on because of heal/drain life/mana shield / hp pot etc. It's just pure mad skills you guys/rounders do what you do.

I am just a bird sitting quietly on the side line and trailing behind and setup thorn wall + Shatter + Blast shot + avian scream :p

I bet, if someone takes a screenshot, he/she will be the winnter of Elly's Leroy Jenkins contest =)

[Plasticuproject]

Kiitz I greatly enjoyed doing Stronghold runs with you the other day. You are a kitting machine! Pro bear supreme!!

[drewcapu]

I group with couple people on "death train" ing in catacombs. about hmmm 2-3 trains then boss. I think it's best for pally or crazy mage to take this on because of heal/drain life/mana shield / hp pot etc. It's just pure mad skills you guys/rounders do what you do.

I am just a bird sitting quietly on the side line and trailing behind and setup thorn wall + Shatter + Blast shot + avian scream :p

I bet, if someone takes a screenshot, he/she will be the winnter of Elly's Leroy Jenkins contest =)

I tried doing a screenshot while training about 25 in stronghold on my bear (ya, I counted the red triangles. It wasn't too great a shot, but I might try again. Too bad I only use my bear to do the dailies tho.

I also tried training the beginning of stronghold on my int mage (with a tank pot). Too bad the only death on that death train was me :)

[kiitz]

Kiitz I greatly enjoyed doing Stronghold runs with you the other day. You are a kitting machine! Pro bear supreme!!

Hey, me too :) Let's do some more!

[Moogerfooger]

I group with couple people on "death train" ing in catacombs. about hmmm 2-3 trains then boss. I think it's best for pally or crazy mage to take this on because of heal/drain life/mana shield / hp pot etc. It's just pure mad skills you guys/rounders do what you do.

I am just a bird sitting quietly on the side line and trailing behind and setup thorn wall + Shatter + Blast shot + avian scream :p

I bet, if someone takes a screenshot, he/she will be the winnter of Elly's Leroy Jenkins contest =)

A bear with 170-180 armor and using some pots/dodge will work just fine too :p

I think I had about 30-40 mobs in tow, too bad I didn't have time to type Leeeeeeroy Jennnnnkinnnnns! due to pot mashing.

[Mr.Wallace]

I think the gear you wear isn't that important, cause usually I only die in two situations while roundup: First when getting stuck, but you can easily avoid this by stopping to walk straight lines and starting to dance around. And second, when the team doesn't attack when I bring them their gift wrapped mobs. To prevent this, I pick one player I've done this before with and tell the others to follow that player. When your timing is good, this way you can easily clear the map with just four big roundups, no elixirs used.

As my Stronghold gear I'm now using a cheap Plunger's set, giving enough armor to do one run with around ten health pots. Fur fun I once tried a run with my Raid Recurve set, 87 armor, in the end I had around 150 health pots, but it still worked.

[Kalielle]

Dodge helps a lot. When you get to around 150 armor I would worry about maximizing dodge from there on, and not so much about adding a bit more armor.

Health regen is also useful, even on a mage. Was rounding up with my Fury set paladin the other day and my regen was so high I didn't even need to use heal on myself a lot of the time - by the time I would have pressed it, my health was already back up.

[Moogerfooger]

Dodge helps a lot. When you get to around 150 armor I would worry about maximizing dodge from there on, and not so much about adding a bit more armor.

Health regen is also useful, even on a mage. Was rounding up with my Fury set paladin the other day and my regen was so high I didn't even need to use heal on myself a lot of the time - by the time I would have pressed it, my health was already back up.

There is a large difference between 150 and 180 armor. Tried and tested.

I also had 180 armor with 32 dodge, so I killed both birds with one stone...sure dodge could be up a bit higher, but 30+ is still solid. I also had 29 h/s.

It is either generally one or the other (very high dodge or very high armor), and since I had the high armor gear lying around, I went that route and still had decent dodge.

Pally with Fury would be (and is, have seen it) awesome for it as well :p

[FluffNStuff]

There is a large difference between 150 and 180 armor. Tried and tested.

I also had 180 armor with 32 dodge, so I killed both birds with one stone...sure dodge could be up a bit higher, but 30+ is still solid. I also had 29 h/s.

It is either generally one or the other (very high dodge or very high armor), and since I had the high armor gear lying around, I went that route and still had decent dodge.

