I've never been one to seek out IC fights; it's simply not a focus of mine. But it does happen, and I think both text-based and "real" PvP have their pros and cons in role-playing. I usually prefer a combination of the two, especially if it's become clear that one or both of the participants obviously wants to win.
I'm all for good storytelling, and oftentimes a defeat is a more successful means of developing a character. But let's face it - pit two characters against each other and even the most well-intentioned players might feel a bit competitive, even if it's an effort to "outwit" the other player, as Deirdre put it. This is where things can get a bit messy, in my experience, if both players feel that their character "should" win.
In short, PvP provides a rather clear and indisputable resolution to an IC conflict, takes advantage of the visual medium in which we all interact, and usually doesn't last as long as most emote-fights. Text-based battles have the advantage of putting two characters on fairly equal footing in terms of gear and levels. I think flexibility is the key here, and if two players can't agree on how to proceed with the fight, both should likely find some way of bowing out.
I'm all for good storytelling, and oftentimes a defeat is a more successful means of developing a character. But let's face it - pit two characters against each other and even the most well-intentioned players might feel a bit competitive, even if it's an effort to "outwit" the other player, as Deirdre put it. This is where things can get a bit messy, in my experience, if both players feel that their character "should" win.
In short, PvP provides a rather clear and indisputable resolution to an IC conflict, takes advantage of the visual medium in which we all interact, and usually doesn't last as long as most emote-fights. Text-based battles have the advantage of putting two characters on fairly equal footing in terms of gear and levels. I think flexibility is the key here, and if two players can't agree on how to proceed with the fight, both should likely find some way of bowing out.
