FAQ about the Flat Roos

Flat Roos FAQ

***Special thanks to Krugerkor/Neztor for writing this document***

There are a number of posts floating about the forums regarding process and mechanics for how the guild is run. Some of these are now out of date. The latest information is contained below.

Here you will find the answers to the commonly asked questions regarding the Flat Roos.

1. How do I join?
   
   Firstly READ the Code of Conduct which can be found here: http://www.flatroos.com/?app
   We draw your attention especially to the NO swearing policy.
   If you agree with the CoC, like the web page says:
   
   
   
   • Create a Forum Account − use your Main Characters name
   
   
   • Fill in the forms on the web− site – address all questions− don't just put your name
   
   
   • Agree to the Code of conduct
   
   
   
   Try to contact the Class Leader to discuss your application
   
   Please do take the time to read the CoC and understand that it will be enforced. (Don't mean to get heavy straight off the bat, but saves time)



2. I hear you're a Casual Raiding guild. What does that mean?
   
   It means that we understand that people have real lives and cannot play WOW 24/7. You will not be penalised or thrown out of the guild for non− attendance or not logging on. (Less than 1 month anyway)
   At the same time the membership is also interested in the end game content and conducts regular raids.
   To this end, many of the guild activities are geared towards organising and gathering the resources for the end game instances.
   One of our major policies is that you will never be made to attend something you don't want to, re− spec your character a certain way or be forced to change classes. It's your character, play it how you would like to. (In Raid situations you may be asked to fill a role that is not your main spec but you will not be asked to change spec)
   Another thing to note is that the majority of guild members are over 18. Some even over 30. (Yes they do swap tips on what works best to polish their walking frames)



3. Is there a Guild bank?
   
   Yes, several in fact. We now have a nifty little mod that allows you to browse the banks contents and REQUEST items from within WOW interface. There have been previous procedures but this is now the way to request and receive items. Please do not message the Guild Leader or officers asking about what is available. You will be referred back to the mod.
   It's called Duckiebank and can be downloaded here: http://wow-en.curse-gaming.com/downloads/addons/guild/duckiebank/
   Please keep in mind the needs of other members− if you see a certain commonly used material and we only have say 10 of them− please don't order all 10 for yourself.
   When you request an item− it's a request and not a guarantee, the final decision on who gets what, in what quantity rests with the Bank's administrator.
   You will be charged a nominal fee in most cases. This money is used to buy more materials, recipes and hard to get items that assist in the guild's goals. Gold is NOT distributed to any members of the guild, including the officers.
   Many of the items are donated freely please do not abuse this facility or use it to re− sell items at a profit.



4. Have you guys seen the World of Warcraft Southpark episode?
   
   Yes. It's hilarious.



5. I'm interested in the end game content. Raiding! How do I get involved?
   
   You may see communications in the Guild message of the day and within guild chat about raid times. However, the most reliable way is to get the Calendar mod that can be found here: http://www.flatroos.com/?mods&mod=22 (it's the one mentioned in the CoC)
   This will tell you when the dates and times of upcoming raids. You can also use the mod to signal your intention to attend. However if this is your 1st time raiding with the Roos please have a chat to your Class leader about your readiness to Raid.
   Usually this discussion will centre on gear and potion/buff item requirements. In most cases having turned 70 very recently and being in almost all " green" items will be a hurdle. Consider doing a few 5 mans first to collect gear and get used to working as a team with the Roos.



6. What's this " Casual" group and " Progression" group I keep hearing about?
   
   In order to further advance in the end game content it is often necessary to form a group of raiders who have been chosen as the best the Roos have to offer (in a Raiding context) This is based on a number of criteria, which include but not limited to:
   
   
   
   • Gear – level 65+ Blues and Purples that are relevant to the role you will be playing (this is what we aim for , latitude is given)
   
   
   • Availability to attend on progression nights
   
   
   • Bringing of Potions and other items that buff stats,
   
   
   • Demonstrated ability to follow instructions
   
   
   • Attitude towards multiple wipes and paying the resulting repair bills (sometimes 30+g per night)
   
   
   • Attitude to learning the encounters with a view to teaching others
   
   
   • Latest mods loaded and ready to go
   
   
   • Achieving other requirements as requested by their class leader
   
   
   
   Please be aware the game dictates that the Roos form this type of group− it is not done as a form of elitism but rather to fulfil the games requirements. We also hope it gives something to members to aspire too.
   On nominated " Progression" nights Progression members will be given priority for admittance to the raid.
   
