PvP Policy - Updated November 3, 3310
Deep Space Syndicate (DPSS) recognizes PVP as an established aspect of Elite Dangerous, and approaches this apsect with the following ideology and policies.Ideology
DPSS recognizes that players may or may not appreciate PVP, and strives to encourage other players to enjoy Elite Dangerous in order to ensure a long and healthy lifespan for the game. Therefore, DPSS divides PVP play into the following categories: PVP, Ganking, and Griefing. All DPSS pilots are expected to abide by the below policies for each category.
Ground Rules
These basic ground rules are expected of all DPSS pilots in any PvP scenario:
- DPSS pilots are expected not to combat-log from a PvP instance, including the use of a menu log. Any accidental disconnect must be recorded and submitted to Squadron leadership as proof.
- DPSS pilots are expected not to "ghost" in PvP instances (return to the instance after being destroyed).
- DPSS pilots are expected not to use premium ammunition in PvP instances.
- DPSS pilots are expected not to use concordant or regenerative lasers to buff teammates shields in PvP instances.
- DPSS pilots are expected not to use NPC-flown ship-launched fighters in PvP instances.
PVP
PVP involves established, agreed-upon combat between players. In order to ensure a fun PVP session, pilots are encouraged to establish ground rules PRIOR to engaging in PVP. These ground rules should cover whether the fight is to the death (inducing rebuy), or to a lesser point, such as shields dropping or a certain hull percentage. In addition to this definition and policy, PVP play that directly relates to gameplay (such as conflict zones, community goals, and faction/squadron wars) is encouraged by DPSS and does not necessarily conform to the requirement for established ground rules. DPSS pilots should strive to avoid initiating faction/squadron wars, but are encouraged to defend themselves if fired upon.
Ganking
Ganking involves combat between players that is not agreed upon. Ganking is permitted by DPSS within the following guidelines:
- DPSS pilots are permitted to interdict/destroy any ship regardless of Rank/Type for any in-game reason.
- Gameplay related PvP (conflict zones, community goals, and faction/squadron wars, roleplay) are examples of valid in-game reasons
DPSS views Powerplay kills as an accepted part of gameplay. Kills on any Powerplay enemies are considered acceptable regardless of the ship the other player is flying, provided the player can reasonably expect to earn merits for the kill. Note: The term "reasonably expect" is used here to to indicate the newness of Powerplay 2.0 and our lack of understanding of exactly how merits are distributed.
Griefing
Griefing is any type of PVP meant to cause moral discouragement, including (but not limited to) destroying pilots unequipped to defend themselves without in-game purpose, or following and harassing players who are not interested in engaging in combat. DPSS pilots are expected to avoid kiling CMDRs below combat rank "Mostly Harmless" within 20 lightyears from HIP 97950. Griefing is strictly against DPSS policy.