Let me start out by saying that this reply is not meant to be negative.
I joined in the hunt last Friday. I have just recently rejoined UO after about a 4-5 year break. Once UO is in your blood, it never leaves. I was excited to get into a group and my main focus was to learn from the current experienced players. New strategies, new monsters, new locations. I think the place we went was called the Crystal Dungeon? Not a very nice place. I beleive this was the first try at the Surprise hunt, and to be honest, I was a little disappointed. (Again, I am not being negative, I appreciate all who put the time in to do this.) Maybe, I was expecting the wrong thing out of the hunt?
Because this is a "Surprise" hunt, there is no time to research the location where the hunt will be. So I had no idea of what was expected of me, or what we were trying to accomplish. My main goal became to just try and stay alive, which was not accomplished. I was fine through the first 18 or so deaths, by about the 20th death I was getting discouraged, and by death 25 I was done. The only thing I was learning was how to play on a grey screen. I left the group without saying a thing. I am embarrassed about doing this. And would like to apoligize to all that I left hanging, in the group.
Each post concerning the Surprise Hunts, have emphasized the fact that you can join no matter what skill. No matter how new you are to the game. I am questioning that statement, if the hunts will be at the level that we did last week. It has been several years since I played, but my character is not a push-over. He is a Legendary Archer/Paladin. Death, after death, is even less fun for a new player.
Now this week, there is talk of needing to have quests completed to join in? I am just starting to figure out what quests are. And if this is a "Surprise" hunt, I will certainly not no what quests I should have completed.
I feel like I am rambling. I just wanted to express my feelings, and concerns in this post. The main thing is, I want the Hunt night to succeed. But, should this be focused towards more experienced players? Maybe, with some help a second new player/lower level group could be formed. This group might be more focused on teaching skills, and moving at a slower pace?
Please let me know if I am way off base?