Just a note to everyone that it is possible to get all the way to the NM boss with only a single party. You don't need a 2 or 3 party alliance. I've done this twice in Dem (dying both times at the NM fight though - sigh).
The third memory receptacle is, of course, the hardest. The key is to have your rng/nin solo the memory receptacle (with cures when required) while ALL of the others concentrate on clearing one side of the structure of strays. You need a safe passage to dash onto the warp pad. Pick one side for the rng to fight on, group the rest close by and pick one stray at a time. If the receptacle goes down and you cannot clear the strays, wait and try again.
Note that the best position for rng is one where you cannot be blown back too far. That just adds delay. If you can, stand on a side where your back is to the edge of the area. You can't be blown back into space.
You can also delay when the receptacle dies to allow the group to get the right clearance of strays. As rng/nin, the last time we did this, I switched from bow to cross bow + bloody bolts to just keep the receptacle occupied until we were ready. It will regenerate HP but a low level bolt will hold it steady. When ready, just pick up the pace again (barrage, etc).
If the going gets tough on the strays, the ranger drops his attention from the memory receptacle and assists before someone dies. Just pick it up again when you're ready. It might regenerate some HP but all that means is more arrows. Patience is key.
Another option I've thought about but not tried is to use a thf to clear the way at the end. When the memory receptacle goes down, thf runs in, takes agro, hits perfect dodge, hits flee, herds the strays away, turns and runs back to warp himself. Everyone else has a free ride.
Once through the last warp, you need to be patient to get past the rest of the mobs to the zone line for the NM. Having a single party actually makes this easier as you avoid the chaos.
Edited, Fri Oct 8 14:05:01 2004 by Lokithor