Hey Granpappy, I agree that players should not be taking vigilante action against teammates, but how about some commentary on these issues? Some kind of official policy here?
When exactly would it be appropriate for someone to start building a catapult or tower? Logically, we all know it is pretty much never appropriate on the current official server's game modes, besides strategus, so why not just say that?
Also like Mataclypse asked, how about some clarity on using construction sites as obstacles? Is this currently allowed or disallowed?
The Official Server rules need some updating to cover some of the newer equipment, but where they haven't been updated, some general rules apply. It wouldn't be my place to give new "official" rules, but I can tell you what guidelines I use for it. Some of these will address some of the situations you guys are asking about. So here I go sticking my neck out and providing my best interpretation. If a Dev comes in later to correct it, then I'll edit my response here to reflect it.
Official Server rules:
http://forum.c-rpg.net/index.php/topic,2606.0.html Rule #1 - Use common sense - where an issue is not covered by any specific rule, this is the one we fall back upon.
Siege equipment specific rules:
No siege equipment spam
OK: Planting ladders to get to roofs or walls
OK: Blocking a door with a construction site
OK: Planting siege shields to provide cover from ranged fire
NOT OK: Creating a weapon rack and spawning more than a few items to block movement
Yes, you can use ONE construction site to block a door or choke point, but not more than ONE.
You can't spawn a weapon rack to keep spawning additional contruction sites, but you can spawn one for throwers/archers/xbows to reload.
Now, to stick my neck out: Currently I would interpret this to mean that additional teammates who spawn with a construction site could block an additional door/chokepoint. (not the same one). However, the goal is to keep the server and game playable, and
it is possible that there are maps where common sense will overrule this thought. A caveat to that would be this one:
No malicious griefing of teammates ( blocking, etc.)
So don't make things more difficult for your own teammates by your placement of these items. If you do this, and someone destroys it, they aren't griefing you, you are griefing them. Its about context. Again, use common sense.
No leeching
Even if you are building, you need to have a weapon on you in case you need to fight. "I'm making a weapon rack to spawn one" is not good enough.
Catapults - I've given a group of 4-5 players the chance to build one on battle. They just can't get it built fast enough to be useful (in fact they failed 3 of 4 times to even get it up). That doesn't mean they aren't allowed. If a larger group were working together, and could get it done in less than half the time it took that group, then perhaps. But if I don't see at least 10-12 people working on it, I'll ask them to build something different and useful, but even then I am dubious of their worth. Sorry catapult fans.
Towers - Similar to catapults, except they have more usefulness once they are built as a base to house ranged while melee protects below, or in siege to gain access to a more convenient area of the castle. Once again, if a group of 5 or less are working on it, it is generally a waste of time. You need a significant team effort to make this happen. If you don't have that level of participation that would make it an effective strategy, I'll ask you to do something else.
Forward bases - I'm reserving judgement on this one for now. I need to talk to some of the other Admins or see it in action myself. If it gives an unfair advantage and results in some jacked up situations, well you know Rule #1 by now. I think the main issue will be placement. (I'm thinking one outside the walls anywhere, like by a back door would be okay, but maybe not inside in a courtyard.)
If there is something I haven't covered, see Rule #1. In addition, the decision as to whether any use of the siege equipment is valid or not
will be up to the Admin on the server at the time. Remember that I am simply posting the guidelines that I work under, which are subject to change based upon the situation. The goal being to allow players to have fun in the manner they want within the rules, while keeping the game playable for all involved.
Remember that if the decision doesn't go your way, show some restraint in your expression of dissatisfaction. Muting/warning/kicking really isn't fun for us either, so don't go overboard.
I hope this helps make a cloudy situation a little more clear. I already had this reviewed by one of the Senior Admins, so it should be fairly close to an appropriate interpretation, but like I said, I'll be editing this to reflect any new information or decisions that are made regarding the siege equipment.