Pally with Fury would be (and is, have seen it) awesome for it as well :p

The thing about dodge is not necessarily about survival, but for the hits to not stun you so you can keep moving. Hell scream to reduce hit percentage might also help, but not sure if you stun em, will they stop following?

[Olli Walli]

I actually learned from watching Narilover and a bear named Speedmen. Narilover is one of the best since he's a bird. His dodge is insane.

I use Fury set because of the 30 dodge I get. I think that dodge is by far the most important part so you don't get stunned. If your going to be a puller your job is just to bring the enemies to everyone. Once your back at the group you should be able to survive.

For a pally it is easy to pull due to having aeo damage. You can run in and use fireblast from a distance to agro then run away.

[Kalielle]

There is a large difference between 150 and 180 armor. Tried and tested.

I also had 180 armor with 32 dodge, so I killed both birds with one stone...sure dodge could be up a bit higher, but 30+ is still solid. I also had 29 h/s.


That's pretty sweet. Sounds like you got the best of both worlds. I'll keep in mind your observations about armor.

I was talking about going for dodge in cases where you can't get both that and armor. I saw a bear with about 180 armor but 15-20ish dodge and he seemed to be struggling much more than I was with my 155-160ish armor but dodge in the 30s. So if you do have to choose between the two, it seems 10 dodge is better than 20 armor once you already have a ton of armor.

I too found that hell scream helps a lot. It's what I use to get out if I'm stuck. Even if you stun them they keep following, they just get delayed a bit.

[Moogerfooger]

That's pretty sweet. Sounds like you got the best of both worlds. I'll keep in mind your observations about armor.

I was talking about going for dodge in cases where you can't get both that and armor. I saw a bear with about 180 armor but 15-20ish dodge and he seemed to be struggling much more than I was with my 155-160ish armor but dodge in the 30s. So if you do have to choose between the two, it seems 10 dodge is better than 20 armor once you already have a ton of armor.

I too found that hell scream helps a lot. It's what I use to get out if I'm stuck. Even if you stun them they keep following, they just get delayed a bit.

Yeah, you are correct on that. If forced to choose between 150 and 165 armor, and 15 or 25 dodge, I would go with the dodge. The toughest part of rounding up is getting stunned and getting slowed down.

Hellscream definitely helps when things start getting intense, it does stun a few into not following you briefly, but they don't seem to lose aggro and will resume chasing after a few seconds. But in those few seconds, it's a few less mobs trying to stun/hit you on your roundup, plus it helps aggro new mobs you are trying to round up.

For the record, I'm using Sewer Helm and Plate, Bodyguard Shield and Bodyguard Battle Axe to get those number, including a 1 dodge 9 armor dex ring as I am dual spec. 88% hit (marginal, but hey for this we are tanking), 32 dodge, 29 h/s, 178 DPS, 180 armor.

I usually run with a Rooter's sword to up hit to 94%, because below 90% taunts and beckons seem to miss a lot more often. But for roundup purposes, I will quickly switch to a Bodyguard weapon for the added armor and +4 dodge momentarily.

[Ellyidol]

I finally tried rounding up the other day, Phys, Swedishmike, Ariylana (sorry if I got spelling wrong), and Mits (? not too sure on last member) and I went on Stronghold runs.

Based on a few runs observation, I did speed/armour elixirs. Speed was definitely worth the 1.5k, self explanatory. The armour pot though, it seemed that it didn't even work at times. The speed almost just bypasses your armour pot since most of the time the mobs are actually following rather than attacking, and when they do attack, my dodge takes care of most just in time for group to wipe them out.

So yeah, tricky balance it is, dodge and armour. I would honestly prefer dodge, for both reasons of receiving no damage at all and avoiding those "stun" attacks. Although a decent armour value shouldn't be forgotten either - those bird mob's blast shots/break armour is what brings me close to dying the most.

As for Hell Scream, I sometimes use it as an alternate aggro-setter when Taunt is on cooldown, but not the best since it mini-stuns them in place and actually makes it a bit slower to round them up. Taunt still works best, no doubt.

Overall its one of the funnest things I've tried on my bear lately. Though I only seem to use it for maps 1/2, maps 3/4 I still stick to dex bear/damage pot since those mobs can actually group-wipe if you try to round them up. :)

[WhoIsThis]

After observing several bears, I'd say the following:

1. Armor doesn't seem to be that important. Only the bandit boy birds can really harm you. Armor pot doesn't seem to significantly improve survivability either.

