Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Pipelining Method
3. Recommended Builds
4. Equipment
5. Skills
6. Arrow Glitch
7. Comparison to other AoE Techniques
8. Videos
9. Closing Comments

1. Introduction
You’ve probably heard it said many times that Jester is the only class which cannot AoE (at very least, not at all effectively). Most people consider this to be self-evident, because the only AoE skill available to Jesters is Arrow Rain, which has a 10 second cool-down, is relatively low damage, and only pulses three times. If one were to use a standard tanking AoE approach, i.e. gathering a large number of mobs and then killing them all at once, this would indeed be quite inefficient. Fortunately, there is an alternative way to AoE which overcomes these limitations, a method which I have dubbed as pipelining.

2. The Pipelining Method
A bit of a disclaimer: the method that I’m about to describe requires high amounts of concentration for long periods of time. A typical AoE might last as little as 30 minutes, or as much as an hour or more, non-stop, without break. Many might consider this to be a bad thing, because there is very little opportunity to do much else while grinding, such as chatting with friends. Others, myself included, might consider this to be a good thing, because it keeps you actively involved in what you’re doing (you certainly won’t get bored while doing this). If you know you’re the type of person that has a hard time focusing for long periods of time, this method of AoE is probably not for you. That said, a brief outline is as follows:

1. Gather 3-5 mobs.
2. Move to a nearby location where you can gather 3-5 more without moving too much (you’ll quickly get a feel for how much is too much).
3. Use Arrow Rain on those you’ve previously gathered.
4. In the 5 seconds while Arrow Rain is going, collect the 3-5 mobs around you (it’s also possible to locate yourself such that Arrow Rain itself gathers a few of these).
5. In the 5 seconds after Arrow Rain has finished, and before you can use it again, move to a nearby location where you can gather 3-5 more.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 indefinitely.

Example videos of this method in action can be seen in the Videos section below.

As a descriptive term, I’ve borrowed the computer science term ‘pipelining’. At any given point, there are mobs which have been hit once by Arrow Rain, mobs which have been hit twice, etc., and mobs which are just about to die. Every time you use Arrow Rain, each group advances one stage through the pipeline (taking the place the previous group once had), until they eventually reach the end (when they die). From the moment you first attack something, to the moment it dies is probably about a minute.

Step 4 is the most important to carry through accurately, and that is that you remain in one location (tanking your current pack) until Arrow Rain finishes (you can actually start moving after the second ‘tick’ of Arrow Rain lands, and the third will still hit everything). A mistake I made when I first started out, is that if you move too quickly, your pack size will grow and grow, and you’ll end up tanking a lot more than you need to. This is one thing that very clearly distinguishes this method from ‘Hit-n-Run’.

In theory, assuming you are taking 4 mobs per iteration (when you first move to a new group in Azria, 3 will probably be about the limit. When you’re almost ready to move to the next spawn, 4-5 per iteration should be rather easy), this means that 4 mobs will die every ten seconds. This would be the equivilent of a standard AoEr doing 40 mobs in 1 minute 40 seconds, which would be an amazing performance (exceeded only by high-level Rangers). And this, while never tanking more than 20 or so at a time. In practice, however, 10 second iterations are all but impossible (if you’re really Zenning with the server-client latency, you can actually activate Arrow Rain before your client shows that it’s ready, but this could result in a lot of ‘Please wait a while’ messages). If you’re very concentrated on what you’re doing, iterations of 11-12 seconds are probably more reasonable. But even so, it’s still highly effective. At certain spawns, such at Mammoths, doing even 6 or 7 per iteration without delaying your Arrow Rain is not very difficult at all.

It’s also interesting to note that the low damage from Arrow Rain doesn’t really matter all that much. No matter what you do, the same amount will be dying every iteration. That’s not to say that it doesn’t matter at all though; having higher damage will reduce the number of iterations it takes to kill a group, and ultimately reduce the total number that you are tanking, allowing you to possibly take more per iteration.

