Soloing TT2-2/3-1

Lolite - Heavens Tear

Hey all, I am wondering when I can solo TT 2-2 and 3-1 squad mode. I am able to solo 2-1 without any problem except Wurlord... I would like to help guildees and fiance with their TT mats.

Thanks a lot!~

LloydAsplund - Sanctuary

Im pretty sure you can solo 3-1 (except the timed boss and the pain in the **** last boss) at around level 85. Depending on your build/gear/stats. 2-2 is a lot harder, you wont be able to solo, the guy with big **** blunt fists, wurlord, and the last boss.

Ninnuam - Sanctuary

You should be able to solo 2-2 already if you're arcane, especially if you have some -chan gear. First boss and feng may pose a problem though, if they do you'll be fine at 83 with the new pet heal.

As for 3-1, think I've done it at 85ish or so. Just make sure you spam heal, don't stop for nature's grace and metabolic boost until 90ish for the last 3 (4 if you count steelation) bosses. Been known to end badly xD

LloydAsplund - Sanctuary wrote: »

Im pretty sure you can solo 3-1 (except the timed boss and the pain in the **** last boss) at around level 85. Depending on your build/gear/stats. 2-2 is a lot harder, you wont be able to solo, the guy with big **** blunt fists, wurlord, and the last boss.

Yeh, kinda assumed the OP knew which bosses to skip lol.

But now that you mentioned it... Last boss is a joke actually. It and doggy are the easiest bosses in there from my experience. I just kind of assumed the OP knew the trick to fighting him. If done right, only 2 of the 6 adds will aggro, one at a time. Herc can easily tank one add and the boss at the same time. Just keep in mind he does an aggro reset every time he spawns new adds and act accordingly

Cosmoforce, the guy with the big **** blunt fists.. you're right on the money there. Doable with a 90ish herc and two venos with maxed out purge, three preferably. Don't bother otherwise.

Wurlord... kinda straightforward XD Skip lol.

LloydAsplund - Sanctuary

Ninnuam - Sanctuary wrote: »

You should be able to solo 2-2 already if you're arcane, especially if you have some -chan gear. First boss and feng may pose a problem though, if they do you'll be fine at 83 with the new pet heal.

Umm.. wouldnt the first boss be the easiest one? Also, how do you solo warlord?

Lolite - Heavens Tear

LloydAsplund - Sanctuary wrote: »

Im pretty sure you can solo 3-1 (except the timed boss and the pain in the **** last boss) at around level 85. Depending on your build/gear/stats. 2-2 is a lot harder, you wont be able to solo, the guy with big **** blunt fists, wurlord, and the last boss.

The guy with big **** blunt fists... You meant cosmoforce? xD He hits rather hard on herc in 2-1 mode when I was soloing for the first time at lvl77. Does he hit much much harder at 2-2 ?

Ninnuam - Sanctuary wrote: »

You should be able to solo 2-2 already if you're arcane, especially if you have some -chan gear. First boss and feng may pose a problem though, if they do you'll be fine at 83 with the new pet heal.

Yeh, kinda assumed the OP knew which bosses to skip lol.

But now that you mentioned it... Last boss is a joke actually. It and doggy are the easiest bosses in there from my experience. I just kind of assumed the OP knew the trick to fighting him. If done right, only 2 of the 6 adds will aggro, one at a time. Herc can easily tank one add and the boss at the same time. Just keep in mind he does an aggro reset every time he spawns new adds and act accordingly

Cosmoforce, the guy with the big **** blunt fists.. you're right on the money there. Doable with a 90ish herc and two venos with maxed out purge, three preferably. Don't bother otherwise.

Wurlord... kinda straightforward XD Skip lol.

What trick? b:shocked I am still a TT newbie xD Mind sharing that trick?

So Cosmoforce is a no no =l Thankfully I only need Fengs iron armors and steel armors for my TT80 gold lol

Okay... so TT2-2 minus Cosmoforce and wurlord... others soloable at lvl83? I currently have -24%chan, not so great I know... but can I solo Feng in TT2-2?

Ninnuam - Sanctuary

LloydAsplund - Sanctuary wrote: »

Umm.. wouldnt the first boss be the easiest one? Also, how do you solo warlord?

Edited my original post. I never meant a full run, everyone skips cosmo and wurlord for a good reason.

