Synopsis

Lootster is a loot rolling interface that allows you to call for and capture loot roll, arbitrate ties and announce winner(s). In addition to managing simple rolls, it also manges various DKP styles, including the ability to automatically record points credited for attendance and debited for loot. For more information see the FAQ.

Features

WoW Call of the Crusade 3.2 Heroic Loot Naming

The WoW 3.2 patch introduced non-heroic and heroic loot with the same name. To support existing DKP systems (EQDKP, NDKP and Null DKP), I have chosen to differentiate the two types of loot with a " (H)" suffix on the item name of heroic items. This means that the item databases of those systems should use the same " (H)" suffix so that Lootster can correctly find and manage DKP settings and overrides for those heroic items.

WoW Hour of Twilight 4.3 Raid Finder Loot Naming

The WoW 4.3 patch introduced a new loot tier, raid finder, with the same name as non-heroic and heroic loot. To support existing DKP systems (EQDKP, NDKP and Null DKP), I have chosen to differentiate the extra type of loot with an " (RF)" suffix on the item name of raid finder items. This means that the item databases of those systems should use the same " (RF)" suffix so that Lootster can correctly find and manage DKP settings and overrides for those raid finder items.

Bug Reporting

Please use a good error catcher like Bugsack (requires !BugGrabber), and provide the entire error text with as much information on how to recreate the problem. Report the problem via the CurseForge ticket system to ease tracking.

Slash Commands

Language Support

Although basic roll capture will work in French, German and Spanish, the additional abilities (loot capture) will not. Spanish has a partial translation (thank you to PatoDaia). If you would like to contribute a translation for this addon, let me know via private message on this site. You will be given credit for the translation.

Installation

Unzip into <WoW Directory>\Interface\Addons.

User Interface

The user interface is used to perform all functions, and call be toggled (shown/hidden) through three methods:

  1. Using the command line via the /lootster or /ls command;
  2. Using the minimap button that can be used to toggle the user interface;
  3. Using the small Lootster frame that can be used to toggle the user interface.

To reset the various frame positions if they are dragged offscreen, use the command line /ls resetui to reset their positions.

The user interface can be moved anywhere on the screen via dragging the Lootster box. If the minimap button is not used, then the small frame will be shown, and visa versa.

Recent Version History

Version 3.3.2 - 12/03/12

Version 3.3.1 - 10/03/12

Version 3.3.0 - 09/13/12

Version 3.2.4 - 11/29/11

Version 3.2.3 - 07/06/11

Version 3.2.2 - 06/28/11

Version 3.2.1 - 04/26/11

Version 3.2.0 - 10/12/10

Version 3.2.Beta1 - 10/8/10

Version 3.1.6 - 06/23/10

Version 3.1.5 - 12/27/09

Version 3.1.4 - 12/08/09

Version 3.1.3 - 10/15/09

Version 3.1.2 - 09/20/09

Version 3.1.1 - 09/20/09

Version 3.1.0 - 08/04/09

Complete Version History

See the version history document for a complete version history of Lootster.

Boss detection on complex/multi-boss fights might be incomplete. There may also be misentered boss details. Please report these so they can be corrected.

Future Versions

No updates are planned at this time.

License

Creative Commons License
Lootster 3.x.x+ by Mackenz is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

FAQ

Since reading a user guide would be like watching paint dry, I have written a FAQ to try to narrow the discussion. I will be adding to the FAQ as questions are raised in the commentary.

  1. What does it mean when a link is red?
  2. What do you mean by simple roll capture?
  3. What do you mean by point system roll capture?
  4. What kind of roll handling does it provide?
  5. What do each of the Lootster pages do?
  6. What do each of the Lootster Option page tabs do?
  7. What is the typical sequence for handling player rolls?
  8. Why should I always announce winners in DKP mode?
  9. What is the 'Ass' button counters for Bosses on the Raid page?
  10. How do the guild ranks and toons work?
  11. What are usage rolls?
  12. Why should I set up a Banker for usage rolls?
  13. Can I modify the /roll for a type of usage roll?
  14. What is the usage Alt factor and Cost value/factor?
  15. How do the wins per raid limits work?
  16. What are events?
  17. What are the times associated with some events?
  18. What are the event percentages P% and S%?
  19. My raid has the wrong event points because I forgot to change them. What do I do?
  20. Can I modify the item point formula itself?
  21. The item points are too high/low - can that be changed?
  22. How do I export data from EQDKP/NDKP/Null DKP?
  23. How do I import data into EQDKP/NDKP/Null DKP?