   That's the progression group. However we don't want our other Roos to miss out!
   
   There will be " Casual" or " All Welcome" nights where regardless of if you have raided before or not, you will have a chance at an invite. In a lot of cases regular raiders stand aside for the newer or more casual players to get to see the instances.
   
   Situation as at 30/05/07 − It is hoped that we will be able to have 2 Kara groups going each week.
   
   To be very clear− the idea of the Progression group is to get further in the content so that we then have players who can teach others. They can take the newer or more casual players onto more advanced bosses.
   
   The leadership have debated this topic over many long (sometimes heated) conversations for a number of months now. This is the strategy, the nuts and bolts of execution may change from week to week but it is hoped that this is seen as fair as possible for all concerned.



7. How can I influence my getting an invite to a Raid?
   
   Firstly as one of the largest Horde guilds on the server, it is unfortunate fact that people will miss out on going to a raid. Please understand that is a sad fact of the game and not the Roos doing.
   The guild leadership goes to great lengths to facilitate members in relation to their available times for play and relevant ability to make themselves " Raid ready"
   But, there are things YOU can do to make yourself a more attractive Raid candidate.
   
   These are (in no particular order):
   
   
   
   • Check the Raid Calendar and Sign up for raids you wish to attend using the Calendar – its loaded right? (the secret is that people signed up on the Cal. tend to get priority)
   
   
   • Be there 15− 30mins before the scheduled start time, most raids start at 8:30pm server time (invites usually start 30mins prior to Raid)
   
   
   • Install the required mods for Raiding
   
   
   • Read the Flat Roos forums –check your class requirements − http://forums.flatroos.com/index.php?board=29
   
   
   • " Gear" yourself appropriately for your class and spec (talk to your class leader if you wish to clarify)
   
   
   • DO bring Potions (usually Health and Mana pots as a Min.) Consider other items that may help− eg. Scrolls, Flasks, Sharpening/Weighted stones, Food that gives bonuses etc.
   
   
   • Try to attend 5 man instances before a raid so that people get to see and know you
   
   
   • Download Team− speak and use it. (Mic. is not necessary− you can just listen)
   
   
   • Show a Co− operative and friendly attitude within the guild (the Raid WILL wipe from time to time− a good attitude is a must)
   
   
   • Sense of Humour is always good
   
   
   Please be aware that you may fulfil all of these suggestions, but there are a limited number of spots and you may miss out. Often you will be given priority in following raids if this happens. We really do want to give all Roos a chance. Please don't take it as a " rejection" that you did not make the invite list for a certain raid. The game dictates certain realities that are beyond our control. We love you all.



8. You're one of the largest, if not the largest Horde Guild on the server. Why don't you just schedule more raids?
   
   There is a lot of time and effort that goes into organising a successful (?− operative word) raid. You will need a Raid leader, who knows what they are doing and is familiar with the boss fights. You also need the correct " class− mix" At a high level this means the right combination of healing, tanking and DPS (Damage dealing).
   At a detailed level it means choosing the right class for the job. As an example, even though 4 Warlocks would bring a lot of DPS to a group, there would not be a good mix of abilities that compliments the raid.
   It is also preferable to have at least a few experienced raiders to help the less experienced ones and make up for shortages in gear requirements.
   The availability of Raid leaders, the various classes and experienced raiders means we can only organise a certain number of raids per week. Not to mention the issue of burn− out if we tried to push this more.
   Remember this is a Casual raiding guild, most members can not Raid 6+ times per week nor would want to.



9. I'm the best [Insert Class] your ever going to see, I'm a shoe in for the Progression team. Who do I speak to?
   
   You should first speak to your class leader who will assess your suitability for the Progression team and then make a recommendation to the Raid Leaders. This assessment is not just gear dependent it's attitude as well.
   Please note that like all raids, people will miss out, even if you are accepted it does NOT guarantee a spot on every progression night. Due to Real Life commitments and last minute emergencies the progression team will have a " Reserve list" to draw upon. Therefore not all Progression team members will get to attend every progression night. As always class balance and Boss fight requirements must be taken into consideration.
   
