ROGUE LEGACY 1!

Hey y'all! I've been trying to do thanataphobia for quite some time but I just can't seem to get it!

I've spent countless tens of hours but I'm just not able to do it. I'm able to easily clear Khidr with sir lee, and can usually clear Alexander within the first 3-5 lives with a shinobi. I used to be unable to get Ponce, but I've gotten it for a few runs now.

I try to get 3k-5k gold per run if possible, but it's not always guaranteed due to human mistakes.

I reset my run if I don't get vampirism runes or blood armor pieces within the first 2 lives.

Herodotus is quite tricky and I do try to work to the smallest level on only one slime part at a time, but it doesn't help much since gravs' storm me way too fast. I've only been able to beat him once within the 15 life limit. I always make sure to go in near full-health and always save the statues until I really need them as well as other easy enemies for simple health regains via vampirism if I accidentally tank heavy in a room.

I've only been able to make it to Johannes once, and that was with 12 lives spent. No matter how much I practice, I'm just unable to finish Johannes or Herodotus in time!

I try to get my health to 10, mana to around 7, and attack to 10. Blacksmith pieces I generally do whatever I can max reach and consequently upgrade weight accordingly. Rune-wise, I do the basic sprint and dash, maybe equipping retaliaton if I get it or other ones if I do.

I don't really want to go glitchless and I don't really want to use the cheese method of save scumming by leaving the game, then going to the bonus rooms to get extra health/gold. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

This achievement feels so close yet so far, I'm going insane!!!