  1. What does it mean when a link is red?

    A red link in the item list means that you have not yet 'seen' the item in-game, and it is therefore not in your item 'cache'. Such links are regarded as 'unsafe'. Blizzard builds a cache of all items you have seen in-game, where 'seen' means an item:

    1. On your character;
    2. In your bags;
    3. In your bank vault;
    4. Linked into chat text;
    5. Viewed in your guild bank vault;
    6. Viewed in an Auction House listing;
    7. Viewed via inspection of another player.

    These links are regarded as unsafe because attempting to get the item information may result in a disconnect. Generally, you can get the information for these links (by right-clicking the link in the Lootster item list) reliably every one or two seconds when on the live version of WoW, although there is still a chance you might be disconnected - in which case, slow down the right-clicking. You should be more cautious on the PTR (Public Testing Realm) of WoW, with right-clicking every few seconds as a starting point.

    The reason for this behaviour is to prevent addons from 'sniffing' for new items so that they can be added to the various WoW information web sites. This is why a PTR is much more sensitive since it will be a source of new content and new items.

    Note that your item cache will be empty (of course) after installation (of the live or PTR version of WoW). The item cache may also be cleared after a patch, and you may be directed to delete you Cache directory when troubleshooting. Be cautious if you see red links in your lists when logging in!


  2. What do you mean by simple roll capture?

    Simple rolls are those that are in essence either need or greed. Generally you won't have Lootster tracking dungeons ('raids'), bosses, attendance and loot, though you could. Currently supported simple roll types are:

    1. 100 and 1000 - Rolling for Need (/roll 100) or Greed (/roll 1000) in one call for rolls;
    2. Need or Greed - Rolling for Need or Greed in two separate calls for rolls;
    3. Free-For-All - Rolling for Free-For-All in one call for rolls.

  3. What do you mean by point system roll capture?

    Point system rolls are those that may have various loot purposes (such as main-spec, off-spec, shard), and where the loot is distributed using a points system. Generally, you will have Lootster tracking raids, bosses, attendance and loot, though you don't have to. Currently supported point system types are:

    1. DKP - DKP is used for loot priority;
    2. Tiers - DKP tiers are used for loot priority;
    3. Modified Rolls - /roll is modified by DKP for loot priority;
    4. Modified DKP - DKP is modified by the /roll result for loot priority;
    5. EPGP - EP is divided by GP resulting in PR for loot priority.

  4. What kind of roll handling does it provide?

    Lootster can capture rolls and sort them according to priority. Priority can be based on item usage, player points in the selected points system, membership (Full/Trial/Applicant) and toon type (Main/Alt).

    It can handle rolling on more that one of an item in a single roll call. When there are tied players, it will announce outright winners (if any), then call for any tied players to reroll, ensuring only those players are accepted. Lootster will enforce class restrictions placed on an item for 'needy' rolls, whether they be inherent with the item (like armour tokens) or have been manually restricted.

    Players also have the option to type 'pass' into party/raid chat, which will mark the player as having passed. A player can /roll then type 'pass' into party/raid chat, which will cause Lootster to remember the roll but not consider them when determining a winner. A player can then type 'reclaim' to reclaim a previously passed roll. Also, when 100/1000 or USAGE rolling is in effect, a player can 'downrank' a previous roll by performing a roll with lower usage priority. A player can neither reclaim the previous roll, nor roll usage that has a higher priority than the usage for which they rolled (for example, they cannot roll Greed then try to roll Need)

  5. What do each of the Lootster pages do?

    The Lootster pages are selected via the buttons on the bottom of the main user interface:

    1. Rolls - The roll capture page, where you call for rolls, monitor rolling and announce winners. Also allows you to set/override item points in points mode;
    2. Player Points - The player points page allows you to view the points for each player, in addition to the attendances and adjustments for a selected player (points mode only);
    3. Loot Points - The loot points page allows you to view and manage the points that have been assigned to loot. The loot might be from the DKP export file or were manually added (points mode only);
    4. Raid - The raid page allows you to view and manage all the recorded details of raids, bosses, attendances, adjustments and assignments;
    5. Restricted Loot - The restricted loot page allows you to view and manage the class restrictions that have been manually placed against loot;
    6. Options - The options page allows you to configure Lootster's behaviour and the various point systems it supports.

