Freelance is Moving Forward. Do you fit?
To increase our raid performance, reduce and prevent delays, we must take Freelance to another level. We have to raise the bar so to speak. This requires revision and expansion of our guidelines to clearly define expectations of all those who attend our raids going forward.
When one joins a Freelance raid, they are are stating their intentions to be a team player. It is expected that each person plays to the best of their ability, and strives to improve their game at every level. There are no exceptions.
The folowing areas have been added:
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- Plan Ahead - Raid Prep, Gather Points, Travel Items, etc.
- Raid Invites - Includes Minimum Requirements, and stipulations depending on our raid state.
- Split Raid Channel Setups (sub-section in Channels Overview) - Setup/Coordination for split raid situations.
- Buff & Debuff Assignments - How we handle Buff/Debuffs, and their importance.
- Class Responsibilities - Parsing, knowing your class, keeping up with the times via your Class specific forums and discussion with others.
- Noncompliance Policy - Associated rules governing failure to comply with one or more of our guidelines
Plan Ahead
Just as grouping requires planning ahead, similarly raiding is no different. Below are a list of our expectations in this regard.
Expectations:- Know how to reach our gather points safely, and in a timely manner.
- We don't do corpse drags.
- We don't do COTH.
- We can't do Banners.
- If you're a slow zoner, allow sufficient time to reach the gather destination.
- READ related STRAT POSTS located in Upcoming Events & Strategy section. Events we currently raid are marked with a >
< Smiley face.
- Every raid target we do has a related post.
- Each post contains EVERYTHING you need to know about the event, including:
- Gather point zone, NPC name and location, as well as any keywords to enter.
- Any group mission(s) and/or task requirements associated with the raid/zone/event.
- Key/Flag requirements if any.
- Audio/Text GTT Triggers if any.
- Mandatory Audio and/or Text Trigger Setup. Use either of the following legit third party programs:
- GamTextTrigger
- GINA
- Don't use EQ in-game Audio Trigger feature, it causes lag, and is no where near as effective as the above alternatives.
- Have a form of INVISIBILITY. Indispensable for travel. Don't rely on others to provide this.
- Have a form of SHRINK clicky/spell, unless small class already (ie, Halfling, Gnome, Dwarf).
- Raids in big or small areas, when 54 people are together, it gets crowded fast.
- Always SHRINK after zoning/rez.
- Self reliance in this area prevents diverting others attention to do it for you. Especially during a battle.
- If you don't enjoy the lower viewpoint, too bad. Learn to play in 3rd person is my advice (F9 key to cycle views).
Raid Invites
Regardless of our current raid state, all of the following applies:
- Minimum Level Requirements.
- Any applicable: Group Task/Mission(s), and/or Raid Flag/Keys.
- Mercenary suspended.
- Not grouped with any out of zone players, and/or offline characters.
- Not in any group/raid task/dz that conflicts with our forthcoming raid instance.
In addition to above, before a raid invite will be sent, the following must be met given the current state:
Initial Gather/Rally Call: Player character must be AT THE GATHER POINT. Just being in the zone is not acceptable.
Prior to Event Engage, Between Events and/or Attempts/CR: When appropriate/feasible it is acceptable, and an invite will be sent providing the
Initial Gather/Rally Call stipulation is met.
Mid-Event: No invites are sent. It's not fair to those at the raid to allow joins after we've engaged an encounter. In addition, it looks shady adding players mid-way through from both a DKP standpoint, and in general.
Channels Overview
Channels are like buffs, in that you have a limited number you can be in at any given time. When you're with us raiding, your priority is OUR CHANNELS.
The reason we have channels is to facilitate efficient communication. When you're not where you're supposed to be, you miss out on important instruction and/or coordinated efforts related to your class, role and/or tasked duty at the time (ie, DPS burn setups, ADPS clicks, Buffs, Heals, Tank setup, CC etc).
To join a channel, simple type: /join channelname:password. If the channel has no password, then just /join channelname, where channelname is the name of the channel you want to join.
If you see your class listed below, you should be in the associated channel always during our raids.
Main ChannelsFLRaidsPassword: raids
Classes: ALL
cpigsPassword: pigs
Classes: ONLY those NOT flagged for the current target. This is how we determine how many are not flagged, and waiting to get in.
Raid Instruction & Coordination Channels* Be aware: No Talking in /RaidsayDuring all our raids, we have additional channels which we give specific instructions to. Be in the channel associated with your class/role listed below:
| CHANNEL | | CLASSES | | |
1| FLHeals:heals | | Cleric, Druid, Shaman, Necro | | |
2| FLTanks:tanks | | Warrior, Paladin, Shadowknight | | |
3| FLCC:cc | | Enchanter, Bard, Shadowknight, Ranger, Druid, Monk | | |
4| FLDPS:dps | | Ranger, Berserker, Beastlord, Shaman, Bard, and ALL players with Circle of Power clicky items. | | |
Split Raid Channel SetupsWhen we need to split the raid into multiple areas, we have to sometimes divert into additional channels for groups to communicate effectively.
