* I suggest it is time to rename this category Estata -> Esata

I don’t recommend attempting this run unless you figure out the logic behind the thief boss’s panic (I didn't). Otherwise, you will need A LOT of attempts to get it right. More in a video description.

As Indextic pointed out in their previous run description, the key to a better time is finding a new strategy that doesn’t require waiting until nightfall to kidnap Esata. A great tip from them was to train assassination while wearing samurai armor, which applies a 0.5x multiplier to the skill. This approach works well, but I wanted to add my own twist rather than just executing on this idea.

Initially, I looked for creative ways to take out Esata. Acid was too slow, indoor fights were slow and challenging. I had hopes for animals, but they didn’t work out.

I added my own take in finishing the run: instead of running to Stack, there’s a faster option - cannibal camps! These camps spawn randomly and have prisoner poles, which, according to the category rules, count as “defeat” (i.e., “Imprisonment in a cage, prisoner pole, or peeler not owned by the faction leader”). So, bon appétit!

I hope even better strategies emerge since this one is approaching the limits of what I can imagine. GL!