I'm not at the level where I can tell you which spell to memorize but have a few tips for you nonetheless:
- How long does it take? Depends on your raid structure, how long you have, where you're going... There is no rule of thumb here but expect a few hours (I used to raid on Live back in time, never saw a raid lasting less than 3h)
- Watch your aggro
- How does it work? Each target and location will have it's strategy and recommendations (for exemple don't wander in the wild in PoFear unless you like trains). Generally speaking, don't engage a mob unless you're the puller (that won't be you as a druid) or the assist call has been sent.
Your raid leader should explain you the strategy, do's and don'ts before. Alternatively, a lot of guild will post this on their forum. Saves a lot of typing time and gives ample time to the people attending to familiarise themselves with the "rules".
Generally speaking, to be successful, expect the raid leader to be very directive as he has designed the strategy and needs you (and the others) to do some specific things at some specific time. The worst thing that one can do is not to pay attention so be a good soldier and listen to your general, no ifs, no buts. Not doing this is the best way not to get invited again.
- Watch your aggro
- Be on time. A meeting place and time should have been announced prior to the raid, be there on time with everything you need in terms of consummables (this includes IRL consummables): a cleric running out of peridot is bad omen... so is some going ninja afk to grab a can of Coke...
- Watch your aggro
- Your role as a druid will generally be to assist heal (keep everyone alive so the clerics can focus on the main tanks) and possibly assist DPS (especially during the clearing phase). Let's not forget the buffs you can bring to the table. In a nutshell, as a jack of all trade, just like in a group, your role is to fill in the gaps; said gaps will depend on your raid structure (you may already have a lot of healers and be designed to DPS mainly or not enough healers and be asked to do this solely)
- Watch your aggro
- The raid leader is a busy chap during raids. Don't talk to him (unless you're a group leader) and don't question the strategy. If you have some suggestions to make regarding the strategy, post them on your forum. There is no stupid ideas (well, usually) but raid time is not the right time to submit them.
- Watch your aggro
- That being said, communicate with the raid: if you get low on mana, say it. The raid leader will know that the raid overall DPS/healing capacity has gone down but also, maybe a necro has some mana to spare and will twitch you. But also, if you have to go AFK, say it (and try to do this during downtimes).
- Watch your aggro
- Do some research prior (this is linked to the strategy mentionned above). For example:
-- If you have to heal, do you have to expect a phase where the targets will do more damage, like enraging at 10% HP or casting an AE every 30 sec...
-- If you have to DPS, what are the lowest resists of your target which will help you in your spell selection
-- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the other classes. How can you guys compliment each other?
- Watch your aggro
- Be patient, you will die... a lot. You will get frustrated... a lot. You will wipe at 5% of the target hp... a lot. Rememnber that everyone in the raid will probably feel the same but you are here for some good time with them so enjoy the good sides of it (you are probably hunting in an unusual place with some people you may not group with very often).
- Watch your aggro
- Don't let raiding become a chore... ever.
That's not much, but that's what I can tell you. Our raiders will probably complete that with more details. Oh, one last thing: watch your aggro (this can't be stressed enough).
Petitpas/Nagash
|