/bump
Sometimes, I impress my boss. Sometimes, I impress myself. The rest of the time, I scare people. I can live with that.
UPDATED: FOR NEW MONSTER AV BUFFS
Huzzah!
Raiding has returned to the land of Protector and there are alot of new 50s and others 45+. As there have been many changes since the last time I got off my keister and wrote up something about this I decided to update the ol' guide.
There are some things to keep in mind to get this done as fast as possible and to reduce the horrible lag. Just to clear things up let's a basic outline.
Since there is usually a whole buch of heroes in one zone in one location YOU WILL HAVE INESCAPABLE LAG!! At times is can be unbearable where you type something and it doesn't show up til 30 seconds later, or you activate a power but it doesn't look like it goes off, you've been trying to move forward but keep being brought back 10 spaces, or you can't move period.
Please stay off the request channel since the raid leaders are giving commands on that channel.
First off, notes on how to cut some lag.
Turn down your graphics option in options along with names etc. This helps lag for you but not everyone on a whole. Another helpful tip is to supress EFX in your graphics options.
To reduce graphics lag on a whole, DO NOT use powers that aren't necessary. That means stealth, epic powers like temp invul, mind over body, superspeed, nightfall, any form of force field, etc. Powers that have graphical animations but which you really do not need to have on.
No pets in the mold until vanguards have been called unless they are singularities or dark servants during the hold process.
**If Jack Frosts are used make sure they are as close to Hamidon as possible so they spam their holds and don't use their ranged atttacks.
Having a raid costume.
Some people reccomend not having any costumes that have capes or auras for the same reason we condone unecessary powers being on.
And now back to our featured presentation!!
STEP 1: Clear monsters around Hamidon.
STEP 2: Kill mitos.
STEP 3: Hold Phase.
STEP 4: Beating on jello.
STEP 5: Jewelry auction. LET THE TRADING BEGIN!
Once there are enough people gathered around the rock formation south of hamidon...
STEP 1: Clearing monsters around Hami.
Pretty self exclamatory. While this is happened the PA team get's their decoys to take hamidon's and mitos wrath/clear monsters to keep everyone else alive. God bless you!
STEP 2: Kill mitos.
When the surrounding monster threat is neutralized everyone charges as group towards the mold. There's usually a main person laying down ice patch and this is where most of the group forces will gather for heals. Healers usually have their heal on auto. That was there is a steading stream of heals for the damage done by mitos shooting.
EDIT: With the giant monsters getting buff from the recent patch a few weeks ago force field users are greatly welcome to use "the big blanket bubble" aka dispersion bubble in this phase. Before they weren't necessary and were greatly shunned upon for lag reasons. Individual bubbles on each person will indefintely create lag and make hamidon difficult to target if there are alot of people individually bubbled so please refrain from bubbling others. It adds to Hamidon "blinking" or loloking like he disappeared. 
It's at this stage you see many people go splat. Dark Defenders with howling twightlight are VERY WELCOME HERE.
For this there is usually a group targeter and air targeter so people know which mito to target. It is best to clear one quantrant so that the taunters and their healers have a clear area to keep taunting aggro off the main group. As When the targeters get near the taunt group the taunt group usually moves a bit away so the main group doesn't get any hami AOE's.
People are again encouraged to STAY OFF request channel except for raid leaders.
Meanwhile there's usually one or a group of taunters away from the main group to also take aggro. Usually an empathy defender or two will be supporting each taunter.
STEP 3: Hold phase.
IMPORTANT!!
Those who do not have a hold that mezzes (NO SLEEP NO IMMOBLIZE a REAL HOLD) MUST back up OUT of the mold so the holders can more effectively do their job.
Blasters with a hold are encouraged. Though if you're not sure if you have a real hold ASK!!!
Radiation users and kinetics users are welcome since accelerated metabolism and speed boost helps increase the attack rate of the holders so the holds can stack more effectively.
**NOTES**
Radiation infection on Hami is allowed throughout the hold stage since it makes it easier for holders to land a hold without missing.
Enervating field at this point is NOT necessary. If Hamidon loses hitpoints too rapidly before being held he spawns "yellow death" aka a buttload of Mitochondria Electrolytes that immeditely kills EVERYONE within range.
Fulrum shift is NOT recommended until the raid leader calls for it.
Heals are not necessary at this stage. To cut lag PLEASE NO heal spamming at this point unless they are from dark servants which help hold.
There should be no pets out that do not contribute to holds. NO IMPS NO ANIMATED STONE
If you insist upon using JACK FROSTS make sure they are as close to Hami as possible so they spam their holds and NOT their ranged attacks.
