A small advice to all you pullers (espescially the ones who haven't played EQ1)
Please make a pulling hotkey, it makes life much easier for the rest of the group. Sometimes people need to be snapped to attention.(sorry if I spelled it wrong english ain't my native language)
The thing I've seen happening a few times now is this, the group is busie chatting for moment (while recovering from a fight). The puller sees all have power and health back, and starts pulling again, the rest sees it too late en the puller ends up death.
So i ask you please make a hotkey of this kind:
Inc a >>>%t<<< let's kill it or be killed!!!
When you type %t in the sentence it will always be replaced by your target.
ps. you can make the hotkey using the macro tab in your socials screen
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Advice to all you pullers out thereFollow
Right now chat macros are seperate actions from action hotkeys (like "shoot ranged shot" or "attack").
So this means you have to make a new hotkey for each message you want to make. I'm not all that big yet, but I have 3 hotbars and almost every slot is full. I don't have much space for more messages. Sometimes thats one situation, though, yes, one should be reserved for a message.
In the next update, I think this will be fixed. I believe we'll be able to trigger other hotkeys for attacking or whatnot in the same button as the voice message.
So this means you have to make a new hotkey for each message you want to make. I'm not all that big yet, but I have 3 hotbars and almost every slot is full. I don't have much space for more messages. Sometimes thats one situation, though, yes, one should be reserved for a message.
In the next update, I think this will be fixed. I believe we'll be able to trigger other hotkeys for attacking or whatnot in the same button as the voice message.
I'm not that good with eq macros. back when i was playing ff11 you could have a macro that did 2 or 3 things at a time. can you do that with eq's macros?
19 posts
What's the macro command to blow whistle?? Can add that as the alert too.... it they exist :-P
19 posts
What's the macro command to blow whistle?? Can add that as the alert too.... it they exist :-P
48 posts
Quote:
Right now chat macros are seperate actions from action hotkeys (like "shoot ranged shot" or "attack").
So this means you have to make a new hotkey for each message you want to make. I'm not all that big yet, but I have 3 hotbars and almost every slot is full. I don't have much space for more messages. Sometimes thats one situation, though, yes, one should be reserved for a message.
In the next update, I think this will be fixed. I believe we'll be able to trigger other hotkeys for attacking or whatnot in the same button as the voice message.
So this means you have to make a new hotkey for each message you want to make. I'm not all that big yet, but I have 3 hotbars and almost every slot is full. I don't have much space for more messages. Sometimes thats one situation, though, yes, one should be reserved for a message.
In the next update, I think this will be fixed. I believe we'll be able to trigger other hotkeys for attacking or whatnot in the same button as the voice message.
so you really can't miss one of the 12 buttons for when you are in attacking mode?!? i use only 6 to 9 at the most during attacking (but im a cleric maybe thats the difference)
http://eq2.allakhazam.com/uf/BrookieDragon/Macrosave.jpg
Check the above link to see how I got my macro's set up. As a scount, priest, or mage...I really cant' say how many a person should have. But as a berserker, I regularly use prety much every macro in the first two sets. The third set, I do have pulling messages, because I do agree with you. But some people don't like to have so many macros, as it tends to clutter up the screen, alot. I was hard pressed to find a way to get three that let me still have a good view.
Edit: That picture also reminds me, anyone else wish they got rid of exp debt over time while logged into the game? I hate having to decide whether to loose debt or go into trader mode.
Edited, Fri Dec 31 13:19:31 2004 by BrookieDragon
Check the above link to see how I got my macro's set up. As a scount, priest, or mage...I really cant' say how many a person should have. But as a berserker, I regularly use prety much every macro in the first two sets. The third set, I do have pulling messages, because I do agree with you. But some people don't like to have so many macros, as it tends to clutter up the screen, alot. I was hard pressed to find a way to get three that let me still have a good view.
Edit: That picture also reminds me, anyone else wish they got rid of exp debt over time while logged into the game? I hate having to decide whether to loose debt or go into trader mode.
Edited, Fri Dec 31 13:19:31 2004 by BrookieDragon
Quote:
Edit: That picture also reminds me, anyone else wish they got rid of exp debt over time while logged into the game? I hate having to decide whether to loose debt or go into trader mode.
I wouldn't mind losing debt while someone was in their house, I mean, if "resting" by not playing the game removes debt, then why not when your in your house?
The whole logic from what I can tell was to encourage players to take a rest now and then, if they have their chracter selling they most likely aren't playing.
Dunno what kinda groups you're used to, but i'm usually MT, MA and puller. I do it well, so i've been told.
I don't need a macro to let people know i'm going to pull. If you aren't afk, and we aren't moving, and there are mobs right in front of us... you should be ready for a fight. Sometimes i'll ask the group if they are ready, just to make sure, but it's usually not even necessary.
