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A thousand and one reasons to love your markers!Follow

#1 Oct 04 2004 at 6:16 AM Rating: Excellent
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5,431 posts

I always thought the marker system was common knowledge. However, recently, I've met some people who don't even know how to use it. Now, while many people know how to use it, some don't know how to fully utilize it to benefit them.

[li]What is a marker?

Quite simple really, it is a marker placed on your /map that represents certain things. There are a couple different kinds of markers. There is a set for you to place on the map (more on that in a bit), a set for NPCs or others to place on your map, and a set that represents your party members. You simply open your map, choose markers, then press left and right to get to the different sets of markers. The blue ones, for instance, are party members.

[li]What are the markers?

a. NPC markers. At some point in the game, an NPC or other might set a marker on your map for you. This is seldom used, I think square just added it for kicks. At the beginning of the game, when you get an adventure coupon, the npc marks on your map where you need to take it. After this, it really isn't used much.

b. Party markers. When you are in a party, members of your party will show up on the map if you select the blue markers. They will only show up on your map if you are both in the same area as them, and only the same verticle level as them. If you have not met both of these requirements, the party members will not show. However, if you have, you can easily see where your party is. This can come in handy when navigating to a prepared party, where you are the fill in, or even help locate lost party members.

c. Self placed markers. These are glorious! People just seldom realize the full use you can make of these. To place these markers, select one from the list. Click on it, and it will give you a marker. You can now use a mouse to place it anywhere on your map, or you can use the W,A,S,D buttons if you use the short keyboard. Then press enter to place it and name it. Type in the name, press enter, and you are done.

Note: If you do not possess the map of an area, you may still use the party markers. You may not, however, place your own until you own the map.

[li]What ways can I use the markers?

Glad you asked. The markers are your best friends, so I'm going to give you some suggestions on how to use them. While I will not list all of them, these are some that might come in particularly handy.

[li]NM markers. With the wide range of information available online, it is not hard to find out where notorious monsters spawn. Some, if not most webpages, offer exact coordinates, or maps. You can use this to your advantage. When you are in an area, find where the NM pops off those maps, and mark a general vicinity. This way, you'll always be able to quick reference where it spawns in. For things like the morion worm, look here:

Click

There are 6 different questionmark sites. You can go to each one, and place a marker on your map. This way, you'll never forget where the worm is going to spawn!

[li]Bread crumbs. If you're in a place that you are not particularly familiar with, you can place some markers on your way in so you are familiar with how you get back out. You can label them sequentially, so you know where you came in, and be sure you don't take a wrong turn. This is somewhat similar to...

[li]Navigation. Example... there are many places to go in Delkfutt's tower, but not every place you go will lead in the right direction. When I first learned my way through there, I set down markers, sequentially, at each turn in various areas, so I could always follow my way back. I also placed them on the correct teleporters/stairs. Navigating with the markers is simply like connecting the dots. You just follow them in order, and you won't lose your way.

[li]Camp marking. I've used this quite a bit, and I am very glad I have. When you are in a specific area, and you are at a good camp, mark it on your map. I, personally, like to mark on my map where the party was, and then a little info if I can fit it in. I will put a level range that spot would be good for, as well as how many parties would be allowed there before it would be full. I place this info in the name of the marker. This way, you will always be able to find that party camp again, and you can /sea before you go to know how many are there, and if you will fit or not. If you're like me, and you've gone through quite a few leveling locations, this could be a great way to keep track. You can always use these to revist a site later, with another job.

[li]Treasure chests. There are many treasure chest/coffer maps available (like HERE for instance). The chests will always spawn in the same areas, and will constantly rotate. If you set markers down where they are, you don't need to remember, or reference any map at all.

[li]Zones. It's always handy to place a marker on a zone that is not shown on the map. Some of the maps are scarcely detailed, at best. If you place a marker down on the map where a zone is, you'll never forget. Example, I placed a marker at each of the Quicksand caves entrances on the altepa maps, for quick access.

[li]Outposts. A couple outposts are not shown on the map, it may be a good idea to mark these down.

[li]Wilderness NPCs. Some NPCs need to be revisited, and are all over the place. Set a marker down with one's name on it. You'll be able to find him/her in a snap.

[li]Unknown objects. Sometimes, while out exploring, you may come across things you don't recognize. Maybe a targettable object, a ???, or something you've never seen. It may be a good idea to mark it down for later. So many times I've been going along in quests only to say "Oh THAT's what that is for!" It's great to already know where the object in question is beforehand. If you don't know what something is, there is a great chance it's there for SOMEthing. Might as well mark it down for a later date. Trust me, it will make things a lot easier.

