What to look for / expect in an Endgame LSFollow

Many of you reading this will probably want to know what to look for in an endgame LS so you may enjoy the benefits of the LS and to see if endgame material is for you.

I'll start off with my usual Caveats.

1 - Endgame LSes take up a lot of time. 3 hours of staring at your computer is not uncommon. If you would rather do something else with your time, then consider your choice of moving on to an endgame LS.

2 - Do you have the proper job for endgaming? Sadly with 18 Alliance slots, most LSes will pick and choose their preferred strategies and setups for each engagement. DO NOT EXPECT to come in and change what the LS does for these engagements. For example, some LSes use straight SMN damange on Grand Wyrms others do magic burst damage. Do not expect them to change their strategies to accomidate you.

3 - Are you willing to sit on the sidelines for a majority of these engagements? If your a healer, you may be required to outside heal party members. If so, you better be damn well sure how to manage your hate. XPing and HNMing are completely different. Do not expect your prowess in XPing to carry over to HNMin.

4 - Are you willing to listen to instructions and play the role that is assigned to you? This may require eating multiple R1s to finish a mob or to finish an encounter. If you are unwilling to do so, reconsider your choice.

I'll repeat once again, Endgame LSes may not be for you. Please choose wisely before stepping into the endgame area.

Things to look for in an Endgame LS

1 - Loot Distribution Rules. Some LSes use a point system with rules that people have known for ages. Others use a Divine Selection method. Read up on these rules so you know what to expect.

2 - Attendance. Each LS has different requirements for attendance. Make sure you follow them.

3 - Trial / New member period. All LS have a trial period to see if you fit with well with the current crop of people. Don't expect to make earth shattering moves in this trial period. You are essentially free meat in this phase with the likelyhood of any benefit to be small.

4 - Alternate Sky / Sea / Dynamis / Limbus / Salvage / Whatever SE might add later events LSes. Some LSes are a one stop shop for these missions. If you are already participating in one of these shells, you may be required to give up your that LS to join the one stop shop.

What to expect in the LS

1 - Expect to learn a great deal about events, mobs, positioning, hate levels and such from the current members of the LS. If you have a question, ASK! People would rather have someone that is trying to learn the ropes and trying to make the LS better instead of a do nothing slacker.

2 - Don't expect freebies. No one likes a begger especially in an endgame LS where the people have done everything.

3 - Help others. This is probably the best way to get to know your fellow LS members. Remember, these are the ones who will be vcoting on your later acceptance or rejection.

4 - Carry Sneak Oils / Invis Powders / Reraise at ALL TIMES. No ones going to come raise your dead body if an NM of important has popped.

5 - Carry Sneak Oils / Invis Powders / Reraise at ALL TIMES. No ones going to come raise your dead body if an NM of important has popped. You think I'm kidding but I'm not.

6 - If you don't make the requirements of the LS, ask an officer or a person in charge if theres any reason why you didn't make it. Usually they will pinpoint the reason why you did not make the starter period.

7 - Carry Sneak Oils / Invis Powders / Reraise at ALL TIMES. No ones going to come raise your dead body if an NM of important has popped. You think I'm kidding but I'm not. I'm Really not kidding.

LS Tiers.
I had something similar to this on my server board a few months ago. This should illustrate the skill of the LS and usually the difficulty on getting into the LS.

First Tier
These LSes have done everything in the game. They camp to get the rare items and have started equipping their mannequins with armor you really want. They have probably been around for 2+ years and have many dedicated members. Most members have multiple fully merrited 75 jobs and take their jobs very seriously.

Second Tier
Have been on the scene for a long time but haven't trashing / mannequining most of their drops. Members are more specialized with great gear but nothing near as impressive as the first tier group. They have trouble with some of the harder mobs / encounters in the game but with a little work they can get to first tier status. Recruitment into this LS is not as strict, but it still can be difficulty to get in.

Third Tier
Almost all the drops they get are going to someone's main job. They may have just started out so drops are still coveted by many members. Usually these are the LSes that are easiest to get into since they need the numbers to get around and do stuff.

The best way to determine the Skill of the LS is to track what they can kill.
1 - Sky Gods
2 - Behemoth / Adamantoise NQ
3 - Fafnir
4 - KB / Aspidecholeone
5 - Nidhogg
6 - JoL
7 - DL
8 - Tiamat / Vrtra / Jorgumand (Note If they can kill Tiamat, this is most impressive since its killed upon pop by almost every server)

These rankings are not meant to be an actual difficulty rating but meant as accomplishment tiers. Each successful encounter makes the LS that much better.


I may have some minor details (maybe some major ones as well), so I'll be updating this with comments I remember or with feedback in the thread.