Note: EXP samples available in Appendix section (scroll down!) Hello to anyone who's reading this - I hope you're having an awesome day. Open Disclaimer: I'm not claiming that this rotation is the best possible rotation - this is simply a rotation that I've found to be pretty efficient in my personal experience - if you have your own suggestions, please feel free to leave your input in this thread. Any feedback/help is warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated. Who This Guide is For: 1. Bishops who sell leech at Skeles 2. Aspiring Bishops who eventually want to sell leech at Skeles 3. Leech Buyers who aren't sure how to identify good rotations 4. Anyone who is bored as heck and just wants something to read on forums What the Rotation Looks Like: Spoiler: Video Rotation starts at 12s on the video - the 1 Genesis casted before that was to clear mobs This video showcases two full map rotations If you're not interested in reading a ton, that's all you needed to see really... If you're curious or interested to find out more, feel free to read on! (Warning: serious wall of text incoming) Why I am Writing this Guide: Spoiler: A few reasons... Preamble: I believe a guide for rotations in this specific map would be helpful because of the inherent difficulty in the design of layout. Through anecdotal experience, there is considerable variance in EXP gain across different Leech Sellers (i.e. Seller skill has a comparatively higher weight on EXP gain for Skeles, relative to other maps like Ulu2 or Petris). 1. (Pain Point for Sellers) When I first started selling leech at Skeles, the map layout (The Dragon Nest Left Behind) was thoroughly confusing to me. I was used to selling leech at Ulu2 which only requires telecasting left and right in a much smaller map. I had no idea how to go about rotations at Skeles, and navigating the map was extremely daunting at the beginning. If this is you, then I hope this guide will help. 2. (Pain Point for Buyers) Having sold leech at Skeles for a few months now, I've heard many recounts from buyers of their negative experiences buying Skele leech. Some buyers have recounted gaining only ~24-26m EXP for a full hour of split leech. Having been in similar positions before of spending hard-earned mesos for seemingly sub-par EXP gains, I fully understand the pain for Buyers. Given that the Skele map definitely isn't the easiest map to get around, I hope that the sharing of this guide will help the general population of Skele leech sellers to improve collectively as a community. 3. (Lack of Information Sharing) Now I might be totally wrong on this, but I don't feel like there has been much information regarding rotations in this specific map. I've been able to find discussions on rotations for Ulu2 and Petris, but somehow not for Skeles. I recently read a thread where a fellow bishop was sharing their personal experience by saying something to the effect that "telecasting is not efficient for this particular map because of its size and platform layout; leeching here without TC is optimal". To my surprise, other players were agreeing in the following comments. I don't want to link that thread because the intention is not to throw any shade - but I respectfully disagree on this point. I believe that there is greater efficiency to be found in having a rotation that appropriately utilises telecasting. Spoiler: Telecasting A highly reader-friendly guide from @Jooon, which in itself provides further credits to the pioneers of telecasting: https://royals.ms/forum/threads/how-to-telecast.125328 [IMPORTANT!] Fundamental Principles: Before I get into describing how the rotation works, I'd like to lay out two fundamental principles that dictate why this rotation is the way it is, and why I believe it is efficient. I believe that these principles are critically important and should apply to leeching in any map. My hope is that these principles can help us to reach a shared basis of understanding. Principle 1: The Leech Seller's Primary Aim The first and main principle is to maximise kills between each wave of mob spawns. Before the next wave of mobs spawn, we want to clear as much of the existing mobs as possible to grant the highest EXP return for the Buyer. This dictates the second and final principle: Timing. Principle 2: 8-second Spawn Timer The second principle (which supports the first) is that understanding the timing of mob spawns is crucial, because it will dictate the timing with which we cast Genesis. In the past, I had wrongly assumed that mob spawns were randomised in their timing. In fact, mobs are programmed to spawn once every 8 seconds in fixed waves/intervals, just like clockwork. The following video from @sprintfast explains and demonstrates this interval very clearly, as well as how to make optimal use of its timing while providing leech services. Spoiler: 8-second interval video Watch from 0:45 for explanation. The rest of the video