Curse

Jimmy Dean · Mar 15, 2009, 10:13 PM // 22:13

As Guild Wars approaches the 4th anniversary of its release date, it is becoming increasingly harder to find worthwhile challenges to tackle. I was gathering Kurzick faction one day and needed only one more feat to max the faction cap - beat Urgoz. I'd beaten him many times before of course, but not since the update that ties his defeat to your faction cap.

Since the nerf to Ursan, Cry of Pain has become a favorite skill of mine. I like to use it with Warriors having Sentinel armor, since you can create a build that includes "Save Yourselves", and do huge amounts of damage while greatly helping to protect the party. To top it off, you can sustain your own energy level adequately. The following build is one I have used extensively to do DOA, Vanquishing, and HM missions:

[build prof=W/Me name="W/Me" box Str=12+1 Inspiration=11 Illusion=8 desc="Weapon #1: Staff +20 Energy +30 Health"][Auspicious Incantation][Conjure Nightmare][Echo][Cry of Pain][Web of Disruption][Leech Signet][Ether Signet]["Save Yourselves"][/build]

It's an easy and fun build, letting two W/Me's target the same or different foes in a group, with the knockout punches being 4 Cries of Pain delivered in very short time proximity. The build has two hexes to fuel COP, 3 energy recovery skills and 3 interrupts (4 counting COP twice). Quite effective. Add a couple MM's, a fire Ele, a Mesmer and a couple of monks and you can roll thru many challenges comfortably.

So I'm just wondering how this build would hold up in Urgoz one day and I decide to enter the mission for kicks (Party of 8/12). After re-reading through the excellent guide on wiki (http://guildwars.wikia.com/wiki/Urgoz%27s_Warren), I go into the Warren and Wow, I'm actually hanging tough with these foes. I was extra careful to pull only ONE mob at a time, and before I knew it I was at the room with the locked gate, right before the fire bridge. Time - 32 minutes. Then I realized I couldn't progress any further because no real player had Necrotic/Consume Corpse to get to the Gate Locks. D'oh! - You used to be able to rez a dead party member onto the bridge with rebirth, but no more. Also on this first attempt (and several subsequent tries) I was using 2 1/2 MM's (2 full MM's and the Blood Rit Necro). This was fast in the early stages, but turned out to be slower by the time I got to the Warden room, as I couldn't keep the minions alive and kill fast enough to support all those heroes needs. I actually made it to Urgoz with this 2 1/2 MM build one time, but then botched killing him as a bunch of heroes got trapped in some spores and EOE did a party wipe ACK!

After tweaking the builds some to compromise between mob killing and spike damaging Urgoz, I made about 3 more attempts before succeeding. I decided on Grenth's Balance for Team 1 War because you have to have a Necro profession on a real player. Then I decided to bring Symbiosis along and have each Monk hero equip a persistent enchant. This worked great as I was able to get up around 900 HP, let Urgoz and the Explosive spores damage me down to about 350, then use Grenth's on him. Also having Ebon Vanguard Sniper Support was quite handy, as the 10% chance sniper mass damage triggered once for each Warrior. Team 2 War was able to echo Sniper in addition to Cry of Pain, which was great. The heroes weren't all that useful against Urgoz. I tried to get Backfire, Chaos Storm, Meteor Shower on Urgoz, but practically every time I tried to get a hero close enough, they ended up dying and it became a headache to get everyone rezzed. At one point both real players were down and I had to get them up with heroes YIKES! The two Warrior builds plus EOE are entirely adequate to kill Urgoz without additional help.

Here are the builds I used:

[build prof=W/N name="Team 1 W/N" box Str=12+1 Blood=12 Curses=6 desc="Weapon #1: Staff +20 Energy +30 Health"][Life Siphon][Necrosis][Rip Enchantment][Ebon Vanguard Sniper Support][Necrotic Traversal][Grenth's Balance][Sprint]["Save Yourselves"][/build]

[build prof=N/R name="Team 1 N/R" box Blood=10 Soul=10 Curses=4 Beast=12 desc="Weapon #1: Sword +5e +20% ench; Weapon #2: Shield -2 damage +45 HP while ench"][Life Transfer][Angorodon's Gaze][Rip Enchantment][Strip Enchantment][Masochism][Blood Ritual][Symbiosis][Edge of Extinction][/build]

[build prof=Me/Mo name="Team 1 Me/Mo" box Domination=12+2+1 Fast=12 Heal=3 desc="Weapon #1: Staff +15 Energy +60 Health"][Energy Surge][Cry of Frustration][Backfire][Chaos Storm][Web of Disruption][Signet of Disruption][Unnatural Signet][Resurrection Chant][/build]

