[Frieza_Prexus]

We've all seen it discussed a thousand times: FTE shouts, variance elimination, simulated patch days, etc. While those are all quality suggestions, this thread's purpose is the discussion of a single specific solution, so I'd appreciate it if we could maintain a narrow focus.

As the situation currently stands, I feel that the variance does a reasonable job at preventing FTE camp-fests, however, numerous late-window examples prove that the variance is not completely efficient at discouraging the FTE camp-fests. The following proposal is to help increase the efficacy of the variance in performing its stated purpose: discouraging sock-parties.

NOTE: Technically, all the calculations would be made upon the mob's death, however, that is a mere technical note as the playerbase will still be faced with uncertainty. All of the % figures are suggestions, and they could obviously use tweaking.

SOLUTION: When a mob's window reaches between 75% and 85% completion, the server has a 50% chance to extend the mobs window an additional 24 hours. The system then randomly places the mob's spawning at a new point somewhere within the duration of the final 25% to 15% of the window+24 additional hours. Should this new window reach between 75% and 85% completion, the check is repeated with a 25% chance at a 12 to 14 hour extension to the current window randomly placing the mob's spawning within the new window of 25% to 15% of current time left +12 hours. This 2nd 12 hour check may repeat indefinitely.

This might seem a bit confusing, but I've tried to make it as simple as possible. The reason the "extension check" is done when the window is between 75% and 85% completion is to keep the players guessing. For example, if the players know when the extension check occurs, they will just log on and sock until the window hits the point where the check is conducted. The players would still have a strong chance of the mob spawning right then and there. If it doesn't they just log out until the window nears closing again and sock until the neck check is made. To have the check made at an undefined point prevents this staggered socking style.

I've done some quick back-of-a-napkin probability calculations, and this scheme, in the long run if my math is correct, will not appreciably affect the number of pops per month of any given mob. Even if it did, I suggest that the one less Trak spawn a year might be worth it for fewer FTE bonanzas.

It is my hope that a productive dialogue occurs vis a vis this suggestion and that if we fine-tune it enough, we may draw the support of the server staff.