NO TANKER HOLDS UNTIL CALLED.
ABSOLUTELY NO ONE SHOULD BE ATTACKING HAMIDON ESPECIALLY NEAR THE HOLDERS!!!
AGAIN NNNNNNNNOOOO ATTACKING!!
People who are slotted well enough in invulnerability or regen are encouraged to stand in a group off to the side auto taunting Hami to geep Hami busy.
STEP 4: Attack phase.
When Hamidon is definitely held someone will call to ATTACK!
When is Hamidon held?
Before the monster and AV buffs, basically when the taunters stop getting hit by Hamidon.
Usually 25+ unanswered taunts.
Now however Hamidon is able to fire through holds though less frequent. Usually a good idicator of when to move on to attack.
Holders MUST keep holding. Accelerated metabolism should be on full auto. Kinetics speed boosting holders. Enervating field can be used to boost attack damage. Fulcrum shift when called.
When Hamidon has lost half of his hitpoints activate your accolade Vanguard and your Geas of the Kind ones to ensure hamidon does not break free flex his gelatinous muscle. Vanguard greatly amplifies the effectiveness of your holds. Geas will speed up recharge.
Then arsekickery, mind destroying broadcasts, and lag continue till he falls. It is at this point people are encouraged to attack their one time to get hamidon credit enough to get the ehancement and then sit back beyong the mold border to reduce lag yet again.
HELP!! I can't target him! What do I do?
Sometimes due to the volume of peopel so close together in one spot it'll cause Hamidon to "disappear." The best solution is to use of the spawned pets, i.e. Singularities, Dark Servants, Jack Frosts etc., since pets automattically target and attack the closest thing in proximity.
STEP 5: YAY HE'S DEAD!! I CAN MOVE AGAIN!!
Most people like to annouce what they have gotten on braodcast to trade for what they are looking for. There used to be a channel called HO R US that was created in hopes of reducing the braodcasts though I'm not so sure it's still in use. There is also the channel jello shooters for hamidon related discussion although it is more flexible on regular chat compared to other channels on protector.
Congratulations you have been to lag city. Be sure to either die and go to the hospital in founders falls before the hamidon bud follows you or kill the stinkin mini jello for a little treat of a single origin enhancement above lvl 50.
If you happen to see someone doing something unproductive towards the general good. Kindly send them a tell and if that doesn't work call them out on the jello shooters channel or braodcast. All out fights on broadcast happen but are discouraged. And if all hope fails there is the /ignore place users name here command which some people swear be and some almost undoubtably didn't use until comig to a raid.
Another helpful solution is setting up tabs on you chat window. Right click on the top or bottom chat window and add your desired tab. Like someone but I can't remember off the top of my head suggested one for tells so they don't get lost is the clutter that is the hami raid gibberish.
Hope this helps
GOD PLEASE GET NEW HIGH LEVELS TO READ THIS FOR THE SAKE OF PIE!!!! OREOS!!! BEER!! PORN AND TWINKIES!!!
**MORE NOTES
GRIEFING
What is griefing? Basically intentional behavior to decrease gameplay enjoyment of others. I don't want to get into the age old arguments so we'll stick to griefing in context to a Hamidon raid.
Griefing in general can get your reported and temporarily banned.
THINGS CONSIDERED GRIEFING:
1). Pulling Devoured Monsters
There will be individuals who like to pull a monster into the mold during the hold or attacking phase.
If during the holding phase all the other AT's not holding are encouraged to take care of the monster.
If you see someone spawning pets intentionally during innappropriate times.
There are a few ways to handle this:
1). Ignore them and let them get killed.
2). Don't rez them...muahhhaha
3). Politely send a tell to tell them to stop and inform them why they should not be spawning pets.
4). If they become a real hassle the last resort is reporting them. Be sure to include date and their name and if you have any incriminating logs or screenshots. You can report and attach files via the PlayNC account page.
Usually if the case is severe the person in question gets a temporary ban. If they make repeated offenses the more severe the penalty.
2). Calling false attack commands.
The offical call to attack is from the raid leader NO ONE ELSE!!
Calling false attack commands confuses some and if people attck during the hold pahse it just makes the raid all the more longer, or in teh worst case spawns yellow death.
3).Being an overall a$$hat
Although there hasn't been one of these cases in a while those who have goen to old raids remeber the horrible cussing fests and bad karma raids were that actually stopped people from wanting to go to Hamidon raids. Broadcasts and Request channels were full of horrible spam that just turned off the appeal of going to a raid.