But of the hercable bosses, the first one is actually the hardest, going by personal experience. Cosmoforce is actually easier to tank than the first one if you could prevent him from buffing.
I remember having an easier time tanking cosmo than the first boss on 2-1 (where he doesn't buff).
The same holds true for 2-2 and 2-3 as well. Tanked 2-3 doggy and astral along with one add with an 88 herc without a problem. First boss was a struggle all the way through until he finally wiped herc about 60% into the fight. Huge attack range on that guy; if he hits 3 times with his max attack (2kish on an 88 herc), the poor thing's a gonner. Otherwise he was doing 1-1,5k hits on average.

LloydAsplund - Sanctuary

I believe feng was doable, except he has a rather annoying aoe. Also, are you full magic?

Last boss is soloable to a degree. Just make sure you get herc positioned correctly.

Ninnuam - Sanctuary

Lolite - Heavens Tear wrote: »

The guy with big **** blunt fists... You meant cosmoforce? xD He hits rather hard on herc in 2-1 mode when I was soloing for the first time at lvl77. Does he hit much much harder at 2-2 ?

He self buffs every 15 seconds in 2-2 and 2-3. Herc is a one/two-shot in that state, which is why you would need at least 2 venos with a maxed purge and impeccable timing. Just skip him.

What trick? b:shocked I am still a TT newbie xD Mind sharing that trick?

Somewhat hard to explain I'm afraid. But basically, when facing his platform from the NPC, you have to wait until he moves to either top right or left corner, to the side of the stairs all the way in the back. There are climable elevated platforms to either side of those stairs. Wait until he's in front of one of those platforms and then aggro him since he's a ranged boss and doesn't move once aggroed. Then have everyone in the squad climb up there with the melees being as close to the platform and away from the stairs as possible. If done right, the first fire add will aggro as usual. In the next spawn, only one of the adds should aggro. Either toxin or lightning, depending on which side you are. In the last spawn, none of the 3 should aggro. Again, it's really hard to explain with just words, would be best to do it in a squad and get some first hand experience.

[/quote]So Cosmoforce is a no no =l Thankfully I only need Fengs iron armors and steel armors for my TT80 gold lol

Okay... so TT2-2 minus Cosmoforce and wurlord... others soloable at lvl83? I currently have -24%chan, not so great I know... but can I solo Feng in TT2-2?[/QUOTE]

Should be able to yes. Feng's hp debuff doesn't help, but you should be alright. **** happens sometimes though, 2-2 feng wiped my 88 herc once when I got interrupted 3 times in a row from the aoe, even though I first tanked him at 83 or so :S

By solo, I hope you mean solo heal though. Feng is a charm raper without a cleric, and I'd definitely advise briging a barb along as well, at least for your trial run. Anyone can tank feng at range under bb, but would be a good idea to have a barb and cleric for the other bosses if you run into trouble.

Gl

Lolite - Heavens Tear

Ninnuam - Sanctuary wrote: »

Edited my original post. I never meant a full run, everyone skips cosmo and wurlord for a good reason.

But of the hercable bosses, the first one is actually the hardest, going by personal experience. Cosmoforce is actually easier to tank than the first one if you could prevent him from buffing.
....
the poor thing's a gonner. Otherwise he was doing 1-1,5k hits on average.

You meant the Lion boss? He hits hard in 2-2?

LloydAsplund - Sanctuary wrote: »

I believe feng was doable, except he has a rather annoying aoe. Also, are you full magic?

Last boss is soloable to a degree. Just make sure you get herc positioned correctly.

My apology lol I forgot to say something about my guild. I have 50 base vit rest into magic around 3.9k hp unbuffed.

And how should I position herc, pray tell?^^

Ninnuam - Sanctuary

Lolite - Heavens Tear wrote: »

You meant the Lion boss? He hits hard in 2-2?

The numbers I gave were for 2-3. But yes he hits hella hard. I'd say he and feng are about the same in terms of difficulty (feng hits for a lot less, but has a nasty hp debuff). If you can tank the first boss, odds are you'll be able to tank feng too. Doggy and astral are a walk in the park in comparison.

My apology lol I forgot to say something about my guild. I have 50 base vit rest into magic around 3.9k hp unbuffed.

Same build as my veno. So you should be oke at 83, especially since I've got next to no -channeling. If going with a squad, you should be able to tank doggie and astral already with no problem.

And how should I position herc, pray tell?^^

Read my previous post. Herc should be infront one of the two climbable platforms in top right/left corner.

Vidalaire - Heavens Tear

2-3 Lion Boss hits harder than the bosses in 3-1. Ironic, since Lion Edges are one of the most worthless mats.