demonstrates the usage of this interval across various maps. As a function of this 8-second spawn timer, I have found the most efficient kill-cycle to involve casting Genesis twice within each 8-second window (first Genesis right at the start of the window, second Genesis right at the end of the window from the 7th-8th second, just before the next spawn window opens). There is further video evidence of this principle in effect: Spoiler: Casting Timing This is Venin's thread on the main topic of rotations. Under the spoiler for "Petris", the first video (from @PhotonSphere) shows a mage casting two ultis, (one at the start of the spawn window, one at the end; you'll notice that the next spawn window opens with mobs spawning right after his second ulti is casted) and this rotation has been mathematically proven to yield superior EXP gains as compared to telecasting (relatively mindlessly) all over the map (in the following 2 videos). If you run a timer in line with the video, you'll see that mobs do indeed spawn every 8 seconds. In essence, a spammage of telecasting while ignoring the spawn-timer will result in an inability to cast ultimates as new waves of mobs spawn - a violation of Principle 1. https://royals.ms/forum/threads/telecasting-and-rotations.113753 Here's the Bottom Line with regards to Telecasting and casting Ultimates (just to ram it home): Telecasting and Ultimates must be timed in accordance with the 8-second spawn window. Killrate and EXP gains have been shown to exceed those derived from mindless spam-telecasting. Spoiler: The Harsh Truth Even if you have perfect TC, your killrates and EXP yield will be considerably sub-optimal if you ignore the 8-second spawn timer and TC-Ulti non-stop all over the map. Breakdown of the Rotation: A 3-Cycle Rotation Remember how I was just mentioning the 8-second spawn windows? This map rotation consists of 3 cycles, each corresponding to an individual 8-second window. In totality, one full map rotation will therefore take approximately 24 seconds (8s/cycle * 3 cycles). For simplicity, I will refer to the cycles as Cycles 1, 2 and 3. Each cycle consists of 2 casts of Genesis, one at the start of the window (a), and one just at the end (b). Notation: 1a: 1st Genesis of Cycle 1 1b: 2nd Genesis of Cycle 1 -- 2a: 1st Genesis of Cycle 2 2b: 2nd Genesis of Cycle 2 -- 3a: 1st Genesis of Cycle 3 3b: 2nd Genesis of Cycle 3 For comparison, Ulu2 and Petri maps only require 2 cycles (lateral telecasting) due to the compact layout design. Since the Skele map is much more expansive, this rotation includes an added third cycle to cover the greatest amount of area/mobs possible. Cycle 1 Spoiler: Diagrams - Cycle 1 Start Point: Position 1a (Note - Position 1a is the same as Position 3b; the full map rotation ends nicely at the start point, so the next rotation can commence immediately) End Point: Position 1b Directions: From Start Point 1a, telecast Genesis and start teleporting to the right. Once you've hit the platform above Point 1b, teleport down to reach Point 1b and immediately cast a stationary Genesis (no TC). This cycle is the longest cycle (in this rotation) by distance covered and time taken - it should take nearly 8 seconds. The reason why the second Genesis is cast stationary (without TC) is because the next spawn window is just about to begin - we don't want to be teleporting away from the mobs that are right about to spawn in this area. Immediately after completing Cycle 1, get into position for Cycle 2 because the next wave of mobs will spawn at any moment. You can either walk or teleport once to manoeuvre to the next position. Cycle 2 Spoiler: Diagrams - Cycle 2 Start Point: Position 2a End Point: Position 2b (Note - Position 2b does not have to be exact; anywhere in this rough area will enable you to wipe out the entirety of the map's bottom left quadrant) Directions: This is the simplest Cycle of the three. Telecast Genesis at Position 2a and teleport repeatedly to the left, until you reach Position 2b. At Position 2b, again, cast a stationary Genesis (no TC). This cycle is the shortest and most straightforward - it should take roughly 4 to 5 seconds. This will give you ample time to get in position for the next cycle. Cycle 3 Spoiler: Diagrams - Cycle 3 Start Point: Position 3a (Note - Position 3a should hopefully be as exact as possible; one teleport's distance away from the rope on the left) End Point: Position 3b (Note - same as 1a, enabling you to commence the next rotation immediately) Directions: Position 3a needs to be as accurate as possible - one teleport's distance away from the rope on my left. This cycle begins by telecasting Genesis with only one teleport to the left, so you should be perfectly aligned with the hanging rope. Once you are aligned, hold down the jump key so your character jumps as soon as the Genesis animation ends. Climb to the top of the rope and teleport up once, landing yourself at the