12-06-2004, 10:20 PM
Occhidiangela,Dec 6 2004, 07:24 AM Wrote:Easy. Human nature.
In a realm that is set up according to "jungle rules" the natural titration of powerful, harcore, team oriented gaming guilds to the top is a human dynamic that is repeated over and over in human history. See how Mafia or Cripps rise to power and thrive in streets, albeit in different decades. They don't play by anyone's rules but their own. Similar to those exercising monopolistic business practices, snuffing competition early is how to sustain power, not waiting until there is a "fair fight." The craving for power shapes behaviour in some folks.
. . . In that pursuit, die hard and dedicated PvP players will still get a rush for dominating a realm. That too is a people thing, and they won't all necessarily be griefers. What they will be is disciplined, organized, and team focused. Remember RussBarb from D II? The best PvP guild may be a dedicated anti griefer team. The key is focused and dedicated Team effort. The best teams, before the salary cap in the NFL for example, tended to make dynasties who rule a realm. See the Feudalism point above. ;)
The trouble with taking this idea too far is that one must also take into account the principle of "Balance of Power." That is, whenever one faction gains too much power, other parties will unite to counter the dominant faction, even if those parties are fundamentally opposed to one another. If outside parties are unable to muster enough strength to counter the dominant faction, then forces will rise from within the dominant faction and fracture it. In order to maintain one's dominance, the dominant faction must be ever vigiliant to counter moves against it, and ultimately all such dominant factions are doomed to failure. This is true for empires, monopolies, political parties, or even sports teams.