Nerruse - Lost City

2-2 u do 1st boss (can be easily done at lvl 80), u skip the clone boss (Wurlord), Feng is a bit tricky, he ohkoed lvl 89 herc after the hp debuff so I dont know when is it possible to solo it. Cosmo you would need a lot of -chan (like 30%+) cause he can 2hko herc so if u cast slower than he attacks herc will die. Big Wolf boss is super easy. Last boss I heard veno at 89 soloed it so I guess its possible.

Sevas - Heavens Tear

TT2-2 is easy to solo, minding you are skipping Wurlord and Ape bosses. I had two friends in my squad, one of them being the subber for the run. We did lion boss with minor difficulties. Feng is an irritation, but easily done, even if you're pure magic build. (Our subber was a pure magic Wizzy.) We tried doing Astral for Dust of Stars. I picked the column we went by and somehow we ended up with every add on the platform. (I don't think we should have gotten them all.) So, next time I'm picking another one.

At L94-95 I tried tanking 2-3 Ape and I have very nearly succeeded but around 1/3-1/2HP the boss will "crit" hit my herc for 3k+ quickly followed by a 1k+ hit. I've felt if the second veno in the squad (both times I tried tanking there was a second veno) had purged/amped appropriately or just helped me heal it would have been fine.

TT3-1 is an easy money run but it's tough in your early 80s. When you get closer to your 90s it gets easier (mean you can get in amps better and on some bosses DD). Plate boss you can DD on at 90+, don't try amping unless you time it perfectly to avoid the aoe. GBA boss you can amp on 80-90 (sometimes only with pots in the early 80s) and by 95+ you're able to DD on it. Ceminator looking boss (the snake lady) is kind of mean, but you can pretty easily amp her and by 95+ you can DD on her as well. Sonic Oppressor (lightning boss) spam heal only unless you're confident about slipping an amp in, he's one of the hardest bosses in the whole TT3-1. Djinnscream (the one that looks like Dipter, the cement mixer on his back), aka 4 Minute Boss, you need a full squad of decent DDs or 4-5 really awesome DDs. The ante-room to Ribbon boss is hardest. It's nice to have a good "tanking" wizzy (one built for RB/Zhen) with a cleric or a sexy BM to go in and aoe. Then it's easy to pull out the boss.

And I have stated before in other threads of similar nature, it has been suggested that TT bosses hit harder to compensate for an easier time running Lunar Glade.

Lolite - Heavens Tear

Thank you for all of your replies b:thanks They are very informative!

Aeode - Sanctuary

I know the last post was made a couple of days ago but I have something to add for the OP about 3-1.

I'm arcane with vit and some -chann gear and started tanking the bosses in 3-1 high mode at level 77. At that level it was only possible with a BM or two using Shadowless Kick (Fist BM cancel channeling skill) and Mage Bane (I think, not sure of the name - a BM ulti skill that also cancels channeling) and also Myriad Sword Stance (another BM ulti skill that lowers both phys and mag attacks of the target). At that level, the herc would sometimes die, at which point the BM would fend off the boss while I ressed and healed and raced back in to try to regain aggro.

At level 79, herc can survive a few of the harder hits in a row so BM kicks don't *need* to be used as often.

Seeing as you're 80, you'd probably have a slightly easier time of it. Bring a BM friend with you and if you have fox form myriad, stay in fox form while spam healing and after a kick, you can amp (might be tricky to work on the timing or best to wait 'til 83) and/or use fox form myriad (instant channel) to help speed things up.

I also have the Searing Heat genie skill which reduces the target's attack and channeling speeds for a short time. It comes in handy for those uh-oh moments when you're sure you're about to bite the big one.

Just as a note, I've only tried Illusion Nemen (high mode) solo at level 79 and herc didn't die but I did have to spam Searing Heat. Wasn't using apoth channeling powders either but those would be worth bringing along.

Also, if you're going to lure Coredash (the first dude) out of his room, bring Dew of God Protection with you and holy path it out.

Solandri - Heavens Tear

Level 83 seems to be about the transition point for TT3-1 bosses. There are two limiting factors to consider:

1. Can my herc survive a simultaneous near-max damage magic + melee attack? The bosses have a pattern of single melee attacks, then a nearly simultaneous magic + melee attack. At 83 my herc had 3800 hp. Max damage I saw from the magic attack was over 2500. Max damage from melee was around 1280. Those two add up to over 3800, meaning if I was unlucky my fully-healed herc could be killed in between my heals.

