Guild Wars 2 - Spelunking Club (The Arah Initiative)

I thought we were gamers with jobs? How are you guys able to play that late at night during the week Not to mention the fact that my highest character that I'm allowed to play is only like 30 something ( my level 65 character is reserved to group with my friend ). Still, sounds like fun and I will have to do what I can do join you guys someday!!

well we don't all keep to the same hours or timezones.

That said, last night was definitely a wee bit late for me for something that lasted that long.. that very first fractal was.. problematic lol

I can run some fractals tonight and Saturday if I am on. I would perfer 10+ (on lvl 12 currently) but will be up for anything .

I mentioned this in chat early last night, but so far I don't get the appeal of the Fractals. No waypoints if you die. No repairs until the end. Each one has some super annoying aspect to it- often involving instant death if you mess up (falling, swimming through the dark, etc.). Then you only get 15 tokens per successful run (compared to 60+ for an explorable dungeon run). Someone mentioned the loot seems better than an average dungeon (more rares, exotics) but that could be luck. I've personally only done level 1 Fractals twice now so I don't have that much data to go by.

On a dungeon running note, I've been really enjoying my necro lately and would be up for any dungeon with him if I'm on and have time. While my guardian is currently my most complete character, I'm thinking I'd like to try and do story/explore for all dungeons with my necro as well as try for 100% map completion on him. (My necro is currently 33% complete vs. my guardian who is 76%)

Tscott wrote:

so far I don't get the appeal of the Fractals.

For many of us, it's just part of getting the monthly achievement done.

Tscott wrote:

I mentioned this in chat early last night, but so far I don't get the appeal of the Fractals. No waypoints if you die. No repairs until the end. Each one has some super annoying aspect to it- often involving instant death if you mess up (falling, swimming through the dark, etc.). Then you only get 15 tokens per successful run (compared to 60+ for an explorable dungeon run). Someone mentioned the loot seems better than an average dungeon (more rares, exotics) but that could be luck. I've personally only done level 1 Fractals twice now so I don't have that much data to go by.

On a dungeon running note, I've been really enjoying my necro lately and would be up for any dungeon with him if I'm on and have time. While my guardian is currently my most complete character, I'm thinking I'd like to try and do story/explore for all dungeons with my necro as well as try for 100% map completion on him. (My necro is currently 33% complete vs. my guardian who is 76%)

Once you get up to 10+ the loot is noticeably and consistently better, plus you get a random ascended ring for your daily.

On the same note, it is much more challenging. A fractals run at 1 is different from 5 which is very different from 10. No other dungeon adapts difficulty up. I like the challenge.

On a related note, I have not done any CM, CoE, or Arah explorables, so if anyone wants to do them (including CoE story) let me know.

Tscott wrote:

I mentioned this in chat early last night, but so far I don't get the appeal of the Fractals. No waypoints if you die. No repairs until the end. Each one has some super annoying aspect to it- often involving instant death if you mess up (falling, swimming through the dark, etc.). Then you only get 15 tokens per successful run (compared to 60+ for an explorable dungeon run). Someone mentioned the loot seems better than an average dungeon (more rares, exotics) but that could be luck. I've personally only done level 1 Fractals twice now so I don't have that much data to go by.

You only get 15 tokens for level 1, the amount you get per fractal scale based on fractal level, and the Jade Maw fractal has a chance to give ascended gear at higher levels. They're essentially a system for them to add mini-dungeons without having to create a place in the world for them to exist in.

So, for any dungeons ( story, explore, or fractals ) is it suggested that one be level 80? I definitely need to play GW2 more during the week ( not to mention my severe case of altitis ).

the first dungeon "unlocks" at 30 and then you get access to a new one every 10 levels, with a few more opening up 70-80.

It's better for any of them to be 80, and to be all geared up.. but it's far from required, especially if the rest of your party is and/or know what they're doing.

I waited to dip my toes into dungeons till i was around level 40, that's when your build usually starts to come together.

Most of us have a bunch of lower level alts, so don't hesitate to ask in guild chat if anyone wants to help you clear some lower level zones/missions to level up

Cragmyre wrote:

So, for any dungeons ( story, explore, or fractals ) is it suggested that one be level 80? I definitely need to play GW2 more during the week ( not to mention my severe case of altitis ).

Being 80 definitely will have advantages. Your build will be fully traited and most likely you'll have sprung for some good lvl80 stuff to compliment your build.

But it's not required. Someone who is 80 with all gold/exotic level 80 gear will just have a bit of an easier time than someone who is level 67 and has a hodge-podge of blue and green armor that ranges from level 45 to 62, for example. When I first ran AC Story, I think no one in the party was max level and we made it through- and for some reason I think that first dungeon is one of the harder ones. Now, I've run AC story since then with a mostly maxed out party and things went a lot smoother, but most GWJers are welcoming of any guild member (or random pug, if needed) who is willing to join and learn as they go.

Also one last advantage. When you're 80 it saves you from asking questions like "I'm level ##, can I join your explorable party?" in chat.

I'm going to tag this thread for future reference, since I haven't done a single story dungeon. It's a bit difficult for me to join you guys, though, since 8pm EST on a Thursday night is something like 5am Friday morning for me... Time zones suck.

a few of us play weekend mornings, which would be your evenings right?

Yup, that's sounds about right (I'm 9 hours ahead of EST). Maybe we can work something out along those lines, that would be awesome. I have company at the house until mid-February, though, so that's going to keep me busy. =/

Joined a dungeon run for 'whatever' that turned into a fractals run. My opinion on it still hasn't changed- in fact, everything about that run reinforced my thoughts about fractals. Although, now I'm told that level 1 is somehow the hardest level until you reach level 10. I don't know how that works, but anyway...

