Lower level requirement for ToT 999 questline

The recent ToT map changes / spawn buffs have made Temple of Time a decent alternative to the other end game maps (5-6F, 7F and skeles), in terms of exp or meso. However, more people are not utilizing them because HS/MU mules are not viable. Because the level requirement for the quest to enter a map is always the level of the main mob in that map, your mules will always leech exp. Unfortunately, you cannot teleport rock your mules into the maps without doing the questline first.

In order to improve more map diversity in the late game, I propose we change the level requirements for these 999 quests to make more maps viable. There are two possible level requirements we can use:

1. Level 90, which is the level required to enter Memory Lane 1 (https://bbb.hidden-street.net/quest/temple-of-time/path-to-the-past).
2. Level 100, which matches the level requirement for NeoTokyo content.

Although most people level cap their mules at lvl 81 or 84 (right before ulu2 leech exp), there are people who have a set of mules for NT (lvl 100).

Currently the most used maps in ToT are ML5, RoR2/5, Obv 2/4/5.

A level 100 limit would not allow people to mule ML5, as the mobs are level 101. ML5 is probably the best map in the game currently for non-mage classes to make money while also gaining (some) exp. (The other maps are nightghosts, NT map 1 for coins). Allowing MU to be used here would elevate it to be competitive with ulu2 (without leech). So perhaps we could stick with the level 90 limit.

I also do not think allowing mules would benefit selling leech at all. After extensive testing this valentines event with baskets, Solo-ing Obv 2/5 with 1H IL mage, the eph is at best comparable to solo-ing 5-6F, and does not come close to duo mage 5-6F. I do not have a F/P so I cannot test leeching at RoR5, but I doubt it's viable.

Anyways, long post, but would love to hear people's opinions or suggestions. I really love grinding at ToT and want to make it worthwhile for others!

Edit: A friend pointed out that even if the quest's level req were lowered, the mules would have a hard time doing the 999 quests because you can't have another character 'leech' it if its not at the mob's lvl range. But even if it's difficult, I would still like the ability to bring a mule through at lower level. Lowering the mob's level would actually have negative impacts on leeching, so I wouldn't advocate that.

 

That's true, but it severely tanks your eph to the point where it's just worse than other meta maps.

 

I think this is usually the common argument for most changes on this server. And it's a good thing to consider, but currently almost no one uses these maps regularly anyways, besides ML5. I doubt muling will change that.

The problem is that the mob's level is too high (lvl 131), so even if obv5 is technically on par with 5-6F solo mage (and much worse than duo mage), it wouldn't be used. Also obv5 requires around 1415 tma to 1H which is around lvl 180 with 2b in gear. Most leech sellers would have no reason to put that much investment into a mage for subpar leech. AFAIK, there are no other maps that are comparable to their corresponding level range meta leech maps (ulu2/3, petri, skele). I could do more testing to be sure, but I just honestly don't think leeching will be a problem here.

The only possible congestion i can foresee is ML5, because people camp there for dodo and grind for meso. And if we introduce a new meta meso area for non-mages, that's a win in my book.

 

The only argument I can see, is that 5-6F is a meso sink, but obv2/5 is decent mesos. I tested this a bit with FM HS/MU and obv2 is around like 4-5m raw meso and about 10 equips (or around 1.5 pinaka)+ 30-40 ores + 2 scrolls per hour. I did this before the obv2 PoT inclusion, so not too sure the PoT drop rate, but in Obv5 is around 1.5-2/hr. However, since there's no sweepers, I have to alter my route a little (basically ult alternating high and low platforms to loot). This is around 70-75 eph solo mage with 1 leecher.

So obv 2 for I/L is directly comparable to Skeles, which is around 70m eph and 10m meso/hr for 1H bishops. Both are around the same tma as well (around 1300). Note: I/L can't actually do the meta skele rotation because of the slower cast speed i believe.

I haven't done extensive testing for obv 5, but it's a little more exp but a little less meso.

Also, I know that some other maps require FM buffs, so i'm curious, how consistent is this while grinding? Like for shad/NL it's easy because of the avoid, but it's honestly pretty difficult to find opportunities when you're not being hit. Also, sometimes the first click of the 'Free Market' button doesn't actually work. I usually have to spam it and wait 2-3 seconds, and sometimes I get hit in the interim. It honestly lowers the eph a lot. Any tips?

 

Yeah, hence the suggestion I guess

 

Yeah, I think all the gray-area ways to get mules in ToT has been patched.