Ranger Archive

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Gray03 wrote:

How do you know the perma-root is a bug and not a balance issue? Simple - When a pistoleer uses stopping shot or a smuggler uses concussion (or any of a myriad of other effects) there is an ICON under the critters HAM bar. This icon says vaguely what the effect is and the effect lasts only so long as that icon is up. Anything that does that, is "working as intended" even if it unbalanced.

When you land "perma-root" from a phec-dart, the initial "tranquilizer" dart icon shows up for a few seconds then goes away. Once it is gone, the creatures movement should return to normal - barring any other state effects. It doesn't - with no icon displayed the critter will stand there in "stutter-step" mode until killed. That is a bug, pure and simple.

Using a known bug to gain an advantage is an exploit - that's basically the strict definition of one in fact. Doesn't matter if other people can achieve the same effect through some other means, doesn't matter if you could achieve the same effect if the rest of our traps weren't bugged too and it sure doesn't matter if others can solo Krayts without needing it.

Again, for emphasis, I am not suggesting that SOE will take the slightest action against anyone using this or that anyone should stop profitting from it. But it IS an exploit - believing any differently is just deluding yourselves.

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If you want to go by strict definitions, the noun form of exploit refers to a heroic deed. If you read the box, this whole game is about exploits. The verb form means to use something to it's greatest possible advantage. So just using smart tactics is exploiting. (note: these are the primary common use definitions. There are also computer specific definitions that involve taking advantage of security holes which are probably more relevant).

Going by definitions is a bad thing to do for something like this. You can argue things in about 50 million different ways by picking a specific definition or by arguing some connotation. In the end, do what you feel is right. If you are worried about your account getting banned and you feel that using this trap is worthy of getting banned then don't do it. The terms of use basically state that SOE can ban you if they don't like the look of you. I personally do not expect anyone to get banned for using phenacine darts right now. But the decision and the responsibility belongs to the user. Use the trap at your own risk.

Rules lawyers aside, if you feel uncomfortable using it, don't use it. (boiled down version of 3 pages)