Mr. Jizz's Manifesto of Player Interaction

[Mr Jizz 313]

This post was inspired as many before it- getting killed by another player.

 

For a new player, as well as many DayZ veterans, one might say "so what" or "that's the game".  And you know what? They're absolutely right.  This is a video game, so the consequences are what you make them, but they certainly never result in personal injury, loss of income or property. Lost sleep? Maybe.

 

I decided that after 700 hours of my life given to this game I should write down what I've learned.  Both to assist those that come after me, and as a way to codify so many lessons that seem fleeting in the throes of a manic idea..

 

"Man, I really want to find an AK for this drum mag..."

But Dave, that means you have to go to Vybor Military Base; you know what happens at Vybor Military Base.

"I've been carrying this stupid thing for two days! And there's only 5 other people in the server"

I wouldn't do that Dave.

 "STFU Hal."

 

I'll start with the obvious stuff.

 

Military loot sites

 

These include (as of v0.49) the Northwest Air Field (NWAF), the Vybor Military Base, the Pavlovo Military Base, the west end of Zelenogorsk, the Balota Air Field, and any helicopter crash site.  This is where you find the good shit.  It includes AK's, M4's, High-cap vests, magazines, helmets, military pistols and military clothes.  You'll also have a higher chance of finding things like fire axes, ammo, rare medical gear and even a good amount of food.  It's basically loot heaven... or is it?  Just as you're balls deep in that second can of beans on the upper floor of the Vybor Prison building, everything your instincts were screaming come true, it happens - in runs a geared player with his weapon in his hands (where yours should have been) and...

 

..you're on a beach.

 

Five rules that I will never ignore again whilst in a Military Loot site:

1. NO PLAYER, NO ONE, not your grandmother, not even the Pope is "FRIENDLY" when they see you at a military site, Period.
2. DO NOT STOP MOVING.  It's not OK to pop a squat and enjoy a can of peaches while reminiscing on the good old days.  If you must stop, do it for tactical reasons.  Find a place you can sit and observe, and...
3. KEEP YOUR WEAPON OUT. No excuses. Keep it out and keep it raised while in buildings.
4. LISTEN.  This doesn't mean put your ear on the ground like Tonto.  Before you go in and out of closed doors, listen for just a moment for a player that might be traipsing around on the other side.
5. CLOSE DOORS behind you. This accomplishes two things; first, with sounds added to doors, the opening of a door you've just closed is a sure fire sign someone is coming, and secondly, it slows down other looters and gives the appearance that a building is unlooted.  This could buy you valuable seconds if a hostile player is busy looting a building you've already been to.

 

General Player Politics

 

As I mentioned above, ALL players at military sites are NOT your friend.  They will kill you even if they're not normally a KOSer (for the kids, that's: Kill On Sight-er; basically someone who has no interest in socializing, working together, or making a new friend).  The fact of the matter is most players with at least 10 hours of play have had a bad time at a military site, at least once. It sticks with you.  That's ok, learrrrrrn from it. Trust no one and you're better off.  After 700 hours of play I've come to realize this is one of the parts of the game that will never change, and there's no patch for it. Trust me  B)

 

Shouting "Friendly" is not going to save you at a military site; EVER. All it does is tell the other player that you don't have any fight in you.  

 

What about everywhere else?

 

There are four situations you will find yourself regarding a player that hasn't already tried to kill you.

 

