User:Angel/Passage to Rata Sum

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Thank You
The [KISS] Alliances ran 824 players to Rata Sum over the course of 3 days. This is an amazing achievement and a new record for Guild Wars.

On behalf of [KISS] and myself, I would like to personally thank all of you who took part in the Passage to Rata Sum event. This event would not have been such an amazing success without such outstanding participation from both the Luxon and Kurzick [KISS] alliances, the unprecedented participation from the Guild Wars community, the support from our friends at Blade Radio, and the encouragement from our brothers and sisters in [LaZy]. This is the first time I have run a community event like this, and I could never have imagined it would be so much fun.

I want to offer my personal thanks to the following people who helped throughout the event. If it weren't for their dedication and patience, and constant running, the success of the past three days would not have been possible. -- Bunny  - Angel talk 07:38, 29 April 2008 (UTC)
 * }



Passage to Rata Sum
Passage to Rata Sum is a free Running weekend taking place in Eye of the North between Boreal Station and Rata Sum.

Catered and Hosted by: Passage to Rata Sum will be coordinated by  Bunny  in association with The Guilds of [KISS] in aid of supporting the approaching Cinco de Mayo event being hosted by The Guilds of [LaZy] Nation on the 3rd of May 2008.

Purpose of the free running weekend: With [KISS] and [LaZy] being two of the largest alliances in Guild Wars, players will put aside competition and put forth their considerable resources to show an unprecedented level of community spirit in an effort to ensure as many players as possible can take part in Cinco de Mayo 2008.

Where & When: Passage to Rata Sum will take place over the weekend prior to Cinco de Mayo, starting on Friday 25 April 2008.

Cost: All runs will be provided free of charge, however donations are welcome.

Requirements: Players wishing to take part in either Passage to Rata Sum or Cinco de Mayo must have a copy of the Eye of The North expansion.

What is Cinco de Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo 2008 is an event coordinated, hosted, and brought to the Guild Wars community by The Guilds of [LaZy] Nation.

Why you should be there: The Cinco de Mayo event is highly anticipated by the Guild Wars community. There will be games, quizes, and prizes galore! Get yourself a run to Rata Sum this weekend via the Passage to Rata Sum running weekend and make sure YOU can join in the festivities on the 3rd of May. Viva Cinco de Mayo!

Where: Rata Sum (International Districts).

When: Saturday, May 3rd, 2008.

Time: The event starts at 4PM EST (8PM/20:00 GMT) and will end two hours later.

Running Schedule

 * Passage to Rata Sum will take place over the course of 3 days.
 * Each of the registered runners will run during the time listed against their character name, and will repeat the run as many times as they can in the time they have available.
 * There will be runners wearing the [KISS] tag completing both partial (individual stages) and full runs.
 * All runners will be doing pick ups from International District 1.

Partial Run Timetable / Guide

 * The following timetable has been prepared based on the runners who have so far confirmed their availability for partial runs.
 * It is expected that many other un-registered runners will be providing additional partial runs throughout the weekend.
 * Players should scout the various stage starting points and look for [KISS] tagged runners.