[li]Quest markers. Whenever you've done a certain part of a quest or mission, you may want to mark down where you did it. You may want to take someone back there to help at a later date, or you might repeat it at another time, and forget where you went or what you did.

[li]Information. In addition to marking specific places, markers also give you the ability to simply put text on an area. If you want to make a note to yourself about the zone, you may want to simply put a couple markers up near the corner of the map, explaining something about the area that you might have otherwise forgotten. Put all the information you need in the names of the markers, then place them together. You can even create a full paragraph of information if you desire.

[li]Mining, harvesting, logging. You may want to mark down these points if you are really into these. Mining points will always respawn at the same places, for instance, it may be a good idea to mark down where some of them are until you memorize them.

[li]In town. There are many things you may want to mark in town. NPCs with various services, or even homepoints, etc. Markers will work the same indoors as out, so use them!

[li]Mob locator. Many mobs will spawn in confined areas, always in the same places. If you need to remember where a bunch of certain mobs spawn, set a marker in the middle of their area, it's great to place and forget. Also works for farming. You can mark down many places that the mob you are farming will spawn.

[li]Borders. Sometimes, there is little marked on the map itself. Many places have one way exits, or cliffs, bumps, other things. It can be handy to place a marker on these areas to remind yourself that you can or can not go that way, based on the terrain.

[li]Bazaars. Many bazaars are constant, or recurring. They usually position themselves in a place consistently. Perhaps this is a bazaar that you find interesting, they keep putting in wares that you like. Place a marker on where that is, so you are able to keep revisiting the same one.

[li]Dangers. In some areas, you'll need sneak and/or invis for a long while after you start visiting it. It may be a good idea to set down a trail of markers saying where you will and will not need sneak to pass.

[li]Safety. You can also mark down on your map good places to stop to refresh sneak and/or invisible. Generally speaking, most areas are consistent in places that you can or can not stop to refresh.

[li]Strange Apparatus. As you come across these, I would recommend that you place a marker at the entrance. Each entrance is hidden behind a false wall. I, personally, believe these to be important. Whether you want to revist them once, or a party calls you to it to camp, they are nice to know. Since it may be easy to lose these, you may want to place a marker to notify yourself of it.

[li]Elementals. Just like marking for any mob, elementals will always spawn in the same places. If you hunt elementals, this is great information for you to hold on to.

[li]What are some other tips?

-Markers can always be renamed, moved, and deleted. Use this to your advantage. Don't be stingy with them!

-At some point, you may want to back up your map marker and macro data. To do this, highlight your character on the Selection screen, and press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+B. It will prompt you to choose a slot, they allow up to 4. When you've saved these, you can restore them at any time in the same manner. Ctrl+Alt+Shift+R will allow you to restore one. It grants you 4 slots. You are only allowed 10 markers that you can place in each map at a time. Using these 4 different slots can save 4 different sets of markers. It may get annoying to switch, but useful if you need it.

-Tell others about markers. Save them some trouble.

-Markers are forever. You don't need to worry about upkeep. Think ahead... think way ahead. While you remember right now where that certain thing is, will you always? The marker will always stay to remind you if you simply place it now.

-Be creative! There are many more uses for markers than what I have listed here. Think of ways you can exploit the little suckers, that's why they're there.
Smiley: grin


Edited, Mon Oct 4 07:49:17 2004 by AmanoJ
#2 Oct 04 2004 at 6:22 AM Rating: Good
This is great info, Amanoj. Rate up for going to to the trouble of detailing the myriad uses for the "place your own" markers.

I use them as much as I can, but you've given me a few new ideas on ways to use markers to my advantage. Thanks a lot!^^

Edited, Mon Oct 4 07:23:17 2004 by Miravelle
#3 Oct 04 2004 at 6:25 AM Rating: Good
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843 posts
I love you for posting this.

By the way, is there any way to add more markers after the self-placed markers list is full? Or is that it? ; ;
#4 Oct 04 2004 at 6:28 AM Rating: Excellent
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5,431 posts

Once it is full, that is all you can do. However, you can continuously change them.