1. IN A NEW SPAWN AREA. If the guy has gear, you're at his mercy, don't fight it. You're not Mike Tyson, so unless the player has shown aggression towards you it's generally not smart to take your dukes to a gun fight. If you want to commit suicide, just tell the guy, no sense making him waste a bandage.  Most veteran players will understand where you're coming from if you want to spawn elsewhere.  If the other player is NOT geared, this is the most likely time at any point in the game that you'll be able to have a conversation with another player.  Share stories, loot together, discuss bugs.. whatever.  I've made a few friends this way, and so long as you're not a douche, the other guy isn't going to shoot you if he finds a gun before you. Be civil.
2. YOU SPOT THEM FIRST, from any distance.  If you see someone who hasn't seen you, its your decision whether to kill them, follow them, or disappear.  Since 1 and 3 don't require further explanation, lets focus on following them. You've found yourself in a unique situation where you can use your omniscience to determine the next action.  Think of it like dating.  Keep a conservative distance, understand their boundaries and intentions, and act responsibly.  If you rush in, it's going to go one of two ways, and chances are you're not going to like it. This is one of the few opportunities where you can have a fulfilling interaction because you're in control.  Corner them in a building, and make yourself known. 
3. THEY SPOT YOU FIRST, or CORNER YOU.  This is a tricky one, no two ways about it.  If they spotted you and didn't kill you immediately, the player is either feeling you out or he is a bandit. Weigh your options.  REMEMBER: Despawning (logging out) means your character remains behind for 30 seconds, but your name disappears.  A smart bandit in a low-population server will watch the player list for a name to disappear once he has you cornered.  If you do this, there's a good chance that when you join the next server, you'll find yourself on a beach. Being robbed is not a fate worse than death, I promise. It sucks, and you might want revenge, but chances are you walk away with at least some of your stuff.  Banditry is like a profession in DayZ, some are actually quite magnanimous. They want your rare stuff, not necessarily your food or clothing. Plus the way I see it, it's more fun than starting from scratch with an 80% chance of spawning in a lootless, shitty eastern town.
4. YOU STUMBLE ON EACH OTHER.  It's fight or flight here, no real strategy about it.  Make a choice on the type of player you are and stick to it.  It will make you better in the long run.  If you are a KOSer, kill the bastard and don't look back. If you're a collaborator or friendly player, arm yourself and (assuming this is somewhere other than a military loot site) make contact through your mic.  Use introductory language, be clear on your intent, but don't let your guard down- remember what I said about yelling "Friendly". Be clear that you are armed and aware, but don't fire unless fired upon.

A Note about language barriers:

 

There is no one group of people, or culture that is more friendly than the next.  I'm an American, and I know you know my accent, and I've been killed by Chinese, Japanese, Russians, French, Germans, Brits and other Americans alike.  This is equal-opportunity murder.  What is important is that if you find yourself communicating with another player, don't try to force the issue if they don't understand you.  A break down in communication is exactly that.  If you can't establish a dialogue with someone within 1 or 2 sentences, or their microphone is a piece of crap, it's time for fight or flight.

 

This happened to me not long ago, and in trying to strike a friendly conversation with an Asian player, I started focusing on the conversation more than my situation.  He had me cornered in a prison, and all I could make out was "GUN, DOWN" .. why it was that I thought he wanted some food or that I  could convince him that I was friendly is hindsight now.  He killed me and up to the very end I was trying to avoid bloodshed. Stupid.

 

This game is all about bloodshed.  If you want to avoid that reality, play Tetris.

 

Personal Conduct and Considerations

 

I'll close with some general points that apply to your objectives as you endeavor through Chenarus.

 

The most important lesson that I learned from FrankieonPC, (despite my unwillingness to listen) is to LOOK UNIMPORTANT.  If you dress in full military equipment, camouflage and a helmet, your chances of making friends are greatly reduced. Imagine walking up to your apartment with a bag of groceries, whistling "Get Lucky" when all of a sudden you're approached by a guy with camo, a gasmask and an AK-47... It's no different in this game.  There is a fine line between looking like a civilian with a purpose and looking like a mercenary.  Bright clothing will certainly make you easier to see, but it will also make it harder to hide.  Don't overdo it- for example, dressing entirely in yellow might seem funny to you, but to a veteran player with a gun you just look like an asshole.

 

Civilian clothing and loot has exactly ONE glaring benefit over military gear - you don't have to go to a military site to replace it.  Zombies will undoubtedly find you as you search for loot, so consider this.  WHEN (not if) Zombie-scissor-hands slaps you in your shiny new Gorka Jacket, it will probably be Ruined.  What's that mean? Get lucky and find one in a barn, or go to a military base where you'll almost certainly find one. This is where manic ideas are borne.  This should at least factor into your reasoning.  Military gear is great, but the more of it you have, the more often you'll be finding yourself in danger to replace it.  Just remember, some of the best players out there use a Mosin.

