Running

Running is when an experienced player(s) leads a group of lower level players to areas in the game that would otherwise by unreachable (or at least very difficult). This is accomplished by having the experienced player(s) simply run off ahead of the party, ignore all attacking mobs and proceed to the next zone. Inevitably, the lower level players cannot survive encounters with the more powerful mobs, and are killed, but since they are instantly resurrected when any member of the party arrives in the new map zone or town, it doesn't matter.

The obvious advantage of running is that it gives lower level players access to merchants and crafters who sell powerful items not otherwise available to them. However, they may end up paying for something that they could have gotten for free, had they gone through the game sequentially.

More importantly, run players gain little experience, both in how to play the game, as well as in actual experience points for their character. A player that is run through several areas, skipping through numerous missions and quests may find himself surrounded by others much higher level than he. Generally speaking, parties are not interested in grouping with players that are too low level to be of any use, making it very difficult for them to proceed further.

One of the most popular runs in the game is the Droknar Run from Beacon's Perch to Droknar's Forge to acquire powerful armor.

Note: Experienced players often demand gold from weaker players to run them.