Admin Notice : Faction Warned

[Dieter Schprokets]

Firstly, let me start off by saying this is no typical sanction notification.

This is a warning to an official faction, based on imperfect information, to address a reported violation of the rule against harming server gameplay; a rule which I think we can all agree is very vague.

This warning is not the "right" answer. It is the best we can do with what we have been presented. Some of you (namely QCP) will think this warning is an unneeded response. Others (namely Zoners) will think we did not go far enough.

The following are the two problems as we see it:

1) The RP reasons for QCP targetting the Zoners, though plausible, are quite weak to justify the Vendetta that has ensued. Zoners, it seems, are currently your primary targets, to the exclusion of the more legitimate KNF and Corsair threats. However, the merits and demerits of the RP are not the most important issue. The most important issue is..

2) The gameplay impact it has had. Understand, this has not been consistently negative. Some support QCP's actions or are at least indifferent. Some Zoners don't mind as much, but a great many have been angered a great deal. Most importantly, obviously, Mal. But this thing was pushed into the realm of the personal, when it could have been stopped, instead of buttons being pushed all the harder.

The following is our decision:

1) QCP will stop hunting Zoners. But not just like that; both parties will find a creative way to stop. Negotiations. Concessions. A final battle event, if you want. RP your way out of it, but out of it you will go. It is continuing to create too much ill will, the conflict is not supported by the server community at large, and was certainly never desired by the Zoner players. Wanna be unfriendly? Fine, but this all out war is too much to swallow. Pirate their traders when appropriate like you would any other faction, but this focus on Zoners must end.

2) QCP will separate out from BAF and apply for its own official faction status. Existing as a subfaction of BAF has always muddied the issue when QCP created controversy. This was an ongoing discussion for months anyway. This issue just put more impetus on it.

3) QCP will start working harder to engage other players when they want to start an in-RP conflict. Work it out beforehand. Your role on the server is controversial, the concept of a Privateer unique (and sadly not well understood. I blame lousy History education). Because of your unique role you guys have a GREATER obligation than most to work with other players. Especially the ones you intend to make enemies of in-RP.

This has been a difficult issue for the Admins to determine how to properly deal with. We ask that the community respect our decision, and move forward in the manner we require.

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