Introduction
I am writing this guide to help clarify a large issue that I am seeing throughout the server as it pertains to the difference between roleplay combat and pvp preparation. More often than not players seek to initiate pvp through use of actually striking a player, as opposed to pure preparation and initiation of the fight without an actual emote stating a strike. What is PVP Prep?
Well, pvp preparation is the sequence of speech and emotes used to prepare for the initiation of pvp default on the server. What is needed to be known is that once roleplay combat is initiated, it is against the rules to change it to pvp for the sake of gaining an edge. This is something which a plethora of players often forget, and abuse.
Now, pvp preparation is merely fulfilling the need for sufficient roleplay before initiating combat with the players involved. Sufficient roleplay doesn't however, include striking or any form of actual assault on the other players. Rather it is acts of actually preparing for the fight, but not truly starting it. That part is left entirely up to PVP. This way we don't have any confusion as to if the roleplay is RP or PVP.
Here is an example of proper PVP preparation.
Now, it's here we ask if there is intent on PVP or RP, note this extremely important step before continuing with the roleplay!
Note how both parties remain civil and respectful of each other throughout the encounter.
A discussion should be done as it pertains to auto armoring. Each player may make use of this ability if one of the following requirements are met.
1) The player has an armor skin
Or
2)The player is a mage
This information was attained through Viper3x, alongside the rule of no changing rp to PVP mid combat without all players involved consenting. Screenshots may be provided if requested.
RP Combat
Rp combat has taken the back seat to PVP on our server. However some players do prefer it over the more simplistic method of PVP. RP combat involves detailing out the entire fight through emotes, describing it in detail which PVP usually cannot attain. However the downsides are that it takes longer and cannot be guaranteed to not involve arguments in OOC. This is why some players prefer the PVP method, since it is faster and can involve less drama if executed properly.
While PVP Preparation involves merely using emotes and speech to set the stage for a fight between players, roleplay combat is the entire fight. As such you do initiate combat in rp to start it. Strikes are alright to emote.
Here is an example of proper Roleplay combat.
This image display the potential prospect of conflict between roleplayers. Note that both parties state their concerns, and move on to find a way to solve the problem. In this case it was best that a roll was done to determine how that blow would go, and roleplay moved on without a hitch! However if an agreement cannot be came to, then if all parties agree, the mode of combat can be changed to pvp.
After the roleplay, each player was courteous and respectful. This form of behavior is expected and appreciated. Conclusion
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to the decision of roleplay combat or pvp. It is purely a matter of preference which each player will form as they work their way through their experience in Lord of the Craft. Both bear benefits and downfalls which make each appealing to different players. However we must remember that each form has different ways to intitiate the sequence. We don't do anything besides prepare as it pertains to PVP default. RP combat however involves the ability to strike. It is important to remember that once RP combat is initiated, it cannot be changed unless all players involved agree to it.
Thank-you for taking the time to read this guide, and may your experience in Lord of the Craft go without hitch, and be enjoyed by both you and those you roleplay with.
Have a nice day.
~Agith Special thanks go to:
Chikaea for agreeing to pin this guide, and post it for me.
Watyll, for aiding in attaining the screenshots provided above.
Viper3x for clarifying with me on how the rules apply.
If there is anything that you think is missing or should be added? Feel free to tell me.
Edits with much love from Chikaea, in regards to some things to add:
Thanks so much to Birdwhisperer for this edit! It's an idea that I personally enjoy. Something that you can do when fights involve two people are duels! In order to initiate a duel you simply type /duel, then right click the other player participating in the duel. These are my personal favorite when it comes to additions to the server! For one thing, this can help to promote rp, because instead of there just being death, and then a completely lack of rp after the death of a player. They can rp that the player is only injured, not dead - and I don't know about the other GMs and Admins, but personally I think that if they want to finish them off in rp from there, I would STRONGLY encourage it. This would allow it to be a quicker fight, as I know is a large problem with some people regarding rp combat, but wouldn't kill nearly as much rp as plain old pvp. It's up to you guys, but when possible I would suggest this option!