I have never made so much money so quickly. I'll provide the basic team build I use to defeat him at the bottom of this article. --Pay-- Let me just say, though, that I started running Shiro a week ago and have bought three Prestige armors since (Vabbian Necromancer, Elite Profane, and Ancient Warrior... [show more]

I have never made so much money so quickly. I'll provide the basic team build I use to defeat him at the bottom of this article.

--Pay--
Let me just say, though, that I started running Shiro a week ago and have bought three Prestige armors since (Vabbian Necromancer, Elite Profane, and Ancient Warrior armors). The standard rates for a run here are 1k for Normal Mode and 2k for Hard Mode. Demand for this run stays pretty constant for various reasons. First, Factions is the shortest campaign, so that means its likely the first one a character will clear. Second, the phoenix can only be captured in the Divine Path area which is only accessible after beating Shiro, so a lot of people just come to collect that. Third, there is a portion of the map here that is only accessible if Shiro uses "Echoing Banishment" on you, so players seeking a Canthan Cartographer title will occasionally come along asking for someone to help them get banished. These people usually tip pretty high by the way, so be sure to help them when you see them. Fourth, the Masters achievement on this mission is nigh-impossible to achieve without a runner, so you'll only really be in demand if you use a rusher team like the one I'll recommend. Lastly, though its probably a good idea to charge the standard rates most of the time, when competitors start trying to undercut you, or there just aren't any takers, don't b afraid to start running for tips. If you do a good job (which is easy as hell) they generally don't tip under 1k. f they've never seen a rush before they might even tip higher than the standard rates. However, when offering to run for tips, be sure to explain the reason so people don't make inferences about the quality of your skillz.

Also, If you see anyone offering to do the run for free, they are a douche. There are numerous reasons why they might be doing this, but all of them make this person a douche. In any case, this person has no motive which is separate from trying to prevent other runners from obtaining money. Do not speak to them, many simply wish to annoy and any reaction which can be interpreted as some form of communication will only provoke them further. Simply shut up and wait for them to go away. Many will keep quiet until you try to advertise. Remember, wait for them to actually leave the outpost. Also, getting them on your team and then map traveling with them to a distant location or entering the mission with them then abandoning them is a viable option. I once danced with one of them and began offering free runs whenever he did while shouting random meaningless sentence fragments in between such as "Yeah sure", "hm or nm?", and "around 100g worth". If they begin insulting you then you know they are about to leave. Do not respond to them. Remember also that many of those douches may have read this page and will be aware that they annoy you. In any case, ignoring them and continuing with your business can also work. Remember, your motivation for running (i.e money) is far stronger than their motivation for being douches (i.e. "cleaning up the game", being nice, getting attention, annoying people, eliminating competition, driving down prices etc.). You get paid to outwait them. They get nothing for being douches. Abstract gratification and an empty bag is worth the price of the bag.

--Tactics--
Most people know this, but if you think you have a noob on the team, make sure they know to stay on one of the towers and far from the fight. Its best to use map signals before engaging Shiro to make sure they get the point. If more than one PC is aggroing Shiro he is likely to use Echoing Banishment on you. If this happens, its faster to just resign and start over than to try to get back to the fight. The only other danger is if Shiro goes after your heroes. If they run towards the people you're running then command them in the opposite direction quick or you're sure to get banished. Also, make sure your heroes bring res signets in case one of them dies. It's also a good idea to bring along a healer with a hard res, especially in HM. However, there really is no way to make absolutely sure Shiro will not kill all of your heroes, so there is no such thing a a 100% safe run, but feel free to tell customers otherwise.

--Builds--
This is where I got my builds and instructions (http://pvx.wikia.com/wiki/Build:Team_-_Imperial_Sanctum_Rusher ). Accept no substitutes and make no exceptions. As a beginner follow this to the T. However, don't forget to add in res signets, and while it is certainly possible to beat Shiro on Hard Mode with just these three, its best to bring a monk hero along anyway just in case. Also, don't forget to bring the right equipment and put the right runes on your heroes. The only exception which an be made are on the recommended weapon types. None of your weapons actually need 20% enchanting. I use Droknor's Daggers and my heroes have crap for weapons, and I still finish Shiro in under two minutes. As far As I can tell, 20% enchanting would not help with any of the problems I listed above so its reall just good to have around but not necessary. If you follow the instructions, you should beat Shiro in under 2 minutes easily, however, make sure to practice a few times before actually running anyone.

