WTF is hate?!

[Shinodo Bonitsu]

I know when I cast massive amounts of spells monsters decide to attack me and what not but what do I have to do so im not the one being hit? And where can I find out how much hate the monster has for me so I can tell when to stop casting for a bit?

[Soller]

There is no way to really tell the exact amount of hate you have. About the only thing you can do is limit the amount of spells you cast in a period of time. or depending on your level, just use melee attacks and use your spell as a finisher if your a low level since most fights don't last more then 30 seconds.

[Fanatic]

so how can you lessen the hate on you? i've been fighting in a parties lately and i always seem to be the target for argos, especially while we are resting. i can only take about 2 hits before im dead, and the warrior in the party didnt taut it fast enough so the goblin killed me. any suggestions?

[Soller]

Theres nothing you can do if you get aggro while sitting, thats a random chance there, but from my experiences with other games like EQ, your usually at the top of the hate list if your sitting. Also it might be due to your level if your the lowest in your PT, or maybe your the closest to the mob.

[FFXITsukasa]

It was lowest in level on EQ. I know when I was 21 in PC with my Rogue for some reason I would always get attacked before everyone else. Even if I was far away from spawn points. Fortunatly for me Zoah got me tons of cool stuff and I dished out more damage than some of my groups Warriors did especially with my all time favorite skill, Back Stab! As for spellcasters and not getting agro you have to decide when your spell is really needed and not go casting crazy. *sigh* Its very hard to do when you have that much power at your command. So maybe cast a spell ever 30 or so seconds to let everyone else catch up in damage so you dont get the hate.

[Calianeri]

In FFXI, doing damage and curing will both cause hate (emnity). The monster will attack whoever it hates most. Hopefully your meleers will be doing enough damage to keep the monster on them. The main way to get the hate focused on a tank if it goes after someone else is the warrior's provoke skill. It's absolutely crucial. Remember there is a 30-second delay between provokes.

For black mages, slow down your casting in a party. White mages, space out your cures a bit, and if you get attacked, have someone else cure you... try not to cure yourself if possible, it will just add more hate.

For aggro when not in a fight, I think it's whoever the monster "notices" first, by proximity/sight/sound/smell/magic etc. I don't think they make any decisions based on level per se. However, some aggressive monsters will start ignoring players once they reach a certain level.

[A_Water_Gecko]

I group with a thief a lot, so there's no provoke possible. I find starting with blind after he's made the first hit won't get you aggro.. then wait for it to get to 75% or so and nuke a tad. Usually if you space your nukes ever 25% you'll be mostly fine. Likewise, if it comes running at you feel free to cast bind on it. You can't go wrong bind in this case, and quite often it'll stick far long enough for any tank to get the taunt back on him. Other casters in the group and hurt tanks who bank off usually appreciate it too.

On the other hand, I've found bio/poison usually get me killer hate, so it's probably not a good ideal to dot them.

[FFXITsukasa]

Oh of course damage and curing cause hate. It is the same on EQ just that guy asked about when he was sitting why he was the guythat got picked on. I simply said that on EQ it was usually the lowest level. I understand hate and aggro already.