>Wouldn't A-Ps and the other characters you're referring to
>just... not use it, if they wanted that kill? I don't see how
>this impacts those guys in any way.
>
>It's if someone else knocks the victim out, then leaves the
>person helpless for his buddy the AP.

I dunno, I actually find that scenario fairly interesting, IC.

>You'd need a large number of safeguards to prevent a large
>number of abuses, for a goal that I don't think is all that
>exciting.

Is the above scenario what you'd consider an abuse of this mechanic? If it happens IC, it just sounds like one of the many interesting roleplay opportunities it provides. Even if it's arranged OOCly, it doesn't seem like they're abusing the mechanic so much as... perma'ing. Which people are going to do anyway, and is already illegal. Isn't pretty much ANYTHING and ANY kill they make while perma'ing pretty much an abuse? What's special about this one?

>I'd also be afraid it would devolve into the current state
>regarding gear, where if someone solos an enemy and takes one
>or two pieces of good gear to use for themselves, it's often
>met by 10 minutes of complaining.
>
>"What? You didn't spare me? (Insert 10 minutes of
>complaining.)"

Personally, I think most people would still prefer to seal the kill than spare it, especially if sparing DOESN'T give edge points or count towards PKwins (like Pro suggested) and killing does. I don't think sparing will ever get to be so common (except possibly immediately after its release) that people will actually come to expect it, like they expect to not to be full-looted.

In my opinion, the only reward for sparing should be the possible eventual Imm recognition for sticking to your Roleplay guns.

As a slight tangent, I guess I haven't really noticed this complaining lately. I've been fooling around with low- to mid-level PK for the last month or two and never once received (or given) a complaint from looting. Maybe it's just my perspective (being a guy who prefers casual mid-level play) but I feel like the MUD's sportsmanship level has been on a gradual upswing for awhile now. Does this sentiment not jive with your experience/perspective?

>valguarnera@carrionfields.com

Splntrd