[zenith]

I don't think the Elders are trying to keep anyone down. I think they are just downright bored because they unwittingly got all the high-leveled players to join one gang. I honestly think this was a boon for most players, because it slowed down the growth of the Elders. For a couple months they couldn't even attack anyone to gain XP until people started catching them.

Matt, you just lucked out by being one of the players who has worked the hardest to advance. You are one tough mutha. Once the Elders saw they could hit you and get decent XP, they went for it.

I admit, it's annoying to be declared on over and over again. Everyone in the game preys on players they know they can beat (players who initiate combat lose only 3% of the time). Everyone who has learned the game mechanics attacks the players who earn them the most XP.

Everyone wants to be the best at this game. The competition I think is what makes this game what it is.

I also agree that there probably needs to be some form of hired hitman NPC to always give someone a chance to beat another player up. That's my next project once I go over the logs from 9-days of being on vacation.