tanks
This critical role on raids usually falls to one or more of the
following classes: Warrior, Shadowknight, and Paladin.
By the nature of open raids, our tank lineup is constantly changing
from raid to raid. We have regular tanks, but obviously
they are not always able to attend.
I'm not big on one trick pony tanking. What I mean by this is,
I want to give aspiring tanks a chance and not just have the top geared
tank at a raid, be the MT for every boss. Tanks build confidence
over time, and by tanking progressively more difficult content. A
newcomer, or less experienced tank, can only learn so much by
observation. They need to put what they see, into practice and
experience it first hand.
Terminology &
Abbreviations
These are some basic tank terms you will most likely see during our
raids.
Main Tank (MT) - An
assigned tank to a specific boss/miniboss.
Backup Tank (BT) - In a tank
lineup, the MT is first. When the MT dies, the BT takes his/her
place. We often don't use the term BT, however I'm listing it
here in case we do. Almost always, there is a tank lineup
list. This usually consists of at a minimum two tanks.
Rampage Tank (RT) - Usually
assigned, and is the first person on the hatelist.
Off Tank (OT) - Tanking a
mob without killing it. Usually reserved for handling mobs
that are unmezzable, or otherwise can't be controlled by other
means. Sometimes referred to as dry tanking.
Main Assist (MA) - A person
assigned to call targets for the raid to kill. A tank class does
not always fill this role.
Mark Up - A term used when
we want our tanks to get agro on a mob without breaking mez.
Often times, before mobs are CC'd, they are picked up by our tanks in
this fashion, so that when CC does step in, the tank doesn't break mez
with their meleeing.
Snap Agro - A term used when
we want a tank to pick up agro on something as fast as possible.
Tank Switch - A term used
when one tank swaps in for another mid fight. Normally done to
make use of defensive discs, and increase survivability.
tank channel
Freelance uses a tank channel, so that we can communicate event
specific instructions, and answer related questions. In addition,
the channel is used extensively during events, to communciate
crucial information. For example, an assigned tank may be dead,
charmed, or endurance is low, discs are down etc. All this
information passes through the tank channel.
Below is the tank channel name, password and classes we want in this
channel at all times.
FLTanks
Password: tanks
Classes: Warrior, Paladin, Shadowknight
Channel Authority: Nimolak, Furro
important info - please
read!
AC / Hitpoint / Defensive AA Info:
We're open raiders, and because of this, there is a huge disparity
in gear by those who attend. There is nothing wrong with this,
and it's expected. Some characters are more seasoned then others,
be it in terms of experience and gear. When forming tank lineups,
assigning rampage tanks etc, I need to go through the available tanks
on our raid and figure out which one to put where. In order to
determine these assignments, I sometimes have to ask a tank I'm
unfamiliar with, what their AC/HP/AA are. I realise,
asking a tank this information can be a sensitive/taboo thing, however
don't be offended by it. I always send tells when I ask these
questions, and I have a valid reason for asking. My main point
is, I have to gauge the tank partly based on this information, to
enable me to put him/her in the best possible assignment that benefits
the raid overall.
It's not often I even ask these questions, but in case I do, it's
totally up to you whether you want to answer or not. If it makes
you feel any better, I'll tell you my AC/HP/AA and you can laugh. :P