Remember it takes the cooperation of a considerable amount of people to take Hamidon down. We're trying to get this over as soon as possible so we can go get our Hami-O and go on our merry way.
If anyone has any other comments or suggestions please feel free to add so I can keep this guide up to date.
Mini great guide glad to see it updated. When I run there is now a difference in the phase sequence for the Death Cuddle. Clear Monsters, Kill Mitos, Attack Hami (all you need to do is a few points of damage then get non-hold team out of the mold), Holding (hold phase is more difficult now because Hami can still attack when held), Death Cuddle (additional debuffs put on Hami to increase damage of holds), Trading. During the Holding and Death Cuddle the melee and non holding types go on monster and griefer watch to make sure the hold team doesn't get disturbed.
Also during the Kill Mito phase tankers are encouraged to taunt the nearby mitos from the healing bubble and all pets should be out. This is due to new Mito aggro rules where Mitos really hammer folks attacking other mitos unless distracted. The PA drop team also drops closer to the Clearing team as well to help with this.
I look forward to running another raid in a week or so after my crazy schedule calms down. Great tips on how to reduce lag. Make sure you set your graphics settings to low and turn off advanced settings unless you have a super graphics card.
Protector Server
Woeful Knight (BS/Regen/Body Scrapper)
Kevin Christian (MC/FF/Primal Controller)
SilverCybernaut (Eng/Dev/Munitions Blaster)
Apixie OhNo (Fire/Fire/Pyre Tanker)
Y'ru Glowen (Rad/Rad/Psy Defender)
I have had my dark defender for a long time but have only attended raids a couple of times in the last 9 months. The last time, I think I rezzed close to 20 at a single time. It is fun to get 20 or so 'TY' in chat.
But it troubles me that among all the raid talk going on and the raids being run here and there that the raids always take place on weekends. I will not take time away from my fiance in order to raid. With that being said, I'd participate in a scheduled weekday raid on a consistant basis.
On a secondary note, the last raid I was in, I went down and a lot of people did too. I was in the middle of a whole slew of them and had Howling Twilight ready for use. I broadcast several times that I have howling twilight ready and needed a rez! Many times people around me were rezzed while I remainedhorizontal. I was one of the last people rezzed in that group. There should be a healerz channel so we can communicate the need without the redneck jedi jokes.
If we can just focus on the raid and our jobs, we could be in and out quickly. Communication is key to our success.
Thank you! I've been a long time 50 that took a break from the game. I'm looking to start attending some hami raids...this is just what I needed to read to not screw everything up!
Hami and Cheese [25 grav/rad] can't wait to join you!
[ QUOTE ]
Hami and Cheese [25 grav/rad] can't wait to join you!
[/ QUOTE ]
I think there are 3 more Grav/Rads yet to make 45, including you.
We should get together one day soon and run some AV missions or something with them.
Be nice to have even more holds and AM for the final phase.
Ty much Mini, thanks for your help and time to write that. 
--Captain Myotis
Watch this!
Iz eat all ur cookies!
I wish people read this before attending my raids
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Hami and Cheese [25 grav/rad] can't wait to join you!
[/ QUOTE ]
I think there are 3 more Grav/Rads yet to make 45, including you.
We should get together one day soon and run some AV missions or something with them.
Be nice to have even more holds and AM for the final phase.
[/ QUOTE ]
I'm still waiting on this, Badge.
I was trying to think of something witty, but nada. Ah well.
This is a great thread. /em praise MiniMedic for writing and updating her lovely Hami Raid guide thru the years.
For those new to raiding, it's worth the time to srcoll thru and read.
I did notice that the "Death Cuddle" tactic isn't really discussed but then it's late and maybe I missed it. 
Perhaps Mini or someone could post an updated tactics? Dirt wrote that lovely email to send to new folks at the raid... *hint hint*
I read the first post and facepalmed. So the lag I was experiencing (even on a normally good day) was actually something everybody was going through? Huh.
Still, I think I'll wait until I have something more useful (both on my end as far as hardware, and in-game as far as powers) than a consistently Rooted Stone Tank.
My Stories
Look at that. A full-grown woman pulling off pigtails. Her crazy is off the charts.
I guess we can't use this anymore, huh?
Nope, probably not.
I miss Mini though.
The info at the start of it (how to cut lag) is still useful. It'd be nice to keep this thread just because it'll show what it USED to be like for newcomers! See how EASY it used to be?!
*waves cane* Back in my day....
