As you understand, PKing (Player Killing) on Eudemons Online has been a topic of intense controversy . Although some may argue that EO is a PK game, others protest that PKing is simply a feature in this MMO. Nevertheless, Player Killing exists, and is probably the biggest factor in the reason why some Legions are on your enemy list, and some are on your allies.

Player Killing often results when one is incredibly angry and feels the need to ChainChop or Thunder that unfortunate soul who rubbed them the wrong way, or when one feels the need to express intense dislike via pixels; however, the most common factor as to why people tend to end up as a floating ghost is probably due to the Legion name floating above their heads (well, their character's heads).

Some Legions are notorious due to their intense adoration of PKing or KSing (Kill-stealing, especially when it comes to boss hunting), and unfortunately, the members of that particular legion tend to carry a bigger price on their heads than those of peaceful legions. So why does anyone choose free-Player Killing over no-Player Killing legions?

Having been in both, I can accurately testify that the "lifestyle" of a no-Player Killing legion is much more strict than that of a free-Player Killing legion. A legion with no enemies is always nice to start off with, and guarantees easy leveling and very little personal conflict. It is also likely that players will either be indifferent or friendly towards a member of a neutral/ally legion initially, assuming that the individual does not prove to be less than favorable. However, the downside is that one is bound by integrity and obedience to restrain from even hitting anyone that crosses us, and this can be prove to be frustrating. For example, if a member of a free-PKing legion (kill anything except for allies) happens to attack a no-Player Killing legion member, the latter may often be struck defenseless because they never have the advantage of attacking first. Even still, the security and guaranteed popularity (instead of infamy) of being in a no-Player Killing (or selective Player Killing) legion appeals to the majority, and there are much more of these legions than there are of free-PK legions.

Now, on the opposite of the spectrum - a member in any free-PK legion has the liberty to do whatever they want, as long as they follow legion rules (what limited rules they may have, like no KSing/PKing allies, no swearing, etc,). Although we would consider this type of legion morally lax, it does come with advantages. First is the excitement of being enemied and hunted by everyone - it gives one a sense of rebellion and notoriety, does it not? Second is having the advantage - or the intention - of killing everything that could possibly jump in the way without hesitation or guilt. Third - and this is my favorite - is the fact that, in a world where "survival of the fittest" surely applies, one can ignore the rules of selective Player Killing and really do whatever is desired or required to achieve the ultimate goal (and that's power, isn't it?). To put it into perspective, it's something like trading caution for recklessness and even a bit of excitement. Of course, being in such a legion does have its downsides. The biggest issue is that if you are more of a predator than a prey, people will most likely brand you as a bully or, more commonly, a hacker, a cheater, or maybe even a bitter person who is constantly being looked down upon in the real world. (Hey, I have confidence in telling you this because I've seen it happen.) Another issue is practicality - do you have enough power to go out there and PK, and when you are PK'd, can you effectively escape and deal with what aftermath may follow?

As a player that's less than powerful, I confess that I tend to lean towards the comfort of a selective-PK/no-PK legion. However, I do have some kind of a fantasy of being infamous and able to defend myself, or - even better - give others a reason to defend themselves.

Of course, the quality of a legion does not depend on their decisions on Player Killing. Although this is a vital factor in the structure and conduct of a legion and its members, there are wonderful legions on both sides of the controversy, and I absolutely urge you to experience both the freedom of being able to kill whatever, whoever, as well as the security of knowing that you are protected by a selective-PK/no-PK legion and its carefully proposed rules.

-- Illyria --