 

Pack light.  Use the forum to determine what is rare if you're not sure.  There is no need to be a travelling gun salesman.  Just because you like the Engraved 1911, doesn't mean you need it.  My rule of thumb is this - if you have a working firearm with ammo, only upgrade or gather more if you already have the magazine for the new one.  This means, if you have a Makharov with mags and ammo, and you find an Engraved 1911 but no mag- leave it.  It will take up valuable gear space and add to your vulnerability as you search for unicorn horns.  However, if first you find a 1911 mag, keep it, this is rare and only takes up a single slot.  You will undoubtedly find another 1911 at some point, and in the meantime you're not making extra room or dropping things that don't fit. Carrying an AK with one round chambered is not better than a Blaze 95, especially on the hope that you might find a magazine.. this is called chasing the house in Craps.  The odds are against you the same way every time, and the house usually wins when the odds are bad.

 

Don't run around in the open.  Stay near tree lines or the edges of buildings, use cover and take time to observe.  It is exponentially harder to spot another player while you're moving, so take short cover to scan your path and take a quick look around.  You'd be surprised how long I've followed people who never take a moment to look back over their shoulder. If you do find yourself running across a field, point your view to the ground as you run, it cuts your profile in half and makes you harder to spot, if only from a distance. Rooftops in cities are no-mans-land, at least wear a helmet.

 

Use guns on zombies only if you're very confident or being overwhelmed.  Gunshots are audible for a pretty wide radius and stereo imaging is spot on. Many of the more blood thirsty players hear distant gunshots as a dinner bell. The melee system has been improved for accountability sake, but this also means it is more challenging.  Whether fighting a zombie or another player, the sweet spot is easiest if you aim your swing through the space between their right hand and right foot, like 7 O'clock.  The top part of the swing seems to be registering every time, and you have a pretty good chance of connecting a head blow.

 

Loot farming via Server hopping is a thing.  People do it.. shit, I've even done it out of frustration.  If you choose to go down this road just remember that this behavior is largely why certain items are hard to find.  I have a job and a life, so when it comes to hopping from server to server I can't hold a candle to a college kid on a day he doesn't have classes.  Midday in the servers is for loot what the Pacific Ocean is around Japan.. empty, lifeless with no bounty. It's been overfished.  In general, its best to join populated servers and stay there.  Getting good at dealing with players and scrounging will serve you better in the long run.  Future changes to the game will make server hopping thankless, and players that unaccustomed to loot-staved servers will be fish out of water.

 

Bring a friend. This last piece of advice is probably the most obvious.  Having a friendly player on your back makes many problems go away.  Make friends where you can, and play together versus going it alone.  The sight of a group is normally all a lone wolf needs to see to keep their distance. This game, much like life, is better with a buddy.

 

:beans:

Edited November 26, 2014 by Mr Jizz

[Whyherro123 2283]

This post was inspired as many before it- getting killed by another player.

 

For a new player, as well as many DayZ veterans, one might say "so what" or "that's the game".  And you know what? They're absolutely right.  This is a video game, so the consequences are what you make them, but they certainly never result in personal injury, loss of income or property. Lost sleep? Maybe.

 

I decided that after 700 hours of my life given to this game I should write down what I've learned.  Both to assist those that come after me, and as a way to codify so many lessons that seem fleeting in the throes of a manic idea..

 

"Man, I really want to find an AK for this drum mag..."

But Dave, that means you have to go to Vybor Military Base; you know what happens at Vybor Military Base.

"I've been carrying this stupid thing for two days! And there's only 5 other people in the server"

I wouldn't do that Dave.

 "STFU Hal."

 

I'll start with the obvious stuff.

 

Military loot sites

 

These include (as of v0.49) the Northwest Air Field (NWAF), the Vybor Military Base, the Pavlovo Military Base, the west end of Zelenogorsk, the Balota Air Field, and any helicopter crash site.  This is where you find the good shit.  It includes AK's, M4's, High-cap vests, magazines, helmets, military pistols and military clothes.  You'll also have a higher chance of finding things like fire axes, ammo, rare medical gear and even a good amount of food.  It's basically loot heaven... or is it?  Just as you're balls deep in that second can of beans on the upper floor of the Vybor Prison building, everything your instincts were screaming come true, it happens - in runs a geared player with his weapon in his hands (where yours should have been) and...