Why not just make a Ranger instead? If you choose to make a Pipeline Jester, you will be asked this question quite frequently. Rangers are faster AoErs, that’s an indisputable fact. However, there are many things that Bow Jesters excel in that Rangers do not, most notably 1v1 and Ghunting. Considering that a Pipeline Jester build is not much different -if at all- from a 1v1 Bow Jester build, this would make this perhaps one of the most versitle class builds in the game. There’s also the nicety that at higher levels, one can restat to Yoyos if they choose, and be very effective at PvP as well.

3. Recommended Builds
Low Sta
Str: 15
Sta: 30-50
Dex: xxx

Pretty much a standard Ranger build, and not without reason; we are AoE, after all. This is the build that I would recommend, especially if you intend to start pipelining right away at level 68-70. Although the additional Sta isn’t so necessary at later levels, the extra HP does help a lot when first starting out, and is also nice for the occasional Ghunt. How much Sta to add depends largely on your funding. If you’re going to be using a +3 set to start out, 50 Sta is a good amount. If, on the other hand, you’ll be starting out with a +5 set or higher, 30-40 Sta would probably be fine. Keep in mind, however, that you will not want to be using a Cruiser/Hyper set (but rather an NPC, which has much higher defense), so any upgrading you will probably need to do yourself.

To distribute stat points, at first add nothing but Dex. Then start adding Sta so that you reach your target amount by around level 70. For 50 Sta, this would mean to start adding Sta starting at level 53, for 40 Sta starting at level 58, and for 30 Sta starting at level 63. Since we’re going to be spending a good portion of our time as 1v1 (from 15-70), starting out as full Dex will help us to level up faster. After reaching your target Sta, switch back to adding Dex.

Full Dex
Str: 15
Sta: 15
Dex: xxx

This is of course a normal 1v1 Bow Jester build. If you want to use this build for pipelining, you would probably be best advised to simply level as a 1v1 until level 90. And why not? You certainly have the build for it. At level 90, you’ll want to get yourself a nice Rasra/Restra set (+8 or so), which should give you enough of an HP bonus to pipeline without difficulty. Angel Bow would probably be the best to use at this point, but if you already have a nice Guardian Bow, there would be no reason not to continue using that.

Many people hold to the conviction, often quite vehemently, that a Bow Jester must be full Dex in order to do well. This is true, but it is also untrue. What is true, is that as a 1v1 you will want to max your Crit rate as soon as possible, and full Dex is obviously the best way to do this. However, Bows get a surprisingly low amount of Attack per Dex. Once you have max Crit rate, having 10 less, 20 less, or even 30 less Dex really won’t affect your damage by all that much. With as much as a 50 Sta build, you’ll find yourself only marginally out-damaged by your full Dex counterparts, while at the same time having noticably more HP.

4. Equipment
Levels 45-70
Weapon: Flaming Bow +3/+4 or higher
Armor: Cruiser/Hyper +0/+3, Attack +8%/+12%
Jewelry: Gore +3, Areks +3-+6, Demols+3/+12

As I mentioned above, this period of time we’re going to be spending as 1v1. The reason for this is that the pipelining method requires a relatively large, dense spawn, which makes it more or less impractical outside of Azria. Definitely get a Cruiser/Hyper set, but it doesn’t need to be upgraded at all. We’re nearly full Dex, so we certainly have no want of Hit rate, after all. If anything, just pierce the Suit with a few 4% Lightnings.

Flaming Bow would be my recommended weapon at this point. Guardian Bows are nice, but tend to cost more than they’re worth in my opinion. If you want to get one, you certainly can; the HP bonus is more than welcome, and the resale value should be pretty high as well.

About Jewelry, Areks aren’t bad to invest in, because you’ll be using them forever. Demol+12s are also nice to have, but you’ll probably want to put them away while pipelining, at least until later levels.

