Leveling Staff. . . Where?

[Balodoth]

I know it's not polite to switch to an ineffective weapon in an exp party just to level it. So, my main question is what places I should visit as I level, and what mobs I should fight to level my staff skill. It seems I you can never quite max out a skill on EP or TW mobs, and skill increases come seldom at that. I'd like to know the most effective way to do this without getting myself killed.

I did the math, and it seems that if I can get a hold of a Jupiter Staff, I'll be well equipped for bones from 51 until nearly level 60. I'm also open to other suggestions. Are there other areas people frequently level? What are the specific levels I can expect to fight bones? If this is a good idea, as my math indicates, should I move onto the Battle Staff +1 at 60, or is it safe to move to the Grand Knight's Lance?

If I go with a staff for a few levels, I naturally intend on keeping a spear with me, but I want to focus on the best means of doing damage. Any input is appreciated.

[Rubik]

The most effective way to level any weapon seems to be to go to an area that is at, or slightly harder than, the level that a player who was only using that weapon would be. If you are level 0 staff, you will get skill up points fighting monsters in the starting areas.

Obviously you will skill up faster against harder monsters, but if you fight monsters that are too much higher than your current weapon level you will be missing a lot, which cuts down on your skill ups.

Another thing that seems to work is to decrease your attack. If you remove all +ATK items and use Defender a lot, you will still get good skill ups. Monsters with higher defense are good too. Since the monster takes longer to defeat, you actually skill up more efficently.

I realize that is probably less specific of an answer than you were looking for, but it seems to be a useful way to decide where to skill up.

[Balodoth]

low lvl weapon?

So, if I understand you correctly, the monster only supports skill ups to a certain level? So I can take the Jupiter Staff into La Theine Plateau, later into Valkurm Dunes, and effectively skill up at level 40 or higher?

Also, I'm looking for more information on what I'll be facing as I level. I honestly think a Staff would be a viable alternative on bones damage-wise if I can get the right staff. So, could someone enlighten me please?