(Update) After an update in June 2009, Shiro seems to banish randomly regardless of whether or not anyone else is aggroing him. The Silent Minority hex seems to have no effect anymore either. The only counter I have found is to use a different build.

This elementalist build ( http://pvx.wikia.com/wiki/Build:E/Me_Imperial_Sanctum_Runner ) can kill Shiro about 30 seconds faster. This does not give him time to banish you, or at least I've never been banished using this. It requires more practice than the other build but is faster and allows you to carry more people into battle with you. Make sure you memorize the instructions for this build. You must execute the skills in exactly the right order and there is no room for mistakes. Also, make sure to flag Lukas to your position before engaging Shiro so he doesn't run off dragging Shiro along with him. Another thing you should remember is not to get too close to Shiro before engaging him. Though you may not aggro him, he might banish Lukas prematurely (though you should be fine even if this does happen). Reapply magnetic aura as soon as possible to prevent being killed by Shiro. Also, there is a possibility that the Shiro'ken warrior will run off and not die in time to recharge your skills, or Shiro may run after Mhenlo and out of the Celestial Storm Damage area. If either happens, you will then die and fail. Sorry, there is no 100% run. However, you are more likely to fail by executing the skills in the wrong order. The directions on the build page can be somewhat confusing so let me clarify.

Get near to Shiro without aggroing him. Flag Lukas to your position. Cast Armor of Earth, Ward Against Melee, and Magnetic Aura in that order. You then cast Arcane Echo, then Echo. This will leave you with a copy of Echo over Arcane Echo. Attack Shiro. Once he is adjacent to you, cast Celestial Storm, then the copy Echo, then Celestial Storm and another Celestial Storm. Then cast silver armor and Ebon Battle Standard of Honor. The Shiro'ken should die from either the Celestial Storms or Silver Armor, recharging all of your skills. Recast Magnetic Aura for safely, then the three Celestial Storms. Reapply Ebon Battle Standard of Honor and Silver Armor as they run out. Even if you die or are banished, as long as you finish casting all six Celestial Storms, Shiro should still die. [show less]

A Traveler set is the complete number of itmes required by Nicholas the Traveler that week needed to get all 5 gifts. As th enormal price for 1 item is around 1k, then it can be a very lucrative buissness. But seeing as I hate the peopel that jack the prices up so high that noone can afford them, if i ever run... [show more]

A Traveler set is the complete number of itmes required by Nicholas the Traveler that week needed to get all 5 gifts. As th enormal price for 1 item is around 1k, then it can be a very lucrative buissness. But seeing as I hate the peopel that jack the prices up so high that noone can afford them, if i ever run out and someone still wanted to buy an item from me, I make a point of giving them my farming build and instructing them on it's usage, free of charge.
---Tips+Hints---

Since Nicholas never gives any forward warning as to his next location, you can't plan ahead as to what to expect when farming, so it helps to have a universal build that isn't made for one area. Farm in even sets, if the travler wants 10 of something, it's easier to sell by even tens, i.e. farm 20, or 30, etc. it's much harder to sell single items. Try to sell in outposts less populated with other farmers, if you're in an area with much more sellers than buys, one your going to expierience something like our own economy, and you'll end up lowering your prices much to far to make an even profit, if this is the case, LEAVE, and wait for some other sellers to give up or for a price bump. Finally farm in off times, the buyers aren't as interested in beign on ALL day waiting for you to get the items, thsi way you're sellign when someone is buying. [show less]

The page keeps erasing what I write Ill add more detail taler. --Pay-- Standard Fare = NM 1k, HM 2k Competition = Standard Difficulty = Relatively High Time = Relatively High --Build and Tactics-- This uses a 55 Monk build (see here http://pvx.wikia.com/wiki/Build:Mo/Me_Great_Destroyer_Solo ) so you equipment must be... [show more]

The page keeps erasing what I write Ill add more detail taler.

