Tagging exploit, Port timer failure

[Æthlstan]

Running into an issue as i type at the moment.

The dutch are attacking Puerto de Espana. They have english and dutch ships sitting outside tagging all the french. Then they leave the battle. French are sitting waiting to join the port battle, and the dutch/english tag them again! Then they run away again.

This is a tactic that is preventing PvP and preventing the defender from actually defending their ports, because even if they are inside the port and exit to defend, the "you cant enter battles" timer is so absurdly long that an enemy can ensure only facing small numbers or even an empty port.

Also, i think maybe this port, as well as 3-6 others, were attacked and captured outside their timers (kingston and scarborough definitely) due to a bug. They have launched fakes at other cities outside their timers as well.

[admin]

perhaps entry to port battles should not be countered by the antigriefiing 120 sec rule

[Æthlstan]

That would be one solution. However, this anti griefing rule still allows griefing.

I havent seen this happen yet, but a squadron could attack a trader with one or two ships, then attack any other ships trying to help to ensure they cannot join. Because of the short join timer, and the very long mandatory battle timers, these attacking ships can simply avoid combat and exit. Thereby ensuring the trader is captured.

This leaves those who tried to assist frustrated and unsatisfied, because they were denied the pleasures of PvP and aiding a member of their nation.

Trying to prevent unfair ganking is very difficult because whatever you try to institute as a protective measure can usually be used abusively in different scenarios.

Edited May 23, 2016 by Æthlstan