The way you are

[underd0g]

Ok this is going to hurt the eyes and brains of the server admins and other people - but here goes:

Fleeing

- or -

Retreating.

Two different things. Fleeing is what you do when you've run out of options. Flee or 'die'. Retreating is a tactical manouver - fall back and assess the situation, regroup.

Fleeing is seen as an act of cowardice by many. And the server rules makes that clear to you - fleeing is almost equally as bad as getting your behind handed to you. Actually, you most likely will get your behind handed to you if you turn tail and run.

In my (narrow?) mind fleeing should be a more valid option in battle. Sure, be forced to leave the system where the fight took place in is an agreeable rule. But why not bend it a bit? Leave the zone / grid where the fight took place in, fall back to a friendly base in the system. Re-engaging rules still being in effect. You could remain in the system, roleplaying instead of pew-pewing. Retreat with some pride left. You could lure your previous attackers into a well set up trap with yourself as the bait.

In short, what I'm saying is: four hours is too much. And fleeing should not be regarded as losing.

But above all I'm with you all on the problem with the 'unbalanced' encounters ('ganking' is such an ugly word...). But I doubt there's much to do about it - humans will be humans. The whole flock mentality bit etcetera.

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My characters on Disco:
[LN]-Andy.Doggett, The.Flying.Betty, Russ.Dalton, Harald.Treutiger

Stories:
The Shellback Identity
Trader Blues