-River
*hands River a walker and Bengay*
since you all are talking about hami raids again, this seemed topical and helpful *nod nod*
[ QUOTE ]
since you all are talking about hami raids again, this seemed topical and helpful *nod nod*
[/ QUOTE ]
Actually, Kitten, this is for the old hamidon raids, so it doesn't really apply anymore. 
Major T and I have a thread somewhere with the how to on the new ones if you can necro it?
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
since you all are talking about hami raids again, this seemed topical and helpful *nod nod*
[/ QUOTE ]
Actually, Kitten, this is for the old hamidon raids, so it doesn't really apply anymore.
Major T and I have a thread somewhere with the how to on the new ones if you can necro it?
[/ QUOTE ]
[censored]
brb
I miss Mini
Don't mess with my defender!
lol necro
I miss Dirtwolf...
Yep
Huzzah!
Raiding has returned to the land of Protector and there are alot of new 50s and others 45+. As there have been many changes since the last time I got off my keister and wrote up something about this I decided to update the ol' guide.
There are some things to keep in mind to get this done as fast as possible and to reduce the horrible lag. Just to clear things up let's a basic outline.
Since there is usually a whole buch of heroes in one zone in one location YOU WILL HAVE INESCAPABLE LAG!! At times is can be unbearable where you type something and it doesn't show up til 30 seconds later, or you activate a power but it doesn't look like it goes off, you've been trying to move forward but keep being brought back 10 spaces, or you can't move period.
Please stay off the request channel since the raid leaders are giving commands on that channel.
First off, notes on how to cut some lag.
Turn down your graphics option in options along with names etc. This helps lag for you but not everyone on a whole. Another helpful tip is to supress EFX in your graphics options.
To reduce graphics lag on a whole, DO NOT use powers that aren't necessary. That means stealth, epic powers like temp invul, mind over body, superspeed, nightfall, any form of force field, etc. Powers that have graphical animations but which you really do not need to have on.
No pets in the mold until vanguards have been called unless they are singularities or dark servants during the hold process.
**If Jack Frosts are used make sure they are as close to Hamidon as possible so they spam their holds and don't use their ranged atttacks.
Having a raid costume.
Some people reccomend not having any costumes that have capes or auras for the same reason we condone unecessary powers being on.
And now back to our featured presentation!!
STEP 1: Clear monsters around Hamidon.
STEP 2: Kill mitos.
STEP 3: Hold Phase.
STEP 4: Beating on jello.
STEP 5: Jewelry auction. LET THE TRADING BEGIN!
Once there are enough people gathered around the rock formation south of hamidon...
STEP 1: Clearing monsters around Hami.
Pretty self exclamatory. While this is happened the PA team get's their decoys to take hamidon's and mitos wrath/clear monsters to keep everyone else alive. God bless you!
STEP 2: Kill mitos.
When the surrounding monster threat is neutralized everyone charges as group towards the mold. There's usually a main person laying down ice patch and thisis where most of the group forces will gather for heals. Healers usually have their heal on auto. That was there is a steading stream of heals for the damage done by mitos shooting.
It's at this stage you see many people go splat. Dark Defenders with howling twightlight are VERY WELCOME HERE.
For this there is usually a group targeter and air targeter so people know which mito to target.
People are again encouraged to STAY OFF request channel except for raid leaders.
Meanwhile there's usually one or a group of taunters away from the main group to also take aggro. Usually an empathy defender or two will be supporting each taunter.
STEP 3: Hold phase.
IMPORTANT!!
Those who do not have a hold that mezzes (NO SLEEP NO IMMOBLIZE a REAL HOLD) MUST back up OUT of the mold so the holders can more effectively do their job.
Blasters with a hold are encouraged. Though if you're not sure if you have a real hold ASK!!!
Radiation users and kinetics users are welcome since accelerated metabolism and speed boost helps increase the attack rate of the holders so the holds can stack more effectively.
**NOTES**
Radiation infection on Hami is allowed throughout the hold stage since it makes it easier for holders to land a hold without missing.
Enervating field at this point is NOT necessary. If Hamidon loses hitpoints too rapidaly before being held he spawns "yellow death" aka a buttload of Mitochondria Electrolytes that immeditely kills EVERYONE within range.
Fulrum shift is NOT recommended until the raid leader calls for it.
Heals are not necessary at this stage. To cut lag PLEASE NO heal spamming at this point unless they are from dark servants which help hold.
There should be no pets out that do not contribute to holds. NO IMPS NO ANIMATED STONE
If you insist upon using JACK FROSTS make sure they are as close to Hami as possible so they spam their holds and NOT their ranged attacks.
