World of Warcraft - English (NA) Forums -> Is it bannable? Can a blue respond?

Zumao

< Drägr >

Muradin

0. Is it bannable? Can a blue respond? 05/10/2008 10:07:29 PM PDT

Is it bannable to use the mage/paladin trick to quickly powerlevel a character? I've seen mixed responses, nothing official. I don't want to go into details b/c I don't want to be responsible for propagating the issue if it isn't allowed. I'm sure those who would know the answer will know what I'm talking about.

I just want to know, because it would help me level up my other characters rather than grinding through the same quests over and over. They were great once, great even a second and third time, but come on...

At any rate, if someone can point to an OFFICIAL post (or better yet, blizzard could respond to this post) it would be great! Thanks everyone!

Was told to ask it in the CS forum. Feel free to delete it from general forums

"I have my Mortal Strike bound to my Q key. Usually for convenience, but mostly for the irony."

Belfaire

Blizzard Poster

1. Re: Is it bannable? Can a blue respond? 05/10/2008 10:26:27 PM PDT

While we don't yet have an official published stance...knowing what I do, I'd have to strongly recommend against it. I'm not saying it's actionable (or that it isn't), but I'd be careful and simply not do it.

It's not difficult to see that this isn't a "trick" but an exploit of a pretty clear-cut bug.

I been rappin' for about seventeen years, okay? I don't write my stuff anymore, I just kick it from my head, know what I'm sayin', I can do that. No disrespect, but that's how I am.

Zumao

< Drägr >

Muradin

2. Re: Is it bannable? Can a blue respond? 05/10/2008 10:48:15 PM PDT

Q u o t e:
While we don't yet have an official published stance...knowing what I do, I'd have to strongly recommend against it. I'm not saying it's actionable (or that it isn't), but I'd be careful and simply not do it.

It's not difficult to see that this isn't a "trick" but an exploit of a pretty clear-cut bug.

I know that you're the voice of blizzard, and that you say it is a bug or exploit. I see it more as "clever use of game mechanics" as told whenever I get explained away why I can't taunt someone in PvP but can be mind controlled. But, thank you for the response none the less I will avoid doing this and find another way to pass my time.

"I have my Mortal Strike bound to my Q key. Usually for convenience, but mostly for the irony."

Belfaire

Blizzard Poster

3. Re: Is it bannable? Can a blue respond? 05/10/2008 10:52:53 PM PDT

Q u o t e:

I know that you're the voice of blizzard, and that you say it is a bug or exploit. I see it more as "clever use of game mechanics" as told whenever I get explained away why I can't taunt someone in PvP but can be mind controlled. But, thank you for the response none the less I will avoid doing this and find another way to pass my time.

I understand what you mean, but I can say with no small amount of certainty that this is not classified as a clever use of game mechanics.

Glad I could clarify for you!

I been rappin' for about seventeen years, okay? I don't write my stuff anymore, I just kick it from my head, know what I'm sayin', I can do that. No disrespect, but that's how I am.

Zumao

< Drägr >

Muradin

4. Re: Is it bannable? Can a blue respond? 05/10/2008 11:00:32 PM PDT

Q u o t e:

I understand what you mean, but I can say with no small amount of certainty that this is not classified as a clever use of game mechanics.

Glad I could clarify for you!

One question I do have for you, if you don't mind answering, is that if it is not considered a clever use of game mechanics why nobody has come out with an official stance? I mean, if its considered a bug/exploit then why isn't it forbidden? Saying that no official stance has been given is a big problem because lets say that I had not had the sense to come here and actually ask? I may have been able to convince a couple other people to do it, thus potentially harming ourselves in the long run. I know you say you can't say if it is "actionable" - and I understand why, no official response means no stance you can actually give. I've worked in customer service so I know why. But, not having an official stance and only giving a recommendation will not save someone who doesn't know any better. If there was an official stance people could point and say "here, this is where they say you shouldn't do it" rather than potentially having someone do it and get actions taken against their account.

Again, I understand why you can't say anything, I'm just asking if you can say (which you probably can't) why there is no official stance yet. And, if you could do me the great favor of asking those who -can- make an official statement do so, just so that its clarified. I have no interest in breaking the rules but I'd like to know the rules whenever possible so that if I feel the need, I can toe the line and do everything I can to gain an advantage - but without breaking any rules.

"I have my Mortal Strike bound to my Q key. Usually for convenience, but mostly for the irony."

Belfaire

Blizzard Poster

5. Re: Is it bannable? Can a blue respond? 05/10/2008 11:30:32 PM PDT

Q u o t e:

One question I do have for you, if you don't mind answering, is that if it is not considered a clever use of game mechanics why nobody has come out with an official stance? I mean, if its considered a bug/exploit then why isn't it forbidden? Saying that no official stance has been given is a big problem because lets say that I had not had the sense to come here and actually ask? I may have been able to convince a couple other people to do it, thus potentially harming ourselves in the long run. I know you say you can't say if it is "actionable" - and I understand why, no official response means no stance you can actually give. I've worked in customer service so I know why. But, not having an official stance and only giving a recommendation will not save someone who doesn't know any better. If there was an official stance people could point and say "here, this is where they say you shouldn't do it" rather than potentially having someone do it and get actions taken against their account.

