Why do you raid?
 

I've been casually reading threads about the current endgame conundrum about raiding etc. Honestly, I have no idea why people put countless hours into raiding, I mean, I guess that's the point of reaching max level, but what are the main benefits of raiding?

Now I guess that's my overall point, why do you raid? Is it because of some unfinished business you never achieved years ago? Or maybe, is it the fact that uber gear is very satisfying? You have to understand, I started EQ back in 2003 and my max character level was a level 44 human paladin - walking around on my white horse casting dmg vs undead spells, believing I was the fist of justice and light. I was 13 years old, mind you.

Anyway, does the gear make your character that much better? The only benefit I could see of this is being able to solo more effectively, depending on your class. I guess I have to have a real reason to play endgame content that zealously. I mean I've never really experienced a real raid boss fight in EQ, but from the threads ive read it seems more stress than pleasures - which doesn't turn me away from it - nearly everything in life and in hardcore gaming comes at great sacrifice.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, after you've achieved best in slot gear? What then?

Do it for the chicks.

Make an alt and begin again.

It's at the point where people have numerous 60s and camp various characters out at a variety of "in window" targets. Makes the whole scene a bit of joke really.

"Foot race? Naw, logging to character 7"

I had an escape plan. A maxed classic / Kunark ranger is a pretty good soloist. I use her to kill green cons for my tailoring business.

Okay, now that seems something productive. I love professions, so farming gear for alts and tradeskills is something I can appreciate.

It is fun to travel around and help people do things they would normally not be able to do. Some classes benefit more than others from raid gear, but any raid geared character is going to bring a strong pillar to a normal group. Oh, and fashion.

To crush my enemies, to drive them before me and to hear the lamentations of their women.

To see my name in yellow text.

listening to bergouts in teamspeak is the funniest this you can hear with your ears.

panties