Meaningful character conflict is an important part of EFU:A, and this includes PvP. There are rules and regulations about PvP to ensure a level-playing field and minimize bad feelings. Please review our most up to date PvP rules and regulations here.

What would your favorite work of fiction or movie be without a little rough and tumble every now and again? Although EFUA is not an arena server, legitimate and stylish PvP between characters as the result of roleplay is fully encouraged. PvP is often complicated though, and this post will hopefully be a one-stop read for everything you need to know about PvP on EFUA.

When engaging in PvP, it is important to:

1) Seek beneficial PvP Karma.

2) Adhere to the strict rules and regulations that are in place in order to ensure an OOC'ly fair competitive situation.

"You reap what you sow" - PvP Karma is too amorphous for us to strictly enforce, but is something we like to encourage. Seeking it will make you a happier player, avoiding it (even if you don't strictly break any rules) will just lead to disappointment for all involved (yourself, your opponent, other players, and the DMs).

- Is the PvP justified?
Has the conflict between your characters reached a point where the natural progression would be PvP? Are you certain that the desire for PvP is entirely your character's, and not your feelings as a player seeping into your RP?

- Is it best to subdual, to subdual-loot, or to FD (full damage) kill?
Has the character (and player) had opportunities to avoid being FD'ed if they've lost? Is the rivalry or conflict sufficient cause that you think looting or FD'ing is justified? If the situation was reversed, and you were playing your character's opponent, would you feel the same way? Has the story progressed to a point where a FD death would be appropriate? Please note: often the answer is yes, sometimes in EFUA it's just time for FD time.

- Is the PvP fun and stylish?
Style is intangible, but should always be sought. Put some thought into it.

- Is your attitude as a player relaxed, respectful, sporting?
Are you a gracious winner, and respectful loser? Sportsmanship is important. Note that this does go both ways, even if you're the victim of PvP that you think doesn't agree with the PvP Karma Guidelines, you should still try to be gracious and respectful. Of course, feel free to come to the Dms if you have concerns.

• If you initiate PvP, or even if you strongly suspect it's about to occur, send a DM message letting us know so we can watch
• If you wish to engage in PvP in the direct presence of NPCs, you must request a DM and confirm that a DM is present. If we can respond, we will respond with either: "I'm here," or maybe by possessing the NPC and having them emote something. If you can not find a DM, try IRC. If you still can't find a DM, the PvP must not occur.
• PvP may occur out of sight of NPCs with no DM confirmation, but you must still send a message indicating it is happening
• You may always respond to PvP that already is occuring in a way that your character sees fit, the responsibility for DM supervision is always on the player who initiates
• Always set a target or opponent to hostile, or even their whole party or the whole server if you expect mass-PvP. Voice commands make this very easy and quick ("/c hostile all," "/c hostile "). If someone attacks you who is not hostile, you should still respond IC'ly - although you should let us know afterwards or during so we can chastise, being attacked non-hostile is rarely sufficient grounds for a pause or retcon
• Sparring and non-FD duels may occur in "arena" type areas even if NPCs are around with no DM confirmation, although you should still send a message alerting us to the spar, and getting DM possession if you think you'll need it
• Although it is fine to lay in ambush near a transition, it is not acceptable to attack people directly as they transition in - you should wait until they have clearly loaded and are active
• It is not acceptable to target level 2-3 characters with muggings, ritual sacrifices, random beatings, or other PvP. If conflict occurs, it is acceptable to engage in PvP if they have done something to earn it. The exception to this is monstrous and app'ed characters.
• It is legitimate to FD kill a subrace character (such as goblins, kobolds, tieflings, drow, duergar, aasimar, etc.) at any level just for being what they are, if that is in-character for your PC, and you follow the other PvP rules (such as possession, hostile, etc.)
• Traps should be used tastefully - they should not be stacked, and you should generally limit yourself to one direct damage trap and one disabling trap at a time. Exceptions may be possible, if so consult with a DM for situational use.
• Although PvP may occur in quest-areas if something happens to cause it, it is not acceptable to use the appeal of directly doing a specific quest as a lure to attract a character somewhere where they can be attacked - the exception to this rule is if you consult with a DM and have a DM's permission.
• If you're a member of a NPC faction, you may engage in PvP in that faction area even without a DM if absolutely necessary (you should still try to get one). This is mostly to address situations where the other character may even be metagaming the unpossessed NPCs by refusing to leave, etc. The intent is not to allow unsupervised assassinations, but rather standard faction-enforcement.
• If you have been subdualed, you should remain on the ground until the PvP is resolved or until you have DM permission to get up. This includes situations where there is mass fighting going on, and you have been healed. If you have been subdualed, you are down and should remain so regardless of any other situation.
• If, however, you've been attacked, and put into negative hitpoints, and then either recovered (or were healed) it is fine to get back up, run away, keep fighting, whatever.
• If you're pursuing a PC during PvP, and they escape to an area with NPCs, the PvP stops unless you have confirmation that a DM is possessing, regardless of who initiated the PvP.
• If you intend on engaging in PvP, you should make sure you can stay logged in for a while - logging out immediately after PvP that you initiated is poor form.
• Using exploits to avoid or win PvP (such as logging off, double-transitioning, whatever) is forbidden
• Using tells, party chat, or other OOC methods to coordinate PvP or get help is unacceptable (although not strictly enforced, it is best to not be a part of a party if your party mates are in a different area)
• IC cheating is fully acceptable from an OOC point of view, OOC cheating is never acceptable and will be handled OOC'ly
• Use your best judgement
• DM team reserves the right to make any ruling we feel justified regarding any and all PvP situations