End Point 3b (also Start Point of Cycle 1), and cast stationary Genesis (no TC). This cycle is probably the trickiest and possibly takes the longest due to the rope climbing (since mobs tend to hit you off-course), and should take very nearly 8 seconds. This leaves you with close to no time before the next wave of mobs spawn, and for you to begin Cycle 1 again for the next rotation. Variations: Getting Position 3a nailed down might take some practice and luck. An alternative would be to have the Start Point at the base of the rope itself, so you could immediately jump up after without having to worry about telecasting distance. This works too, but a few mobs spawning closer to the centre of the map might be missed at this first cast of Genesis. The reason behind 3a being specifically one teleport's distance away from the rope is that it ensures the entire bottom-left quadrant of the map gets wiped out by the first Genesis (think main principle 1 - the aim is to kill as many mobs as possible). Putting Everything Together Altogether, using a rotation that encompasses these 3 cycles has helped me to cover all areas of this map (which I initially didn't consider plausible). At most, 1 or 2 mobs are left untouched at the right-sided corner of the highest lane, depending on the mobs' direction of walking upon spawn. In my experience, this rotation has been highly thorough and efficient. If you scrutinise the video inserted at the start of this guide, you would observe that there are no instances during which mobs are spawning while I am mid-cast or telecasting (and therefore unable to kill them). The maximum number of mobs are being killed per spawn window, thereby yielding the greatest EXP gain to the Leech Buyer (to my knowledge). Additional Notes: Looting at Top and Bottom Lanes You would have noticed that this rotation involves the Leech Seller only traversing the middle 2 lanes, leaving the top and bottom lanes untouched. Personally, I opt to collect loot at the top and bottom lanes once every 2 minutes (every time i need to re-cast HS). I telecast when collecting loot in order to minimise the time spent on the top and bottom lanes, since casting Genesis on these lanes hits the fewest mobs. Telecasting: Finer Details & Allowance for Failure Telecasting, if used appropriately and accurately, is always a bonus in my view. That being said, telecasting is only really critical for Cycle 1 of this rotation. Without telecasting, it would be extremely difficult to fully complete Cycle 1 before the following spawn window opens. Cycles 2 and 3 are made easier with telecasting, but you could still comfortably complete the cycle even if you fail to hit the telecast on the first Genesis. This is because Cycles 2 and 3 are shorter in terms of distance covered, and therefore can still be completed fully within 7 seconds even without telecasting. This is good news for those of us who don't have perfect TC - you would still be able to derive a high efficiency in this map as long as you can nail the telecast for Cycle 1, and rival others who have flawless and perfect TC, even when selling leech for extremely long hours Spoiler: Whoooooops.... (Surely that's not humanly possible by manual TC?? ) Final Words: Yo if you actually made it this far, I'd like to commend you for reading everything. I didn't expect this to get this lengthy, but I guess I'm far more long-winded than I thought. Please please please share your thoughts/experiences; our leech-selling bishop community could definitely use more collaboration! Happy Mapling, everyone! I love all of you Appendix: Spoiler: EXP Samples Baseline for Comparison: Leech EXP Calculator developed by @Geyforlife (props dude, this calculator is actually amazing) https://royals.ms/forum/threads/leeching-exp-calculator-optimal-leeching-places.102411 For my level (156 Bishop), this calculator estimates the following EXP rates per hour depending on leecher level (for split leech): Both leechers at Level 110: 31.3m EXP/h Both leechers at Level 115: 32.0m EXP/h Both leechers at Level 120: 32.4mEXP/h Both leechers at Level 125: 33.0m EXP/h Both leechers at Level 130: 33.5m EXP/h The EXP yield which I have provided in following samples should be compared against these estimates for an indication of the effectiveness of my rotation. Spoiler: Split Leech Spoiler: Sample 1 This buyer purchased 1 hour of split leech starting at Level 133 (18%) and ending at Level 134 (3%). By my calculations from the EXP table, Total EXP gain = To reach 134 (0.82 * 47,565,183) + To reach 3% of 117 (0.03 * 50,171,755) = 40.4m EXP per hour at Level 133 *Note EXP sample from the split partner is in Sample 5* Start: End: Spoiler: Sample 2 This buyer purchased 2 hours of split leech starting at Level 133 (25%) and ending at Level 134 (82%). By my calculations from the EXP table, Total EXP gain = To reach 134 (0.75 * 47,565,183) + To reach 82% at 134 (0.82 * 50,171,755) = 35,673,887 + 