How does your LS handle Instance Raids?

[Murugan]

Well in Triple Spark we have scheduled event days (twice a week currently), where we try and fit in all those who show up. Of course as we have a DKP system everyone in the LS is encouraged to come and so if we have 9+ priority for spots has to go to who is needed by the current strategy (meaning a main tank, and x # of mages), who still needs items, and finally who simply wants to go along. Overall we try not to have too many people sitting out, because the truth is there is no good solution to that problem.

For people who want to do darkhold more than twice a week like those in our LS with all classes to 50 and nothing better to do, we run pick up groups at other times.

I'd personally hate to be in a linkshell with a "first string" group. It is really very hard to have a roster capable of supporting multiple balanced groups, not set groups (cliques), but completely interchangeable ones I guess that would be the ideal goal. It is just very hard to pull off because you need to have extremely carefully balanced recruiting or you'll be left with more problems than being under-full.

We have aimed at being a more traditional "endgame" linkshell since launch, however XIV's development cycle hasn't really lent itself to that (still not having alliance content, and going from 15-8 person parties). As a result we are forced to be a relatively small LS compared to most which brings with it its own problems (we struggled for a long time with a shortage of mages after a few key members quit the game); but on the other hand we don't have cliques, have little drama, and have a roster full of I think reliable people most of whom have been with us for a long time.

Our real goal I think is to have all our members and our linkshell itself prepared by the time actual endgame content comes out. Until then it is just a matter of keeping everyone involved and getting a chance to all work together on the limited "endgame"-ish goals the game currently has to offer. It's all just practice at this point, but I'd still hate for someone in our LS to feel alienated from LS events. So for me at least that takes precedence over progression (especially since progression at this point is so limited, it is an easy choice).

[Leeloo]

Which isn't a bad thing. He's thinking outside the box. I commended anyone that isn't a total wuss and only goes with ARCs.

Yeah, I'm just messing with Mog about that. It really isn't something I liked about XI and wish we could avoid in XIV. I want it to be all about fun & games rather than serious linkshells with schedules, a power hierarchy, & rules that go well beyond your basic "just be excellent to each other" type stuff.

But because not all 100% of the players can be trusted to always do the right thing for the group, and it can just really be rough trying to keep a bunch of random players organized. Serious stuff like that becomes necessary to avoid issues. Which is a shame. That's where more dedicated, serious people are useful. To manage all of that nonsense I wouldn't wanna deal with.

[Renshi]

In two methods:

1. Weekly Schedule;
2. Like a BBQ Party, planned before.

[Mattei]

Set a time to start, have the event leader get there 15 minutes before and the first 8 people there go in. Thats assuming everyone everyone still needs stuff from it. Now we just let the people that need stuff go because we are all basically capped lol.

[Holy_Dragoon]

We do our Dungeons a few ways.
Most runs are first come first serve. We tend to let new members join a run over someone who has done it 30 times. Unless of course we need a experienced mage or tank to ensure survival or lead the group through. We're not afraid to wipe either.

Scheduled: Dedicated times based on the time available around the LS. Rotates in/out with NM hunts based on member needs.
Pick-up Linkshell Groups: If a few R50 people seem interested, we'll put together a group on a whim.

Dungeon Run Types
Efficiency, vs Experimentation. We don't like to lock members into playing dedicated roles, archer builds etc. We do run known successful builds though too, depending on if we have a mid-core or a hard-core group.
Experience Run: We try to get less experienced members through the dungeon and practice. Usually includes Task Oriented type.
Task Oriented: Completion of specific goals, such as Grand Company Quest completion.

Sure we could just try and go for efficiency every time, but I know our members would lose interest. We're in this game to have fun right? We try to show everyone you don't have to be "the best" to enjoy the dungeon. Efficiency has its place, and that is why we doth both various styles of runs.

[tachikoma]

At this point if we have more then 8ppl someone is always happy to drop out of the run and do some grinding of some form. The problem was when content first was released that first week was tough. At least there is no time restriction so we can enter whenever we want. Imagine how hard it would have been if we had a 1 entry per leve reset restriction.

[Scape]

We have people that go in all the time, but you have to be on mumble at the time to know about it. If someone they want isn't on mumble then they will send out tells to them. If they get really really desperate, they may ask in LS chat.