2. Speed is very important as is having direction. Go straight and if necessary, the bear should save up their stomp for when they are completely surrounded.

3. What to wear? Whatever maxes out dodge for the helm and armor (come to think of it - what gear has the best dodge?).

4. Agree to where you will rendezvous with the team before you begin. At least 2 instances I've seen people die because there have been miscommunications. Indicate where people should wait as well.

5. Immediately after the bear reaches the location, it's critical that the team quickly back the bear up. This is best done in a place far enough from vents to avoid any casualties there and where there is a wall to beckon and stomp with. If there is any disagreement, there's a good chance that the bear will likely die.

6. Make sure that there is at least one int mage who is reasonably well experienced in the party - once they nuke, any survivors will concentrate fire on the mage. Ideally one bird should also go in advance to cast thorn wall, although timing is tough. Be careful about doing roundups with PUGs.

[Moogerfooger]

Re:1, the bear mobs with daggers will put a hurting on you VERY quickly if there are a lot of them right on you. Have discovered the hard way more than once.

Overall, still not sure if it is more time-effective on the large roundups....you just end up with a huge mob that even a good nuking crew takes several moments to clear due to skill cooldown, where just running it normally and nuking as you go and having no "rest of party" waiting time would be close to same speed. I timed a couple of Stronghold runs, and although not precise, it was pretty close on time.

[kiitz]

Thats a good point actually... It feels faster, but maybe thats just because you are only doing 3-4 pulls and getting to the boss, but there are a lot of other factors too:

1. Waiting for a full party (or close to a full party) instead of starting to clear when there are only 3 ppl on
2. The (very) occasional wipe will probably make the entire overall run slower than a regular wipe without

The more I think about it though - doing round ups does have other advantages

1. Fighting in an area that doesn't have fire grates. I think this is the biggest thing about doing a round up in the backroom on Stronghold. No fire grates to be accidentally set off to kill someone

2. Its more fun and it feels like there is more synergy between everyone in the party. Especially with the wide open rooms (first room in Stronghold) its kind of annoying to beckon like 2 mobs against the wall and see someone blow their abilities to kill 1-2 mobs at a time.

[WhoIsThis]

Overall, still not sure if it is more time-effective on the large roundups....you just end up with a huge mob that even a good nuking crew takes several moments to clear due to skill cooldown, where just running it normally and nuking as you go and having no "rest of party" waiting time would be close to same speed. I timed a couple of Stronghold runs, and although not precise, it was pretty close on time.

No more than 25 I'd say for most teams. On the other hand .... ever go on a party with a bear, a bird, and 3 pure ints?

[Subterraneous]

I actually learned from watching Narilover and a bear named Speedmen. Narilover is one of the best since he's a bird. His dodge is insane.

I use Fury set because of the 30 dodge I get. I think that dodge is by far the most important part so you don't get stunned. If your going to be a puller your job is just to bring the enemies to everyone. Once your back at the group you should be able to survive.

For a pally it is easy to pull due to having aeo damage. You can run in and use fireblast from a distance to agro then run away.

I give props to Olli and Narilover - I did runs with them on a few nights while playing with my archer, Predadactyl, and re-tooled my alt. mage to mimic their playstyles. I now have a pretty good handle on how to pull all the maps using the "train and herd" method and only die if I get some unwanted lag or the occasional fire trap I eat unexpectedly. I do die on occasion but rarely from mobs. For each map, I try to boil it down into a series of kill zones and will bring as large of mob as I think my group can handle (presuming my ping is OK, then I may need to taper back). For example on Stronghold:

1. Room #1. (20-25)
2. Drusila's room + mob of 5 out front. (12)
3. I run through other side and pull 3 mobs to second barrel area.
(This is where I rely on someone in the group to know the meeting point and the importance of getting to a spot quickly to help take the train down. Pulling much further beyond this point will cause part of the mobs to run back to their spot).

4. 3-4 mobs from area past the three consecutive fire traps.
5. 3-4 mobs from top half of the same area.
6. train remaining mobs together before you get to the boss.

I go into this map with 6 kill zones in mind. If I have a good group, I look to better package the kill zones together in areas 4+5 to go through the map faster. I think this offers for a fast run and maximal XP gain through the Stronghold map since you kill all but 4 enemies (near Drusila) after the bosses are dead. I usually don't get complaints about Drusila since this is literally a 30-second diversion -- if it took longer I wouldn't do it. When I get to the kill zone, I drop an ice storm and freeze them into place for Blast Shot and Firestorm damage from the group.