  6. What do each of the Lootster Option page tabs do?

    The Lootster Option page tabs are selected at the top of the Options page:

    1. Interface & General - Interface determines the minmap button placement, if any. General options set various general broadcast/whisper settings for Lootster announcements and messages;
    2. Roll & Raid - Roll determines what kind of roll capture is used (simple Vs. points system), the particular capture mode, settings to control priority (membership, toon type) and values associated with the selected point system such as caps and factors. Raid determines whether raids are tracked automatically, whether bosses are tracked individually, and what kind of instances are so tracked;
    3. Loot, Member & Toon - Loot determines whether loot should be tracked automatically, and what quality level of loot are so tracked. Member & Toon determines how to interpret guild ranks and the format of public notes that will identify the Main for an Alt;
    4. Usage Rolls - Usage Rolls determine if usage rolls are enabled, whether they are single or separate calls for rolls, and what individual usage rolls are enabled and their priority within the list of usage rolls. Each usage roll can be configured with the Alt points factor and points Cost value/factor.
    5. Events - Events determine which events are automatically tracked by Lootster. Each event can be enabled for either 10-man and/or 25-man raids. The points awarded for each event can be configured for 10-man and 25-man raids independently, specifying Full points, and percentage of Full points for Partial and Standby attendance;
    6. Item Points - Item Points determine if they are enabled, and if so, for which levels of item quality. The item points can have an overall points multiplier. Each item quality level can have its factors adjusted, as can the various groupings of item (inventory) slot factors.

    Note that some of these settings will become read-only when a roll call is made to prevent changes while players roll.

  7. What is the typical sequence for handling player rolls?

    The sequence of actions for handling player rolls is very similar no matter what rolling mode is in used, with only slight variations:

    1. Recommended - Link the item into Lootster's item area using Shift-Click from a loot window, bag or chat message. Note that this step is mandatory for efficient points handling of loot;
    2. As Needs - Enter the count of items for which will be rolled. Default is 1;
    3. Mandatory - Call for rolls using the roll call button, which are variously labeled NEED, GREED, 100/1000, FFA, USAGE or Call depending on the roll mode;
    4. Optional - Broadcast a list of lagguards that have not yet rolled/passed by pressing the Rolls: N of M button;
    5. Optional - Broadcast a roll countdown;
    6. Recommended - Announce the results, including winners, if any. This also determines if there are ties and will setup Lootster for a tied roll appropriately. Note that this step is mandatory for efficient points handling of loot;
    7. As Needs - Call for rolls by those that tied using the TIED button. This button will be enabled only after the announcement of results has detected tied players;
    8. Mandatory - Clear the list of rolls, going back to step (i).

  8. Why should I always announce winners in DKP mode?

    By announcing the winners, Lootster bookkeeps the usage (Main-Spec, Off-Spec etc) for which each of the winners rolled. When not auto-looting DKP items, the item is booked as is.

    When auto-looting DKP items, Lootster will cross check the item when looted by the player. If the item was announced, the item is matched off and the item disappears from the list of pending Assigns. If the winners were not announced, Lootster will bookkeep the item with a usage of Main-Spec Need (usually therefore with maximum points).

  9. What is the 'Ass' button counters for Bosses on the Raid page?

    The new 'Ass' button for boss entries on the Raid page represents a count of outstanding assignments for that boss. Pressing the button will list the outstanding assignments.

    An assignment is created when you announce winners and you are automatically bookkeeping loot picked up by players (non-DKP items in Normal mode, DKP items in DKP mode) It does this such that all items looted by players are tracked. To prevent double counting items, announcing winners will create an assignment for each of the won items, noting the player, its usage and the point cost.