--Pay--
Standard Fare = NM 1k, HM 2k
Competition = Standard
Difficulty = Relatively High
Time = Relatively High




--Build and Tactics--
This uses a 55 Monk build (see here http://pvx.wikia.com/wiki/Build:Mo/Me_Great_Destroyer_Solo ) so you equipment must be perfect. The build listed is a bit inaccurate. I found it impossible to maintain enough energy without equipping Essence Bond in place of Blessed Aura. Also, Watchful Spirit as always can be replaced by Mending. Watch the videos of the run for more tips.

In tactics, if you see a destroyer of thoughts in the room, resign, (I've heard of a counter for this though I do not know what it is) if not cast Protective Spirit and Shield of Regeneration at the edge of the lava the head straight for the Great Destroyer. Apply Sympathetic Visage at the same time you reapply Shield of Regeneration. Sympathetic Visage will run out about the same time as SoR will recharge, so try to apply Ancestors Visage at the same time you reapply SoR. This really helps with the timing. As for Illusion of pain, try to reapply that whenever it recharges. Do not let the hex run out on the Great Destroyer or you will heal it, increasing your mission time as well as the probability of your failure. Naturally, make sure you keep up Protective Spirit at all times. If you manage not to run short on energy or let Illusion of Pain run out, then the Great Destroyer should be dead shortly. [show less]

--Pay-- The Run from Ascalon City to Lion's Arch Pays about 2k per person. From Ascalon City to Beacon's Perch is about 1.5k per person. The run from Ascalon city to Yak's Bend is 500g and the run from Yak's bend to LA is 1k. I know, it's not fair. In fact, this is probably the cheatingest run I've ever... [show more]

--Pay--
The Run from Ascalon City to Lion's Arch Pays about 2k per person. From Ascalon City to Beacon's Perch is about 1.5k per person. The run from Ascalon city to Yak's Bend is 500g and the run from Yak's bend to LA is 1k. I know, it's not fair. In fact, this is probably the cheatingest run I've ever done. By that I mean that the man who will not go afk on you during this run, lag out somewhere along the way, and/or refuse to pay is a rare and precious jewel. Normally, you stop for pay at the beginnings of Traveler's Vale (500g), the Deldrimor Bowl (1k), and North Kryta Province (500g).

Chances are someone will be afk at least once in the journey slowing you down considerably. Kick afkers as soon as possible. If they're not at their keyboard they can't pay for runs. The worst part is probably that you can only bring 3 people with you from Ascalon City and this run takes up to an hour, so your highest possible profit is 6k/hr. Still, you're almost guaranteed some pay, and the run is fairly easy and fun so it's really not so bad. Just not all that profitable.

--Builds and Tactics--
A guide with maps for running from Ascalon City to Lion's Arch can be found here ( http://guildwars.wikia.com/wiki/Beacon%27s_(to_and_from)_Ascalon_City ). As far as builds are concerned, any Drok's running build should be qualified. I recommend The Dervish/Assassin builds as the fastest (by about 11%), especially the Dwarven Droks Runner and The Unstoppable Droks Dervish.

As the Guide says there are only a few real difficulties. Most of the enemies are nothing. Your first problem will be the Diessa Lowlands. Its very easy to get lost in many parts of Ascalon, but most of all here. The only cure for this is practice, once you know the lay of the land, you should be able to get out of Ascalon with no problems. Your second problem (or first) might be Shatter Gargoyles. They can slow you down so make sure your anti-hex s up around them, or just avoid them altogether.

Third is body-blocking and lag. Every runner has problems with this. Whenever you think you might lag and end up body blocked by a crowd of melee, keep an eye on your damage and radar. If the enemies are chasing after you on radar, then you were not blocked. If you receive continued damage from melee skills, then you probable were blocked. If you believe you were blocked but are lagging, then head towards the enemies who blocked you. This should end the lag ad you will be able to see whats really going on. A shadow-step escape skill is useful for escaping crowds of melee enemies. Also, keep your healing skills up while you are blocked. Several enemies on this run body block, but nine are worse than the Ettins. Stay on your toes in the Griffin's Mouth.