! Stage No. !! Day !! Starting In !! Finishing In !! Runners IGNs !! Running times in BST !! Running times in PST/PDT
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 * 1 || Friday 25 April 2008 || Boreal Station || Gunnar's Hold || Kk Bassio Kk - D/A|| 14:00 PM - 15:00 PM || 06:00 AM - 07:00 AM
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 * || ||  ||  || Nightshade Special - D/A|| 14:00 PM --> || 06:00 AM -->
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 * || ||  ||  || Sir Orthovaj - W/A|| 19:00 PM - 08:00 AM (Saturday) || 11:00 AM - Midnight
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 * || ||  ||  || Aeriel Firestorm - E/D|| 20:00 PM --> || 12:00 PM -->
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 * || ||  ||  || Buhddist Scythe - D/Mo|| 17:00 PM - 21:00 PM || 09:00 AM - 13:00 PM
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 * || ||  ||  || Malek The Great - W/Mo || 11:00 AM and 17:00 PM || 03:00 AM - 09:00 AM
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 * 2 || Saturday 26 April 2008 || Gunnar's Hold || Olafstead || Kk Bassio Kk - D/A|| 11:00 AM - 17:00 PM|| 03:00 AM - 09:00 AM
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 * || ||  ||  || Nightshade Special - D/A|| 14:00 PM --> || 06:00 AM -->
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 * || ||  ||  || Dervish or Archer Grim - R or D|| 20:00 PM --> || 12:00 PM -->
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 * || ||  ||  || Sir Orthovaj - W/A|| 19:00 PM - 01:00 AM (Sunday) || 11:00 AM - 17:00 PM
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 * || ||  ||  || Destructor For All - D/Mo|| 18:00 PM - 22:00 PM || 10:00 AM - 14:00 PM
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 * 3 || Saturday 26 April 2008 || Olafstead || Umbral Grotto || This Is Owned Suff - R/Mo || 09:00 AM --> || 01:00 AM -->
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 * || ||  ||  || Nightshade Special - D/A|| 14:00 PM --> || 06:00 AM -->
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 * || ||  ||  || Dervish or Archer Grim - R or D|| 20:00 PM --> || 12:00 PM -->
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 * || ||  ||  || Sir Orthovaj - W/A|| 02:00 AM (Sunday) - 08:00 AM (Sunday) || 18:00 PM - Midnight
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 * || ||  ||  || Destructor For All - D/Mo|| 18:00 PM - 22:00 PM || 10:00 AM - 14:00 PM
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 * 4 || Sunday 27 April 2008 || Umbral Grotto || Vlox's Falls || This Is Owned Suff - R/Mo || 09:00 AM --> || 01:00 AM -->
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 * || ||  ||  || Nightshade Special - D/A|| 14:00 PM --> || 06:00 AM -->
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 * || ||  ||  || Dervish or Archer Grim - R or D|| 20:00 PM --> || 12:00 PM -->
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 * || ||  ||  || Sir Orthovaj - W/A|| 19:00 PM - 08:00 AM (Monday) || 11:00 AM - Midnight


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 * 5 || Sunday 27 April 2008 || Vlox's Falls || Rata Sum || Polaris Shadowbane - D/A || 15:00 PM - 17:00 PM || 07:00 AM - 09:00 AM
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 * || ||  ||  || Arato Morchaint - R/Mo|| Friday/Saturday/Sunday 20:00 PM --> || Friday/Saturday/Sunday 12:00 PM -->
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 * }

Full runs

 * A select few runners have offered to do all 5 stages of the run in one go.
 * These runners will pick people up from either Boreal Station, Kamadan, Lions Arch, or Kaineng Center, depending on demand.
 * Please try to whisp these runners to arrange a pick up. If they are on Do Not Disturb status, please be patient, it means they are busy doing a run.



! Runners IGNs !! Runners Time Zone !! Friday 25 April 2008 !! Saturday 26 April 2008 !! Sunday 27 April 2008
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 * Polaris Shadowbane - D/Mo || BST || 19:30 PM - 22:00 PM || 12:00 PM - 17:00 PM || 12:00 PM - 17:00 PM
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 * D I S A P R O V A L - R/A || BST || 18:00 PM --> || 18:00 PM --> || 10:00 AM -->
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 * Riff Ibanezius - D/A || -7GMT || 15:00 PM - 21:00 PM || 15:00 PM - 21:00 PM || 15:00 PM - 21:00 PM
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 * Livia Dagger Rage A/D || BST || N/A || 10:00 AM --> || 02:00 AM -->
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 * Assassin Flear A/D || GMT +1 || N/A || 17:00 PM --> || 19:30 PM -->
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 * }

Event Feedback
Friday - Day 1 - Feedback
 * Comments from --[[Image:User Angel_1.png]] Bunny  - Angel talk 08:57, 26 April 2008 (UTC)
 * I was completely speechless yesterday after seeing and hearing how many people are taking part in this event. Considering the running weekend hasn't been advertised on a main Wiki page, the response is so much more than I imagined it would be.  From talking to our runners yesterday, well over 200 players were run to Rata Sum on Friday, and it was only day 1 of the running weekend!
 * Huge thanks and bunny-hugs go out to Wolfie for advertising 'Passage to Rata Sum' on Blade Radio, and for playing such inspirational running music (Racing Against Myself was classic!). From the response we've had I think it's safe to say Blade Radio has a huge following of listeners.
 * I was grinning from ear to ear last night, reading whisps and local comments from people saying what a good thing we're all doing. Our marketing people, skipping about the world advertising the running weekend, are getting such kind feedback from players it's fantastic.  It's going to be great to see everyone getting amongst the fun at Cinco de Mayo next weekend in Rata Sum.  Keep up the great work guys!

