I wanted to give some clarification on what the WARN verb is intended for and what all that it does.
The WARN verb is a communication tool between you and the person you use it on. It doesn't do anything other than log that it was used and message both parties. It does not notify GMs it was used, nor does it prevent anything from happening. The verb itself tells you that you should assist to speak with a GameHost if you'd like to document what is going on or seek further guidance/results. Using it by itself should be the last step before getting game staff involved in a PvP situation.
If using the INTERACTION portion of the verb, the player who initiates it should leave the area, not the person it's against. This is one of the biggest misunderstandings. Unless actual POLICY is being broken, GameMasters aren't going to enforce parties to move at a storyline or event, but since the person using WARN has a problem, they should be the one who leaves if someone has to go. If the two parties can coexist in the same room without an issue, nothing further has to happen though. As long as you don't interact with each other, you can stay in the same room. Otherwise, the player who used the command should move to another area and ASSIST. Mostly this creates a paper trail when a GameMaster is investigating a PvP issue.
If the person is being disruptive to you or in general, using REPORT as it is happening can get someone to look in on the situation. This is especially helpful when a player has issued the WARN verb and the person is still doing whatever it is that caused them to use it in the first place. Using REPORT after the incident has concluded doesn't help much at all.
If you WARN someone and they turn around and WARN you, you both should respect that. Each player gets messaged, so this is something that happens quite a bit from the standpoint of, "Well they warned me, so I warned them back!" Just abide by it and follow the steps to document it.
Abusing the WARN command can result in an official warning or an immediate lockout. Some examples are:
* Attacking another character and using the WARN verb to prevent them from retaliating.
* Using the WARN verb to "get the last word."
* Harassing another player and fabricating a story about what happened.
* Being the instigator.
* Warning on one character, and using another to attack/name call.
* Having someone else harass a player that was warned or that warned.
Hopefully that helps clear up what the command is for and how/when to use it. If you're not sure if you should use it, please ASSIST to talk to a GameHost.
Wyrom, PM
This message was originally posted in General Roleplaying, Conflict!. To discuss the above, follow the link below.
http://forums.play.net/forums/19/215/2307/view/442