    When the player picks up the item, the assignment is matched off and will disappear from the assignment list. Conversely, if the player picks up an item before the Lootster announces a winner, an assignment will be created for that looted item. Note that this assignment will be for the Main-Spec Need usage, since Lootster will not know at that point what usage the player rolled (and won) the item. When the Lootster announces the winners, this entry will be matched off and disappear from the assignment list.

    The existance of assignments after all the winners have been announced and players have picked up their loot indicates:

    1. All the winners were not in fact announced;
    2. The wrong player picked up/received the incorrect loot;
    3. The Lootsterer or player was out of range of the chat message saying that the player picked up the loot.

    Although not too serious, it is worth checking this list to make sure the items are booked correctly. The Match All button will simply match off the remaining assignments for a boss.

  10. How do the guild ranks and toons work?

    There are a few ways of setting up the guild ranks and toons (Main/Alt):

    1. Web System - Web systems such as Null DKP keep track of membership (Full/Trial/Applicant) and toons (Main/Alt). The Lootster data exporter for Null DKP automatically includes that data;
    2. Export Plugin - The Lootster export plugins for EQDKP and NDKP can be hardcoded with the membership and toon information. Though tedious it is an option;
    3. Guild Ranks and Notes - Lootster can assign Full/Trial/Applicant classification to each Guild Rank via the Options page Loot, Membership & Toon tab. In addition, it can map Alts to their Main via the Guild's Public Note. Due to Guild Public Notes also having other purposes, Lootster can have a Prefix and/or Suffix regular expression to isolate the name of the Main.

      For example a Prefix of '(' and Suffix of ')' will isolate a Main in the form of '(Fred) is a LW' from the Guild Public Note for an Alt of Fred. If you are unsure of further use of regular expressions ask in the guild.

  11. What are usage rolls?

    Usage rolling allows players to roll for specific use of an item, such as Main-Spec Need, Off-Spec Need, Bank Shard, etc. Lootster will allow usage rolls in DKP mode only. There are two forms of usage rolling:

    1. Single - The Lootsterer makes a single call for rolls, where each player can make a /roll nnn for the appropriate usage. Players can whisper 'loot usage' to the Lootsterer at any time to get a list of allowed usage rolls. Note that Single usage rolls is not available when using DKP Modified Rolls;
    2. Separate - The Lootsterer makes a sequence of call for rolls until the item(s) are won. Lootster will cycle through the available usage rolls automatically with a minimum of intervention.

    Each individual usage roll can be enable/disabled, so not all may be allowed by a Lootsterer. Here is the full list:

    1. /roll 1 - Called. Player is calling their one guarenteed item of the raid night;
    2. /roll 100 - Main-Spec Need;
    3. /roll 200 - Off-Spec Need;
    4. /roll 300 - Main-Spec Greed;
    5. /roll 400 - Off-Spec Greed;
    6. /roll 500 - Alt BoE. A BoE item for an Alt;
    7. /roll 600 - Bank BoE. A BoE item to be held by the Bank;
    8. /roll 700 - Main-Spec Shard;
    9. /roll 800 - Off-Spec Shard;
    10. /roll 900 - Bank Shard. A shard to be held by the Bank;
    11. /roll 1000 - Greed. Pure and unadulterated greed.

    Note that all usage rolls from Main-Spec Need to Bank Shard may be moved in winning priority order. Called and Greed are always highest and lowest priority.

  12. Why should I set up a Banker for usage rolls?

    A Banker, set on the Options page Usage Rolls tab, should be set if points are awarded for items going to the Bank (Alt BoE and Bank Shard). The reason is that the points would otherwise be charged against the person collecting the bank items, which they won't be happy about. Setting a Banker will cause Lootster to book such items against that 'Bank' player name.

  13. Can I modify the /roll for a type of usage roll?

    No. After considering this for a time I concluded that it would be too confusing, either accidentally or on purpose. A Main-Spec Need roll will always be /roll 100. However, other roll usage types may be added in the future.

  14. How do the wins per raid limits work?

    Each usage can be enabled to limit the number of wins a player (and their alt(s)) can win per raid for that usage. By default, the Called usage is so enabled, and it's wins per raid is set to one. This means that a player can win only one Called roll per raid. The Raid Leader may determine that this is say any Epic, or say an armor token. Of course the number of Called wins per raid can be changed or disabled.