At 84 my herc has 3865 hp. Max damage from the magic attack was less than 2500, max damage from melee was less than 1300. So worst case my herc survives with just a sliver of hp (the bosses pause a bit before casting, so my spam healing puts my herc at full hp just before these simultaneous attacks). My heal will land before the next melee attack, and since my minimum heal unbuffed is ~1500, my herc will survive.

2. Can I heal my herc quicker than the damage it's taking? This is highly dependent on build and equipment. I'm heavy and with -12% channel I can do it fairly easily, so an arcane build shouldn't have any problem with this.

Both problems can be mitigated by having a second veno help heal. This will eliminate problem #2, but #1 can still be a problem if your heals get synchronized and/or you get very unlucky.

Sevas - Heavens Tear wrote: »

At L94-95 I tried tanking 2-3 Ape and I have very nearly succeeded but around 1/3-1/2HP the boss will "crit" hit my herc for 3k+ quickly followed by a 1k+ hit. I've felt if the second veno in the squad (both times I tried tanking there was a second veno) had purged/amped appropriately or just helped me heal it would have been fine.

Ape is easiest with a tank and 2 venos to purge. If you're using a herc to tank, that's 3 venos. One spam healing, the other two alternating purge. He buffs himself every 20 sec, so with max purge having a 30 sec cooldown, you'll be able to purge. You have to be fairly quick and accurate though. If one veno misses a purge or is too slow, Cosmo can kill your herc fairly quickly. Have the third veno (the one not purging this time) help heal the herc around the time Cosmo buffs.

It's possible to do it with just 2 venos and a herc, but you have to be really coordinated. Veno 1 heals while Veno 2 purges, then they switch off so Veno 2 heals while Veno 1 purges. Repeat.

Nerruse - Lost City

So lvl 84 veno can tank all the bosses in 3-1 high mode (without 4:30min boss ofc)?

Tisa - Dreamweaver

Nerruse - Lost City wrote: »

So lvl 84 veno can tank all the bosses in 3-1 high mode (without 4:30min boss ofc)?

Pretty much, just time a heal when the special attack hits. After a few runs of gathering experience it's np.

Nerruse - Lost City

And could u tell me how much time it takes on avg to do it? Should I rush it or kill all mobs on the way?

IceJazmin - Heavens Tear

Nerruse - Lost City wrote: »

And could u tell me how much time it takes on avg to do it? Should I rush it or kill all mobs on the way?

3-1 is all but impossible to ninja, maybe with the exception of the entryway.

Wiawin - Sanctuary

any advice on how to get to Steelation? the entrance in the NE corner of the map trough the hallway is cloaed b4 and after killing goredash and does not open after killing nemen or collus either. of course i could go through the east entrance on upper floor if only i could get my pet up there or summon pet up there b4 encountering mobs.

Tisa - Dreamweaver

And could u tell me how much time it takes on avg to do it? Should I rush it or kill all mobs on the way?

IceJazmin - Heavens Tear wrote: »

3-1 is all but impossible to ninja, maybe with the exception of the entryway.

You shouldn't ninja it anyway, you need 10 mobs dead before 1st boss or he'll do a nasty 50% HP aoe debuff thingy, and 15 mobs before Steelation or he'll hit way too hard (untankable for herc).

In any case, takes long as hell solo. From my experience it works better with 2-3 extra DDs doing 2 or even 3 runs in a row. This way you can also do all bosses instead of leaving Djinnscream and Deathflow out.

Wiawin - Sanctuary wrote: »

any advice on how to get to Steelation? the entrance in the NE corner of the map trough the hallway is cloaed b4 and after killing goredash and does not open after killing nemen or collus either. of course i could go through the east entrance on upper floor if only i could get my pet up there or summon pet up there b4 encountering mobs.

I usually just Rambo through the door. It's tricky, but usually bramble hood -> summon pet grab aggro on mobs - > Expel on yourself do the trick.

You dont need to aggro the big guy, he does elemental damage which you can handle. Just make sure you get the 2-3 soldier mobs.

axt57

I have never solo'd astral and would like to try. People say he is doable for a 90+ herc veno.

Any info on how to kill him?

Tisa - Dreamweaver

axt57 wrote: »

I have never solo'd astral and would like to try. People say he is doable for a 90+ herc veno.

Any info on how to kill him?

