After about 2 weeks of attempts we have finally downed normal mode Atheon on our own with no gimmicks. Now yes I am aware that thousands of players beat him everyday and that thousands beat him on hard everyday, I understand I am not special. However I am extremely proud to be a member of the clan I am in. We worked hard together, figuring out who can do what the best and where the best spots to be are. (Plus a few upgrades between the start and now helped too!) We put in at least 3 hours a day trying to defeat him to no avail and it seemed like he would just simply never die. But all that has changed. We downed him. We basked in the glorious music of returning to the mission complete screen. The sounds of gear being put into my inventory via the side of my screen. Everyone yelling what they got so we could all be excited for each other. Thank you Bungie, for giving me a raiding experience with close friends I have not been able to find since downing Sulfuras for the first time back in Vanilla WoW. You have earned my 60 dollars and more and have nothing but excitement for what challenges you plan ahead for me next.