Again, I understand why you can't say anything, I'm just asking if you can say (which you probably can't) why there is no official stance yet. And, if you could do me the great favor of asking those who -can- make an official statement do so, just so that its clarified. I have no interest in breaking the rules but I'd like to know the rules whenever possible so that if I feel the need, I can toe the line and do everything I can to gain an advantage - but without breaking any rules.

I can sum it up with:

Sometimes, a development fix is better than an administrative one.

The issue here is that I can't guarantee a development fix until it's happened, so to avoid possible penalties for those who took part in it should a development fix be impossible, I recommend against it now. That's all.

As far as not having it stated anywhere that it's against the rules, we actually have very few specifics in our policies--they're meant to be broad and somewhat vague, as this is an ever-evolving game (and community!). This would fall under our Exploitation policy if we judged it to be as much.

I been rappin' for about seventeen years, okay? I don't write my stuff anymore, I just kick it from my head, know what I'm sayin', I can do that. No disrespect, but that's how I am.

Zerander

Mug'thol

6. Re: Is it bannable? Can a blue respond? 05/10/2008 11:31:23 PM PDT

I don't really understand how it is an exploit, unless I'm not fully comprehending the whole process.

If I'm not mistaken, it involves running in and out of instances, right? I don't know, but that doesn't really seem like an exploit to me. =/

Q u o t e:
If I might offer some sage advice?

Don't mention children and sex in the same sentence when speaking in the game.

-Belfaire

Laikar

Khaz'goroth

7. Re: Is it bannable? Can a blue respond? 05/10/2008 11:35:39 PM PDT

Q u o t e:
I don't really understand how it is an exploit, unless I'm not fully comprehending the whole process.

If I'm not mistaken, it involves running in and out of instances, right? I don't know, but that doesn't really seem like an exploit to me. =/

It is quite blatantly circumventing an in game mechanic (the one which limits xp when higher levels are doing the killing) so I'm really not sure how you don't see it as an exploit.

It is quite simple, if you are getting high level characters to do all the work for you, you are not meant to get much XP since you are not earning it.

There is a system in place to ensure this happens.

This method uses a complicated and well timed abuse of other mechanics to bypass that limitation.

How can you not see that as an exploit? It's pretty much the definition of exploit.

Galthraka (70 Orc Warrior), Laikar (70 Blood Knight), Fiellon (70 NE Hunter)
(\__/) This is Bunny.
(='.'=) Your poor spelling and grammar has broken his heart.
(")_(") Shame on you.

Belfaire

Blizzard Poster

8. Re: Is it bannable? Can a blue respond? 05/10/2008 11:35:47 PM PDT

Q u o t e:
I don't really understand how it is an exploit, unless I'm not fully comprehending the whole process.

If I'm not mistaken, it involves running in and out of instances, right? I don't know, but that doesn't really seem like an exploit to me. =/

I get where you're coming from, Zer, but have you ever been able to receive full experience when you have two level 70 characters in your party? No, of course not. That's not how it works. Unless you're doing this.

I been rappin' for about seventeen years, okay? I don't write my stuff anymore, I just kick it from my head, know what I'm sayin', I can do that. No disrespect, but that's how I am.

Zumao

< Drägr >

Muradin

9. Re: Is it bannable? Can a blue respond? 05/10/2008 11:46:10 PM PDT

Q u o t e:

I can sum it up with:

Sometimes, a development fix is better than an administrative one.

The issue here is that I can't guarantee a development fix until it's happened, so to avoid possible penalties for those who took part in it should a development fix be impossible, I recommend against it now. That's all.

As far as not having it stated anywhere that it's against the rules, we actually have very few specifics in our policies--they're meant to be broad and somewhat vague, as this is an ever-evolving game (and community!). This would fall under our Exploitation policy if we judged it to be as much.

That makes sense. It would be nice to have both, one to cover until the other is successful. And the very thing you speak of the "vagueness" of the rules is exactly why I ask. Because, one could consider this as an exploit, as you said you don't get that much exp from running with two lvl 70s normally. Also, one could consider this just a "clever use of game mechanics" I know you've clarified and said it is not such - but that does not mean everyone knows. I'm more concerned for those (such as my friend who wants to do it) not having a concrete post to point to to say its outlawed, because until it is some people will do it and gain an advantage while others sit back, play "the normal way" (the right way?).

Like I said, I won't partake now that I have been indirectly told that "should a development fix be impossible" there will likely be actions taken against the people doing such things. My question now is this - does blizzard retroactively search and punish for behavior that was not outlined as abuse of the system? Just wondering. I play by the rules, I like my account and won't do anything to jeopardize it. I can't speak for everyone I know, and not everyone is smart enough to ask ahead of time, nor listen to those with good advice.

