Hornet Needle NM

[Sabaron]

Re: Hornet Needle NM

A 70th level RDM can solo it (I did). The bee attacks like a MNK in Hundred Fists mode, so Shadows are basically worthless. However, a bee's attacks, while fast, are very weak so Phalanx/Stoneskin destroys their damage. Shock Spikes add to the fun. I got quite a few stuns on the dumb thing. Shock Spikes > Ice Spikes for my money versus a single mob. Versus multiple mobs in quick sequence, Ice Spikes is usually more mp-conservative since it can paralyze 2-3 monsters per application. Kill the Wespes because they'll link (there are two of them). If you are low enough level to get aggro from the doll that lives in there, you'll have to kill it or pull DFA to the far end of the room. No AoE, keep debuffs and buffs up. Don't bother with shadows unless you have Ni (which you don't afaik). Since you're lower level, you'll probably be letting the avatar tank which is not good necessarily because of the hideous speed at which it will kill the avatar. I would recommend taking a tank as opposed to a SMN for this battle. SMN kiting can do a lot, but you don't have too much room (some of the Tons usually Harriers will aggro a 71 if you get a big one). For my money, I'd rather have a tank than a SMN for this. It could be workable though provided the SMN can get enough distance between him and carby before carby dies (and he will die quickly).

[hongman]

Re: Hornet Needle NM

Hmm, shame I cant do this while looking for my Eldieme Coffer

On another note, do you think myself and a 70 SMN could duo this?

[Sabaron]

Re: Hornet Needle NM

Yes, when skilling up just pretend you were levelling again. Except this time, you can pick your camp and do odd things. Skilling while hunting an NM is nice. Skilling while acquiring someone's coffer or doing a level cap is fun too. Anything you can combine with it to make it more interesting is worthwhile.

[hongman]

Re: Hornet Needle NM

Thanks guys

ANd I presume after the skillups slow down, move to Valkrum type areas and then up from there?

[Neomage]

Re: Hornet Needle NM

Past level 4, your skill caps at Even Match monsters. Before level 4, It's Decent Challenge. So, if your Dagger Skill is 16, fight monsters in Tahongri Canyon/La Thine/Marshlands. Their way above your cap but your STR and DEX boosts should allow you to get a ton of skillups on them.

[Haggai]

Re: Hornet Needle NM

The wiki on Death from Above says 3 people level 60, solo at 70.

See this page to see where to skill up at what level.

[hongman]

I am wanting the Hornet Needle Dagger, for my RDM.

What kind of party am I going to need to take it down comfortably?

Also, since I have been using swords since I could (not used Dagger at all) my Dagger skill is only 16 (!!!)

WHat is the best way to skill this up? If I go for EP's, skillups are rare on Sword... does this mean I have to go back to killing very weak mobs to skill the dagger up? Im not sure how this skillup buisiness works, just got told that you only get skillups on DC upwards.