 

..you're on a beach.

 

Five rules that I will never ignore again whilst in a Military Loot site:

1. NO PLAYER, NO ONE, not your grandmother, not even Pope is "FRIENDLY" when they see you at a military site, Period.
2. DO NOT STOP MOVING.  It's not OK to pop a squat and enjoy a can of peaches while reminiscing on the good old days.  If you must stop, do it for tactical reasons.  Find a place you can sit and observe, and...
3. KEEP YOUR WEAPON OUT. No excuses. Keep it out and keep it raised while in buildings.
4. LISTEN.  This doesn't mean put your ear on the ground like Tonto.  Before you go in and out of closed doors, listen for just a moment for a player that might be traipsing around on the other side.
5. CLOSE DOORS behind you. This accomplishes two things; first, with sounds added to doors, the opening of a door you've just closed is a sure fire sign someone is coming, and secondly, it slows down other looters and gives the appearance that a building is unlooted.  This could buy you valuable seconds if a hostile player is busy looting a building you've already been to.

 

General Player Politics

 

As I mentioned above, ALL players at military sites are NOT your friend.  They will kill you even if they're not normally a KOSer (for the kids, that's: Kill On Sight-er; basically someone who has no interest in socializing, working together, or making a new friend).  The fact of the matter is most players with at least 10 hours of play have had a bad time at a military site, at least once. It sticks with you.  That's ok, learrrrrrn from it. Trust no one and you're better off.  After 700 hours of play I've come to realize this is one of the parts of the game that will never change, and there's no patch for it. Trust me  B)

 

Shouting "Friendly" is not going to save you at a military site; EVER. All it does is tell the other player that you don't have any fight in you.  

 

What about everywhere else?

 

There are four situations you will find yourself regarding a player that hasn't already tried to kill you.

 

1. IN A NEW SPAWN AREA. If the guy has gear, you're at his mercy, don't fight it. You're not Mike Tyson, so unless the player has shown aggression towards you it's generally not smart to take your dukes to a gun fight. If you want to commit suicide, just tell the guy, no sense making him waste a bandage.  Most veteran players will understand where you're coming from if you want to spawn elsewhere.  If the other player is NOT geared, this is the most likely time at any point in the game that you'll be able to have a conversation with another player.  Share stories, loot together, discuss bugs.. whatever.  I've made a few friends this way, and so long as you're not a douche, the other guy isn't going to shoot you if he finds a gun before you. Be civil.
2. YOU SPOT THEM FIRST, from any distance.  If you see someone who hasn't seen you, its your decision whether to kill them, follow them, or disappear.  Since 1 and 3 don't require further explanation, lets focus on following them. You've found yourself in a unique situation where you can use your omniscience to determine the next action.  Think of it like dating.  Keep a conservative distance, understand their boundaries and intentions, and act responsibly.  If you rush in, it's going to go one of two ways, and chances are you're not going to like it. This is one of the few opportunities where you can have a fulfilling interaction because you're in control.  Corner them in a building, and make yourself known. 
3. THEY SPOT YOU FIRST, or CORNER YOU.  This is a tricky one, no two ways about it.  If they spotted you and didn't kill you immediately, the player is either feeling you out or he is a bandit. Weigh your options.  REMEMBER: Despawning (logging out) means your character remains behind for 30 seconds, but your name disappears.  A smart bandit in a low-population server will watch the player list for a name to disappear once he has you cornered.  If you do this, there's a good chance that when you join the next server, you'll find yourself on a beach. Being robbed is not a fate worse than death, I promise. It sucks, and you might want revenge, but chances are you walk away with at least some of your stuff.  Banditry is like a profession in DayZ, some are actually quite magnanimous. They want your rare stuff, not necessarily your food or clothing. Plus the way I see it, it's more fun than starting from scratch with an 80% chance of spawning in a lootless, shitty eastern town.
4. YOU STUMBLE ON EACH OTHER.  It's fight or flight here, no real strategy about it.  Make a choice on the type of player you are and stick to it.  It will make you better in the long run.  If you are a KOSer, kill the bastard and don't look back. If you're a collaborator or friendly player, arm yourself and (assuming this is somewhere other than a military loot site) make contact through your mic.  Use introductory language, be clear on your intent, but don't let your guard down- remember what I said about yelling "Friendly". Be clear that you are armed and aware, but don't fire unless fired upon.