*shrug*

Let others learn from their own mistakes and be glad that I never made my own I guess?

"I have my Mortal Strike bound to my Q key. Usually for convenience, but mostly for the irony."

Belfaire

Blizzard Poster

10. Re: Is it bannable? Can a blue respond? 05/10/2008 11:52:53 PM PDT

I simply can't say if action will be taken or not; not because I want to keep it from you, but because I honestly don't know. Apologies that I can't be more direct, but I'm sure you can understand how this is a fairly delicate situation.

I been rappin' for about seventeen years, okay? I don't write my stuff anymore, I just kick it from my head, know what I'm sayin', I can do that. No disrespect, but that's how I am.

Zumao

< Drägr >

Muradin

11. Re: Is it bannable? Can a blue respond? 05/11/2008 12:21:03 AM PDT

Q u o t e:
I simply can't say if action will be taken or not; not because I want to keep it from you, but because I honestly don't know. Apologies that I can't be more direct, but I'm sure you can understand how this is a fairly delicate situation.

You admitting that you don't know is, to me, enough. But if you could be so kind as to mention it to a superior about possibly putting out an actual stance that would be great :D otherwise, thank you very much for your help and have a great night.

"I have my Mortal Strike bound to my Q key. Usually for convenience, but mostly for the irony."

Akrasia

Terokkar

12. Re: Is it bannable? Can a blue respond? 05/11/2008 03:22:18 PM PDT

"Yes, Zumao, getting 40 levels in 4 hours is a very clever use of game mechanics and we applaud those who discovered it! Additionally, we find win-trading to be a clever use of the arena system and instance cascading to be a clever use of the raidID system, so we'll be bringing back all of those things in the upcoming 2.4.3 patch! We'll also be reinstating a half-dozen gold duping tricks for particularly clever gamers to figure out!"

Tanast

< TwistedLògic >

Dalvengyr

13. Re: Is it bannable? Can a blue respond? 06/03/2008 01:55:30 PM PDT

whats the palidan / mage trick?

Barolas

< Celestial Blade >

Icecrown

14. Re: Is it bannable? Can a blue respond? 06/03/2008 01:56:35 PM PDT

Q u o t e:
whats the palidan / mage trick?

This thread is old (almost a month now). Don't worry about it. =)

[1. General - Nagrand][Belfaire] yells: (Talbukian) Oh laaaawwwwd
All the cool kids are doing it: barolas.icecrown at gmail

Grunkag

< Dark Inquisition >

Khaz Modan

15. Re: Is it bannable? Can a blue respond? 06/03/2008 02:05:55 PM PDT

Q u o t e:
whats the palidan / mage trick?

It is a means of letting a 70 do all the killing while the lowbie (in the group) gets full XP
It exploits a bug in the game program (I won't give the details)
When a lowbie is grouped with a 70, that lowbie is NOT supposed to get much XP since there is almost no risk and the 70 is doing all the work. Anything that bypasses that game mechanic is "exploiting" the game.

When the Blue says "I recommend not doing it", any one who does it and later gets actioned has only themself to blame.

So...

DON'T DO IT.

If you want to be heard, don't give them a reason to shut you down.

Berenerd

< Que sera sera >

Garona

16. Re: Is it bannable? Can a blue respond? 06/03/2008 02:08:59 PM PDT

Q u o t e:
I don't really understand how it is an exploit, unless I'm not fully comprehending the whole process.

If I'm not mistaken, it involves running in and out of instances, right? I don't know, but that doesn't really seem like an exploit to me. =/

Actually it involves the 2 70s doing the work and the lowbie getting ALL the XP as if he killed the mobs his or herself.

"Looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, feels like a duck, tastes like a duck... Must be a cat because i just had some shrooms. I knew I shouldn't have trusted that guy in Darnassus! >.<" -- Kahrain

Faizaniel

Dragonblight

17. Re: Is it bannable? Can a blue respond? 06/03/2008 02:12:55 PM PDT

This particular issue was addressed by the developers in a recent patch; necromancy is bad.

[ Post edited by Faizaniel ]

Community MVP
Because we separate like ripples on a blank shore

Squirrels

< Slightly Twisted >

Trollbane

18. Re: Is it bannable? Can a blue respond? 06/03/2008 02:38:53 PM PDT

I know this is an old thread, but I just wanted to add one thing. When a high level character runs a lowbie through an instance, they do get diminished XP; however, the XP over time is greatly accelerated, and as such it's a worthwhile endeavor for a lowbie to level this way, even without using the (now patched) exploit.

Member since November 23, 2004

I'm not after green text. http://www.wowwiki.com/Deadlykris The ultimate rebuttal.
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Shadyy

Ghostlands

19. Re: Is it bannable? Can a blue respond? 06/03/2008 02:43:56 PM PDT

This issue was fixed in patch 2.4.2

Now lowbies get the right ammount of XP per kill even if a player is no longer in an instance with them when the mob dies :D

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