Saturday - Day 2 - Feedback
 * Comments from --[[Image:User Angel_1.png]] Bunny  - Angel talk 12:00, 27 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Oh....my.....god! Seriously, what do I say now?  I was almost speechless after Friday, now I'm truly lost for words.  Let me sum Saturday up in one short sentence:  We ran another 400 + players to Rata Sum!  That makes our total running effort to-date over 600 players so far!  I think that must be some kind of Guild Wars record!
 * The players just keep coming and our runners just keep running. I mapped into an outpost and before I could even tell people about when the next runner was leaving...3 or 4 people were actually saying in Local chat "Looking for a KISS runner".  The word is out and people are looking for us now, which is fantastic. 
 * I feel a bit like a cross country train conductor on Ventrilo. Words can't describe how much fun this is, I dare say this won't be the only running event you see KISS doing. One more day to go!

Sunday - Day 3 - Feedback
 * Comments from --[[Image:User Angel_1.png]] Bunny  - Angel talk 07:25, 28 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Utterly amazing. Utterly...amazing.  You have no idea how much fun this has been and I honestly don't think the words exist to describe it.  Sunday has been, yet again, an unbelievable turn out!!  When I retired at the end of the day the numbers were up to...wait for it...824 people in total for this event!!  I still need to check if people kept running after I logged out and hit my pillows, but at the least it's official:  We ran over 800 people to Rata Sum this weekend, and loved every minute of it.
 * Wolfie from Blade Radio even showed up for a run to Rata Sum himself, after arranging for an amazing string of inspirational songs at our runners request (Where The Streets Have No Name rocks!). I wish I knew what to write to express how much fun this has been.
 * It's been unbelievable to see how many people heard, saw, and took part in this event. All the runners have worked so very hard, and I'm going to make sure each one is posted up on this page with a big thank you.  As well as our runners, I'd like to say a big thanks to the folks at Blade Radio, our friends at LaZy for the encouragement you've all given this weekend, and last but not least the entire Guild Wars community for making the event so much fun.  I can't wait to see everyone at Cinco de Mayo next weekend.  If you see me there, be sure to say hi!

Time Zones

 * Players should take note that the United Kingdom is currently under BST time (British Summer Time) which is GMT + 1 hour, therefore GMT does not currently equal the time in the UK.
 * Likewise with European time, places that are normally considered GMT+1 are mostly GMT+2 at the moment.
 * If you are trying to work out what time you need to be at an outpost, please use the Time Zone Converter. Instructions for using the Time Zone Converter can be found on the talk page of this article.
 * If you want to convert from a BST time, select "Europe/London" in the "convert from" section of the Time Converter.

Get to Boreal Station First
The running weekend begins at Boreal Station. To get yourself there you must complete one of the following simple quests:
 * Prophecies players complete the quest called What Lies Beneath available from Len Caldoron in Lions Arch.
 * Factions players complete the quest called I Feel the Earth Move Under Cantha's Feet available from Minister of Maintenance Raiugyon in Kaineng Center.
 * Nightfall players complete the quest called Hole of Istan available from Bendah in Kamadan, Jewel of Istan.

Requirements to complete these quests:
 * Players need to complete only ONE of the above quests to get to Boreal Station.
 * Players need to be at least level 10 to complete the above quests.
 * If you are between levels 10 and 19, you will automatically receive a buff called Journey to the North while in Eye of the North locations.

Rules and Other Information

 * 1. Players receiving a run are encouraged to show their gratitude and encouragement. No money is required, but donations to the individual runners are welcomed.
 * 2. Free runs provided during Passage to Rata Sum will be available to any player in Guild Wars, regardless of what guild or alliance they are a member of.
 * 3. Runners will fill their teams on a "first come, first serve" basis, so players should aim to be on time or early to secure a spot on the run.
 * 4. If a Runners' team becomes full, please be patient and show a little understanding.
 * 5. It is up to an individual runner if they wish to repeat the same run a second time due to large numbers, it should not be expected of them, they aren't slaves.
 * 6. Cinco de Mayo and Passage to Rata Sum are not official Guild Wars events and are not associated with Arenanet.
 * 7. Please take into consideration that the Runners themselves are helping out of the goodness of their own hearts and they expect to receive nothing in return.
 * 8. If a runner fails an attempt, please be curtious and show a little understanding as they re-attempt.
 * 9. Runners are not responsible for keeping players alive during the run, so players trying to obtain a Survivor title should beware.
 * 10. Runners are likely to set themselves to Do Not Disturb status while they are running.