41,140,839 = 76.81m Total EXP in 2 hours = 38.41m EXP per hour at Level 133 Start/End: Spoiler: Sample 3 This buyer purchased 1 hour of split leech starting at Level 134 and ending at Level 134. Total EXP gain (from screenshots) = 47,566,865 - 9,938,492 = 37.63m EXP per hour at Level 134 Start: End: Spoiler: Sample 4 Note: Sample 4 taken during spring event bonus (25% exp boost) This buyer purchased 1 hour of split leech starting at Level 128 (36%) and ending at Level 129 (53%). By my calculations from the EXP table, Total EXP gain = To reach 129 (0.64 * 36,428,273) + To reach 53% at 129 (0.53 * 38,424,542) = 23,314,095 + 20,365,007 = 43.68m Total EXP in 1 hour (with 25% Event Bonus) ~ 34.94m EXP per hour at Level 128 (Normalised) Start: End: Spoiler: Sample 5 This buyer purchased 1 hour of split leech starting at Level 128 (0%) and ending at Level 129 (7%). By my calculations from the EXP table, Total EXP gain = To reach 129 (1.00 * 36,428,273) + To reach 7% at 129 (0.07 * 38,424,542) = 39.1m EXP per hour at Level 128 Start/End: (Level reference found in Sample 1) Spoiler: Sample 6 This buyer purchased 1 hour of split leech starting at Level 130 (42%) and ending at Level 131 (38%). By my calculations from the EXP table, Total EXP GAIN = To reach 131 (0.58 * 40,530,206) + To reach 38% at 131 (0.38 * 42,751,262) = 23,507,520 + 16,245,480 = 39.8m EXP per hour at Level 130 Start: End: Spoiler: Solo Leech Spoiler: Sample 1 Note: Sample 1 taken during Spring EXP boost (additional 25% event EXP). This buyer purchased 1 hour of solo leech starting at Level 139 (17%) and ending at Level 140 (4.5%). By my calculations from the EXP table, Total EXP gain = To reach 140(0.83 * 65,510,344) + To reach 4.5% at 140 (0.045 * 69,100,311) = 57.48m EXP per hour (with 1.25x) ~ 45.99m EXP per hour at Level 139 (Normalised) Start: End: Edits: 23 Dec 2020: Found the original video documenting the *8-second spawn timer; link has been updated. My original post mistakenly conveyed the interval to be 7 seconds instead of 8 - this mistake has been amended throughout the post. 26 Mar 2021: Returned from a long hiatus. Made some nuanced improvements in execution of rotation; EXP samples updated. 26 Jul 2021: Just noticed that linked videos of the rotation and sprintfast's 8-second guide have been yeeted to hell by Daziunda. Hope the images provided in the guide are still helpful to illustrate the execution of the rotation. 16 Oct 2022: Replaced video with Google drive link (was previously on YouTube before getting removed).
Nice guide! My rotation was roughly the same as yours with some slight variances before I quit leeching. If you need more exp samples you can refer to my old thread : https://royals.ms/forum/threads/reions-skele-leech-service.148495/ I did skip looting top and bottom platforms though since I was charging 75m/150m.
Dang I had no idea you quit leeching! I've been to your thread multiple times and I actually bought a few hours from you. Your EXP yield was ridiculously high and you were a huge inspiration for me to get into doing Skele leech. I adapted Cycle 3 from observing your rotation! Was initially wondering why you did that one-teleport TC towards the rope, but it all made sense when I tried it for myself. Interesting take on how you traded off looting for a higher hourly rate. Hourly charges are an aside point to the main post, but I wonder if that high of a rate might have deterred buyers who didn't scrutinise the EXP/fee ratio. Personally, I'm happy to continue looting and charging 60/120m.
I've actually receive quite a lot of pm like "dude why skele leech so expensive", "lmao" and the likes whenever I smega. This is due to the stereotype belief that petri > skele leech just like NL > every other classes, and the majority of the buyers simply don't have the habit of taking note of the actual experience gain from their leeches, which is something that weird me out since you're actually buying something yet you can't be bothered enough to care for its quality. Regardless I still try to include my thread in the smega with shortened link hoping that some customers may see the reason of my rate. The reason I'm skipping both top and bottom lanes is that it'll mess up the exact spawn time where you might've to reset your rotation, and that will affect the experience gain in quite a large margin since there are also a lot of ropes to climb where movement speed doesn't affect your climbing speed. Plus I'm more of a APR guy than a gacha guy so I'll rather increase my rate and gives optimal experience gain than gambling on godly drops, which is just a preference in the end.
Thanks for this awesome guide! I tested this rotation for a few hours and managed to get around 38m-40m exp/hr split exp on average for my 13x bucc when leeching with my 15x bishop even when I was missing quite a few of my telecasts, which is pretty insane considering skele split is usually advertised to be 30m-33m exp/hr.