Finding a VoN Raid?

[froggyk13]

Hello everyone, relatively new player (for the second time), but I'm having a total blast with the game. Mostly I've been duoing with a more knowledgeable friend, and doing the occasional group, but I've heard that the raids in DDo are pretty fantastic, and that there are some available as low as level 8-10 or so. How does one find a raid for VoN? Is there a particular night of the week on which people PuG it, or do I need to be in a raiding guild?

Many thanks,

-Ramida

[Shade]

It's a flaw of DDO.

Raiding is meant for endgame, the fact we have lvl10 raids is a problem.Brands new players on Lvl10s generally aren't well equiped or experienced enough to figure out raids.. As getting to vll10 these days doesnt take very long.

So the only chances you have of getting in one, is if a veterane player rolls up a new character, and wants to run it at low lvl for some reason.

But generally its not worth it for them either, because the XP while high, isnt worth it due to the very long length of the raid given low lvl/new players will take in there.

The reason for this is that at release - this raid was the end game. It was balanced for the maximum level players. That's just no longer the case given the numerous lvl cap increases.

Really the raid needs to be rebalanced for lvl20s. Then it will get run.

[Torosar]

There isn't any particular night nor do you necessarily need to be in a 'raiding guild'. Just put a lfm up for VON 1 - 6 and make sure you get at least a Cleric (or a Favoured Soul who likes to heal) and a Rogue. After you finish VON 4, you can convert your party to a raid group and put another lfm up for VON 5 - 6 and pick up the remaining 6 players you need, hopefully which will include another Cleric.

It will be very tough for you all though if no one has any experience in VON 5 and 6.

[FluffyCalico]

VoN 5-6 runs don't happen much because you need 12 flagged at the same time, you end up on a 3 day timer, and you level out of the useful level range to do it at in about 1-2 days.

Also as shade pointed out this raid came out about 1 month after people hit the then max cap of 10 and was ment to be a challenge for them. Todays new (un-alt) level 10s just don't have the gear for it. To do it you really need at least 2-3 well geared level 10s all keyed and off timer at the same time +7 random level 10s that will actually listen to the other 2-3.

[froggyk13]

What about items like the Sword of Shadow? A lot of the drops seem decent enough for the level range, but the SoS has a huge crit range and a x3 crit modifier. Seems like it would get a lot of play up through at least the mid teens if not higher.

If I came across one of those in a PnP game, I would slap the DM in the face.

-Ramida

[Hafeal]

The Von Raid is a a great way to get be in a full 12 character setting for possibly the first time if you did not do Tempest Spine; it ha stunning visual impact and a meeting with an iconic D&D creature - the red dragon.

People flag Von's 1 through 4 first in House K with 6 character groups. You can generally do this is in 1 night with a good group or split it up as your time permits. Once those are flagged, you are ready for the "Pre-Raid" Von 5 and the actual Raid - Von 6 (the parts run together, so they must be done the same night).

If you are in a guild, I would try arrange it with your guildmates. As Fluffy pointed out, it can be hard to find people flagged for the Dragon at the same time. But patience and some planning will get it done. I have seen a Von 5-6 run every day this week on Khyber, so plenty seem to be running them.

Good luck!

[FluffyCalico]

What about items like the Sword of Shadow? A lot of the drops seem decent enough for the level range, but the SoS has a huge crit range and a x3 crit modifier. Seems like it would get a lot of play up through at least the mid teens if not higher.

If I came across one of those in a PnP game, I would slap the DM in the face.

-Ramida

You do know retribution is
+1
holy
pure good
true law and level 6 from thernal south right?

Mineral 2 from shroud think ML 12 (haven't checked recently) is
+5
Holy
Acid Burst
Acid Blast
Aspect of Mineral: Stoneskin (2/rest)
Mineral: Keen/Impact, Transmuting, Slicing, +80 Durability, +8 Hardness

[InfidelofHaLL]

Mineral 2 from shroud think ML 13 (haven't checked recently) is
+5
Holy
Acid Burst
Acid Blast
Aspect of Mineral: Stoneskin (2/rest)
Mineral: Keen/Impact, Transmuting, Slicing, +80 Durability, +8 Hardness

/me wonders when weapons began being on odd lvls for min lvl.........

[FluffyCalico]

/me wonders when weapons began being on odd lvls for min lvl.........

That would be ML 1

[Emili]

Ran Ailiae (lvl9 FvS) through vons yesterday... Von 3 had always been a staple quest for xp at level yet bloody surprising they raised xp on Von 4 : 8k from the 2-4 it used to be. We stopped after flag and I do forsee running the Vault/Plane in near future... without a doubt at mid level the vault still yeilds a nice xp reward, as for the plane, all I can think of be boots with any long term worth.

