Shattered Kingdoms

This is absolutely true, because PK and RP do not exist in separate universes in the paradigm of SK.

Right.

As said, does it say that on the tin? Can a true newbie really learn that if she doesn't participate in the forums?

My point is the question, "What does that mean?" I thought tactics might be PVE when I first signed up. I won't derail this thread any further though; case rested.

The description of Shattered Kingdoms on several sites leaves no doubt (at least in my mind) that tactics refers to PK.

Here's the thing -

If you can not (or will not) participate actively/shy away from PK, then your overall involvement with the game will be skewed at best. At the core of this game is conflict. Not all of it need be PK, but you should not take it personally or be even surprised when others may take action against your character for its beliefs/thoughts/words/actions physically.

This being said, my character is one of those who has spent a relative half lifetime or so at this point doing what he can to stay out of the public eye. The amount of realized influence one has in the game politically can not (and should not) be based solely on one's ability to role play/be their character/in the moment, but on their level of skill both in leadership/supervision(training/motivating/however you want to put that) and also they can physically defend their view/influence in combat.

If you are willing to accept that as a weaker character tactically/strategically you're not going to be a key leader and don't expect to make a lot of waves (especially to/while avoiding getting stomped on) then that is your prerogative. Nothing says you can't/shouldn't play the game this way.

I have found plenty of enjoyment adventuring, struggling to learn the combat system, and finding an interesting niche to observe, and simply finding amusement when someone bothers to be all bothered by my character. Occasionally, a character will come along that is so diametrically opposed to how my character thinks, things will light up (Hi, Hantera!) ... but ultimately that is really what has the potential of making the game fun. That which you do not allow to get to your personally can become the essence of what becomes fond memories in the history of a long played, deeply developed character. Am I 'missing' some of the game? Could I be 'better' at it? Certainly. But I think, as long as my character is not overstepping his bounds/my own abilities then I am at a very happy medium.

(I will note this is likely not the most common of perspectives, but it is how I have come to play a single character for well over a year now.)

Hope this helps you, Grep.

I'd color this slightly differently:

There is a distinction between being uninterested in PK, and in avoiding PK. This thread points out how limiting the latter is. Tolerating that your character will die occasionally, gives you many more opportunities for interesting roleplay.

Learning and playing the PK game further expands the character roles open to you, but that's a secondary point.