A Note about language barriers:

 

There is no one group of people, or culture that is more friendly than the next.  I'm an American, and I know you know my accent, and I've been killed by Chinese, Japanese, Russians, French, Germans, Brits and other Americans alike.  This is equal-opportunity murder.  What is important is that if you find yourself communicating with another player, don't try to force the issue if they don't understand you.  A break down in communication is exactly that.  If you can't establish a dialogue with someone within 1 or 2 sentences, or their microphone is a piece of crap, it's time for fight or flight.

 

This happened to me not long ago, and in trying to strike a friendly conversation with an Asian player, I started focusing on the conversation more than my situation.  He had me cornered in a prison, and all I could make out was "GUN, DOWN" .. why it was that I thought he wanted some food or that I  could convince him that I was friendly is hindsight now.  He killed me and up to the very end I was trying to avoid bloodshed. Stupid.

 

This game is all about bloodshed.  If you want to avoid that reality, play Tetris.

 

Personal Conduct and Considerations

 

I'll close with some general points that apply to your objectives as you endeavor through Chenarus.

 

The most important lesson that I learned from FrankieonPC, (despite my unwillingness to listen) is to LOOK UNIMPORTANT.  If you dress in full military equipment, camouflage and a helmet, your chances of making friends are greatly reduced. Imagine walking up to your apartment with a bag of groceries, whistling "Get Lucky" when all of a sudden you're approached by a guy with camo, a gasmask and an AK-47... It's no different in this game.  There is a fine line between looking like a civilian with a purpose and looking like a mercenary.  Bright clothing will certainly make you easier to see, but it will also make it harder to hide.  Don't overdo it- for example, dressing entirely in yellow might seem funny to you, but to a veteran player with a gun you just look like an asshole.

 

Civilian clothing and loot has exactly ONE glaring benefit over military gear - you don't have to go to a military site to replace it.  Zombies will undoubtedly find you as you search for loot, so consider this.  WHEN (not if) Zombie-scissor-hands slaps you in your shiny new Gorka Jacket, it will probably be Ruined.  What's that mean? Get lucky and find one in a barn, or go to a military base where you'll almost certainly find one. This is where manic ideas are borne.  This should at least factor into your reasoning.  Military gear is great, but the more of it you have, the more often you'll be finding yourself in danger to replace it.  Just remember, some of the best players out there use a Mosin.

 

Pack light.  Use the forum to determine what is rare if you're not sure.  There is no need to be a travelling gun salesman.  Just because you like the Engraved 1911, doesn't mean you need it.  My rule of thumb is this - if you have a working firearm with ammo, only upgrade or gather more if you already have the magazine for the new one.  This means, if you have a Makharov with mags and ammo, and you find an Engraved 1911 but no mag- leave it.  It will take up valuable gear space and add to your vulnerability as you search for unicorn horns.  However, if first you find a 1911 mag, keep it, this is rare and only takes up a single slot.  You will undoubtedly find another 1911 at some point, and in the meantime you're not making extra room or dropping things that don't fit. Carrying an AK with one round chambered is not better than a Blaze 95, especially on the hope that you might find a magazine.. this is called chasing the house in Craps.  The odds are against you the same way every time, and the house usually wins when the odds are bad.

 

Don't run around in the open.  Stay near tree lines or the edges of buildings, use cover and take time to observe.  It is exponentially harder to spot another player while you're moving, so take short cover to scan your path and take a quick look around.  You'd be surprised how long I've followed people who never take a moment to look back over their shoulder. If you do find yourself running across a field, point your view to the ground as you run, it cuts your profile in half and makes you harder to spot, if only from a distance. Rooftops in cities are no-mans-land, at least wear a helmet.