   Part of being on the Progression team is that you understand:
   
   • you may not Raid every Progression night
   
   
   • you may have to pay hefty repair bills
   
   
   • you may have to chug expensive consumables at an alarming rate
   
   
   • you will be held to a higher standard than " casual" raid nights
   
   
   • you may miss out on loot as it is being given to pre− selected characters to help the greater guild community
   
   
   
   Sounds like fun doesn't it?



10. Aldor or Scryers ?
    
    Read here: http://www.wowwiki.com/Aldor_vs._Scryer



11. How is loot divided or distributed?
    
    Within 5 –persons, its Need or Greed. Bind on Pickups are ALL " passed" on. It is then discussed who the item is most appropriate for, if there is no interest, it is greed rolled manually using the /roll command
    
    For 10 person raids− loot is assigned on a need roll basis that is class and spec related. That is to say you should not roll on an item that could be better used by the class it was intended for. If no one from the relevant classes/s wants it, you can lodge your interest. Otherwise items are disenchanted and sent to the guild bank.
    There may be circumstances where if a certain item drops it will automatically go to a pre− selected character. This is done to outfit key raid members so it makes life easier for all. This situation will be most prevalent within the Progression group.
    It will be made clear before the raid and before loot is distributed that this policy is in effect. There WILL be an opportunity to lodge objections before the loot is distributed.
    
    In the future, for 25 person instances the DKP (Dragon Kill Points) system will likely be re− adopted. In short, DKP points are used as currency to " bid" on dropped items. You gain DKP points by Raid attendance, being on time, downing bosses along with bonus points for certain events. It should be noted that the class related rule still applies. Just because a Warrior has more DKP than a Casting class does not mean they will win a Cloth item. This will be administrated by the guild and points accumulated will be available via the webpage for all to see.
    
    For all instances there is a one (1) purple item per run policy, regardless of the source. Again there may be exceptions to this, however this will be made clear before loot is distributed, as always opportunities will be given to lodge objections.
    
    The policy on " Loot for Alt's" is that the loot that drops goes to the actual characters that are present at the time. In rare cases, the group may at their own discretion, let an Alt have an item. NB: If any player within the group objects, the deal is off.



12. What if I have an issue, some feedback a complaint or a suggestion? Who do I speak to?
    
    We love to hear your feedback and suggestions; a happy guild is a good guild. In most cases your class leader is the 1st port of call.
    If the issue requires an immediate response often asking for an officer in guild chat will get some attention.
    If for whatever reason you don't feel comfortable in talking to your class leader or a certain officer then every member can speak to the guild leader.
    There are also the Flat Roos Forums to get a discussion going, including an area for items you wish the officers to discuss.
    NB − RAIDS: your Class leader if present or the Raid leader is the priority order. Even if the Guild leader is present they will most often defer your question, complaint or suggestion to the Raid leader. (Assuming its raid related)
    
    Something worth mentioning− if your complaint is " my class leader won't promote me" , " put me forward for the progression team" or " won't even let me go on the Casual runs" because they say " my gear is not good enough"
    It will achieve little to take this to the Guild leader. They will refer you back to the Class leader unless you can show good cause why this is not the case. Most class leaders do allow a fair amount of latitude.
    






13. I want to organise a 5− man instance (including Heroics) or a group for a quest – what do I do?
    
    Don't wait for an officer to come organise it. Two good ways are ask for other interested members in Guild chat or use the Calendar mod to put a new event up and advertise it within guild chat so members can sign− up. Do ask an officer if you're having trouble with the calendar.



14. What's the deal with guild Crafters?
    
    Flat roos have crafters in just about every category and speciality. If you ask in Guild chat you can find out who they are and if they are online. Also using the Guild interface within WOW shows whom is online and many of the notes beside the names indicate craft abilities.
    In most cases you will be asked to provide the materials and the crafting is done for free. It is nice to offer a small tip; (below market) you will often find it declined though.
    If the tip is accepted you can be assured it will go towards buying more recipes or hard to get mats.
    Please be aware, for high− end items there may be a waiting list and there may be extra efforts or Gold required from you. Eg. Items requiring Primal Nethers.
    