I try to have a similar plan for each map and take pride that my groups rarely stop to fight (outside of bosses)...it's a running melee throughout each map where AoE skills get maximum damage by herding the cattle up. I find this playstyle to be more entertaining in the monotous grind to 56.

Sub

[neko]

I go into this map with 6 kill zones in mind. If I have a good group, I look to better package the kill zones together in areas 4+5 to go through the map faster. I think this offers for a fast run and maximal XP gain through the Stronghold map since you kill all but 4 enemies (near Drusila) after the bosses are dead. I usually don't get complaints about Drusila since this is literally a 30-second diversion -- if it took longer I wouldn't do it. When I get to the kill zone, I drop an ice storm and freeze them into place for Blast Shot and Firestorm damage from the group.

I try to have a similar plan for each map and take pride that my groups rarely stop to fight (outside of bosses)...it's a running melee throughout each map where AoE skills get maximum damage by herding the cattle up. I find this playstyle to be more entertaining in the monotous grind to 56.

Sub

How many health pots do you find you'll need to burn with your Pally? I haven't tried it, yet, with mine (I'm rusty with my mage) but in the past with my bear I'd burn 20-30+ depending on the group.

[krazii]

Gear is right on! (Royal Plate/Helm, Fury Sword/Shield)

There is a bit of strategy to consider in how you use your skills. First make sure you get mage buffs (BoM and BoV)! I usually use no skills until I'm about a third of the way around, then I beckon and stomp, move till just after halfway, then use iron blood, taunt, evade, hell scream and crushing blow. This generally scatters the first half of mobs and prepares me for the other half. By the time I'm back, the "stomped" mobs have returned along with the rest. My goal is to make it around without use of a single pot and if you have a heads up mage(s), they will be there when your coming in to start tossing you heals.

Note: I've played around with when to use skills and these seem to be my favored, but I'd be interested to know how others use their skills, I'm generally a step behind the rest cause of my old age! (shush Kaley! and you too Elly!)

Of course this doesn't apply to pallys, but I'm guessing they use their skills to accomplish a simliar goal. I bet ice storm and freeze are especially helpful.

Kraz

[Subterraneous]

How many health pots do you find you'll need to burn with your Pally? I haven't tried it, yet, with mine (I'm rusty with my mage) but in the past with my bear I'd burn 20-30+ depending on the group.

Hmm, maybe 5-10 health pots per map. In Stronghold, I usually need to eat 2-3 health pots in that first room and sometimes when I pull around the bend and the party isn't yet in the spot they need to be. Other than that, heal and an occasional lifesteal spell is all I need. I also like hosting the group for the mear fact I feel I should get to harvest pots if I'm doing the corralling. This strategy will save you money/time for supplying Anichelith.

[Elitephonix]

Hmmm dont no when this was posteed but i suggest royal armor"amout of armor it gives" fury helm"for the mana regan" fort sword"for max damage" and bellows shield"for the dodge and crit"

[Moogerfooger]

Hmmm dont no when this was posteed but i suggest royal armor"amout of armor it gives" fury helm"for the mana regan" fort sword"for max damage" and bellows shield"for the dodge and crit"

Posted 8 months ago. If you are on a web browser, all posts are timestamped. above the user's name.

[wvhills]

Posted 8 months ago. If you are on a web browser, all posts are timestamped. above the user's name.

He's kind of in a no win situation. If he posts on this he gets flamed for necroing a dead post. If he posts the same thing in a new thread he'll get told to use the search function. :(

[NECROREAPER]

So does that mean that he shouldn't have posted at all?

Whoops

[Moogerfooger]

He's kind of in a no win situation. If he posts on this he gets flamed for necroing a dead post. If he posts the same thing in a new thread he'll get told to use the search function. :(

I'm not sure what your point is....I simply told him how to figure out when a post was made/timestamped. I made no comment about the content of the post.

[wvhills]

I'm not sure what your point is....I simply told him how to figure out when a post was made/timestamped. I made no comment about the content of the post.

Oh. Sorry. I've just been seeing alot of people getting onto others for necroing posts. At least they're using the search function. Haha.
:)

[Elitephonix]

Here hope this make u guys feel better
IM SOOOOOO SRRRY !!!!!!!;*(