Current Raid Meta: Good or Bad?

[Ekco]

asked AI to come up with a better system, it came up with the old system(?)

Based on the comprehensive rules you've provided, the core issue with the current "FTE Lockout" system is that it can lead to significant server-wide downtime and rewards a successful initial tag more than successful execution. A guild can win FTE, wipe, and then effectively remove a major raid target from play for up to an hour while other capable guilds are forced to wait.

Here is a preferable alternative system, designed to prioritize action, reward execution, and reduce raid scene bottlenecks.

Proposed Alternative: The "Engage & Execute" System
This system replaces the optional 1-hour FTE Lockout rule entirely, focusing on a more dynamic "you hold it while you fight it" approach.

Core Mechanics:

1. FTE Primacy (Unchanged): The guild that successfully obtains the "First to Engage" (FTE) message on a raid target earns the exclusive right to engage that target.

2. Engagement Lock (Replaces Lockout): As long as the FTE-winning guild remains actively engaged with the mob (per the definition in Q7, having at least one player on the mob's hate list), no other guild may interfere. This is the guild's protected attempt.

3. The Wipe Condition & Forfeiture: If the FTE-winning guild wipes (meaning the mob's hate list is cleared of all players from that guild), their exclusive claim on the mob is immediately forfeited. Wiping is a failure of the attempt.

4. Open Target Status: Once forfeited, the raid target immediately becomes an "Open Target." Any guild may now attempt to gain a new FTE on it. There is no need to wait for it to path back to its spawn or regenerate to full health (as per the note in Q8).

5. Wipe Cooldown Penalty: To prevent a guild from repeatedly "zerging" a target after a wipe and to create a fair competitive window, the guild that wiped is placed on a 15-minute cooldown for that specific raid target only. They may not attempt to re-engage that mob until their cooldown has expired. They are free to engage any other raid targets during this time.

Rules This System Eliminates or Changes:

⚬ Eliminated: The entire concept of a declared 1-hour lockout.

⚬ Eliminated: The rule that a guild with a lockout may not engage any other raid targets. This is a major bottleneck that the new system removes.

⚬ Modified: The consequence of wiping. Instead of maintaining control, a wipe now results in a loss of control and a short-term penalty for that specific mob.

Benefits of the "Engage & Execute" System:

⚬ Reduces Server Downtime: This is the primary advantage. A raid mob will never sit unengaged for up to an hour after a failed attempt. The action continues, making the raid scene more vibrant and active.

⚬ Rewards Preparation and Execution: Victory is determined by the ability to kill the target, not just the ability to win the initial race. A guild that is better prepared and executes flawlessly can capitalize on the failure of another. This fosters a higher level of competition.

⚬ Promotes a Dynamic Raid Scene: Guilds are no longer locked into a single target for an hour. If they succeed quickly, they can move on. If they fail, they can regroup and pursue a different objective while another guild takes their shot. This allows for more raids to happen server-wide.

⚬ Reduces "Hostage" Scenarios: It prevents a situation where a guild locks down a key target (e.g., Avatar of War) but is unable to defeat it, effectively holding the mob hostage from the rest of the server.

⚬ Maintains the Spirit of FTE: The thrill of the race and the importance of getting the first tag are preserved. The FTE guild is still given a fully protected, fair attempt to kill the mob. The system simply adds the condition that they must be successful to retain their claim.

This alternative shifts the focus from "ownership by tag" to "opportunity by execution," which would likely create a more competitive, engaging, and efficient raiding environment for the entire Project 1999 Blue server.