    Keep in mind that the guild crafters have spent considerable time and gold getting their skill up, in addition to buying expensive recipes and items. Often this has been achieved without direct guild assistance. Please do not demand that they drop what they are doing to come make something for you.



15. You guys aren't wacky funsters that do stuff like get drunk on Teamspeak during New Years and make fools of yourselves?
    
    Nop, not this guild, uh uh, wouldn't dream of it. This is a mature guild we'll have you know.



16. How do I find out what's happening with the Roos ?
    
    Well, Guild chat and talking to other members is always good. In addition, Visiting and participating on the forums is another excellent means to find out what's on other Roo's minds.



17. What's the " Alt" policy?
    
    The Roos don't mind inviting Alts that are played on regular to semi− regular basis. We would prefer not having " Bank Alts" or " never gets played" Alts in the Guild. If you do have Alts please log into them at least once a month so we know they are still active.



18. What would be the reasons for me being kicked from the guild?
    
    In most cases it would be repeated violation of the CoC. Please read the CoC again.
    To reiterate; being demoted to the " Sinbin" can be taken as an official warning. Multiple Sinbins will usually result in being kicked from the guild.
    If you have not logged onto a certain character for longer than a month (30 days) that character may be removed from the guild. Please let us know via the forums if you are going to be away for a significant amount of time. Characters that are removed under these circumstances are welcome to re− join the Roos.



19. Are there any other little rules I should know about?
    
    Some to be aware of are: (and the ones people most often trip up on)
    
    
    
    • No selling in Guild chat – u may offer items free of charge if you wish, or send to the Guild bank
    
    
    • No spam linking of items in Guild chat – you can ask for peoples opinion on a couple of items but
    • don't link every Purple, Blue and Green item that you see
    
    
    • No spamming in Guild chat – if it's pointless chatter please whisper the person concerned or take it elsewhere (as in the CoC)
    
    
    • No begging to be power− levelled or asking for Gold (as in the CoC)
    
    
    
    These transgressions often only result in an informal warning and not an immediate Sinbin. We're friendly and want to keep it a pleasant environment for all.



20. I heard a rumour that the Guild leader is a chick (female) is that true?
    
    Yep− she's a chick. (Its suspected there's something going on with her and the Shaman class leader)



21. How do I become a better Roo? What can I do to help?
    
    Essentially, be sociable and have fun. Some more suggestions include:
    (Only do what you are comfortable with and that you have the time for, these are NOT requirements)
    
    Ignorance is NOT bliss − Read the Forums and Web− pages on a regular basis (ok− maybe this one is a requirement)
    Respond to people's questions if you think you know the answer
    Set your Browser homepage to: http://www.flatroos.com/
    Be willing to go on 5− person instance runs. Even if you don't really need anything from that instance
    Read the Forums and Web− pages on a regular basis
    Be willing to help people out on quests that need groups
    Assist with attunement runs
    Read the Forums and Web− pages on a regular basis
    If you have spare time− farm for hard to get mats and send them to the Guild bank
    Donate some Gold to the Guild bank (expensive patterns/recipes have to come from somewhere)
    Read the Forums and Web− pages on a regular basis
    If you're planning on raiding, do a little research on the Internet on the bosses that you will be likely facing to better understand the fight
    Update your mods.
    
    If you find yourself at a loose end you can always go check out the forums or read the Guild web pages. (Has anyone picked up on the theme here?)



22. I once knew this player that had all the answers to everything WOW related and knew exactly what was happening within the guild. They we're a fountain of all knowledge. Do you have any of these gifted players?
    
    A number of them – they are gifted with the ability to hit the ALT key and TAB key at the same time and visit these web− sites:
    
    http://www.thotbott.com/
    http://wow.allakhazam.com/
    http://www.wowhead.com
    http://www.flatroos.com/ but you've already got that web site running in the background don't you ?
    



23. If a man speaks in the Forest and there is no woman to hear him, is he still wrong?
    
    It's a rhetorical question.