[Icemage]

First things first, my goal is to become a SAM/WAR. Currently I am a lvl 16 WAR galka. At level 18 I plan on leveling up a Monk until 15 for a WAR/MNK combo to last me till 30 and making a SAM/WAR afterwards.

Good plan, though you might consider levelling Monk to 18, then WAR to 37, which will allow you to sub /WAR all the way to level 75 Samurai without going back.

So far I have been in a few parties, but most of them have had their own little quirks.

- Don't provoke until monster changes direction and charges a mage
- No Provoke Macro letting you know when other warriors are about to cast it
- No communication when it comes to skillchaining except for a couple cases

Now I am new to this game that is true, but usually in all other MMO's I have played there has been some sort of in-party communicating. As I am aware that most macros need to use "translation" or words to make sure everyone understands what it going on, I find some only translate the skill name only.

This brings me to my question, shouldn't tanks make sure they share aggro when a PLD is not present to maintain full aggro? such as "WAR 1 provoke /wait 15, war 2 provoke /wait 15, war 1 can provoke again, etc" rather than "monster charging mages, 3 war provoke at same time, screwed for 30 seconds".

You're absolutely right that communication is very important. Unfortunately at lower levels you'll find that many players (I'm not accusing you, just saying in general) who are newer to the game haven't figured out quite how to coordinate and communicate. Saving Provokes when you have the luxury of having multiples certainly helps, but it's hard to convince people of that.

I notice alot of people I play with have subjobs below level 18, that makes me understand they are "older" players who know how a game works, why do they get testy when you try to suggest something that might work?

Because people are people and they feel that their "superior" viewpoint outweighs your newer opinion. I certainly find this attitude to be rather worthless, but it's fairly common even amongst seasoned veterans who ought to know that flexibility does that extends beyond the bounds of cookie cutters can work sometimes if you think things through and execute properly.

I have read up on some material on these forums and have a basic understanding of roles in a party, but at the same time I see people dodging new players like a bullet saying that they are not capable of handling the responsibilities of a party and thus I end up losing up on some party invites. Any tips on that?

Not much you can really do about it except make friends on your way up. Socialize with those people you see with the fully levelled subjobs prior to 18, find ones that you feel are mature and helpful, and cultivate their friendship. You'll appreciate having a helping hand later as you start hitting the roadblocks that stop many new players in their tracks (starting with the subjob quests, and extending much farther on).

I appreciate any kind of constructive criticism as well as tips that you veterans might have for me. I look forward to some replies and if it makes a difference I am on Alexander.

I think you're doing everything right. Just keep your wits about you and keep an open mind and you'll do fine.


Icemage