2-2 Astral

Wait for him to position to the opposite side of the platform from your point of view. Teleport over, start killing. At around 80% 1st mob will spawn right next to you. Make sure herc hits astral 2-3 more times when that happens cuz it seems Astrals aggro resets after mob spawn or something and you don't want him hitting you. Kill the mob, in next round 2 will spawn which you can both aggro with herc and tank 2 mobs + Astral at the same time.
At around 30% Hp 3 mobs will spawn, but you can ignore those because you were waiting for him to position properly on the platform (first sentence).

2-3 Astral

Basically same as above with 1 catch. Dunno about 90+, but around 85-90 you will not be able to tank 2 mobs along with Astral in 2nd wave.
It's still doable though, just astral's position must be perfected. Same as before, opposite side of the platform viewing from where you're facing, but slightly more to the right. Sometimes takes 10min + of waiting to get astral there.
When he's properly positioned don't run on the small stairs of the platform, but rather stand next to the small ramp (the one you can run up on) on the right side. This should prevent aggro'ing the Toxin mob in the 2nd spawn, so you only have to deal with the Lighting mob which you handle the same way as the 1st mob spawn. Your position will also enable you to avoid the last 3 mobs, just make sure you stand close to the mini-ramp and have herc directly in front of you and not somewhere on the side.

Not sure if you know exactly what i mean, but you will when you try a few times.

axt57

Tisa - Dreamweaver wrote: »

2-2 Astral

Wait for him to position to the opposite side of the platform from your point of view. Teleport over, start killing. At around 80% 1st mob will spawn right next to you. Make sure herc hits astral 2-3 more times when that happens cuz it seems Astrals aggro resets after mob spawn or something and you don't want him hitting you. Kill the mob, in next round 2 will spawn which you can both aggro with herc and tank 2 mobs + Astral at the same time.
At around 30% Hp 3 mobs will spawn, but you can ignore those because you were waiting for him to position properly on the platform (first sentence).

2-3 Astral

Basically same as above with 1 catch. Dunno about 90+, but around 85-90 you will not be able to tank 2 mobs along with Astral in 2nd wave.
It's still doable though, just astral's position must be perfected. Same as before, opposite side of the platform viewing from where you're facing, but slightly more to the right. Sometimes takes 10min + of waiting to get astral there.
When he's properly positioned don't run on the small stairs of the platform, but rather stand next to the small ramp (the one you can run up on) on the right side. This should prevent aggro'ing the Toxin mob in the 2nd spawn, so you only have to deal with the Lighting mob which you handle the same way as the 1st mob spawn. Your position will also enable you to avoid the last 3 mobs, just make sure you stand close to the mini-ramp and have herc directly in front of you and not somewhere on the side.

Not sure if you know exactly what i mean, but you will when you try a few times.

Thanks for the info, will try it out.

Lolite - Heavens Tear

Did a couple TT2-2s with a friend however I am encountering a problem lol

When fighting Astral walker, I positioned myself+ herc on the third pillar from the right opposite to npc. I believe that is the correct pillar. Everything was very smooth until first add spawned on my herc. Herc had no problem tanking first add and astral walker together. But... my friend and I did not kill the first add in time so something happened... A boom and my herc was gone @___@

What happened >.<?

Sevas - Heavens Tear

Lolite - Heavens Tear wrote: »

Did a couple TT2-2s with a friend however I am encountering a problem lol

When fighting Astral walker, I positioned myself+ herc on the third pillar from the right opposite to npc. I believe that is the correct pillar. Everything was very smooth until first add spawned on my herc. Herc had no problem tanking first add and astral walker together. But... my friend and I did not kill the first add in time so something happened... A boom and my herc was gone @___@

What happened >.<?

The other adds might have spawned and together were too much damage on it. Or it might have "blown" up and more adds spawned which could also spell death for you herc.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pC3mfEvFFCE The first 50 seconds or so are all you need to see. The veno does not put bramble on their herc.

Lolite - Heavens Tear

Sevas - Heavens Tear wrote: »

The other adds might have spawned and together were too much damage on it. Or it might have "blown" up and more adds spawned which could also spell death for you herc.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pC3mfEvFFCE The first 50 seconds or so are all you need to see. The veno does not put bramble on their herc.

Astralwalker: Fire said something so I knew she had a timed bomb on her. I did not know that she would actually explode... How much does explosion usually take away?

My herc died right after an explosion @_@

And in addition, you mentioned not to put bramble on herc, won't astralwalker: fire (the add) attacks me with long ranged attack when I heal my herc?