[build prof=N/Mo name="Team 1 N/Mo" box Heal=12 Soul=12+1+1 desc="Weapon #1: Staff +15 Energy +60 Health"][Word of Healing][Healing Ribbon][Heal Other][Cure Hex][Healing Breeze][Signet of Rejuvenation][Mending][Resurrection Chant][/build]

[build prof=W/Me name="Team 2 W/Me" box Str=12+1 Inspiration=11 Illusion=8 desc="Weapon #1: Staff +20 Energy +30 Health"][Auspicious Incantation][Conjure Nightmare][Echo][Cry of Pain][Web of Disruption][Ebon Vanguard Sniper Support][Ether Signet]["Save Yourselves"][/build]

[build prof=E/Mo name="Team 2 E/Mo" box Fire=12+2+1 Energy=12+1 Heal=3 desc="Weapon #1: Staff +15 Energy +60 Health"][Fire Attunement][Glyph of Lesser Energy][Liquid Flame][Searing Flames][Glowing Gaze][Glyph of Elemental Power][Meteor Shower][Resurrect][/build]

[build prof=N/Mo name="Team 2 N/Mo" box Death=12+3+1 Soul=12+1 Heal=3 desc="Weapon #1: Staff +15 Energy +60 Health"][Dark Bond][Blood of the Master][Aura of the Lich][Animate Vampiric Horror][Infuse Condition][Foul Feast][Putrid Bile][Resurrection Chant][/build]

[build prof=N/Mo name="Team 2 N/Mo" box Heal=12 Soul=12+1+1 desc="Weapon #1: Staff +15 Energy +60 Health"][Word of Healing][Healing Ribbon][Heal Other][Cure Hex][Healing Breeze][Signet of Rejuvenation][Succor][Resurrection Chant][/build]

Each party member had a proper attribute +15/20 energy +30/60 HP staff, except Team 1 N/R (Blood Rit Necro), who I elected to give a +5e +20% ench sword, and -2 damage +45 HP while ench shield. This set kept Team 1 N/R alive better because he often had to run into melee harm's way to deliver Blood Rit.

Some screenshots:

Prior to the Locked Gate Room:

Just after the Fire Bridge:

Urgoz Chamber opened:

Urgoz going down:

Success!:

I used some buffs after the fire bridge up to Urgoz, and they ran out while fighting him. We took about a 15 min break after getting to Urgoz, so total time about 3 hours. There were many hard fought battles and several real close calls - the kinds of things that make this game fun (when you prevail of course!)

All in all it was great fun and a very rewarding victory!

JD

Snograt · Mar 16, 2009, 01:00 AM // 01:00

Can I just say "well done" before the obligatory doom-sayers arrive?

Nice job.

Kerwyn Nasilan · Mar 16, 2009, 01:11 AM // 01:11

Thats pretty good. I think the builds could be optimized but that not my department, do HM next

Hanging Man · Mar 16, 2009, 01:13 AM // 01:13

Awesome job

I was a bit hesitant towards heroes in Urgoz
But apparently it works wonderfully

Although 3 hours is alot, just the two of you is more than impressive
GJ

Lord Of Blame · Mar 16, 2009, 02:50 AM // 02:50

Very well done, wonder how fast you could do it with one more team.

Pleikki · Mar 16, 2009, 05:24 AM // 05:24

Its nice though i couldnt bother do 3h urgoz run as it can be done easyly below 1h with 8human party

Eragon Zarroc · Mar 16, 2009, 05:59 AM // 05:59

pretty impressive =D what was the final time for the run?

Snograt · Mar 16, 2009, 10:24 AM // 10:24

As a matter of interest, was it two "real players", or were they both you, playing via gwx2?

The very similar character names made me wonder

Jimmy Dean · Mar 16, 2009, 01:35 PM // 13:35

Thanks for all the positive replies, guys.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lord Of Blame

Very well done, wonder how fast you could do it with one more team.

One more team would cut the time dramatically. I would add another team just like Team 2 and with a good puller I'm betting somewhere around 90 minutes.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eragon Zarroc

pretty impressive =D what was the final time for the run?

3:11, minus a 15 minute break.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snograt

As a matter of interest, was it two "real players", or were they both you, playing via gwx2?

The very similar character names made me wonder

Hehe, I heard about people doing that - it's kind of like how the Army makes everybody an Army of ONE!

JD

Ariena Najea · Mar 16, 2009, 01:39 PM // 13:39

^ Wonders same thing as Snograt.

But very nice! My alliance has been Urgoz active recently, and in the back of my mind I have been wondering if it is feasible to complete the entirety of the dungeon in HM with just 1 player and their heroes. Although you did it in NM, I must say I'm shocked it worked so effectively, and am interested that you decided to use such a spell heavy build on a warrior.