    The wins per raid is only checked when the player rolls. If they have hit their alloted number of wins, their roll is accepted but put on hold. The Lootsterer has the sole discretion to subsequently enable that player's roll. The player will be informed when this happens. Manually created/modified loot adjustments will not be subject to the wins per raid check.

    Note that a player that has a held roll because they hit their wins per raid limit has the option to downgrade their roll by rolling a lower priority usage roll. That new usage roll will not be held unless it too would exceed the player's wins per raid for that usage.

  15. What is the usage Alt factor and Cost value/factor?

    The usage Alt factor is the multiplier used to calculate the item points deducted from a Main on behalf of that Main's Alt. For example, it might be set to 0.5 so Alts are charged only half points.

    The Cost value/factor is the normal way to cost items of that usage roll type. A Cost value is a straight value, for example 10.0 might be used for shards. A Cost factor is a multiplier used to calculate the item points for that usage type. For example, it might be set to 0.5 for Off-Spec Need so that off-spec items are charged half points.

    Note that each usage roll type has it's own Alt factor and Cost value/factor. Also note that the Alt factor is always applied to the Cost value/factor. Thus, in the above example where an Alt won an item for Off-Spec Need, they would be charged quarter points (0.5 * 0.5).

  16. What are events?

    Events are bookkeeping entries that are grouped in a raid. Lootster has a number of event types, all of which can be individually enabled/disabled for 10-man and/or 25-man raids. A Full points value can be associated with each event, with separate values for 10-man and 25-man raids. Additionally, a Partial and Standby percentage of the respective Full points value can be specified. Current events are:

    1. Raid: Start - An automatically booked event when a raid starts;
    2. Raid: Finish - An automatically booked event when a raid finishes;
    3. Boss: Attempt - An automatically booked event when Lootster is waiting for the outcome of a boss fight;
    4. Boss: Kill - An automatically booked event when a Lootster detects a boss kill;
    5. Boss: Wipe - An automatically booked event when a Lootster detects a boss wipe;
    6. Bonus: Award - An manually booked event that the Lootster can create;
    7. Bonus: Time - An automatically booked event that occurs on a time basis.

  17. What are the times associated with some events?

    Some events on the Options page Events tab have an associated time. The meaning of the time varies depending on the event:

    1. Raid: Start - The time is the interval between raid starts (in the same instance/raid id) when a new raid is deemed to be started. Initially 12 hours;
    2. Raid: Finish - The time is the interval between raid finishes (in the same instance/raid id) when a old raid is deemed to be finished. Initially 12 hours;
    3. Bonus: Time - The time interval at which a Bonus: Time entry is made during a running raid. Initially 15 minutes. Will be pro-rated is the raid finishes before the full Bonus: Time interval.

  18. What are the event percentages P% and S%?

    Each individual event can award different points for 10-man or 25-man raids. This is the Full points. The P% and S% is the percentage of those Full points that will be awarded to attendees that had Partial or Standby attendance during that event.

  19. My raid has the wrong event points because I forgot to change them. What do I do?

    Simply update the event(s) with the points you want in the Options page Events tab, then head to the Raid page. Select the raid you want to rebook, click Modify, then click Modify in the Modify Raid popup. Thats it - the raid events have been rebooked with the correct points!

  20. Can I modify the item point formula itself?

    No. The various point, item quality and item slot factors exposed should give enough variability to the calculation of points to give decent results. If you have a better item points formula, open a ticket with the details so it can be considered for inclusion.

  21. The item points are too high/low - can that be changed?

    Yes, by setting the pFactor to a value which will increase/decrease the magnitude of the item points.

  22. How do I export data from EQDKP/NDKP/Null DKP?

    There are plugins available for EQDKP and NDKP to export the web data into a LootsterDKP.lua file, which will be used by Lootster to initialise player points data. The WoW version of Null DKP comes with a Lootster export ability that can be exposed.

  23. How do I import data into EQDKP/NDKP/Null DKP?

    The Raid page has a Raid Report button. This will bring up the Report user interface. Select the Report Format of CT_RaidTracker and hit Refresh. You can copy the string and paste it into the CT_RaidTracker import plugin for EQDKP.