Discussion: GMs supporting extortion & stalking (NEW pics)

[Blizzcourtne]

*EDIT: Screenshots of the offending player with name and guild are now added to the post *New screenshots: http://imgur.com/99aylmE
*EDIT 2: Moderators have removed the imgur link to conversation with GM. They are available on either Nostalrius reddit forum.

Hi Nostalrius PvP server community,

(Disclaimer: long rant.)

I’d like to bring this issue to the community and devs to create a conversation about bannable offenses, ToU violations and the way that GMs handle these issues on the server.

First, a little back story. Last week, a friend and I were running Uldaman with a certain druid tank on the Horde PvP server. The tank refused to release spirit, causing the instance to take substantially longer because the rest of the group had to clear patrols, respawned mobs, and a series of NPCs that were neutral but became hostile. He also bullied other players about the final loot drop off Archaedas, threatening us with his tier-2 geared Alliance warrior if we did not surrender the loot to him. In response to his rudeness and delaying the instance, we kicked him after we rezzed at the last boss.

Kicking this toxic player was the last moment of satisfaction I would come to have in World of Warcraft for the next four days. He made good on his threat, and continually camped me and another group member non-stop for the next 4 days. He followed us from Tanaris to STV to Hinterlands to Searing Gorge to Azshara and more, saying “This will be your leveling experience,” etc., and extorting us—saying that if we bring him in for the last boss, after clearing the rest, and he is able to get the mace, he “promises” to stop. We now have him ignored on all characters we know of. However, he creates new level 1s to friend or /who us on, locate us, and further camp us. He plays upwards of what seems to be 18 hours a day, so there is literally no safe time that we can play (besides around 4am, as the attached screenshot attests to). He also uses these level 1 alts to message our characters, bypassing the ignore system—apparently the only truly “bannable” offense.

The greatest issue here, in terms of game mechanics, is that this is not a truly Blizzlike experience (inb4: PvP server, go back to retail, l2p, reroll PvE, etc.). Why is this? Well, in Vanilla, you could not create characters of opposing factions on PvP servers for precisely this reason—the huge potential for griefing that it causes, including being able to stalk and extort players. The fact that this player is exploiting this difference that Nostalrius holds with actual Classic WoW is in direct opposition to the spirit of this private server and its mission. Sure, it is free to play and someone could feasibly do the same thing with multiple accounts—but the limitation was originally placed in order to prevent this exact behavior. It is not something that the makers intended—PvP server or not. He is not simply spawn camping, corpse camping, or killing us repeatedly in one zone or when he sees us. He is legitimately stalking us across the entire world, so far as to use bugged corners and neutral zones in Booty Bay where guards cannot attack in order to kill us there as well. From the ToU on Griefing: “Behavior that is considered to be contrary to the essence of the game is considered a violation of this agreement.” Since Nostalrius allows for the presence of one player’s characters on both factions, this exploitative behavior is definitely not in the spirit of the game as originally intended.

We have spoken to GMs at length arguing our stance, but they stand by their point of view that this is simply a game mechanic and not a breach of the ToU. Screenshots will be attached of conversations with an anonymous GM that explain the stance of Nostalrius GMs on this issue.

If this is not currently considered a breach of the ToU, we believe for the health of the game and community that it should be. Players should not be allowed to extort other players for items, runs, etc. and should not be able to completely invalidate a character that already has many days /played invested in it—for no reason other than sad, desperate revenge.

A kind GM suggested that I post this to the forums arguing for change. Here are some solutions that I propose:
-When a player is ignored, you ignore their entire account, preventing alts from finding or friending you.

-Make it a bannable offense to exploit the presence of multiple factions on the same server in order to extort, intimidate, or grief other players. Again, this was not an intended functionality of the original game in any way.

-The terms of the service indicate that killing a quest-giving NPC for over 24 hours straight is punishable. Perhaps something like this should apply to players. To reiterate, we have been stalked for over four entire days, across numerous zones.

-Provide name changes for players who are being targeted excessively by a single other player to allow them to continue enjoying the game.

What does the community make of this? Any input, after assessment of this entire situation, would be much appreciated, especially from any devs or GMs. Thanks to anyone who read the whole thing.

/rant

tl;dr Stalked and extorted for 4 days straight by the same player. Player uses multiple factions in non Blizzlike way to exploit mechanics. GMs do nothing. Should this be punishable?

Screenshots:

[ILikeEggs]

wow that kid sounds like a real loser, give us his name so that we can stay away from him pls?

[WhistlerWCT]

First your topic is provocative, blaming GMs for gameplay episode.
Second - if you need poke these guys, just remmember you will own them a favour https://forum.nostalrius.org/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=14616

[Blizzcourtne]

Thanks for the input. I hesitate to post names unless we have a moderator's word that it is forum-appropriate behavior. Our names being released might also entail further ganking.

As for the provocative topic... that's how you get people's attention, right? We are trying to be disruptive and push ToU changes.

I would love to enlist the help of a virtual assassin gang, but 7 kills simply won't cut it with this guy. Thanks for the suggestion!

[AriesMouse410]

Looks like the screenshots didn't show up at all.

Ignoring that, I do think there should be something done, maybe some rules revisited/added. Something. This sort of behavior should not just be shrugged at and ignored, as it is likely to drive multiple players away from the game do the the actions of one. The needs of the many, etc.

It also says something about that player, to do to such lengths over something so realistically petty. They have gone above and beyond typical nerd rage and falsely placed revenge for not getting their way, and I think they should be banned. That is not the kind of person this community needs.

[weeezing]

If everything op says is true (remember there's always two sides of the story and then there is the truth) then I'd love the name of this guy's warrior so I can bully the bullies next chance I get. If what you say is true then this guy has real issues.

[Kezzik]

Here to back up the OP. Everything in the post is true.

[Blizzcourtne]

Thank you Alexensual, truly going above and beyond for the community.

And to weeezing: the facts of the matter are not in question. The GMs all acknowledge that this is happening--its the handling that is at issue, and the questions of whether this behavior is bannable. That it is occurring is not the question.

I will post a name if a mod responds saying that is allowed. I don't want to defame anyone against the rules.

[Sharax]

Since we are allowed to play both factions (a departure from retail Vanilla for a single account), seeking help that it is not blizzlike isn't something that can really be pursued.

The only issue that should be actionable is someone using multiple toons to harrass whisper you. If there isn't a rule to address that part, then there should be one.

As far as the in-game ganking, I say let it be as is. Your best course of action is to join a guild that will support its levelers and gank the ganker. This is an MMO so it is up to you to make appropriate relationships to help your gaming interests.

Good luck.

[Blizzcourtne]

Yes, it isn't blizzlike but the argument is that this functionality was never intended. And so, to compensate for that, some sanctions should exist to prevent it--prevent him from exploiting this feature of Nostalrius to cause griefing.

Warnings have been given for the multiple toons harassing. However, it apparently doesn't stop him from just finding our location and continuing to make the game unplayable. He is actually killing me as we speak, if you'd like to know.

I'd love to surround myself with friends, but let's be realistic: could you find enough people that you'd have more than 1 level 60 bodyguard alongside you during 24 hours of the day? People can be generous but this is way too much to expect.