Question about raid prep

[Illara]

Hi all!  I'm a level 65 templar who has basically soloed/duoed my way thus far.  To that end, I really don't have much full group experience, let alone "raid" level experience to speak of.  I'm wondering if there are any resources available for me to read so that I can prep myself for trying to participate in some larger group events (a.k.a. some of these quest series that end in raid/multi-group level encounters), without being a total embarassment and/or liability.  I used to be in a mid-level raid guild in EQ1, though it feels like it was eons ago and it makes me a little jittery in my stomach to think people will be relying upon my out-of-practice raid muscles to survive.Some quick info on my character; I'm in full mastercrafted for my level, and have all Adept III's.  My other equipment slots need to be upgraded a bit, but that's easy to do.  Also, i'm about ready to start tackling Kunark, where I hear there are nice upgrades to be had.So, I would appreciate any and all advice, and thank you in advance for your time!~Rissa

[Enoa]

<p>Check out the templar section on eq2flames.   There is a stickied "templar guide" that isn't bad.  It includes Adornment information as well.   If you surf back a page in the forums you'll find aa information.   The forum isn't particulary active right now but everything of importance has been discussed already and is easy to find.  </p><p>As for quests to complete.. i'm not sure SOD is worth the effort at this point since their are at least equivalent weapons you'll get in the next 10-15 levels.   The claymore quest line may still be worthwhile as the symbol claymore reward is almost irreplaceable.   That questline will be a pain since there isn't many people raiding T7 anymore (DT raid required to finish questline).  If you haven't done manastone and manastone 2 quests do them as those items will continue to be useful.  </p><p>To prep for raiding gear selection is important.   In most regards the heroic content gear is better than anything you'll get from T1-T2 raiding.</p><p>When you get to 70 hit SOF a few times to pick up the shield of rainbow shield (nice shield for shield ally and still useful in t8 raids for occasional mobs that fear) and the crimson cloak of alendine (casting haste).   I still feel the cloak of unrest is one of the best cloaks except the new one from RE2 or the healing wave cloak from TNT.</p><p>The solo quest grind in ROK is going to suck but if you have a duo partner it will be tolerable.   I think the only must have quest reward is in Jarsath Waste quests (overloaded heals earring).   Reet faction in KJ will have a nice overloaded heals wrist piece and a heal crit wrist you can buy once you have 40k faction.   Wheel faction will give a mana proc'ing ring.   Jinisk faction merhant in KJ will give you overloaded heals pants</p><p>Rest of your t8 gear will come from instances probably level 75 up..  chelsith (heal crit earring, yeb-soth guardian, forearms of the elite-shock trooper), maidens (gift of the queen), COA/ Vaults (set peices).  Although it might seem counterintuitive ... collect at least the mastercrafter gear that has parry/riposte (danok necklace) or block % (helmet / shoulders) as they work with shield ally.  As you progress through ROK look for overloaded heals, heal crit, and mana proc'ing gear (can almost ignore +heal pieces imo).   Also the Guard of Drelikus from chardok is a MUST have for any templar who is going to attempt to raid in t8.</p><p>The blue shiney collection from chardok is a Must have IMO and gives you a belt with "pond wash" which is overpowered if several are worn in a group.   I'd get that ASAP upon hitting 80.</p><p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.lootdb.com/" target="_blank">www.lootdb.com</a> is a useful site for finding gear.</p><p>Enoa</p>

[Illara]

Thank you so much for the reply!  I will definitely peruse the older messages here some more to glean pertinent info. ~Rissa