Re: New Duel Rules.
I just want you all to know that I've been reading your responses, and I've been putting a lot of thought into the duel system and since I can tell that a lot of the duelists are strongly opposed to the latest change, I want to say this - I'm trying to come up with a decent system where all sides can win. I've got a couple ideas, but as you know, these things take time to get presented to the proper people and a lot of thought must be put into the execution of these changes, I hope you all can bare with us and be patient.
I understand that the dueling system on hybrid is a very intricate machine and keeps Hybrid a popular server, but essentially what I want to accomplish is a couple of objectives:
1. I want to make sure that people don't abuse the duel pits as an opportunity to AFK without penalty. Most people would agree that AFK in town guards is pretty well benign and not hurting anything, but there are some things that separate AFK in town from AFK in a duel arena. My primary reasoning for this is that AFK in the duel pits is unconsequential to the person AFK. No harm can come of them in a safezone, not stealing, not attacking... just nothing. We are trying to promote a trammel-free shard. You do the math as to why AFK in safezones would upset people.
2. I want to promote the duel pits as an area that people can find 1v1, 2v2 fights, and spectate them in a safe manner (Which I am aware that the current system does not provide). Personally, I feel that dueling is a unique aspect of the game brought forth by our server. Just like miners want to play the game by collecting resources, Duelists should have the choice of whether or not they want to fully engage in free-range PVP at all times. I feel that dueling is a separate entity in comparison to the rest of the shard, and because this game allows for a diversity of the playerbase and leaves an infinite number of activities for players to engage in: It would be a crime to just say "Tough shit" to everyone who wants to engage in this aspect of Ultima Online. Dueling is an art, and I feel that you all should have full capacity to engage in your own personal playtime experience of this game, and I want nothing more than for you to engage this activity on our server.
3. I want to stop non-consequence "Predatory" attacks from within the duel pits. When there is a group of people sitting inside the duel pits just waiting for a potential target to walk by and jump them without being able to be targeted prior to the attack - I feel it gives the players camping the duel pits an unfair advantage. Part of PVP is a feeling of balance. It should be a contest of skill and not a test of who camped the pits first. Who among you would want to engage in a fight when you were not allowed the opportunity to strike first, Because that is what happens when people prep spells and rush out of the duel pits.
Like I said, I want to promote an environment of balance among the playerbase, fully enabling all of you to pursue whatever walk of "UO Life" that you desire. With that being said, I have taken your thoughts and comments into consideration and I really thank you for not turning this into another thread sent to trammel, and thanks again for your continued support of UO Gamers: Hybrid. I have some ideas brewing and developing currently, there are a few kinks yet to work out, but please be patient, because I am trying to create a win-win situation here to maximize the dueling experience with minimal possibility for abuse. Once these ideas become more substancial, you will know. Thanks again for your time and your maturity regarding this issue. Just please stay open minded and supportive. We are all a team developing a symbiotic relationship, and I like to see it when we act like that.
I really hope that you don't develop negative feelings towards Zippy and myself for trying something new. We are working very diligently to optimize your gaming experience here at UO Gamers: Hybrid.
Advent