NO TANKER HOLDS UNTIL CALLED.
ABSOLUTELY NO ONE SHOULD BE ATTACKING HAMIDON ESPECIALLY NEAR THE HOLDERS!!!
AGAIN NNNNNNNNOOOO ATTACKING!!
People who are slotted well enough in invulnerability or regen are encouraged to stand in a group off to the side auto taunting Hami to geep Hami busy.
STEP 4: Attack phase.
When Hamidon is definitely held someone will call to ATTACK!
When is Hamidon held?
Basically when the taunters stop getting hit by Hamidon.
Usually 25+ unanswered taunts.
Holders MUST keep holding. Accelerated metabolism should be on full auto. Kinetics speed boosting holders. Enervating field can be used to boost attack damage. Fulcrum shift when called.
When Hamidon has lost half of his hitpoints activate your accolade Vanguard to ensure hamidon does not break free flex his gelatinous muscle. Vanguard greatly amplifies the effectiveness of your holds.
Then arsekickery, mind destroying broadcasts, and lag continue till he falls. It is at this point people are encouraged to attack their one time to get hamidon credit enough to get the ehancement and then sit back beyong the mold border to reduce lag yet again.
HELP!! I can't target him! What do I do?
Sometimes due to the volume of peopel so close together in one spot it'll cause Hamidon to "disappear." THe best solution is to use of the spawned pets, i.e. Singularities, Dark Servants, Jack Frosts etc., since pets automattically target and attack the closest thing in proximity.
STEP 5: YAY HE'S DEAD!! I CAN MOVE AGAIN!!
Most people like to annouce what they have gotten on braodcast to trade for what they are looking for. There used to be a channel called HO R US that was created in hopes of reducing the braodcasts though I'm not so sure it's still in use. There is also the channel jello shooters for hamidon related discussion although it is more flexible on regular chat compared to other channels on protector.
Congratulations you have been to lag city. Be sure to either die and go to the hospital in founders falls before the hamidon bud follows you or kill the stinkin mini jello for a little treat of a single origin enhancement above lvl 50.
If you happen to see someone doing something unproductive towards the general good. Kindly send them a tell and if that doesn't work call them out on the jello shooters channel or braodcast. All out fights on broadcast happen but are discouraged. And if all hope fails there is the /ignore place users name here command which some people swear be and some almost undoubtably didn't use until comig to a raid.
Another helpful solution is setting up tabs on you chat window. Right click on the top or bottom chat window and add your desired tab. Like someone but I can't remember off the top of my head suggested one for tells so they don't get lost is the clutter that is the hami raid gibberish.
Hope this helps
GOD PLEASE GET NEW HIGH LEVELS TO READ THIS FOR THE SAKE OF PIE!!!! OREOS!!! BEER!! PORN AND TWINKIES!!!
**MORE NOTES
GRIEFING
What is griefing? Basically intentional behavior to decrease gameplay enjoyment of others. I don't want to get into the age old arguments so we'll stick to griefing in context to a Hamidon raid.
Griefing in general can get your reported and temporarily banned.
THINGS CONSIDERED GRIEFING:
1). Pulling Devoured Monsters
There will be individuals who like to pull a monster into the mold during the hold or attacking phase.
If during the holding phase all the other AT's not holding are encouraged to take care of the monster.
If you see someone spawning pets intentionally during innappropriate times.
There are a few ways to handle this:
1). Ignore them and let them get killed.
2). Don't rez them...muahhhaha
3). Politely send a tell to tell them to stop and inform them why they should not be spawning pets.
4). If they become a real hassle the last resort is reporting them. Be sure to include date and their name and if you have any incriminating logs or screenshots. You can report and attach files via the PlayNC account page.
Usually if the case is severe the person in question gets a temporary ban. If they make repeated offenses the more severe the penalty.
2). Calling false attack commands.
The offical call to attack is from the raid leader NO ONE ELSE!!
Calling false attack commands confuses some and if people attck during the hold pahse it just makes the raid all the more longer, or in teh worst case spawns yellow death.
3).Being an overall a$$hat
Although there hasn't been one of these cases in a while those who have goen to old raids remeber the horrible cussing fests and bad karma raids were that actually stopped people from wanting to go to Hamidon raids. Broadcasts and Request channels were full of horrible spam that just turned off the appeal of going to a raid.
Remember it takes the cooperation of a considerable amount of people to take Hamidon down. We're trying to get this over as soon as possible so we can go get our Hami-O and go on our merry way.
If anyone has any other comments or suggestions please feel free to add so I can keep this guide up to date.