Terrible experience.

They learned their lesson. Those two dungeons are the only dungeons to have lengthy cutscenes in the middle of it. All subsequent dungeons have their story stuff in a cutscene before entering, after leaving, or after defeating the boss. It's also one of the only dungeons where people can ignore the mobs to that extent: It was intended for item level 50 (and actually likely a bit lower...), but most folks are at ilvl 130. Other high level dungeons cap the effective item level so you can't exceed the mobs TOO much unless you run it unsynced.

I can relate that. When it was me, an bard was also left on the dust. Then later we cought up with others, with the boss already half dead and that AST solo healing, since his co-healer - ahem, me - was left on the dust.

I arrived there thinking that they're a static that farms this dungeon. And some time later I knew why.

I wish I could say rushing through is rare, but it literally happens every single time. Once or twice over the years someone has called out they are new and everyone agreed not to rush it but I wouldn't expect people to be that kind-hearted. However, I've never seen someone get vote kicked for being new. Next time something like that happens to you, report them. I will fight anyone bullying new players, I'm so sorry this happened to you. It should be smooth from here on out. :(

This is one of my biggest pet peeves about this game. I really wish they would turn those two dungeons into solo content, or perhaps 4-person.

I usually let the novices in my novice network know that they can ask us to run them through unsynced. That way you can watch all the cutscenes in the context of the dungeon, which makes the whole experience much more enjoyable.

Thoron, you're on my data center, so I would love to help you out with it if you still need it. I'll be a round tonight.

These dungeons were definitely one of their worst decisions for content. As is, they should implement a warning(like they already have saying there is an increased amount of cutscenes) to say that it is advised to ask for like-minded individuals in PF, novice network, FC, or even just shouting in one of the major cities(might work, but might not...FC and PF are best bets especially if you put you want to watch all scenes in the details for PF).

Sorry to hear you had that experience with it, and the kicking you was definitely WAY overboard.

I agree, that really sucks that that happened to you, and that kicking you was going too far. As the others have said, those dungeons are the most poorly-designed in the entire game and I think everyone has had some kind of bad experience. I lucked out the one and only time I did Castrum and things didn't go too badly (though I skipped all the cutscenes and have done so for pretty much every dungeon/trial since). The group even cheered me on for the last boss of that run, which was really nice! But Praetorium... Ugh, I feel your pain. I tried the MS Roulette once and wound up there, got ditched at the elevator after getting the computer key thing, and wasn't able to catch up again. I will probably never try that roulette again, I don't care how many tomestones you get out of it.
Anyway, hang tight! I know it's already been said, but the dungeons after those are much better. I can only think of one dungeon after that has a cutscene that lasts more than a minute before a boss, and that isn't until close to the end of 3.0's stuff. If you decide to skip the scenes in-dungeon, keep in mind you can go to any inn and use the Unending Journey to watch any cutscenes you've unlocked. And party finder really can be a lifesaver for trying to get a specific kind of experience out of older content. It may take some time to get a party together, but it can definitely be worth it! At any rate, welcome to the game! Here's hoping the rest of your experience is enjoyable for the most part :D

Never seen anyone votekicked out of MSQ before, and sometimes two to three people get left behind watching cut scenes. It shouldn't matter if they just watch when everyone else is overgeared. You just got unlucky with that particular group, sorry to hear. Kicking out the bonus guy did not make sense at all.

I think it would be a good idea to make those places solo content. For a game that is centered around the story (as far as I know up to this point) and actually forces you to do story quests, I just don't understand why the conclusion of the base game is completely ruined because of these duties. I have one friend that plays this and I know no one else. I have never even thought to use party search thus would have never known to use it this time. I know its old content, I get it. It just seems weird that I finally hit 50 and get to see the fruits of my labor in regards to the story forced upon me, only to not even be able to see any of it. I have to go to the inn and watch it or go find a video...what is this? A consolation prize for the time and money I have dedicated thus far?

I really do appreciate all the kind words of encouragement though. I'm sure I'll just keep chugging along to level 70 because it IS a fun game. Just a bit disappointed the base game story was ruined.

Watching the cutscenes at the inn doesn't give you the whole picture for those two instances considering you got left behind. They'll give you most of it in a sort of disjointed way but you'll miss out on the boss chatter happening during the respective encounters.

I'd really suggest to give the Party Finder a try, clearly state in the description that you want to watch the cutscenes and participate in the boss encounters and see if you can get people for a nice and slow run. (If you go with this make sure you have the option to skip previously seen cutscenes switched off for the run)

While I can only speak for the EU Datacenter the times I've noticed someone looking for a cinematic run in PF got enough people to get going in about 20 to 30 minutes unless they were put up way outside of prime time.
Even if you can't get a full party one or two level 70s can pretty much solo the place if you go with the unsynced/undersized party option.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Astrus

I'd really suggest to give the Party Finder a try, clearly state in the description that you want to watch the cutscenes and participate in the boss encounters and see if you can get people for a nice and slow run.

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This. You can do the dungeons unsynced, which means you can have 1-2 level 70 helpers run them with you (I've only done them at level 60, then 2 helpers was enough, now 1 could be if they're level 70). The fights will still last enough time that you can participate. :)