So the route I'v been taking is starting with Therion, then moving clock wise around the map, picking up the gold chest, and chest with important armor. Got this route down to 2h 30 min ish. Something I will try later this week is either starting with Therion or Cyrus and getting to each of the towns before collecting anyone else, keeping your level down and limiting battle time in between locations. Picking up Cyrus as soon as you can, for his passive skill allowing you to avoid more battles, and then normally clearing the map. The reason I start with Therion is his survivability with hp-steal and sp-steal, while also applying 2 dagger breaks per use, plus a chance to apply poison with stinging knife. Cyrus should be picked up because again his passive and also the need for AOE magic. Other than that there are a couple towns people you should always steal from due to them having good weapons/armor or soulstone items that will speed up boss fights alot. Anyways wanted to know what other people are doing, and what the rules are (if any yet) for starting/ending timers.