The Basics:

1. Realize that when you raid, you are part of a team. Everything you do (or don't do) affects not only yourself, but 9-24 other people, all of whom are investing time, effort and gold to be there. The rules are designed to help the team run effectively: show up on time and prepared, bring the equipment and potions you need to get the job done, listen to the raid leader, follow directions, respect other players, research and learn the fights and find ways to improve your performance. Our raiding time is limited,  but when we raid, we take it seriously and expect each member of the team to pull his/her own weight.

2. Our current raid nights are Wednesday and Thursday 6-10 PM server. Raiders are expected to be available for at least 70% of raids for the full run of the raid. If you are away for a vacation, work, or other extended period, please let an officer know

3. Sign up on the forums beforehand.  Raid times are at the top of each signup sheet. Read them beforehand as raid times may change from time to time. If you have schedule problems and need sign on close to raid start or leave early, please indicate that in your signup post. We try to be flexible and accommodate schedule issues, but we need to be able to plan beforehand.

4. Be on time and ready to raid. Show up with gear repaired, all pots, flasks, reagents, food, water, arrows that you need. Plan for the unexpected and have extras of all consumables with you. Sign on before scheduled invite time ready to become part of the raid group. If you are 15 minutes late, you may be replaced, unless you have cleared it with a raid leader beforehand. If you are going to be signing in at the last minute, please make sure your character is fully ready to walk into the instance as soon as you do. Most of us have limited time to raid, especially on weeknights, so being on time is important to ensure that we get the most our of our evening raids.

Last minute emergencies, internet problems, etc. are understood and forgiven, so long as they are not habitual.

5. Be prepared to stay for the minimum time commitment, which for most raids is 4 hours. If you cannot commit to this let a raid leader know BEFORE the run takes place and accommodations might be able to be made. The time commitment may be different for different raids, so be sure you understand the time commitment when you sign up. If something unexpected comes up during the raid and you have to leave, let an officer know immediately.

6. Have the necessary tools and add-ons. Ventrilo, Omen, and BigWigs or Deadly Boss Mods must be installed and working. All addons should be updated regularly. A mic for speaking is strongly preferred, but not mandatory. Microphones and headsets should be in good working order so as to be clear and comfortable for the entire party.

Preparing Yourself:

7.Know your class, and play it effectively. You should be able to perform the functions of your class at a high level including aggro and mana management. You should also be able to perform any special class functions such as crowd control, raid buffs, etc. Know the tips and tricks of your class. If you are a hybrid class, please bring any off-spec gear you may need (for example, a healing set). You may even be asked to respec if doing so will give the raid as a whole something it is currently lacking. Respeccing is optional however and with today's dual spec options,  it easier than ever to fill roles. 

8. Gear up appropriately for the raid level.  Fate members are expected to be at a proper gearing level for the current raid content.  Gear should be appropriately enchanted and socketed at all times.  If you have questions or problems with gearing, an officer or class lead will be happy to help.

9 Research the fights and instances you will encounter. Wowwiki has walkthroughs on boss fights, can tell you what drops you need, and can even give you class specific tips. Read it. There are also videos on Youtube for further understanding. If you have questions about specific fights ask them beforehand if possible.  Our Raid Leaders endorse Tankspot videos & strats that have become invaluable resources as well.

During the Raid:

10. Follow the directions given by the raid leader. The raid leader is responsible for the overall running of the raid. Keep raid chat and vent clear so that the leader can communicate. The raid leader may designate tasks (healing assignments, organizing misdirects etc.) to others so you should follow their direction as indicated. Making suggestions for alternate strategies should be done when the raid leader asks for suggestions. If you have questions or problems during the raid not directly related to the fight at hand, please direct them to an officer so that the raid leader can concentrate on the current fight.

11. Follow the loot rules.  In 25 man raids, loot is distributed by DKP.  The system we use is a variation on the SLS  (Shroud Loot System).   You can read more about how this sytem works in our section labeled Loot Rules.

For 10 man raids, our loot rules are as follows: First priority: on-spec upgrades. Second Priority: PVP, off-spec, sidegrade rolls. Be considerate and mindful of the raid as a whole. If something is a minimal upgrade for you but a big upgrade for someone else, consider passing on it so that they can have it. If you are rolling for an off-spec you never intend to use, consider letting someone who does use their off-spec have the item. Karma rewards the generous. No joke rolls please. 

12. Attitude. Check your bad vibes at the door please. We're here for fun, and were here to be focused on the run itself. Expect and be ready for advice from officers as well as other players. If something goes wrong, we talk about why it happened so that we can not repeat the same mistakes we've made before. Do not feel attacked or singled out. We have all been responsible for a raid wipe (looks at Denia), It feels bad, but don't worry about it. As long as you learn from your mistakes and fix problems it is part of progression and everyone is fine with that. If you continue to make mistakes and do not respond to advice, then it is a problem.

Come to the raid with a clear head and have fun. Do not yell at other members verbally or in chat. If mistakes were made they will generally be pointed out by a raid leader or officer so they can be discussed and fixed, but no one should be berated for making a mistake. Sometimes there will be disagreement, making suggestions is fine, but dont argue. Sometimes we may do things differently than you, default to the officer or raid leader. If you have an issue contact the raid leader or an officer, not the person you have an issue with. Be thoughtful and remember that you are part of a team.