Another PvP question - contract killing - DM input requested

[CitizenCain]

As my skills with the blades and the shadow have begun to come to the attention of some folks with... less... "scruples" than most, a number of important, relevant questions have begun to arise regarding the particular rules for IC contract killing on this server. And since I can't seem to find the answers, I'll ask! Brilliant, I say, brilliant.

I figure I'll ask here first, before accepting any contract kills because (inexplicably to me), a lot of people seem to get very pissy about losing a PvP... as Laurk said in the most recent "wah, HIPS" thread, "rules lawyers" and such. I personally don't get the big deal ((it's not like you even get Fugued and lose XP... it's really a no-effect event around here)), but since a lot of people take it very seriously, seems to me like the "better safe than sorry" approach to these new business opportunities is the proper course of action. Maybe it'll help me avoid pissing off other players... or maybe it'll just be a "CYA" thing, but either way - I have the following questions:

First of all, is it permitted? ((I notice in the PvP Rules and Guidelines that IC "assassinations" are OK, so my first thought is an emphatic "yes," but then again, I did apparently run afoul of a similar rule that the other night, so... I'm not so sure anymore.)) Is "your [PC] enemy dropped a big sack of gold in my lap to stab you a bunch of times" an acceptable IC reason to kill someone? Seems like it should be - but then again, recent experiences make me question that, and frankly, if it's just going to lead to endless whining and complaining at me and to the DMs because so-and-so doesn't like losing, well... I can do without that aggravation, frankly. ((So feel free to say ~"it's permitted, but not worth the aggravation because of the complaining it causes," if that's the case... and I'll find another way to make coin.))

Secondly, how does one RP this, and still stay inside the PvP rules, and ideally, not provoke endless whining to the DMs from the assassinated party? I'm a combat-oriented rogue (with HIPS), so the way I would go about doing this, both IC and for reasons of game mechanics (such as the inability to stand up to a comparably leveled fighter-class in a toe to toe fight) would be to find my prey... hide, set hostile, then stealthily stalk my target (with my high hide skill or invisibility potions/scrolls), and wait for a moment of weakness (after a tough critter fight, for example) and/or for a time and place with no one else around, and then strike without warning, killing in a flurry of sneak attacks. (And HIPSing as needed, should my prey survive the initial flurry, somehow.) This approach, while the definite IC way for a shadowy rogue to perform an assassination, seems to violate a few of the PvP rules... such as allowing the person a way out, and giving "fair" warning... or is this considered an "assassination," and per the "PvP Rules and Guidelines" not subject to that restriction? *confused*

Finally, assuming contract killing is permitted and can be done in a way (both IC and OOC) which doesn't "ruin" it for me - would an acceptable IC approach to these rules... "problems" be to offer the intended victim a chance to bribe the assassin? I'm thinking about something along the lines of telling the target that I hold a contract on their head... which I'll refuse for 50% above the contract fee, name the contracting party (when possible) for double the fee, and kill the contractor for triple... or something along those lines. ((Would that suffice as a way to "RP out of being PKed?")) And should the target refuse my generous offer... stalk them for an [in-game day] day or so before unleashing a flurry of deadly, poisonous sneak attacks on them and fulfilling my contract. ((Would that suffice as "fair, IC warning" per the PvP rules, or is the delay in announcing hostilities and actually making the kill going to be a problem?))

Any thoughts, opinions and so on welcomed... though I am, of course, looking for a DM to clarify this, as ultimately, it will be a DM who will have to deal with it/me if someone complains about being PK-assassinated.

[Blackman D]

assassinations or contracted killings are done thru DM or thieves guild only

as far as RP you need only to want someone dead, whatever reason is your own

[Miinstrel]

assassinations or contracted killings are done thru DM or thieves guild only

as far as RP you need only to want someone dead, whatever reason is your own

So as I understand what you just said, PCs cannot issue bounties on other PCs. That can't be right.

[CitizenCain]

assassinations or contracted killings are done thru DM or thieves guild only

as far as RP you need only to want someone dead, whatever reason is your own

Other than a big bag of coins as a reward? Seems like a better reason than any other one, if you ask me.

Either way, I'm glad I asked, since it looks like there's some disagreement on the issue.

[Blackman D]

if you wanted to have another PC killed for whatever RP reason you may have you can seek out the thieves guild and pay for a hit on that person if you really wanted too, its not really a bounty as far as hey this guy is wanted i'll give 10k to whoever kills him first, its a i really dont like you and i want you dead so you go pay 10k to have him taken out

(prices may vary, depends on the target)

[CitizenCain]

And if I prefer independent contractors? Or for that matter, being an "independent contractor?"

This is really my question. I'm not a member of any thieves guild, nor do I wish to be... but I hate turning down work. I also hate being banned for accepting work I'm not allowed to and like that there. Hence, this thread.

[Carbondk]

And if I prefer independent contractors? Or for that matter, being an "independent contractor?"

This is really my question. I'm not a member of any thieves guild, nor do I wish to be... but I hate turning down work. I also hate being banned for accepting work I'm not allowed to and like that there. Hence, this thread.

You're free to set yourself up as a shady murderer for hire. But don't think it will be without repercussions from the local thief guild. After all, such "businesses" are rather keen on and apt at protecting their channels of income against competition.

[CitizenCain]

You're free to set yourself up as a shady murderer for hire. But don't think it will be without repercussions from the local thief guild.

And that's what they call a "fringe benefit."

[Blackman D]

yes you can do that but like carbond said expect a visit from the guild

and you dont have to join the guild to have someone killed but if you want to do the killing without unwanted visits then yes

[DjnTech]

Basically it comes down like this Cain

1 As a hired killer your only responsibility is to collect coin and eliminate the target end of story.

2 The one hiring you should notify a Dm ( or the guild if the assassin happens to be affiliated) that a contract has been placed. This is to eliminate any fall out for suprise attack on the victim and complaints on his part.

3 Offering the victim an out is not required. His out was or is resolving whatever issue it is that led up to the point where you were hired and is between him and your contractor. ( a contractor seeking to eliminate some one via contract should make sure via Rp that your victim knows he/she upset you enough that you wish him dead.." That typical You just wait I suggest you sleep with one eye" open type statements would be such an indicator)

4 You may offer an out such as accepting more coin and renigging on your original contract if your persona happens to have no honor or morals regarding his profession. That choice though is up to you and may draw reprecussions from a disgruntled employer

5 Finally Freelance work is allowed One is not required to join the guild to perform contacts. Simply don't get caught


Now I am not a Dm and they may correct me But in a nut shell I hope this helps