Levels 70-90
Weapon: NPC Bow / Historic Bow +3/+4 or Ulti Lusaka Bow
Armor: NPC Set +3/+5, Defense +8%/+12%
Jewelry: Gore +3, Areks +3-+6, Plugs+3/+9

At this point, we’re finally ready to move into Azria to start AoEing. I recommend using an NPC set over a Cruiser/Hyper set, even a highly upgraded one; the difference in Defense is just too extreme. You can either get the level 59 NPC set, or wait a level to get the level 71 set, for slightly higher Defense. Spam awaken a few pieces if you want to try to get something useful, and upgrade to +3 or so. As of v13, Clockwork set pieces (Rorend/Rorient) are bugged, and no longer add any elemental resistance in PvM. Until this bug is fixed, if ever, it would be best to use only NPC gear.

At level 70, an NPC Bow will actually work just fine, perhaps try to find one with a useful awaken (Dex and/or Sta). At 75, I would recommend getting a Historic Bow which will give you higher damage, as well as higher Block rate due to the Dex bonus. Or if you happen to have a G Bow, you could obviously use that too. Another excellent option is a Lusaka bow, which comes already Ulti’d, and has HP+20% and Dex+10 – the very best bow a pipeliner can use. However, there is one downfall. Once you equip it, you won’t ever be able to sell it, so I would not recommend buying one until you are absolutely sure that pipelining is for you.

At this point, we’re going to be using Plugs. Our Block rate isn’t all too high yet, so the additional Defense is quite important. Get +9s if you can afford them, or +3s if you can’t, which will still make a noticable difference. Using a Blue Balloon would also be quite beneficial. On the same note, element your Suit against what you are fighting, to help lower damage.

Levels 90-105
Weapon: Angel Bow +4/+6 or higher or Ulti Lusaka Bow
Armor: Rasra/Restra set +4/+6 or higher, Attack+12%/+16%
Jewelry: Gore +3, Areks +6 or higher, Plugs+9/Demols+12

I recommend switching to a Rasra/Restra set at level 90, for a number of reasons. First, simply because it’s the best set that we can use at this point. And because just about every Jester uses one, you should be able to find one already nicely upgraded. We also have relatively high Block rate by this point, so we don’t need Defense piercings any longer, but can instead use Attack. It’s also the set of choice to use for Ghunting, so you’ll want to have one regardless. If you’re full Dex, and just begining AoE now, you’ll probably want to have a +8. With higher amounts of Sta, +4 or +6 is more than sufficient.

The Bow of choice here is an Angel Bow, which has a nice Attack rating, and HP+20% as well. They also tend to be rather cheap. You could continue to use a G Bow if you wanted… but you should have maxed your Crit rate by now without one, so an Angel Bow will be universally better, both for 1v1 and AoE. Go ahead and sell your G Bow, get your money back, and get a nice A Bow instead. The other option, is of course, a Lusaka Bow. Once again, it is quite a bit better than Angel Bow, but you won’t ever be able to sell it.

Did you hang onto your Demols from earlier? Good. But don’t get rid of your Plugs quite yet. When you first move to a new area in Azria, you will be 5 levels lower, and you might notice quite a few unblocked hits coming through (as level difference lowers your effective Block rate slightly). I’ve found it useful to continue using Plugs for the first few levels, then, as you come within 2-3 levels of what you are fighting, you should be able to switch in Demols without problem. And again, always element your suit against what you are fighting, to help lower damage.

Levels 105+
Weapon: Angel Bow +6 or higher or Ulti Lusaka Bow
Armor: Jenes/Jesis set +6 or higher, Attack+12%/+16%
Jewelry: Gore +3, Areks +9 or higher, Demols+12

It’s taken a while, but we’ve finally maxed our Block rate. One could continue using a Rasra/Restra set, particularly if it’s +8 or higher, but I think that Jenes/Jesis would be better for AoE; not only for the additional Block rate, but also for the HP. Also, when you move into the Tower after Azria, the HP bonus will definitely be a benefit.

On the same note, I would also recommend continuing to use your Angel Bow / Lusaka Bow for the HP, although you’ll probably want to get an LG Bow as well. You should also be able to use Demols the entire time now. However, if you’ve decided to stick with Rasra/Restra, Plugs might still be useful.

5. Skills
Junk Arrow
This skill will be your primary means of leveling from 15-60. Max it right away, and skill spam your way to Jester. If you find the MP cost to be too high, you might consider using a Mental necklace early on instead of a Gore.