 

Use guns on zombies only if you're very confident or being overwhelmed.  Gunshots are audible for a pretty wide radius and stereo imaging is spot on. Many of the more blood thirsty players hear distant gunshots as a dinner bell. The melee system has been improved for accountability sake, but this also means it is more challenging.  Whether fighting a zombie or another player, the sweet spot of your swing is easiest if you aim at the space between their right hand and right foot, like 7 O'clock.  The top part of the swing seems to be registering every time, and you have a pretty good chance of connecting a head blow.

 

Loot farming via Server hopping is a thing.  People do it.. shit, I've even done it out of frustration.  If you choose to go down this road just remember that this behavior is largely why certain items are hard to find.  I have a job and a life, so when it comes to hopping from server to server I can't hold a candle to a college kid on a day he doesn't have classes.  Midday in the servers is for loot what the Pacific Ocean is around Japan.. empty, lifeless with no bounty. It's been overfished.  In general, its best to join populated servers and stay there.  Getting good at dealing with players, and scrounging is going to serve you better in the long run.  Future changes to the game will make server hopping thankless, and players that are used to empty servers will be fish out of water.

 

Bring a friend. This last piece of advice is probably the most obvious.  Having a friendly player on your back makes many problems go away.  Make friends where you can, and play together versus going it alone.  The sight of a group is normally all a lone wolf needs to see to keep their distance. This game, much like life, is better with a buddy.

 

:beans:

Glorious! -GOLF CLAP-

[DeroQc 21]

That was interesting.

Here, have some beans.

[☣BioHaze☣ 7337]

*snip*

1. NO PLAYER, NO ONE, not your grandmother, not even Pope is "FRIENDLY" when they see you at a military site, Period. *snip*

 

I commend you on an unusually well written and well thought out OP.

 

However, I could not read the rest of your beautiful post due your first point.

 

I have had friendly encounters at military sites.

 

I am "friendly" at military sites.

 

I am not running away from you to get a better vantage point to shoot you from.

 

I've been murdered countless times over the last 2 years (mod + SA) and nothing has ever made me change my mind about any form of KoS.

 

Period.

[Jonah_Hobbes 171]

I was a bit prissymererherhhehrhe! when I first started reading but it is a very good read and spot on.

 

 

Mods ban this and lets KOS Mr Jizz.

 

Far far to much useful information.

[Mr Jizz 313]

I commend you on an unusually well written and well thought out OP.

 

However, I could not read the rest of your beautiful post due your first point.

 

I have had friendly encounters at military sites.

 

I am "friendly" at military sites.

 

I am not running away from you to get a better vantage point to shoot you from.

 

I've been murdered countless times over the last 2 years (mod + SA) and nothing has ever made me change my mind about any form of KoS.

 

Period.

 

Part of me agrees with you, and I understand. But having 'principles' in a video game is like having matches at the bottom of the ocean, they'll get you nowhere! This is really at the root of my frustration, and why I've simply given up on leaving it to the 'grey area' of DayZ.  Countless times I've tried to persuade someone that I'm friendly, that I don't want to fight while on a military base, and every time I've been killed or shot at.  As much as I gave people a chance to be human, they always let me down. I hope that if you and I ever encounter each other at NWAF, that it's with a wall between us, so maybe we can chat first and enjoy our mutual good fortune.  Everyone else has put themselves into a category that statistics and experience have shown 99% accurate. 

[☣BioHaze☣ 7337]

Part of me agrees with you, and I understand. But having 'principles' in a video game is like having matches at the bottom of the ocean, they'll get you nowhere! \

 

*snip*

 

I play as if there is humanity as a gameplay element.

 

I keep score within.

 

I RP this way as purist survivor. I don't play many shooter games but I was hooked on Resident Evil from the beginning. This feels like it has the potential to be some sort of open world Resident Evil with even more health factors and random evil players who try to kill me!

 

Imagine a 20yr S*T*A*R*S* veteran (see: Biohazrd JPN on PS1) washed up on a beach after a world wide rage zombie infection.

 

I'm basically "chaotic good", I guess.

