[MUD-Dev] PK again (was: Character evolution)

[Marian Griffith]

On Sat 13 Sep, Adam Wiggins wrote:

> > From: clawrenc at cup.hp.com

> > The blast doesn't directly kill them, but the resulting changes in the
> > environment do...

> > So, a PK'er can not directly kill a Non-PK'er, but they can alter the 
> > environment in such a way that the Non-PK'er dies?  How is that any 
> > differnt from a slightly more complicated way of putting a sword thru
> > the Non-PK'er?

> I think JC's point was that it's impossible to determine what makes something
> a PK or not.  As most experienced mudders know: if it's possible to die
> via game mechanics on a mud, it is possible for others to kill you.  Never
> mind if they can hurt you directly or not; this only rules out 'honorable'
> methods of attack.

I thought we more or less concluded that this was a  agree to disagree
subject?
My opinion on it though, is that what makes something PK is the inten-
tion of the attacking player.  What upsets people is unprovoked attack
not accidental death.  I have been killed on muds through stupidity of
other players. That didn't matter because it was an accident. And I've
been, well not attacked because I do not play games that allow killing
of other players,  followed by players who intended to make themselves
to all other players. The intention was there and only the non-PK rule
prevented them from outright fighting  but they did everything else to
make life miserable to others.  It is the mindset that counts, not the
act that is the result.

[slightly convoluted examples snipped]

I would hesitantly say they are indeed attempts to PK, though the victim
is unable to tell. I'm not sure if it matters though.

Marian
--
Yes - at last - You. I Choose you. Out of all the world,
out of all the seeking, I have found you, young sister of
my heart! You are mine and I am yours - and never again
will there be loneliness ...

Rolan Choosing Talia,
Arrows of the Queen, by Mercedes Lackey