Enemy Sign Functionality

[Mychael]

Three things:
1. If we actually need "I NEED A HEAL" signals, etc, they should not be the same type of sign we're talking about; they should be pop-ups that disappear within seconds, as opposed to the "THIS IS THE TANK" or "DO NOT HELP ME, I AM KITING" kind of ally signs I'm imagining, which would have to be toggled on/off. On the other hand, the XI elitist inside of me just wants to say, "If you have to ask, someone's not doing their job."

2. If only one person in a huge group (i.e. Free Company) can control markings, that will be a mess--practically a job in itself (and a wasted party slot). That said, I'm in favor of restricted access over just opening access to enemy signals to everyone. If we really do see 30+ people working together, having more than one person with access seems logical, but having 30+ people marking makes them meaningless. Allowing leaders to allot rights per person seems to make the most sense.

3. I think the functionality of signals could be improved. Rather than simply pictures floating around, make them useful. Examples:

• If a mob is asleep and you don't want anyone to attack it, put a "DO NOT ATTACK" symbol on it; in addition to the icon, party members cannot attack it until the signal is removed.
  • Players should be able to disable/enable the effects of these "functional" symbols, i.e. if the party leader is a jerk/idiot and signals a mob that's attacking as do not attack, you could just type /sign (or something) and signals would just be pictures again. This is self-limiting, kind of--if a player frequently ignores real signals, they'll become undesirable, fast.
• For enemy targets, go with the numbered target idea. Then, allow /target <t1>,<t2>, etc. Allow mobs to be marked more than once. Then, half of a group can macro t1, the rest t2, and BLMs use t3, and the leader(s) can assign those groups to different targets or have them all on one.
• A kiter could be marked as no-help, so that no one could cure them while they build hate. Again, if a leader is being a jerk, just disable the effects of signals.

Also, there should be a failsafe in case of death or d/c. If no members are able to mark a target, all party members should temporarily gain access to add/remove the aforementioned marks.

Still, you know the best alternative to all of this? Everyone knowing what they're doing. >.>;