Split setups are assigned by group number(s). You can find out your group number by pressing ALT-R to bring up the raid window. Scan the list of players, look for your character(s), and the number to the left of the name is the group number.
Lead(s) are assigned to coordinate each section, prep/setup and delegate all players tasked within their purview.
Observe and Conform to the following conditions:
- Do not fart around thinking you're a "special case" and thus exempt from being where you are asked to be.
- Leads are relying on your promptness in joining the appropriate channel(s). Leads should never have to /vtell you directly to get your attention that you are not where you're supposed to be.
Note:
If you are boxing, and your characters are split between two or more areas and you know it will impede your effectiveness and/or risk wiping the raid due to emote failure on one or more characters being split up. Then SPEAK UP and let us know! It's very possible that we overlooked your setup by mistake and we can correct it before engage, potentially preventing mishaps and lost time.
Buff & Debuff Assignments
Related Posts:
Raid Buffs - Hercules EditionDebuff Breakdown - Spells & AAFor efficiency, a player is delegated to assign related Buff/Debuffs. The list is dynamic due to the nature that our raid makeup changes throughout the night and every raid. Assignments are also shuffled around so that it isn't the same players filling the roles every raid.
In addition to reading the related posts, conform to the following.
BuffsAlthough we do MGB/TB buffing. It is YOUR responsibility to be properly buffed (regardless of your class). Improperly and/or lacking buffs, affects your ability to perform, which in turn weakens us as a team.
All requests for standard buffs are to be sent via /tell only.
Tanks: Paladins, Shadowknights, Warriors- Comply with the following setups:
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- Ensure you have Divine Intercession and Shining Armor on. If missing, ask for it in FLRaids channel.
- Ensure you have enough buff slots. 35 is the current max. Don't fill up with crap like Blessing of Assurance (Spell haste, which does nothing for you, and multiple versions of it stack with each other for no use but to eat up your valuable slots).
Hybrid Tanks (Paladins & Shadowknights), you should always have your HP Stance line running when in battle. There's no excuse not to use it.
Main Tanks and/or Assigned Tanks: Get
VoT from SK's if you're tasked to be on point for something. Every bit of extra lead/agro helps.
Healers: Druids, Shaman, ClericsWe delegate players to help co-ordinate/setup who will maintain specific short term buffs on assigned Tanks.
When tasked, the following lines MUST BE MAINTAINED, ALWAYS:
Divine Intercession (Cleric)
Shining Armor (Cleric)
Growth Line (Druid, Shaman)
Apathy (Shaman)
There are no exceptions. You will be called on. You will be assigned. Don't stress over it! This is your time to shine, and contribute that extra bit to the team effort!
DebuffsWhen tasked with one or more specific debuffs, you are responsible for their application. This is another team aspect, in which the raid is counting on you to apply the debuff(s) expeditiously.
Class Responsibilities
Mandatory DPS ParsingParser available here:
GamParseRelated section:
DPSClasses: ALL DPS
Parsing is how one measures various areas of play. Commonly used to collect and format DPS performance and organize it in an easy to read way. There are other uses however, such as for monitoring spell casts, discs, abilities and tanking.
Why mandatory parsing?Well, it's simple. There is no other way to gauge your performance, except for parsing. You can't visually see yourself doing "well" or "good" or "better" than before without a metric to measure the action(s), save the results, and refer back to them for comparison.
How does parsing relate directly to Freelance raids?Performance. You cannot attend our raid with a mindset of: "I'll just float by and do my own thing". It's all about pushing the envelope of play. Remember, you're part of a collective, coordinating your actions with others. You are just as responsible for your performance as the next person. There are no special exceptions. Think about what you contribute to the raid, and what are others doing by comparison.
Strive to be the best you can be. Don't let your fellow raiders down by slacking. If you mess up, fess up. Learn from your mistakes, adjust your play to prevent it from happening again. This is part of the raiding experience. You chose to participate in it. Live up to the expectations.
But... But.. But! I raid for FUN! I don't want to parse! Why me!?!I'm here to tell you that "Fun" and "Performance" can and do exist simultaneously. It's not one or the other. Do not confuse our open raiding nature as an excuse to slack. We raid a wide range of demanding content, including current expansion. You want to be part of our team, then pull your weight, conform to our standards.
