Practical Player Points
I've had a very interesting weekend to say the least. And what I have learned from it is that there is more than one way to deal with players. I've recently had my latest bout with an individual or three and I think that for the most part, it has turned out quite alright. Yes, there are many out there that just can't be handled, agreed with or gotten rid of, but you have the option of plugging your ears and just enjoying the game in your usual manner. Here are some situations that could break grounds for a warrant of aggressive behavior, but also, a chance to clear things with you and the other player(s) should things get rough around the edges...
1) Kill Stealing in tight spots - Sometimes, things can get hectic and even a little blurry. When that happens, there are points where you accidentally make mistakes about killing a critter or three that didn't belong to you. Simple misunderstandings at best can also be warranted as kill stealing as well. Many people immediately respond with the profane attempt, but some also understand right away that it was an accident. Let's break this down a little bit more shall we?
Profane attempt - cursing will get you nowhere. All that does it spout off more reason for someone to continue to 'accidentally' kill your critter. Or even worse, appeal you.
Accidental - if it was accidental, just apologize and hope that it won't happen again. Understanding players will sluff it off and think nothing of it.
Should it continue, there is always the option of working something out with the others that are near you and your group. If they refuse to compromise, just stand your ground and continue your hunt. If they start killing your critters, just appeal and continue or move to another spot. Bad and nasty players always get their comeuppance in the end.
2) The NOOB - They are here, there, everywhere! Particularly, I don't really like to deal with these types of players since they show so much 'kid' behavior. However, I do like to give the approach that I don't understand their talk or behaviors should they use the 'n00b' speak. Not all do this and relent to their act, however, what can you do?
Not Understanding - You can act like you don't understand them of the foreign tongue that they speak. I found that making a macro of targeting their name and macroing, "%t speaks in another language that you cannot understand" seems to work and get a few laughs! Their response is priceless.
The continual 'n00b' speak - There is always the other option of just giving in and giving them what they want. But should they be on a role play server, they need to realize that there are inherent rules on the server(s) that need to be recognized and understood by them. And should they get in your hair too much, you can nail them with the conduct appeal about not respecting the role playing rules of conduct. They either respect the rules or go to another server, simple as that.
3) RPG Die Hards - There are those that play on the role play servers that role play in and out of the barrel of DAoC! And that's great and wonderful for the game. However, there are those that can get annoyed by your behaviors and they role play retorts should they get annoyed by your loose dialect and behaviors. Fear not for there is always a path to cross every stream. As long as you are within the spirit of the game, no harm can come to you! However, should they threaten to call upon the very gods for your 'loose' dialect, fear not, for you didn't break any rules! Just play it cool and continue your effort, they will eventually either become accustomed to it, or just be about their merry way.
4) The Griever - Oh man, these just love to get on everyone's nerves about nothing. These are the guys that TOS and appeal about anything and everything they feel is off color or out of place to them. But this does get a bit touchy since you will be dealing with two things here and lemme break them down for you.
The CSR - Should the CSR respond to you on a case that someone 'grieved' on you about something in particular, fear not and take heart. Relax and remember the issue and form the facts in a logical manner. CSR only deals with situations that they feel can only be resolved should the person be a problem and the player(s) can't deal with them or it. Be mindful and aware that you got appealed on for probably no reason what so ever and CSR will take this into account.
The Griever - Should the griever come to you with petty issues, just nod your head and have the log ready. If they spout off to you about nothing or try to make the problem fall on you, just do not fly off the handle and give them something to appeal you on. That's what they are looking for by the way. Just remain calm and they will eventually leave you alone and CSR will deal with them should they become a pest when they appeal too much about nothing.
5) The Profanist - Cursing, swearing, you name it, they do it. These players have little or no regard for others in game and will use whatever words that aren't fitting for ears to hear, period! Here is a simple way to deal with them.../appeal conduct.
Profanity by human nature is a defensive mechanism and is used to build themselves up against someone. However, in all respects, it shows how little brain power they have used to solve the situation. Cursing and swearing for Kill stealing, cursing and swearing for dying, cursing and swearing for this, that and the other. They have no manners and do not belong in game. You can either ignore it, or /appeal the conduct.
If by chance you are dealing with someone who has been acting out of character like KS'ing or just being plain rude, do not respond with profanity. This will only end with you and your account being suspended and it only causes more heartache. Deal with the person as maturely as possible.
6) The Beggar - "Can sum1 gimme some gold plz kthx!" *shudders* If I see this one more time, I'll hurl myself at the Camelot City walls head on! All I can say to this is either give in just to make them hush and simmer down, or /ignore them. But normally, I just let them spout out what they want but never respond to it. Many others do this in same respect because I find begging degrading. This also goes for PL beggars and armor beggars.
Well, all in all, it is always best to just sit back and let the situation handle itself. A mature response and logical outlook on things will keep you going and happy in the end. After all, we're only human. ;)