Send tell in game and am sure we can get a von going.

[Mts]

Ran Ailiae (lvl9 FvS) through vons yesterday... Von 3 had always been a staple quest for xp at level yet bloody surprising they raised xp on Von 4 : 8k from the 2-4 it used to be. We stopped after flag and I do forsee running the Vault/Plane in near future... without a doubt at mid level the vault still yeilds a nice xp reward, as for the plane, all I can think of be boots with any long term worth.

Send tell in game and am sure we can get a von going.

Emi - I have a toon that is geared and ready for it as well. Hit me on Mtc or Mtf.

[Eurytos]

It's a flaw of DDO.
...

It's not a flaw of DDO. Every game in existence has raids that have become less popular because of their low level and lower end loot after countless game updates and expansions. It's still good to run for it's level range for both xp, loot, and fun factor for those who haven't run it yet. Not everyone playing the game is a multi-year veteran who has run VoN a million times.

That being said, I still see VoN pugs (with appropriate level ranges) run a few times a week. You just have to either get lucky on timing when someone is leading one, or start one up yourself. Even if you don't get an experienced leader, it would still be fun to run it and figure it out. Not to mention, there are quite a few walkthroughs around anyway.

[Gornn]

Emi - I have a toon that is geared and ready for it as well. Hit me on Mtc or Mtf.

I've got a level appropriate FVS and Warchanter. I'll help you guys run this through. I'll need to flag them up though, whichever is needed. FVS is heal specced atm until I get blade barrier. And then I'll never cast a healing spell again. lawlz.

[froggyk13]

Sounds like at least a few people are interested. Any thoughts on doing this tonight? I'd love to cross path with a Red Dragon, and living to brag about it would be even better!

-Ramida

[InfidelofHaLL]

That would be ML 1

mmm if i remember correctly and i may be wrong but i seldom am.... its either no ml ml2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 20 for weapons...... but i mean I have taken 2 weeks off so a lot may have changed...... just sayin

[Purrp]

Once those are flagged, you are ready for the "Pre-Raid" Von 5 and the actual Raid - Von 6 (the parts run together, so they must be done the same night).

How long would the pre-raid and raid take to "figure out" the first time for an all-newbie guild, with no veteran guidance?

Failure, of course, is an option

[Gawna]

Ran Ailiae (lvl9 FvS) through vons yesterday... Von 3 had always been a staple quest for xp at level yet bloody surprising they raised xp on Von 4 : 8k from the 2-4 it used to be. We stopped after flag and I do forsee running the Vault/Plane in near future... without a doubt at mid level the vault still yeilds a nice xp reward, as for the plane, all I can think of be boots with any long term worth.

Send tell in game and am sure we can get a von going.

My level 9 barbarian, Tankerbella, is VoN flagged and ready to go! Feel free to shoot me a tell if you decide to put this together!

[Hafeal]

How long would the pre-raid and raid take to "figure out" the first time for an all-newbie guild, with no veteran guidance?

Failure, of course, is an option

LOL. Well, with no guidance, I would realistically budget at least 2-3 hours for a successful run. If you fail and re-start, it is quite possible to spend quite a bit more than that, it depends on how far you are ... the downside to the Von 6 is that if you fail, you have to re-run Von 5. My tip for you, bring a well-balanced party for the kind of run you are making. GL!

P.S. Von 5 is much longer than Von 6 and Von 5 has a timer ...

[Emili]

How long would the pre-raid and raid take to "figure out" the first time for an all-newbie guild, with no veteran guidance?

Failure, of course, is an option

Estimate for newbie in von 5 I'd say 45min - sometimes an hour... only due to there are a series of things you must do in some order. Shall you wish for spoiler let me know, or even plan to run with.

Sounds like at least a few people are interested. Any thoughts on doing this tonight? I'd love to cross path with a Red Dragon, and living to brag about it would be even better!

-Ramida

So beit:
1. Ramida *
2. Tankerbella
3. the parts of (Mtc or Mtf) will be played by Mts
4. Gornn in guise of (FVS or Warchanter) <- needs flagged
5. Ailiae Lui Le Chiele
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

Ramida, seeing Gornn needs flagged will Wendsday evening be ok? Please all shed some light on time? I know at least 2-3 guildies ran flagging with me who may be interested.

[Gornn]

Wednesday works. If I can get in some quick flagging tonight, tonight works as well.