1. Repair before you get there. There *is* a repair just inside the door, but he takes killing a boss to get to and he is not usable unless you have Honored reputation or better with the Violet Eye faction. Once we hit a point where people need to leave raid to repair, I will be enabling guild bank funds to be used for repairs, so don't worry too much about going broke.
2. Consumables. Basically, I am not requiring you to bring any, it's not like "oh you don't have the right potion *kick*" BUT. At *bare minimum*, you should bring a stack of bandages and a stack or two of Super Healing Potions, as well as a a stack or three of Super Mana Potions if you use mana. Stay stocked on class needs--hunters should have plenty of pet food, locks a full soul bag, etc.
So far as things like elixirs and flasks, yes they are a good idea. Get them if you can and use them. Same goes for buff food. Guild bank has a good number of these items; if what you need isn't there, we can attempt to hook you up. This stuff is not 100% necessary but can make a big difference, especially where tanks and healers are concerned.
3. A small amount of research does not hurt. Most of what's in these articles we'll go over again if need be, but it's a good idea to check strategies on Attumen, Moroes, Maiden, and the 3 bosses of the Opera Event, since we could get any of 'em. Read these carefully--these will have notes for all classes and roles in the party, which leads me to...
4. Know your role. Most of you do. If you don't...well, after a couple wipes you will. :D Pulling aggro in here is no joke--the trash hits like heroic bosses, so just watch out.
Yes we WILL be using in game chat!
Loot system will be master looter, and I will be concentrating on upgrades for people who need them most first (though this can be mitigated later on by things like raid attendance--the guy who shows every week will get a lil priority over someone who says they're going to show and never does and shows up once).