The Fourth threat is the Stone Summit. Their scouts have Pin Down and their Siege Ice Golems have freezing spells. Do not get near the ice Golems. Even if you have an anti-spell enchantment, they have an AoE spell which will slow you down if you get too close. Always have anti-hex and anti-cripple up when you are passing through Summit checkpoints, especially bridges. The last threat is simply taking too much damage and degen. Skales, inferno imps, and dryders (especially dryders) give heavy degen. Use your healing skills to counter. There are also several paths to taker through certain areas. Try to pick one and get used to it. The run will take at least 30 minutes, so be prepared. Its generally pretty fun but not all that profitable. [show less]

The side quests and/ or games of sorts giving rewards of sorts is an idea. Word puzzle, number puzzle, board like games, ect. as such ideas. Maybe placed only on holidays or should some be year round? How about at traders stations around the map? Instead of trading items trade wit. Then theses results... [show more]

The side quests and/ or games of sorts giving rewards of sorts is an idea. Word puzzle, number puzzle, board like games, ect. as such ideas. Maybe placed only on holidays or should some be year round? How about at traders stations around the map? Instead of trading items trade wit. Then theses results would vary as each update occurs. Sort of like a Sunday news paper.

Then also have options in the same to gain gold in items like in Guild Wars the original. [show less]

Pay: This is the first run I have found to compare with the Imperial Sanctum Run as far as profitability is concerned. Rates vary greatly. I have seen NM runs go for as cheap as 1k or as high as 3k, but I prefer charging a median of 1.5k for NM and 2.5 for HM. The limitations of some builds will only allow you... [show more]

Pay: This is the first run I have found to compare with the Imperial Sanctum Run as far as profitability is concerned. Rates vary greatly. I have seen NM runs go for as cheap as 1k or as high as 3k, but I prefer charging a median of 1.5k for NM and 2.5 for HM. The limitations of some builds will only allow you to take up to four people. Normally, I collect pay after the run is over, but, as always, the larger the team is, the greater the likelihood that they will scam you. The Imperial Sanctum does not allow for collection midway, but here, if you have a full team, you might ask them to pay you after Prophet Varesh is dead. If you do collect mid way through, make sure you don't screw up. Don't worry about taking your time either, even on HM, masters is 8 minutes.

Danger Rating: Medium-Low - Your biggest worry is not aggroing the demons who spawn after Prophet Varesh is dead. Also, keep up you enchants and be economical with your energy

Build: Here is the build I use -> (http://pvx.wikia.com/wiki/Build:Team_-_4_Man_Ruins_of_Morah). I would recommend having your necros bring res signets, but that's really not necessary or particularly helpful. The list of necessary skills is a bit demanding, but very effective when used with caution.

Tactics: Before you enter the mission, be sure to tell your passengers to stay bak as far as possible. This isn't as important as it is with the Imperial Sanctum, but it is a very wise precaution. Make sure to use map signals to see that they get the point. Once you are in, flag your heroes high on the hill behind you towards the gate. Not as far pack as your passengers, though. Then apply Balthazar's Aura and Essence Bond. Now, apply Prot Spirit and and Mystic Regen and run towards Varesh until she starts running towards you. Stand still and wait for Varesh to hex you, then run back up the hill staying far to the west. Do not lose aggro or get too close to your heroes, but get close enough so that your heroes can attack Varesh. In prophet form, Varesh is unlikely to attack your heroes in any case, but Commander Varesh love to slaughter Morgahn. Once in fighting position or along the way, apply Fleeting Stability and don't let it run out as long as Prophet Varesh is alive. While you are fighting Prophet Varesh, you should have abundant energy, but her showy attacks might cause your framerate to seriously lagg making it difficult to maintain enchants. Mystic Regen runs out quick so make sure to reapply that regularly. Reapply Pain Inverter as it recharges and use ear bite as you please. Varesh should die fairy soon. When she does, run back up the hill as fast as you can to avoid aggroing the demons which spawn at the eastern base of the hill. You should probably keep an eye on Varesh's health so you can get a head start just as she is about to die. Avoiding this patrol of demons is the most difficult part of the run. Wait at the top of the hill for them to retreat towards the vortex the reapply Mystic Regen and Prot Spirit and run towards the vortex stopping short of aggroing the demons. Varesh has a huge aggro circle and should start moving towards you immediately, but if she doesn't she should soon so don't run back up the hill or move closer. Once she nears you move far enough up the hill so you don't aggro demons and your heroes can attack safely. Do not engage Commander Varesh at melee range or use Ear Bite on her. The all you should do is maintain Mystic Regen and Prot Spirit. Hex Varesh with Pain Inverter if you think you have the extra energy, but it is dangerous and unnecessary as energy will be sparse in this part of the battle. In HM Commander Varesh dies very quickly. In NM, it might take a minute, but no matter what, you should easily make masters.If you screw up and die at any point, simply resign and start over. Make sure to practice this run three or four times in each mode before taking anyone with you. [show less]