 

I was zombie hunting, with a side of bambi assist/hero in the mod a lot.

 

As a lone wolf in the mod I had month long characters with multiple vehicles, camps, and over 1,000 zeds dead, Fred.

 

With broken and less zombies in the game, I haven't really been able to continue my mission of cleansing the Earth of the unholy hordes.

 

One day, when the sun shines a little brighter on dusty ol' Chernarus, I'll have me lots and lots o' smelly flesh ripping zeds to lobotomize.

Edited October 3, 2014 by BioHaze

[Mr Jizz 313]

I play as if there is humanity as a gameplay element.

 

I keep score within.

 

I RP this way as purist survivor. I don't play many shooter games but I was hooked on Resident Evil from the beginning. This feels like it has the potential to be some sort of open world Resident Evil with even more health factors and random evil players who try to kill me!

 

I thought about it some more, and really what I was getting at with the first rule of military loot sites is that it's a "rule" not necessarily a fact.  As a rule I will treat all those on a military site as hostile unless persuaded otherwise.  As a guide to new players, following this rule will help them die less.

 

Also, don't assume I'm only in it for player interaction.  I too love the direction the game is going, and it will be great when there's enough environmental factors to give us more to do than collect rare loot.

[Old_Crow_Whiskey 119]

I've had friendly and indifferent interactions at military sites, even when encountering groups of heavily armed players. Of course that is not the norm and every player needs to be especially on point in a base. Normally on the open range or in non-coastal cities I consider something like 55% of players are KOS types, the rest being some mixture of other dispositions. However in a military compound my assumption changes to 80% KOS. This has been my experience.

 

I agree with biohaze, I keep score within. I do like your point about deciding what player type you are and sticking to it, even if it's for the duration of one life. This helps a player have fun and gives some direction to the game. I would encourage new players to try to talk to as many people as possible to get a feel for the varieties of player interactions that are possible. There's no score keeping so dying a bunch of times in a row has no measurable penalty for what that's worth. We're taking it as a given but all new players should have a mic since everyone knows you cant trust a player without a microphone.

Edited October 3, 2014 by Old_Crow_Whiskey

[odin_lowe 3686]

I commend you on an unusually well written and well thought out OP.

 

However, I could not read the rest of your beautiful post due your first point.

 

I have had friendly encounters at military sites.

 

I am "friendly" at military sites.

 

I am not running away from you to get a better vantage point to shoot you from.

 

I've been murdered countless times over the last 2 years (mod + SA) and nothing has ever made me change my mind about any form of KoS.

 

Period.

 

 

Very well written OP.

 

But I'm like BioHaze, and encountered some non-hostile players at military bases. I never take any location as non-hostile zone for granted, and always stay on my guard, but I still talk first whenever I can, even in military areas. It's just like that for me.

[harteman 155]

I commend you on an unusually well written and well thought out OP.

 

However, I could not read the rest of your beautiful post due your first point.

 

I have had friendly encounters at military sites.

 

I am "friendly" at military sites.

 

I am not running away from you to get a better vantage point to shoot you from.

 

I've been murdered countless times over the last 2 years (mod + SA) and nothing has ever made me change my mind about any form of KoS.

 

Period.

Have fun getting shot in the face.  Reveal yourself to me at a known PvP area and you get shot.  Others are just like you, except they stab you in the back, killing you as soon as they have the chance.  You aren't looking to kill me?  Well, I am going to kill you.  Have fun with that.  I'm sure the one time a guy doesn't kill you out of 50 is totally worth it.  You must be really lonely in Chernarus to risk your life so recklessly.

[Irish. 4886]

Ill add one Ive been telling friends for a while now..

 

DO NOT CROUCH INSIDE BUILDINGS (@military bases)

 

EVER.. Go find someplace safe to eat, check gear, etc.. inside a high threat area, is not the place for it. You never know who watched you go inside.. 

 

By crouching you slow yourself down, including your reactions. If you are standing, when a player enters and raises his weapon at you.. you simply sidestep while pulling yours out. Usually he misses at that point.. but if you're crouched.. you're probably dead already. 

