Understanding what happens when you "flag".

Since I seem to be the unofficial spokesperson for PVP, let me give you an explanation of what it means when you "flag".

A player starts out in the game "protected" which means you are not "flagged" and do not have "PVP" next to your name (upper left corner). This means you cannot be attacked by another player unless you engage in a duel or enter an open PVP zone. The game gives you a warning if you're about to enter an open PVP zone. So the option to flag and duel are voluntary.

When you go to the Oracle and request that this protection be taken off, you then become "flagged" and now have a "PVP" label next to your name.

So what does it mean to flag?

It means you gain 10% extra pool points when you adventure.
It also means you have entered the PVP realm and have voluntarily opened yourself up for another player to engage (translate: attack) you.
PVP has no set rules. Once you flag, other PVPers assume you are voluntarily willing to engage them in a fight. This means it doesn't matter what you are doing (crafting, gone afk, training at a dummy, questing), or what adventure level you are (click on C, hover over your name) you have given them the message they can attack you.

Before, if one died in the game at the hands of another player, you would lose experience pool points (type K, adventure tab, lower right corner), lose belongings in the game (armor, weapons, trinkets... things). You had the option to buy the items back but it could get expensive depending on the item taken. This was called a "ransom". The other player that killed you will also acquire your body part trophy (this could be a skull, a hand, or a jawbone).

Currently, the ransom has been lifted and there is no pooled experience loss. The only thing left is the body part trophy which has zero effect on your ability to play. In other words, you lose nothing if you PVP.

So be on guard and aware of your surroundings if you decide to flag. This decision could cost you a death. If your name is not Inigo Montoya, prepare to die when flagged. If you don't want to be attacked or die, do not flag.

If you do want to enjoy the PVP scene, there are many PVPers more than willing to help train you to be a better PVP player.

 

Great post Bee -- I've copied this post over into the main PvP thread in the game features forums as well: https://www.shroudoftheavatar.com/forum/index.php?threads/pvp-community-videos.168676/