Dueling Etiquette

It's come to my attention recently that I'm an incredibly unpopular player in this game. Certainly it's not a result of lacking social grace or charisma, but perhaps something less sophisticated and relevant. The game's dueling is something in the last few months I've gotten in to, through self discovery and teaching, and has resulted in the incredible rank and score I've acquired. Surely, that quick jump shouldn't be a problem; but it's the reason I'm writing this today. Although no one has given me a clear-cut, valid argument or regulation for the way we duelers operate, I feel obligated to listen to their wisdom (or lack thereof). So, as the title establishes, the latter portion of this forum is for our collective, educated ideas for dueling so that no one is: misused, tormented, criticized, belabored, or abusive with the dueling process.

One of the thoughts about my dueling which is seen as unfair or cheating is the variety of levels I contest. Yes, I've fought every rank except 1, 2, and the dreaded 13 at a variety of ranks. The furthest rank from my own was a Rank 3 I battled just the other day (I'm Rank 10). The question of course is: Is it unfair that a Rank 10 should be dueling Rank 3s that haven't a chance at winning? The answer is no. Rank means upgrades and it fallaciously assumes skill. Any number of reasons could allow a low ranking character to beat a high ranking character. The low ranking character could be an alt of someone very skillful, the low ranking character could be very skillful but hasn't had the chance to accumulate SP, or any other reason you can imagine. The point is, a character joins a duel because they think they can beat the other person. Whether or not they can is for a later point; the truth of this point is that it's the Rank 3's independent choice to try to win against that Rank 10. I recognize the lack of upgrades a low ranking character can have though, so I propose we establish ranks 0-4 should not fight ranks 5-13 unless extenuating circumstances are present.

The second problem people seem to have with my dueling style is the country I choose and have reserved just for me. Yes, it's true, I kick people that try to pick Wales in Primal's Medieval Europe 1150 when I duel there. Is it because the country is overpowered or anything other than my favorite? No. I duel there because I happened upon Wales and trained there for awhile before deciding to duel regularly. From there I've only lost on that map three times and once (today) as Wales itself. Wales is an exceptionally powerful country, with a superior position, economy, and troop production, it can pack a punch that'll knock down anybody that dares to fight. However, it can be beaten. Today it has been beaten and yesterday it almost had been (Mortimer was taken three times in that duel) and in other non-duel games I've beaten it. Ask Eagle (the Serbian one that beat Wales) or the Troll (guy that I beat when he was Wales) if you want verification. If the country was truly overpowered and unbeatable then it shouldn't be played. I think that's a given.

The last seemingly arguable point people have tried to make with me are the personal settings for a duel (turn time, initial funds, etc) and reserving a country. As far as the settings go, I think the go-to turn time for players should be four minutes unless they're both comfortable with less or a challenge is made for less. That means if two quick players want one minute turns then they can go for it, but I'll play my average pace and win through thoughtful engagement. Starting funds should be agreed upon by the two players but should be just enough to get the most expensive country. I allow 15k starting funds because with that money a person can get any country they desire and are not restricted or barred from good countries like Champagne, but also do not have enough money to spam units unskillfully until they win like in a 50k match. Rare units: none; leave it to skill and not chance.

As for reserving a starting country it should be looked at just like any other rule. If one or both of the players have a country they've trained as and they are capable fighters as it only makes sense for them to duel. It should be established whether or not characters decide to allow reservations or random selection. I think it makes more sense that duelers battle based on things they know rather than what they don't. It wouldn't make sense for a guy that knows fencing to be thrown in to a jousting tournament, or fair if a boxer had to strap on football equipment and not use what skills he actually has. Of course, players can opt to have certain countries banned from duels if they are completely overpowered and unstoppable with certain strats. I've read in the forums a Ukraine with Blitz in EU++ is unstoppable and Macedonia in Ancient World can't be beaten.

Regardless of the circumstances or allowances of my gaming style, it's not my intention to cheat my fellow players in AtWar. Quite the opposite is my intention, if this post has any effect, to educate my fellow players and better the gaming experience for all so that none should do wrong by us. Please post your thoughts on the matter.