In my groups, going afk without saying anything for more than a minute is a kickable offence, unless it's an emergency, in which case you're probably going to camp anyway.
Some areas are laid back, but i'm a freeporter, where every thing is super hostile and has a huge aggro range. Once you get into places like runnyeye, you pretty much have to pay attention, or something will wander up and aggro you.
My advice to people who need their puller to use a hotkey for them to get ready: get ready, and stay ready. Pay attention! Most adds can be avoided while paying attention, and adds seem to be the #1 cause of problems.
I don't need a macro to let people know i'm going to pull. If you aren't afk, and we aren't moving, and there are mobs right in front of us... you should be ready for a fight. Sometimes i'll ask the group if they are ready, just to make sure, but it's usually not even necessary.
In my groups, going afk without saying anything for more than a minute is a kickable offence, unless it's an emergency, in which case you're probably going to camp anyway.
Some areas are laid back, but i'm a freeporter, where every thing is super hostile and has a huge aggro range. Once you get into places like runnyeye, you pretty much have to pay attention, or something will wander up and aggro you.
My advice to people who need their puller to use a hotkey for them to get ready: get ready, and stay ready. Pay attention! Most adds can be avoided while paying attention, and adds seem to be the #1 cause of problems.
I'm typically the MT/Main Puller in my groups. In my humble opinion the problem of other group members "helping" me by pulling mobs when I'm out hunting is MUCH larger than me not having a pull macro.
I've never been in a g-wipe that happened because the puller didn't macro his pull. Now, let me tell you how many g-wipes I've been in that were caused by me pulling something, /gsaying "inc", and hearing a split second later something like this:
group member 1 tells group "Inc while Jarum is hunting"
group member 1 tells group "crap add"
That scenario almost inevitably ends in debt for all.
Now, that being said... On my better pc (the one with the better monitor and vid card, allowing me to play at higher resolutions) I do have macros, because I have a LOT more screen real estate. But I often play on a crappy laptop, which means there's not enough room on my screen for another row of buttons (at least not enough room for me to enjoy the game...and if that's the case, then what's the point, right?).
I've also found that the overall game mechanics in EQ2 (so far...up to level 25-ish) are such that "pulling" is much different than it was in EQ1. I've found that it is MUCH more beneficial for my groups to stay on the move, even in outdoor zones, rather than sit in one spot and have me mindlessly draw mobs back. Staying on the move also means that group members have to keep their attention levels up. And, staying on the move typically amounts to fighting a mob where it stands, rather than drawing it back to a designated "pull spot".
I fully agree with the above poster: people need to pay attention in groups more than the MT needs macros.
I've never been in a g-wipe that happened because the puller didn't macro his pull. Now, let me tell you how many g-wipes I've been in that were caused by me pulling something, /gsaying "inc", and hearing a split second later something like this:
group member 1 tells group "Inc while Jarum is hunting"
group member 1 tells group "crap add"
That scenario almost inevitably ends in debt for all.
Now, that being said... On my better pc (the one with the better monitor and vid card, allowing me to play at higher resolutions) I do have macros, because I have a LOT more screen real estate. But I often play on a crappy laptop, which means there's not enough room on my screen for another row of buttons (at least not enough room for me to enjoy the game...and if that's the case, then what's the point, right?).
I've also found that the overall game mechanics in EQ2 (so far...up to level 25-ish) are such that "pulling" is much different than it was in EQ1. I've found that it is MUCH more beneficial for my groups to stay on the move, even in outdoor zones, rather than sit in one spot and have me mindlessly draw mobs back. Staying on the move also means that group members have to keep their attention levels up. And, staying on the move typically amounts to fighting a mob where it stands, rather than drawing it back to a designated "pull spot".
I fully agree with the above poster: people need to pay attention in groups more than the MT needs macros.
32 posts
If you're having trouble with hotkey space, do what I did in EQ1... remap the keys that switch hotkey pages to something convenient... used to have 5 hotkey pages ready near my movement keys, plus all hotkey buttons either right near my movement keys or on my mouse.
This allows quick switching of hotkey pages for a whole other batch of hotkeys quickly available. It soon becomes habit to hit the button for the hotkey page right before the hotkey, even if you're already on that page, almost like a modifier key =P
This gave me 50 hotkeys in EQ1... with the built in modifiers in EQ2, this could up the number quite a bit (12 hotkeys per page, 3 modifiers, 10 pages.... even considering that the modifiers seem to take separate pages up, that's still 120 hotkeys available for use)
This allows quick switching of hotkey pages for a whole other batch of hotkeys quickly available. It soon becomes habit to hit the button for the hotkey page right before the hotkey, even if you're already on that page, almost like a modifier key =P
This gave me 50 hotkeys in EQ1... with the built in modifiers in EQ2, this could up the number quite a bit (12 hotkeys per page, 3 modifiers, 10 pages.... even considering that the modifiers seem to take separate pages up, that's still 120 hotkeys available for use)
"I fully agree with the above poster: people need to pay attention in groups more than the MT needs macros."