Thankies again!~ Sevas you are great help ^_^

Solandri - Heavens Tear

Lolite - Heavens Tear wrote: »

Everything was very smooth until first add spawned on my herc. Herc had no problem tanking first add and astral walker together. But... my friend and I did not kill the first add in time so something happened... A boom and my herc was gone @___@

What happened >.<?

When the adds get to about 30% hp, they say something about "take my life." They get a super defense buff (your herc will hit for like 50 damage), and exactly 1 minute later they explode in a physical AOE. So once they say that line, there's no point attacking it anymore (though I suspect if you can land a Rainbow armor/mind break on them and kill them, they don't explode). So just set your pet to attacking Astral again. The important thing is to keep your herc healed up so Astral's hit + add AOE doesn't kill it.

If you're arcane, I'd suggest going fox form to increase your pdef as well. I've been hit for as little as 500 in robes, but as much as 1400 in heavy with 10k pdef. So the AOE can potentially take off several thousand hp to robe types. Be especially careful not to Soul Transfuse right before the minute is up.

Lolite - Heavens Tear wrote: »

And in addition, you mentioned not to put bramble on herc, won't astralwalker: fire (the add) attacks me with long ranged attack when I heal my herc?

Yes, you want bramble on your herc. It won't help you against Astralwalker himself, but it will help against the adds. It's a bit tricky though because Astral changes aggro a bit after the add(s) spawn.

If you're solo, I would suggest figuring out exactly where on Astral's hp bar the adds spawn. Use small pieces of post-it notes on your monitor or scotch tape if you need. Shortly before the adds spawn, fire off Bramble Hood. After the adds spawn, you need to keep the herc tanking Astral for a few more hits (otherwise he could switch aggro to you and one-shot you, and it's game over). Then switch the herc over to the add. The add will probably nuke you if it didn't immediately attack your herc and take reflect damage, but Hood should protect you if that happens.

Astral also seems to switch aggro if he isn't hit for some time (30 sec?). So after a dozen or so hits on the add, switch back to Astral for one hit, then back to the add.

Lolite - Heavens Tear

Solandri - Heavens Tear wrote: »

When the adds get to about 30% hp, they say something about "take my life." They get a super defense buff (your herc will hit for like 50 damage), and exactly 1 minute later they explode in a physical AOE. So once they say that line, there's no point attacking it anymore (though I suspect if you can land a Rainbow armor/mind break on them and kill them, they don't explode). So just set your pet to attacking Astral again. The important thing is to keep your herc healed up so Astral's hit + add AOE doesn't kill it.

If you're arcane, I'd suggest going fox form to increase your pdef as well. I've been hit for as little as 500 in robes, but as much as 1400 in heavy with 10k pdef. So the AOE can potentially take off several thousand hp to robe types. Be especially careful not to Soul Transfuse right before the minute is up.


Yes, you want bramble on your herc. It won't help you against Astralwalker himself, but it will help against the adds. It's a bit tricky though because Astral changes aggro a bit after the add(s) spawn.

If you're solo, I would suggest figuring out exactly where on Astral's hp bar the adds spawn. Use small pieces of post-it notes on your monitor or scotch tape if you need. Shortly before the adds spawn, fire off Bramble Hood. After the adds spawn, you need to keep the herc tanking Astral for a few more hits (otherwise he could switch aggro to you and one-shot you, and it's game over). Then switch the herc over to the add. The add will probably nuke you if it didn't immediately attack your herc and take reflect damage, but Hood should protect you if that happens.

Astral also seems to switch aggro if he isn't hit for some time (30 sec?). So after a dozen or so hits on the add, switch back to Astral for one hit, then back to the add.

Thanks for the detailed explanation b:thanks In addition, I am wondering if I have positioned the herc correctly...

The first add is Astralwalker: Fire and she spawned on the right side of my herc... Is that enough information to tell you that I positioned my herc at the right place?

Solandri - Heavens Tear

The positioning doesn't really matter on the first add. You could actually stand on the platform with your pet right in the middle if you could grab aggro from both quick enough.

Positioning matters for the 2nd and 3rd wave of adds, so you only get one in the 2nd and none in the 3rd. Otherwise, as long as your pet can attack both the nearest add and Astral with a minimum of movement, you should be good.

Edit: I should mention that in my opinion, this takes way too long solo. Bring along another veno and not only is much much safer and easier, it goes much quicker. Same goes for 3-1. Those bosses take 30-40 min solo. Not worth it IMHO. I actually prefer a group of 3, and consider 4 to be optimal. More than that and if everyone doesn't attack the add, you can actually wind up spawning the next wave of adds before the first add is killed.