They could have done it like WoW.
On normal servers you choose weather or not you want PVP. The onlt time PVP is forced is if you go to the other sides zones, particularly near their cities. You also become PVP in your own zone if you choose to help defend against an attacking raid from the other side. Or just decide to pick on someone form the other side who happens to be in your zone. Again as soon as your cross the line PVP is auto-on for you for at least 5 minutes.
On PVP servers. You are safe from the other side as long as you're in an area controlled by your respective side. Of course, the same attack/defend rules apply. If you are in a contested zone then you are free game for anyone from the opposing side. If you are on thier side of the fence, enjoy the ***-whoopin you're gonna get.
Battlegrounds are mutual i.e. you know you're gonna die, though they are not implemented yet.
And they are planning a FFA type arena where anyone from any side can kill anyone from any side.
Noobs are protected in a greater way than you might think. All of the starting areas are guarded by the highest lvl guards in the game. Lvl 62, and there are alot of them. Good luck trying to hang out in the noobie area and kill youngins.
So you see, it can be implemted in an orderly and well done format. Anyone who wishes to not be killed by someone can go through this entire game without that happening to them. It is in fact your choice.. woot.
EQ2 is a very good game. With good vs evil they can make PVP work. And they already have the background story to support it..
btw, I do play both games alot.. I have to split my time. :-(
Edited, Fri Jan 7 15:30:32 2005 by Jute
Edited, Fri Jan 7 15:31:57 2005 by Jute