Beginner's Guide to Raiding
Part One - Pre-Raid
Ensure you are familuar with the zone. If you have not been to a specific raid instance before, do your homework. We have many strats and guides posted on the PvE section of our website. There is no reason that anyone should come to a raid totally unprepared. If you need us to, we will give you a high level overview of the fight, but you are expected to "keep up" with the rest of the raid.
Part Two - Raid Form Up Time
Invites will begin at the raid start time, or slightly before to ensure we can start on time. Please note we do not support sign ups, as we have less drama without them.
It is solely up to the Raid Leader's discretion on how invites are extended. We do not use a calendar to "reserve spots" or post a sign up. To have the best chances of being invited to a raid, show up early, bring a class you know we are usually short on, and dont continue to pester the raid leader about being invited. They know you are there
Invites are very difficult decisions for a Raid Leader - and its not always a clear cut decision. Sometimes, even if you are a regular raider or were there the night before, you may be asked to switch classes or sit one out. This is never, ever a personal insult. The Raid Leader likely feels horrible for asking you. The Raid Leader is trying to do the best they can to fit everyone in the raid, ensure it can be successful, and keep it balanced. They also try to give some people a chance who sit out week after week. Please don't take it personally and understand they will try to make it up to you on the next raid.
Under no circumstances during raid form up should you join a new mini, join a new 6 man group, etc. This is inconsiderate to your Raid Leader and guild mates, as it only delays the raid from being fully formed. You will lose your spot in the raid if this occurs. For repeated offenses, you may no longer be extended invites to raids.
If you know you will be late, contact the Raid Leader ahead of time. While they cannot promise to guarantee your spot, they can try to make a reasonable accommodation for you.
Part Three - Raid Start Time & Entering Raid Instances
Wait for the raid leader to tell you to zone in. Usually with T4 (since we form in the lobby and cant see each other), this should happen immediately, so the RL can see who is waiting easier. If unsure, just ask in raid chat and someone will tell you.
Part Four - Trash Pulls
Through out the entire raid, it's important for you to listen to the directions that your Raid Leader is giving. This includes what to pull, when to pull, where to be and how to successfully execute the raid. Sometimes trash pulls in a raid are easy mode, sometimes they are not. A general rule thumb is to listen to what the rest of the raid is doing. If people are laughing and joking around, its generally OK to do so - just don't be excessive and talk over others. If its quite and people are calling out CC's, asking for help, etc, this is not a good time to start idle chatter.
However, at any time, if the Raid Leader calls for quite or provides and instruction, it should be followed.
Part Five - Boss Fight Preparation
This is the most important part of the raid, entirely. At this time it is ever so important for you to keep Vent clear so the Raid Leader can go over the strategy for a successful first knock of a raid boss. Generally during this time, the Raid Leader will assign duties, such as who is tanking, who is healing the main tank and which DPS groups that the rest of the raid will be assisting. If you do not understand what you are doing, now is a good time to speak up and get your questioned clarified. You might be a little scared to ask for help, but it is better for you to ask now then it is for you to wipe the raid group because you are not sure what you are doing. This is a fantastic time to refresh your buffs if need be.
There should be no idle chatter, sound bytes, or other shenanigans in Vent during this time under any circumstances.
Part Six - Boss Fight
By now the Raid Leader has gone over what is to be done during the boss fight. You should know what you are doing and what your responsibilities are. With a silent Vent with only the Raid Leader and assigned individuals talking...the raid should be a success.
Again, there should be no idle chatter, sound bytes, or other shenanigans in Vent during this time under any circumstances. Repeated offenses of this will result in removal from the raid. If the behavior continues to be repeated, this may be permanent.
Part Seven - Resurrecting after a Wipe/Death on a Boss
It goes without saying that during the trash pulls, if you die, you should resurrect immediately and return to action. However, during a boss fight it is imperative that you stay dead if you die. Do not call for a Conq rez, the only person to do that is the Raid Leader. If we, by chance, wipe on a raid boss you are to stay dead until the Raid Leader gives the ok to rez. Again, this is common sense as you should listening to the directions given to you by the raid leader regardless of your experience in raiding.
Part Eight - Loot
Everyone loves loot. It shows the other people in the game that you are successful in what you do. It also gives you nifty little buffs and what-nots. Sometimes it even matches the color in your eyes.
Loot rules are specified at the beginning of the raid. Please see >> DKP / Loot Rules << to review the different rule set. Generally speaking, the Raid Leader will also remind you throughout the raid what to roll on, and what not to. Pay attention and they wont steer you wrong. If you are still unclear, ask them and they will advise you.
At no time during the raid should you complain or argue with the Raid Leader about loot or the rule set. All this will accomplish is irritating the Raid Leader, as they will not adjust the loot rules during a raid. Depending on the severity, you may be removed from the raid or, in extreme cases, the guild. It will be the Raid Leader's discretion. If you have constructive criticism on the DKP System, utilize our wonderful forum system that Genius slaves night and day over to discuss your ideas in a calm, rational fashion (i.e. posts saying "DKP sux0rz" is not constructive and may be removed)
Part Nine - Moving On
If the raid is a multi-part raid, you should be prepared to go to another instance, or another wing of the raid. You should NOT ask if we are doing another raid. This deters the Raid Leader from wanting to go, by pushing them to do something that they might not be prepared for, or that the raid make-up might not be suitable for. If there is another scheduled raid then you should start heading out to the next instance. If you are confused, re-read from Part One on.
If the raid is not a multi-part raid, your free to go pvp, do 6 mans, or flower picking, as your heart desires