Edited November 26, 2014 by lrish

[TheWizard14 372]

 I'm not trying to be immature or anything but when you have a name of Mr. Jizz and a glass of milk for a picture, I can't take you seriously.

[alsmir 255]

Ill add one Ive been telling friends for a while now..

 

DO NOT CROUCH INSIDE BUILDINGS (@military bases)

 

EVER.. Go find someplace safe to eat, check gear, etc.. inside a high threat area, is not the place for it. You never know who watched you go inside.. 

 

By crouching you slow yourself down, including your reactions. If you are standing, when a player enters and raises his weapon at you.. you simply sidestep while pulling yours out. Usually he misses at that point.. but if you're crouched.. you're probably dead already. 

 

Clearly you've never been shot through a window.

[BrainlessZombie 190]

It's time to go full Mr. Jizz all over the place... Or someone...

 

...Heheheheheheehe...

[BeaverProductions 441]

I disagree with your assumptions about airfield KOS, and here is why: 

 

My friendly interaction with someone at the airfield and the time we spent together.  The game would have been so much more boring that day If i had just killed him.

 

Edited November 26, 2014 by Beav

[Mr Jizz 313]

 I'm not trying to be immature or anything but when you have a name of Mr. Jizz and a glass of milk for a picture, I can't take you seriously.

 

Its OK, different strokes for different folks! I try to make a point of never taking anything too seriously in gaming.  It's supposed to be a release, plus that name still makes me chuckle sometimes when I see it.

 

Remember- keep telling yourself it's a glass of 'milk'  :P

[BeaverProductions 441]

A glass of semen isnt that white :)

[Mr Jizz 313]

A glass of semen isnt that white :)

 

LOL! I guess that depends how much haggis you've been eating! Personally I take Zinc supplements

 

/derail  :P

[Mr Jizz 313]

I disagree with your assumptions about airfield KOS, and here is why: 

 

My friendly interaction with someone at the airfield and the time we spent together.  The game would have been so much more boring that day If i had just killed him.

 

My advice isn't meant to be the Gospel, it's 'best practices'.. especially for newer players.  OF COURSE there are examples of players that won't shoot you (or would prefer not to shoot you) at a military site, but remember that nowhere in my explanation did I assume or prescribe a method for handling hostiles; only that one should presume hostility until proven otherwise.    If you choose to detain, hold up, shoot, execute, flee.. it's up to you and the way you play.

 

I'm speaking from a lot of experience with this, and lot of hard-earned lessons. Even a conservative estimate like Old Crow Whiskey's was an 80% hostility rate at military sites, where my experience might put it closer to 95%. If you want to hang on that 5-20% chance like you're suggesting, you should request the devs to equip your default with suntan lotion instead of a flashlight, because you're probably going to be spending a lot of time on the beach.

 

Think: discretion, caution, awareness, and low-expectations. 

Edited November 26, 2014 by Mr Jizz

[Irish. 4886]

Clearly you've never been shot through a window.

 

Clearly you need to stop.

 

Please.

 

You have no idea what you are even doing..

 

Seriously. 

 

Did I say stand in the damned window and let someone snipe you? Nope. Now go back and CAREFULLY read what I wrote.. see how the context is dont stop at any point in a high level area? 

 

And no, Ive never, ever been shot through a window.. because that would be tragically unobservant of me. I have far too many hours in this game and its early mods to make such a simple mistake. 

[alsmir 255]

Clearly you need to stop.

 

Please.

 

You have no idea what you are even doing..

 

Seriously. 

 

Did I say stand in the damned window and let someone snipe you? Nope. Now go back and CAREFULLY read what I wrote.. see how the context is dont stop at any point in a high level area? 

 

And no, Ive never, ever been shot through a window.. because that would be tragically unobservant of me. I have far too many hours in this game and its early mods to make such a simple mistake. 

 

Why so mad?

 

Sometimes you have to stop and pick something up, maybe even swap backpacks. I'd rather do that in crouched position instead of just staying up. I've already got a readied gun in my hands and I will hear anyone getting close to me to react in time, close inventory, and welcome them.

 

Bambies could use that info, since that thread is mostly about giving them some tips.