Tenebrae · Mar 16, 2009, 03:04 PM // 15:04

Pretty impressive , another 2 players and i would bet you can lower time to 2h20 or less . GG

Super Igor · Mar 17, 2009, 02:49 PM // 14:49

Terrible bars, and whats so impressive? That it took you 3+ hours to complete Urgoz NM with cons? Youre funny.

-1

payne · Mar 17, 2009, 03:00 PM // 15:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Super Igor

Terrible bars, and whats so impressive? That it took you 3+ hours to complete Urgoz NM with cons? Youre funny.

-1

if you can't say anything nice then GTFO !!! go on get out

the bars could use some improvement but so can EVERY bar - nice work though if its HM possible then good luck achieving that

riktw · Mar 17, 2009, 03:37 PM // 15:37

healing breeze on monk bar, try a prot instead of it.
going to try some NM urgoz i guess.
see if i can improve it

Jimmy Dean · Mar 17, 2009, 05:00 PM // 17:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Super Igor

Terrible bars, and whats so impressive? That it took you 3+ hours to complete Urgoz NM with cons? Youre funny.

-1

I never made any claims about it being impressive, just that I took it on as a challenge. It IS a challenge, and one that very few people have the determination, patience and dare I say it 'skill' to complete. Let's see you do it with an "Army of ONE".

As far as the skill bars go, many folks have commented on some variations they would have chosen. That's one thing that makes this game fun - there are many ways to fight your battles. I chose each skill very carefully with the big picture in mind, and I don't think much would change if I did it again.

For example, the MM having Infuse Condition and Foul Feast completely kept all conditions off the entire party the whole time. Having 3 enchantment removals (2 on the blood rit necro) allowed me to use Symbiosis the whole time and boost everyone's HP, while keeping the foes from benefiting from it. My two Warrriors both have high ranks (many maxed) in PVE skills, so Cry of Pain, Sniper, and Necrosis are all high damage while "Save Yourselves" is tremendous protection. Healing Breeze is a great skill to offset the -15 Health degen in one area. Don't forget, with only 2 monks that kind of degen can't be fixed with prot skills. Sprint on the pulling Warrior was a lifesaver many times like the fire bridge and the Vine Gates to get back to safety from the Thorn Wolves.

Sure there are better and faster ways to do this. Complete it BY YOURSELF and see how impressive you think it is then.

JD

nikkooo · Mar 17, 2009, 06:18 PM // 18:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Super Igor

Terrible bars, and whats so impressive? That it took you 3+ hours to complete Urgoz NM with cons? Youre funny.

-1

I have to agree, kind of stopped looking through his guide when i saw Warrior Cryer....just really made me 'lol'

Jimmy Dean · Mar 17, 2009, 06:56 PM // 18:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by nikkooo

I have to agree, kind of stopped looking through his guide when i saw Warrior Cryer....just really made me 'lol'

There aren't any Warrior skills in the game that do as much damage as quickly. 100 armor against everything, enough energy to sustain a continuous attack, potential for 400-500 damage twice in a row plus interrupt and "Save Yourselves"?

It's a no-brainer.

Screenshot shows 600 damage for 5 energy with another one ready to go. DOA is even better with Cry topping out at 130 damage per foe. LOL indeed!

JD

Hanging Man · Mar 17, 2009, 07:11 PM // 19:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Super Igor

Terrible bars, and whats so impressive? That it took you 3+ hours to complete Urgoz NM with cons? Youre funny.

-1

and an obvious example of how guru people can ruin your moment.
don't be such a dick

Ok this is a great idea. Seeing as how it took 4 less people than necessary I'd still put this under impressive.

Snograt · Mar 17, 2009, 07:35 PM // 19:35

Guys, Jimmy Dean has posted a thread showing that Urgoz's Warren is possible for two people plus heroes. I for one applaud that.

If you have any constructive criticism, like "maybe instead of x skill you could try y skill", then feel free. This is an open forum where people can share experience and you are encouraged to do so.

Brainless +1 trolling posts will not be tolerated.

nikkooo · Mar 17, 2009, 08:27 PM // 20:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimmy Dean

There aren't any Warrior skills in the game that do as much damage as quickly. 100 armor against everything, enough energy to sustain a continuous attack, potential for 400-500 damage twice in a row plus interrupt and "Save Yourselves"?

It's a no-brainer.

Screenshot shows 600 damage for 5 energy with another one ready to go. DOA is even better with Cry topping out at 130 damage per foe. LOL indeed!

JD

Firstly, warrior cryer sucks.
Low energy pools, no fast cast. A complete waste.
Make a mesmer if u want to cry.