Perfect Block
This is one of your most important buffs, perhaps second only to Heap Up. A lot of times when I’m AoEing if I notice I’m taking a lot of damage, it’s typically because I forgot to recast this skill. Max it as soon as you can.

Arrow Rain
This is our one and only AoE, so of course it should be maxed. You don’t need to max it right away, however, unless you want to play around with it at Steam Walkers (one of the only pre-Azrian spawns that’s actually dense enough to pipeline at). If you can find a tanker in the Tower, it would also be a very fast way to get from 50-60, if that’s your thing.

Dark Illusion
This skill needs to be at least level 8 to unlock Perfect Block, and for most intents and purposes, that’s high enough. However, higher levels will result in a longer duration, which can be quite useful in PvP situations.

Bow Mastery
When this skill is maxed, it adds a whopping Attack+20. It doesn’t really do a whole lot, but you may as well max it. I mean, what else are you going to spend the points on?

Fast Walker
Unfortunately, this skill isn’t nearly as useful for a Jester as it is for a Ranger. You won’t be gathering all at once as a Ranger would, but only for a few seconds at a time, and the time it takes to cast slows you down just as much as it helps. It is useful occasionally if you need to move a distance between iterations, but that’s not too common. The most regular use I’ve found for this skill is for getting through town a little quicker. When you have the points, you may as well max it anyway though.

6. Arrow Glitch
Arrow Glitch is an annoying feature for Bow users. Every now and then, if you shoot an Arrow at your target, it won’t make contact. Although it uses an Arrow from you inventory, and you see it strike, it actually doesn’t, nor does it cause the the target to chase you. As you can imagine, this can slow down gathering speed significantly, because you will sometimes need to shoot a target two, three, or even more times, instead of just once.

Fortunately, there’s something that can be done about it. As counter-intuitive as it might seem, how often you glitch is highly corrilated to your total Run Speed. The following table shows run speed values next to the same value with Fast Walker (more useful for Rangers than Jesters). I haven’t tested any of these values personally, and I take no credit for any of it. This is just a compilation of data that others have provided:

Values which are Green indicate low levels of glitching, and values that are Red indicate high levels. This means, for example, that if your FS has Quick Step level 3 (Speed+12%), and that’s the only run speed bonus you have, you shouldn’t glitch much. However, if you FS has max Quick Step (Speed+30%), and that’s your only bonus, you can expect to glitch a lot. The primary recommendation I have about this is to get a Run Speed cloak. With Quick Step 3, this will put you at 22% total (Green), and with max Quick step, you will be at 40% (also Green). In the off-chance that your RM has something between these values, which tends to happen between levels 90-105, if you notice you’re glitching a lot, just take off your cloak, and it should put you back into a Green area. You’ll be losing your Speed+10%, but it will still be a lot faster than glitching constantly.

By 105+, you can expect just about every RM you level with to have maxed Quick Step. The total Speed I would aim for would be just over 52%. While using a cloak, you can reach this with only 3 Wind B piercings, or if you have a Speed awaken on your Boots, with even less.

7. Comparison to other AoE Techniques
The following is a brief comparison of standard AoEing techniques against pipelining, as well as a graphical explaination of where the time advantage that pipelining has actually comes from. For the standard AoEr, I’m going to be using AoE Blade, for a number of reasons. First, because of my own experience, I can guarantee that the numbers will be accurate, and second, because I think it should be fairly representative to all melee class AoErs in terms of gathering speed and killing speed – perhaps not the fastest, but also not the slowest.

Note that all diagrams are drawn to scale, using a metric of 3 pixels = 1 second. A bar which is noticably longer indicates more time required, and therefore a slower throughput.