But.. <cry> my computer is too slow to parse!! Why are you picking on me again?!?No one is asking anyone to parse in real-time. Computer speed is irrelevant. All one has to do is enable their log, have the proper parsing software available, and AFTER the event, RUN THE PARSER on your logfile. It's so simple, a Dwarf could do it!
Know your Class & Adapt with the TimesRelated Post:
Class Specific forum links.
Classes: ALL
Self explanatory. But very important. So much so, I'm going to explain why here in detail.
One must keep up to speed with current class abilities, discs, spells, AA, and a slew of other things related directly to your class. This is why we stress and demand that you be actively reading your class forums and are encouraged to engage in discussions with others about everything related to your class and/or indirectly related to your performance (ie, ADPS too!).
Time played in EQ doesn't automatically translate into good play. Nor does it mean playing as you did when you first started is effective or acceptable at our raid level. Over time, one can pick up bad habits, or become complacent in a group or raid setting.
Every class/role has a learning curve, and depth. Listed below are some lucid thoughts in this same vein:
- Do not expect to absorb everything about your class in a single sitting.
- Do not think you know everything about your class (because you don't, I don't either). There are outhers out there that know more.
- Do not envy others for knowing more about your class. Instead, TAP INTO IT as a source of valuable information.
- Sharing information isn't taboo! Helping other raiders improve their game, increases our overall raid performance.
Whether you are on the receiving or giving end of helpful game improving tip(s), your action/reaction reflects your attitude.
Offering Advice:When offering advice to a fellow Freelancer, it's all about your messaging. Break the ice if you don't know the other person and/or they're new to our raid team. Size up their knowledge with a question that inadvertently taps for infomation. Here's an easy example:
Hey Soandso, I noticed you're using Spell/Disc02 instead of Spell/Disc01, are you seeing better results with that? From there, you can dive deeper into a discussion and get at what you're really trying to accomplish; which is dispensing advice constructively, but not offensively. Doing it this way, doesn't put people on the defensive.
Receiving Advice:If you're receiving advice from someone or others, don't be offended! Be open minded, and not judgemental. Consider their advice, apply it, and gauge the results (be it through parsing, or other applicable means). Remember, there are others that know more than you. But just the same, not everyone is right always! Question to clarify, and always apply/evaluate if in doubt.
When witnessing poor play and/or performance from others, the worst thing we can do as a team is NOTHING. Inaction is not acceptable. Always look to identify issues, inefficiencies, and engage in preventative and/or corrective action in a respectful way. We operate as a team. Our individual actions directly affect our overall performance.
Gear Path PlanningEveryone should be planning their raid gear path. This is important for two big reasons:
- Planning ahead can allow for better gear choices.
- Clicking item links frantically trying to size up all the drops at raid time is inefficient.
Gear Path PlanUse
raidloot.com and spreadsheet software of your preference, or magelo.com profile feature.
At
raidloot.com, you can filter items by whatever stat/mod that compliments your class/role and focus. You can look at EACH raid event we are actively hitting and view the drop tables.
PS: Yes, I plan my loot upgrades ahead of time, using MS Excel spreadsheet to do it. Very simple. Obtained items are then checked off the list. Took all of maybe 30 mins to an hour to do it up. As we progress through tiers, I adjust the list accordingly.
OMG you link the items and start loot too fast!!(aka, clicking item links frantically trying to size up all the drops at raid time...)
This isn't amateur hour. By planning ahead, you know what will drop, you know what you're after, and you can JUMP RIGHT IN AND BID FOR IT. There's no clicking links; trying to frantically compare it to what you're wearing, and factoring in all the variables within a span of 30 seconds... Get real, and get serious.
Consider also, that by attempting to make decisions on the fly for gear, it slows down the bidwar process. Because what happens often is, an item comes up, a player looks at it; 30 seconds later determines it is an upgrade. The player then starts in bidding late in the process. Had they entered 30 seconds ago, the bids would have expedited higher more quickly, potentially resulting in faster closure.
Noncompliance Policy
This policy covers any/all guidelines outlined in this document.
Failure to comply with one or more guildeline(s) outlined within this document and/or stated during our raids is sufficient grounds for removal from the instance and/or raid at the time and further/future participation both temporary and/or permanent.
Be aware:The clause above is necessary to handle times when faced with individuals who clearly demonstrate no intentions of complying with our rules for the betterment of the team.
Unless otherwise stated, this isn't a zero-tolerance policy. Each infraction is considered in context, and subject to judgement whether sufficient action is warranted, and/or whether the individual has made the necessary adjustments in order to conform.
The clause is not used to remove players who simply make mistakes, or anything down those lines. We're very tolerant of mishaps, and understand they happen. It's all part of the learning process.
