WoW Server Choice Question

[leo8877]

Hey all, I think I'll probably pick this up at Compusa tomorrow for $40, although I may not install it just yet.  I have a question about server choice for you.

If I select a server that is PvP, do I have to engage in PvP all the time?  I mean, can someone just run up and kill me, or do I have to actively enable it?  I know that at first I won't want to play like that, but eventually I may want to go on a raid against some human players.  So, does anyone know how that will work?

Also, can you create a Horde and Alliance character on the same server?

Thanks!

[Destructor]

For reasons unknown, you can create both an Alliance and Horde character on a PvP server. When you think about it, it shouldn't be that way.

And as for a PvP server - from what I know, only in Contested zones (about half the zones out there) can you be instantly jumped and attacked by somebody of the other side.

In the other half, there's a PvP flag of sorts that can be turned on and off based on your actions.

For a Non-PvP server, both sides have to have their flags on in order to attack one another. Otherwise, you can both wave and curse at each other.

Somebody, please yell if I got this all wrong.

[leo8877]

Oh, so you can still PvP on non-PvP servers?  That sounds like what I'd want to do.

[Sudy Nym]

For reasons unknown, you can create both an Alliance and Horde character on a PvP server. When you think about it, it shouldn't be that way.

Unless there's a bug, that's incorrect. This ability was taken away some time in beta to stop "spying".

[leo8877]

Another question for you guys.  I live on the West Coast, so I would normally play on a Pacific Time Zone server.  I see that all of the guilds talking here are on Central time servers.  If I were to create a character there, would I have terrible lag?

[unbreakable]

No, but I believe Central zone has the highest population, due to accomodating both coasts.

[Destructor]

Another question for you guys.  I live on the West Coast, so I would normally play on a Pacific Time Zone server.  I see that all of the guilds talking here are on Central time servers.  If I were to create a character there, would I have terrible lag?

All it is is the time zone that the servers are based on, and what clock they run by. In short - most people in that time zone went to that set of servers, so odds are you'll find people playing the same time you do.

Remember - EQ had servers all in one central location, and nobody had problem with their servers as far as lag went.

[Eco-Logic]

I have a question regarding pvp.  

If I decide to play on a pvp server and I'm wandering through one of the contested areas and I see an enemy player and attack and kill him can I steal his belongings?  Just curious.

[Interloper]

No to the above question.

[Eco-Logic]

No to the above question.

What is the benefit to PVP then?

[Koz]

They have an honor system planned where you get points for PvP wins and such. You can then use those points to buy things or gain prestige for your clan or something along those lines.

As it is right now PvP is just for being able to kill other players.