--Pay-- Farming Glint's Chalange on Hard Mode does not reliably give you anything in particular. It is, however, a fairly easy way of obtaining lockpicks, destroyer cores, and gold items. The lockpicks can be sold in Kamadan for 1-1.3k, the destroyer cores can be sold for 200-400g each or... [show more]

--Pay--
Farming Glint's Chalange on Hard Mode does not reliably give you anything in particular. It is, however, a fairly easy way of obtaining lockpicks, destroyer cores, and gold items. The lockpicks can be sold in Kamadan for 1-1.3k, the destroyer cores can be sold for 200-400g each or collected to trade for a pair of Destroyer Gauntlets, and the gold weapons can be broken down for valuable mods or, if the skin is attractive, they can be sold whole in Kamadan.


--Builds and Tactics--
All builds for this run are solo Elementalist Earth Tanks. The one I use is the Balthazar Variant ( http://pvx.wikia.com/wiki/Build:E/Mo_Glint%27s_Challenge_Balthazar%27s_Variant ), but if you have an Ele who has reached the Realm of Torment, there is another build ( http://pvx.wikia.com/wiki/Build:E/Me_Glint%27s_Challenge_Destroyer_Farmer ) which provides more energy and armor. In the Balthazar Variant, I've found it difficult to keep my health up on Hard Mode as the destroyers are constantly whittling it down, especially near the end. I replace Alkar's Acid with Mental Block to cut down on the damage and give myself a safety net if one of my enchantments should lapse. I have not noticed Alkar's Acid doing anything useful to speed up the run or help me kill me destroyers so don't worry about losing it

In Tactics, timing is everything. All enchantments must be kept up at all times. Healing Breeze can lapse for a fraction of a second if you have Mental Block but that's it. You need a 20% enchanting weapon. When you start the challenge, cast Balthazar's Aura, then run down between the two doors. Position yourself at the tip of the dim shadow which covers the ground between the two doors. This should allow you to aggro all incoming destroyers without letting any though. Watch the dwarf groups next to you. When the ranger dwarfs start to get attacked, cast all enchantments except Silver Armor and Mental Block. When you start getting attacked cast Mental Block. Now you must maintain your enchantments. Never cast Obsidian Flesh without Glyph of Swiftness active. Try to always cast Stoneflesh Aura with Glyph of Swiftness active. Reapply Healing Breeze and Armor of Earth whenever you get a free moment. When the clock reaches three minutes, the last destroyers should be joining in. By now two groups will have formed on either side of you. Wait until you can cast Soneflesh Aura and Obsidian flesh together. Once they are applied, walk over to one of the groups and cast Silver Armor. Try to do it with Glyph of Swiftness active. Continue maintaining protection enchantments as before but try to keep Silver Armor up as much as possible. As Silver Armor kills off each cluster, walk over to another and stand there until they are all dead. Continue until about four destroyers are left. It is unlikely that you will be able to kill these destroyers, so collect as many of the items as you can, then die and receive the unclaimed items once you return to the CTC. [show less]