As I said at the end, the server will allow you to store up to 4 sets of markers. While it may be tedious, you can place 10 markers, back them up in slot 1. Then create 10 more markers, back them up in slot 2. It will not allow you instant access while you are just passing through, but you will be able to save more like that.
#5 Oct 04 2004 at 6:34 AM Rating: Decent
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843 posts
Thanks for reclarifying that. =D
#6 Oct 04 2004 at 6:36 AM Rating: Excellent
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5,431 posts

Gladly. Smiley: yippee

If anyone has anything to add, it would be much appreciated! Smiley: bowdown
#7 Oct 04 2004 at 6:42 AM Rating: Decent
Quite an awesome post!

I use my markers all the time and you've given a plethora of new ways to use them!!

Thanks for the info!

#8 Oct 04 2004 at 7:16 AM Rating: Good
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245 posts
First off, Nice post! And rate up once I finish typing this.

I had already planned to mark the Coffers in certain areas when I logged on tonight. Some of those other ideas hadn't occured to me, and are going to be implemented.
#9 Oct 04 2004 at 7:44 AM Rating: Good
One of the things I use the markers for is to keep track of the Stone Monuments for the Selbina clay quest. I use different labels to indicate whether I've gotten the impression from that monument or not.
When I finish the quest, I plan to leave the markers there so I can help others find the locations.
#10 Oct 04 2004 at 7:53 AM Rating: Decent
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94 posts
Great post! I have been using markers for awhile now, but you have given me a number of new ideas!

I found marking the bunkers that give access to Endime Necropolis quite useful in Battalia Downs.
#11 Oct 04 2004 at 9:16 AM Rating: Decent
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483 posts
LIAR!!!

That wasn't 1001 reasons. I counted.


:P
#12 Oct 04 2004 at 9:48 AM Rating: Decent
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266 posts
This is excellent, i have at times found myself in an unknown area and the bread crumb idea is great. Thank you.
#15 Oct 04 2004 at 5:15 PM Rating: Decent
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224 posts
You can also use them to make Smiley Faces when you are bored.

Wow, North San d' Oria is looking mighty happy today!
#16 Oct 05 2004 at 9:53 PM Rating: Decent
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858 posts
Great post Amano ^^ You know, I often run out of markers on my maps, it's a shame there's a limit on how many one can use.
#17 Oct 05 2004 at 10:05 PM Rating: Decent
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2,796 posts
I'm amazed at how many people go {huh?} when I ask them about markers.

I use mine for mining points, approximating NM spawns and chest/coffer spawns in my farming areas (or for AF raids and other quests).

I tell you what can save a lot of time - setting a few people up on a spawn point certainly save time for everyone (especially with multiple AFs or RSE to do).
#18 Oct 16 2004 at 4:46 PM Rating: Excellent
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5,431 posts

Shameless, disgusting, informative and wonderful..... bump.

Smiley: inlove
#19 Oct 16 2004 at 5:31 PM Rating: Decent
Quote:

-At some point, you may want to back up your map marker and macro data. To do this, highlight your character on the Selection screen, and press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+B. It will prompt you to choose a slot, they allow up to 4. When you've saved these, you can restore them at any time in the same manner. Ctrl+Alt+Shift+R will allow you to restore one. It grants you 4 slots. You are only allowed 10 markers that you can place in each map at a time. Using these 4 different slots can save 4 different sets of markers. It may get annoying to switch, but useful if you need it.


omg, i never knew this...

/em gives amanoJ a big taru-waru huggie-wuggie! ^^;

yeah, markers are great, i mark mining/logging points too ^.^!!
#20 Oct 16 2004 at 6:26 PM Rating: Decent
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183 posts
A note about the CTRL-ALT-SHIFT-B and R. It makes a local POL backup, not one to the server. I tried saving my macros the other day, and when I went to reload them on another computer several hours later, it said that there was not a backup made. When I returned to the first computer, I was able to restore the backup.
#21 Oct 16 2004 at 7:06 PM Rating: Good
Once again, a great and informative post from Amano. Rate up!

Another awesome use for markers that I've found for beastmasters is to mark really good spots I find for mobs to charm. For instance, right now I'm leveling in Konschtat Highlands and many sheep are Even Match to me, making them perfect to charm. When I find an area where several sheep spawn in close proximity, I mark it so that I can find it again easily when I come back. I also mark "safe spots" I find where I can rest safely without concern for wandering aggro. It's VERY helpful for beastmasters since we tend to have to level away from popular camp sites, in the heart of zones where most jobs don't ever go.
#22 Oct 16 2004 at 7:14 PM Rating: Decent
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356 posts
Another great post by Amano :P
I really wish more people understood how great these things are.
For new players, using those party member markers can save you alot of headaches.
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