It turns out that I only need one more fractal to complete that part of my monthly. I guess I'd be up to trying it again sometime this weekend to get that. I'm a glutton for punishment.

And speaking about a glutton for punishment- anyone willing to take me under their wing when I try to get the 50 WvW kills sometime before Thursday? I may actually get the monthly achievement for the first time ever if I can somehow be successful at WvW after mostly ignoring it until now.

Tscott wrote:

And speaking about a glutton for punishment- anyone willing to take me under their wing when I try to get the 50 WvW kills sometime before Thursday? I may actually get the monthly achievement for the first time ever if I can somehow be successful at WvW after mostly ignoring it until now.

Speaking as a total WvW noob who has no clue how to play it properly and worse yet has a computer that tends to lag badly in those huge battles, the 50 kill thing is totally trivial. You just look on the map for a commander icon or two, go to them, then follow the zerg around till you're done.

Also, while getting the kills for the monthly and doing world completion exploring in the Borderlands I found out that WvW might actually be fun on occasion.

Elycion wrote:
Tscott wrote:

And speaking about a glutton for punishment- anyone willing to take me under their wing when I try to get the 50 WvW kills sometime before Thursday? I may actually get the monthly achievement for the first time ever if I can somehow be successful at WvW after mostly ignoring it until now.

Speaking as a total WvW noob who has no clue how to play it properly and worse yet has a computer that tends to lag badly in those huge battles, the 50 kill thing is totally trivial. You just look on the map for a commander icon or two, go to them, then follow the zerg around till you're done.

Also, while getting the kills for the monthly and doing world completion exploring in the Borderlands I found out that WvW might actually be fun on occasion.

This is exactly what I did tonight. Got my 50 kills (took a little while, but I did it). And I also discovered that WvW might be fun sometimes.

Now I only need one Fractal (ugh!) to complete my monthly for the first time ever!

If you haven't gotten it by Wednesday, that's when I'll be trying to get all my fractals done.

Like TScott, I'm having a blast with my Necro and want to have him complete all of the dungeon stories, mainly so I can be able to do explorable mode without relying on someone else starting it up.

I went through twilight arbor and sorrows embrace with PUGs and it was brutally painful and exceedingly long for both of them (around 2hrs or a bit more).

I would MUCH rather run through with a guild group, even if you only meet the minimum level required for the dungeon.

I'm usually up for any dungeon though, as long as I have the time for it. Explore mode runs are generally under an hour in most cases.

Cruella and I also need all the story modes. I don't think we've done a single one, as explorables are apparently faster and have better rewards.

I'd be willing to help out with a Fractal run if needed, as well.

Edit: We had a lot of fun running around WvW with 5 or 6 GWJers last night. Most of us were on upleveled lowbie alts, which was a neat way to gain a level in an hour or so.

I was thinking of maybe having some regular GWJ WVW Lowbie/Learn the maps nights. Just gather 5-10 GWJers and run around the borderlands flipping supply camps, guard posts, NPC villages, avoiding large enemy groups, and generally learning the maps.

I'd totally show up for GWJ WvW noob nights as long as they weren't too late. A lot of y'all seem to show up 10PM my time (CST) or later and that's too late for me to start something.

Likewise, I've only done 2 story modes and want to do them all so if we want to schedule some guild groups to knock them out you can certainly count me in.

Cruella and I usually log in about 9 CST. Don't be shy about asking for grouping for a specific goal, like wvw.

I spent much of this afternoon in wvw with the Os crew, part of that time with my son and wife, later with my wife and hypatian. Went from 15 to 18 without really meaning to. Really just went to do the JP.

I will be available Thursday night at 8EST to run a dungeon. I know there is still one that I haven't run story on, I will look up what that is, so hopefully we can do that Also if you ever see me and want to run something, just ask. The worst I can say is that I am logging soon (which is very possible with kids everything is intermittent)

I am back online after being out of the house for a couple of weeks following a small fire. Is there any interest in a 10 pm eastern or later start for an even tier fractals run? I am currently on tier 4, but if I understand the new patch tiers are no longer a roadblock for groups. I need 4 for the monthly so any even tier and boss completion should work. From past experience, the monthly will reset Thursday evening, prime time, so tonight of Wednesday will be the last shot for the achievement.

I can help. I usually get going a tad before your start time.

Some fractals were boinked after the patch last night, so it was basically a crapshoot if a fractals run was able to be completed.

On a related not I would like to get enough people up to 10+ (I am at 13 today) so we can get the rings.

Tenebrous wrote:

On a related not I would like to get enough people up to 10+ (I am at 13 today) so we can get the rings.

One of my goals as well... trying to decide if I want to bring up my mesmer or guardian. Any suggestions?

Tyops wrote:
Tenebrous wrote:

On a related not I would like to get enough people up to 10+ (I am at 13 today) so we can get the rings.

One of my goals as well... trying to decide if I want to bring up my mesmer or guardian. Any suggestions?

My experience at 10+ is that surviability is a bit more prized. I changed my spec/armor from Condition damage/precision/vitality to power/toughness/vitality.

Tenebrous wrote:
Tyops wrote:
Tenebrous wrote:

On a related not I would like to get enough people up to 10+ (I am at 13 today) so we can get the rings.

One of my goals as well... trying to decide if I want to bring up my mesmer or guardian. Any suggestions?

My experience at 10+ is that surviability is a bit more prized. I changed my spec/armor from Condition damage/precision/vitality to power/toughness/vitality.

Yeah but it seems that after that as you go higher, you get to a point where everything one-hits you. At that point I believe the groups switch back to DPS gear. Hard to say. My Guardian is at 5 and my mesmer is at 3.

Baby was a little fussy tonight, all I could do to get the daily in. Will see how things go Wed. night.