Ocean of the Source -A Monk's Perspective

This book is to provide some context surrounding the Source and tips on working towards clearing it. I'm assuming you already know how to arrive at the Source, but upon passing Mithril Pillar Beta there will be an area transition in which a River Hag will provide you transportation into the Source itself.

Area 1: Outside the Source Extraction Chambers

Upon arriving in the Source, you will be greeted by a fairly large map with 4 area transitions positioned on the map. It is your objective to fight to each of these areas, clear that area, before returning to the main map and working towards the next area. Each stretch of the map will present slightly varied challenges in the form of different enemies, unreachable enemies (for melee toons), and of course the pulsing area damage for 300 a hit. The enemies you will encounter will be a mash up of River Hags, Sea Hags, and Lizard Guardians. The River Hags should not prove too difficult, but be wary of their ranged attack which can chunk you out and leave you vulnerable to the pulsing area damage. Sea Hags should be respected at all times as their main form of attack is a straight 500 damage wave that is quite deadly when combined with either another Sea Hag or the pulsing area damage. I recommend using a Source Tab whenever you are confronting a Sea Hag as things can get out of hand fast. Spread around the outside are Source tab containers, which you can choose to destroy and loot the source tabs provided. I do not think the effort required to break these is worth your time for just a few source tabs. Just kill things as you see fit and loot as you go, as there is no area cleaner here.

Area 2: Source Extraction Alpha
After entering Source Extraction Alpha, you will realize that the pulsing area damage does not exist here. Instead there are environmental hazards such as lasers blocking paths, and balls of pure energy which explode when someone walks too close to them. These have to be respected, not for the damage they do, but for the potential of taking other forms of damage as you get hit by an environmental effect. What will kill you in the source is multiple things happening at once. Very seldom will you die to a given enemy, but rather you will fall when your source tab depletes while running through a laser as your character attacks a manipulator without extra hp buffs. Manipulators are enemies that you will encounter in all 4 of the underground areas of the Source. They require you to have negative protection enabled and to buff your max hp as they deal lots of reflective damage. You should never try and fight a manipulator without a source tab active, and if you can not kill the manipulator before the tab runs out, use another one. In group fights, always focus the manipulator first as you do not want to accidentally do area damage to a manipulator and kill yourself in the process. At the end of Source Extraction Alpha there will be two enemies one wielding a green sword, and the other a red sword. Before you engage this fight make sure your negative protect is refreshed and you should feel free to buff as much as possible as after this fight is a great time to rest. Now that you are ready to engage pop a source tablet and focus the enemy with the RED sword. Make sure to keep a source tab active at all times as her reflect damage is very high. After finishing the red sword wielding enemy, turn your attention to the green one. We leave this one for after. because as long as you have negative protection up you will negate her reflect damage making her an easy target. After finishing the fight, make sure to loot the key off the red sword enemy and use that key to access the ball at the top of the stairs. In this ball you will find a crystal and some source tabs. Congratulations you have successfully cleared the first area of the Source, go ahead and rest and prepare to head back to the surface and continue your journey.

Area 2.5: Surface
Upon going through the teleporter provided at the end of the previous area you will find yourself facing a wall of energy. Do not attempt to pass through the wall or serious injury including death can occur. Next to the wall of energy there will be a control rod you can interact with, and this is where you will deposit the crystal you picked up from the previous area. This will dispel the wall, allowing you to push ahead further into the Source. Much like last time you were on the surface be wary of the area damage and work towards the next area transition.

Area 3: Source Extraction Bravo
There is not much difference between Source Extraction Bravo and Alpha besides layout of the map. Just follow the path taking care to avoid environmental hazards and focusing manipulators above all else. Remember that negative protection is your best friend against those in addition to Source Tabs. The end of Source Extraction Bravo is the same as that of Alpha. Focus the red sword enemy first, and then the green. With Source Tabs and negative protection you should be able to beat this stage and grab the next crystal. Remember to rest at this point and refresh your buffs, as you do not want them falling in the middle of combat soon after. With Bravo done its time to head back to the surface.

Area 3.5: Surface
Much like last time, upon exiting the teleporter you will be facing another wall of energy, place the crystal into the control rod dispelling the wall and allowing you to continue your run. Remember to be wary of Sea Hags as their ability to drain 500 health points can catch you off guard. Continue to push forward and fight to reach Source Extraction Charlie.

Area 4: Source Extraction Charlie
Source Extraction Charlie is run a little different than the previous two areas. About halfway into the area you will come across a wall of demonic symbols and a clear threat that if you pass the wall you will surely die. To clear this obstacle you must clear both of the hallways leading away from the blocked path. At the end of each of the hallways there will be a lever you must pull to clear part of the blockade. Once both levers are pulled you may pass through to the final part of this area. As always watch your negative protection and make sure to have extra hp when fighting manipulators as they are everywhere. As the other two extractions you have done up to this point the final fight is split between the same two enemies. Focus the red sword enemy first and then the green. Collect your final crystal and prepare to head back outside to reach the final area of the Source.

Area 5: Murua's Transfer Chamber
First off, congrats on making it this far. You're almost done this is the final test, clear the area and work towards the final battle. Along the way you will see Manipulators, Lizard guardians, and the green sword wielding enemies. As long as you properly focus manipulators and keep your negative protection up, and pop source tabs when needed you should not have any problems. There are no big surprises to watch out for. When you finally reach the final door I recommend a last rest, and rebuff you will need it. Murua's room is inhabited by herself, possibly one or more of her minions and 4 source energy containers. Murua will not take any damage from the player until all 4 source energy containers have been destroyed. On first glance, this may seem easy as you just break each of the canisters and then kill Murua herself. Unfortunately for the lone adventurer, Murua continuously casts greater magic missiles that will deal a significant portion of your hp bar. If you are an (HC) toon rejoice! Your extra efforts in acquiring the (HC) ring rank 20 will give you extra spell resistance which can prove critical in this fight. If one of Murua's minions spawn I highly recommend pulling it out of the room and focusing it down before worrying about Murua and her energy containers. Once you finally manage to break all 4 source containers, you have stripped Murua of most of her power and you will find the ensuing fight one of ease. Upon Murua's dead body you will stand and proclaim your victory. For your valiant effort in defeating Murua you will receive 4 million gold, 2 Greater Wishes, and Murua's Scepter. Take the final teleporter out to the surface and in front of you should be the gong to signal the boat to take you home. Hit the gong hard and signal your victory across the waves.

Area 6: Cleanup
After leaving the source do not forget to turn the scepter into the River Hag who gave you transportation to the Source, she will exchange the scepter for an item that calls on the power of the Source to smite your foes. This item can be powered up by giving subsequent scepters to the River Hag for more and more power. From here you can portal rune out to the entrance to the Deep Places and head back to Crossed Blades. Congratulations you have beaten the Source. This breakdown was written from the viewpoint of a Monk who is fully wished up to stats 50 base and using all end game gear. If there are any further questions seek the one they call Shang Lee, for his guidance in your journey.

Great Book, This will help other players indeed.

you will receive your Publish Contract soon.


L0BSTER

Edit - Publish Contract has been received.