Yes, people *should* pay attention in groups, but they usually don't - even more, they often *can't*. After the hours go on, it's just not humanly possible for most players.
The "incoming!" message does a lot of good, really. It has the effect of reminding people that the puller is out there working - and they're not. It helps the team "snap to" and do a better job. And people know what's coming - if it's the rare boss-lvl pop - they're ready for a big fight, etc. It's definitely worth a button. Here's another reason most people don't realize yet - if you buff "too close" to a monster arriving at party, you for some reason get *insane* agro. So those who have buffs that must be refreshed know, when they see "Incoming %t! Get ready!" that they should in most cases *hold off* on that buff - and let the puller get back - and let the MT build up a round or two of agro first. The incoming message in my mind is definitely worth a button.
Other posters have said "hey, team members should just not be stupid - that would prevent group wipes more than an 'incoming' button" - yeah, very true - however, it's not an either-or. It's a case of both. The "incoming!" button helps enough imo to justify its use, but yes, party discipline is more important.
And on the issue of party discipline, these pointers might help. If you don't have a long background in group-oriented mmo's, when you group, you do a job. That's it. If everyone does their job well, you get good exp and loots. If people ***** up and don't do their job right - disaster. And yes, the puller is doing a lot more than you. If you can't take it, reroll a character who can pull (like a tank, but other classes can pull, too) and learn to pull. Otherwise, learn your job and do it right, please. It really makes a difference.
If you see a pop to the south of the group's spot, and you just saw the puller head out north - and he's just said "sorry, nothin out here" - tell the puller by doing: "/g Hey a %t just popped south of camp". And don't do a thing. Maybe he just saw something pop, and maybe he's incoming. Or maybe he'll buzz down there and get the pop you saw. Whatever the case, it's the puller's call.
There's a lot of other things groups need to do to have a good run and rack up a lot of exp and loots. If you have an enchanter, back off on the AE and don't wake what he mezzes. Mezzing is such a powerful tool, and it depresses me greatly when I hear that players are dropping their enchanter toons cuz "they can't get groups" - cuz no one knows or appreciates what they can do. Sigh. Big mistake folks - the higher you go up, the more we need enchanters - big time. Support your local enchanter, please.
Other things u can do to help that grp experience is to pace yourself if you're a dps (damage per second or damage-dealing class) - don't so outdamage the tank that you get agro all the time, esp. if the grp has only one healer. Yeah, yer bein a macho show-off - yeah, yer cool, yer uber - but you're screwin up your healer's system.
Healers - don't nuke. Save your power and don't waste it. Your nukes aren't that good, but you're the only ones who can heal. If you have no power and the group gets surprised - you're all dead. I know, it sometimes gets "boring" to just heal (and yeah, of course sometimes you nuke - like if for some odd reason you form a group of 3 druids). But in most cases you have to have discipline. When I heal sometimes I tell myself I'm not really a healer, I'm a "pet summoner" - I just summoned a Guardian, a Paladin, a Dirge and a Wizard to "pet" for me - they are my pets - and my job is to heal them. Stupid? Maybe. But if it helps you overcome the temptation to nuke, it's working. Healing is hard - you need to mix your main heals w/ regens/wards/reactives so you don't draw too much agro - but you must chain heal when the tank is getting slammed - and if you overheal u waste power and let tank die later in the fight. Healing's an art - do it right and you'll pretty much be able to get a group anytime you want.
This is a petty point, but it's a good one. Get player-made food and drink. The regen level between fights is much better than bought food or summoned food (summoned is the worse) - or at least make sure you have bought food. It helps reduce downtime a lot.
But mostly, figure out what your "job" is and do it well. Please don't ***** around. That's really important. And if you can't control yourself, if that's too boring for you - just solo - or go check out WoW maybe (that's not meant as an insult - you might actually like WoW better - and if yer fundamentally a WoW person and not an EQ2 person, I'd like you to be happy, that's all). GL all.
Yes, people *should* pay attention in groups, but they usually don't - even more, they often *can't*. After the hours go on, it's just not humanly possible for most players.
The "incoming!" message does a lot of good, really. It has the effect of reminding people that the puller is out there working - and they're not. It helps the team "snap to" and do a better job. And people know what's coming - if it's the rare boss-lvl pop - they're ready for a big fight, etc. It's definitely worth a button. Here's another reason most people don't realize yet - if you buff "too close" to a monster arriving at party, you for some reason get *insane* agro. So those who have buffs that must be refreshed know, when they see "Incoming %t! Get ready!" that they should in most cases *hold off* on that buff - and let the puller get back - and let the MT build up a round or two of agro first. The incoming message in my mind is definitely worth a button.
