Encounter Lock

Encounter Lock or First to Engage (FTE) is a system to be introduced with the launch of the Oakwynd progression server on May 24, 2023. The Encounter Locking feature will allow the first person, group, or raid that engages an NPC the ability to prevent others from interfering with the fight. A primary goal with adding the feature is to mitigate issues regarding kill-stealing and training, especially in the early EQ experience before content becomes more instance based as the expansions unlock.

• Oakwynd Information and FAQ

Basic information

From this post by EQ Dev on the Daybreak forum:

• When an NPC spawns, it will be locked to prevent people from attacking it. The lock should be removed shortly after spawning.
• When an NPC enters combat, it should lock to the person that caused it to do so. It should unlock a short time after it leaves combat given that it doesn't re-enter combat during that time.
• You should not be able to attack an Encounter Locked NPC if it has a grey name, indicating it is Encounter Locked to someone else. This should apply to all spells, melee, and abilities such as Taunt.
• If an NPC is locked to you, using /yell while targeting the locked NPC will semi-unlock it allowing anyone to attack it.
• If an Encounter Locked NPC decides to attack someone that is outside of its current lock group, it should semi-unlock (similar to the lock owner using /yell) and allow them to fight back. That should only be possible if someone was added to the NPC's hate list by casting beneficial spells on someone already on it.
• When an Encounter Locked NPC leaves combat, it should not attempt to attack people outside of its lock group unless it is attacked first. This should be the case until the NPC returns home. This should occur even after the Encounter Lock itself is removed if the NPC hasn't reached its home.