Standard AoE techniques are broken up into two primary steps: first gathering (marked in blue), and killing (marked in yellow and red), with a short recovery time for picking up drops and/or rebuffing (marked in green). With my Blade, having a total of 73% additional run speed while buffed, I find that I can consistenty average around 2 seconds per mob while gathering. For other melee-class AoErs (BPs, Knights, and RMs), similar results should be possible. I have chosen to gather 40 mobs, because in my experience it is usually the most efficient. After this point, gathering more often requires 3-4 seconds or more per mob, which lowers the overall efficiency. Blades additionally must arrange all of the mobs in a straight line before they begin AoEing, but they also have very high AoE damage. The 20 seconds needed to position and kill should be close to other AoErs. The total time required to kill 40 mobs is 110 seconds, a throughput of one mob every 2.75 seconds.

A quick side note: at this point you might be thinking, "2.75 seconds per mob… that’s not much faster than 1v1 Blades." This is of course true, but not entirely. It is true that 1v1 Blades can obtain sub-3 second kill times, particularly with the enhancements of the last few versions. However, this does not signify a sub-3 second throughput. 1v1 characters also need to move from mob to mob, albeit not as far on average as AoErs. Instead of a 2 second average moving time, it’s probably closer to around 1 second. There’s also the issue of server-client latency. When you attack a mob, it is not attacked instantly. First, a message is sent to the server, the server calculates the damage done, and then a message is sent back to the client, where the damage is displayed. To see the effects of this, take a melee character with 100% attack speed, and auto-attack an Aibatt. You should be able to kill it in one hit, but how many times do you see yourself attack it before it actually dies? Typically, around 3 times, sometimes even 4. Assuming ~3 attacks per second, this means that client-server latency is around one second. The result of these two factors means that a 1v1 Blade with a theoretical average kill time of 3 seconds will actually have a throughput much closer to 5; nearly twice that of an AoEr.

Now that a standard has been set, the first comparison I would like to make would be against a Bow Jester using a Tanking approach. I would like to emphasize that this is not what Pipelining is, although I get the impression that many people still confuse them. The Bow Jester has noticably faster gathering speed than the Blade, due to using a ranged weapon, which saves from having to run from mob to mob. Here I’ve used 1.5 second per mob rather than 2 seconds for the Blade. If you think that this is too quick, keep in mind that many Rangers can gather and kill at a faster rate, using the same weapon. If you are willing to accept that, you must also be willing to accept that a Jester can at very least gather that quickly. What makes this form of AoE so slow is the ridiculous amount of time needed to actually kill, upwards of 3 times as long as other AoErs. But all in all, the method isn’t really all that bad; a throughput of 3.275 seconds per kill will still out-perform just about any type of 1v1. It seems a lot slower than it is though, because you need to stand around waiting for cool-down for such a long time.

And finally a comparison to Pipelining. What we’re doing is reducing the time wasted standing around at the end of the AoE, by doing something useful during that time, namely gathering more. In principle, the entire gathering phase has been broken into 6 chunks (9 seconds for 6 mobs, the same rate as 60 seconds for 40), and the Arrow Rains that would have come at the end have been inserted in between. I’ve included a 3 second time frame needed to stand around tanking (so that the pack is struck by all three pulses), but this is actually quite pessimistic. One should always try to position themself so that they can continue gathering without having to move, so usually this idle time does not exist. However, sometimes that is not possible, which is why I have included it. Also, the green recovery period has been eliminated as well. Because only ~6 mobs are dying per cast of Arrow Rain, our pet has enough time to collect them all, without having to wait. There is no time required for rebuffs either, because this is done during the AoE as well, simply by rebuffing one buff at time while moving between iterations. The overall time required is 78 seconds for 36 kills, a throughput of one kill every 2.167 seconds; noticably faster than anything a melee-class AoEr can achieve.

8. Videos
An instructional video at Mutant Augus (v12):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SGe_rr-sTU

Grind session at Mammoths (v13):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LP3dr5vJ7K8

9. Closing Comments
In conclusion: yes, Jesters can AoE, and yes, it is quite good, if you know how to do it properly. It doesn’t require all that much funding either. What it does require, is a high amount of concentration for relatively long periods of time, as well as a decent FS partner. It’s also a quite versitle build, in that if you are unable to find an FS, you can also 1v1 nearly as well, if not just as well, as a normal 1v1 Bow Jester.

Credits go to _aria_.