How to Register as a Runner
If you would like to register as a runner for Passage to Rata Sum, please post the following details on the discussion page for this event:
 * Your in game character name and profession.
 * What Stage of the run you will be doing (there are 5 sections to choose from).
 * What time you will be available to start your run (please specify your time zone).
 * Whether you would like some practice prior to the event.
 * What build you will be using (optional, but it may help others to share your build)

Runners Guide
Builds
 * A list of running builds with an 'excellent' rating, as vetted and approved by the PvXwiki community, can be found here.


 * Ranger/Assassin build code, tried and tested for running all 5 stages of this event >>>>>>> [OgcTcVM+5Rnla48C3jzEE3taAA]
 * Dervish/Assassin build code, tried and tested for running all 5 stages of this event >>>>>>> [Ogek8pq5ayiD6uBOBVvsXxLur9C]

Running Stages

! Stage No. !! Starting In !! Finishing In !! Difficulty !! Comments
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 * 1 || Boreal Station || Gunnar's Hold || Low || There are minimal enemies. 1-2 running skills are all that is required to complete it.  Runners should pause in the Eye of the North outpost on the way.
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 * 2 || Gunnar's Hold || Olafstead || Low || Most enemies are completely avoidable. Simple maintainable speed boosts are all that is required.
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 * 3 || Olafstead || Umbral Grotto || Medium || Some talent is required to successfully avoid the patrols. Hex removal is recommended.
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 * 4 || Umbral Grotto || Vlox's Falls || Low || Only a 5 minute run through level 1 of the Vloxen Excavations dungeon to the Asuran Gate.
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 * 5 || Vlox's Falls || Rata Sum || High || Spell blocking skills are extremely useful. Vow of Silence or Shadow Form based builds are most successful.
 * }

Maps of each Stage
 * To help runners find their way, detailed maps of each stretch of the run have been included on the talk page of this article.
 * If you would like to see the indicated running path on magically appear on your mini-map in Guild Wars, please see the Runners Texmod section below.

Runners Texmod
What is Texmod
 * Texmod is an application that can be used with Guild Wars to apply temporary graphics texture changes when you load Guild Wars via the Texmod application.
 * The TexMod application can be downloaded >>>>>>> here. (Mirror Mirror 2) '''
 * For removal of doubt, Texmod is only able to make cosmetic changes to the way your game 'looks'. It is not an advanced application and it is not capable of collecting data or altering your game files.
 * If you would like to know more, please follow this link to read about it, including a commentary on Arenanet's official position on it's use with Guild Wars.
 * Arenanet do not disallow use of this application with Guild Wars if it is used to for fun, benign and positive uses of the programs and to create mods that impact the game only in ways that are fun and harmless.
 * There are many many Texmods offered on Wiki, particularly for user interface changes. Read  here for more details.

Passage to Rata Sum Texmod
 * The Passage to Rata Sum Texmod file can be dowloaded free >>>>>>>>>> here.
 * This in game Texmod file has been written to allow players to see a clearly marked running route on their Guild Wars minimap in game.
 * The Texmod file allows even the most inexperienced runner to offer their much needed help, don't be afraid to give it a try!
 * Each of the Stages of the run are marked in a different colour, and the game 'fog' has been removed so all area's will appear uncovered even if you haven't been there before.
 * The file will take approximately 2 minutes to download on an average speed broadband connection and it has been hosted at a trusted source, called Rapid Share.

Running the Mod
 * 1. Run the TexMod.exe application.
 * 2. Click the big folder icon in the Target Application section and select Browse.
 * 3. Find your GuildWars folder. This is normally in My Computer --> Local Disk (C:) --> Program Files --> Guild Wars.
 * 4. Select your GW.exe file and click Open.
 * 5. Make sure "Package Mode" is selected in Texmod.
 * 6. In the "Select package" section press the small folder icon and find the .tpf file you want to use and select it, click open.
 * 7. Hit run, if all goes well your mod should work, just log into Guild Wars as per normal and enjoy!

Bug. Texmod makes cosmetic changes to the Texture in your game interface so now and then when using it Guild Wars does amusing things in your interface (my armor disappeared once and everything was framed with cute little bubbles). If that happens you can fix it instantly by just minimising and reopening Guild Wars. Don't panic, it's not a virus and it's not permanent, it's quite a common bug and it only happens when you are using Texmod.