Other posters have said "hey, team members should just not be stupid - that would prevent group wipes more than an 'incoming' button" - yeah, very true - however, it's not an either-or. It's a case of both. The "incoming!" button helps enough imo to justify its use, but yes, party discipline is more important.
And on the issue of party discipline, these pointers might help. If you don't have a long background in group-oriented mmo's, when you group, you do a job. That's it. If everyone does their job well, you get good exp and loots. If people ***** up and don't do their job right - disaster. And yes, the puller is doing a lot more than you. If you can't take it, reroll a character who can pull (like a tank, but other classes can pull, too) and learn to pull. Otherwise, learn your job and do it right, please. It really makes a difference.
If you see a pop to the south of the group's spot, and you just saw the puller head out north - and he's just said "sorry, nothin out here" - tell the puller by doing: "/g Hey a %t just popped south of camp". And don't do a thing. Maybe he just saw something pop, and maybe he's incoming. Or maybe he'll buzz down there and get the pop you saw. Whatever the case, it's the puller's call.
There's a lot of other things groups need to do to have a good run and rack up a lot of exp and loots. If you have an enchanter, back off on the AE and don't wake what he mezzes. Mezzing is such a powerful tool, and it depresses me greatly when I hear that players are dropping their enchanter toons cuz "they can't get groups" - cuz no one knows or appreciates what they can do. Sigh. Big mistake folks - the higher you go up, the more we need enchanters - big time. Support your local enchanter, please.
Other things u can do to help that grp experience is to pace yourself if you're a dps (damage per second or damage-dealing class) - don't so outdamage the tank that you get agro all the time, esp. if the grp has only one healer. Yeah, yer bein a macho show-off - yeah, yer cool, yer uber - but you're screwin up your healer's system.
Healers - don't nuke. Save your power and don't waste it. Your nukes aren't that good, but you're the only ones who can heal. If you have no power and the group gets surprised - you're all dead. I know, it sometimes gets "boring" to just heal (and yeah, of course sometimes you nuke - like if for some odd reason you form a group of 3 druids). But in most cases you have to have discipline. When I heal sometimes I tell myself I'm not really a healer, I'm a "pet summoner" - I just summoned a Guardian, a Paladin, a Dirge and a Wizard to "pet" for me - they are my pets - and my job is to heal them. Stupid? Maybe. But if it helps you overcome the temptation to nuke, it's working. Healing is hard - you need to mix your main heals w/ regens/wards/reactives so you don't draw too much agro - but you must chain heal when the tank is getting slammed - and if you overheal u waste power and let tank die later in the fight. Healing's an art - do it right and you'll pretty much be able to get a group anytime you want.
This is a petty point, but it's a good one. Get player-made food and drink. The regen level between fights is much better than bought food or summoned food (summoned is the worse) - or at least make sure you have bought food. It helps reduce downtime a lot.
But mostly, figure out what your "job" is and do it well. Please don't ***** around. That's really important. And if you can't control yourself, if that's too boring for you - just solo - or go check out WoW maybe (that's not meant as an insult - you might actually like WoW better - and if yer fundamentally a WoW person and not an EQ2 person, I'd like you to be happy, that's all). GL all.
10 posts
grouping and pullers and tanks, this game is so cool. I cant wait untill i can find a mature group and really learn how to play. So if there are any people out there who want to train a tank in the toxxilla server and are serious about grouping and HO's look me up, i want to learn.
Signed
Belsen(war)
Signed
Belsen(war)
incoming messages are very good yes. We need them just because not all pay attention for all sort of reasons.
What I do like to add is make the macro clear and not to spammy.
In EQ1 I allways saw inc msgs like:
"I am pulling a a moss snake. It is a frigging mean ******* now help me kick its bloody ***!!"
Its annoying.. And dont make it: "....a %t.." because then you will have grammar fault most of the time.. Seen this to many times aswell.
In my guild raidpullers had to have this exact msg:
"INCOMING >> %t <<"
Making it in caps it is easier to see. It is short and consist so no unneccesary spam.
What I do like to add is make the macro clear and not to spammy.
In EQ1 I allways saw inc msgs like:
"I am pulling a a moss snake. It is a frigging mean ******* now help me kick its bloody ***!!"
Its annoying.. And dont make it: "....a %t.." because then you will have grammar fault most of the time.. Seen this to many times aswell.
In my guild raidpullers had to have this exact msg:
"INCOMING >> %t <<"
Making it in caps it is easier to see. It is short and consist so no unneccesary spam.
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