Pirate Kings, even before their official in-game launch, had a RoE which is followed by all our members.
Here it is:
Rules of Engagement wrote:1 attack per 24hours = 1 counter (Voodoo may be used)
2 or more in 24 hours = Hitlist
We do not use voodoo on guilded people.
People without a guild may be voodooed any time.
*Attacks on our small members will not be tolerated*
Let me give you all the details that I hope that will help everyone in this game.
First of all, the game has its own rules, let's call them natural. The natural rule of the game has to do with danger. If your fleet has danger, it can be attacked and no questions asked.
Here, PK comes and proclaims a set of RoE. Any set of RoE is as strong as the proclaimer of this RoE is. So when you our violating our RoE, you are openly asking for trouble from the whole guild.
Our RoE speaks for 1 attack per 24hours. So we say that if your fleet has danger, it is open for our cannons. but as courtesy, we will only attack 1 per 24hours (this is per player). In the same time, we expect the same from you.
Now I have already heard complains about "HE ATTACKED ME!". Yes, we attacked you. It is your problem if you cannot keep your fleets without danger and we are not going to sit there and watch it.
Of course, you can always enforce a no attack roe. But this means that it will not be compatible with our RoE. This means war as it will ultimately lead there. Then every leader can make his choices, either retreat or make a deal or attack.
Regarding voodoo now, they are certainly a part of the game. As a guild we believe in reserving our powers. Therefore PK do not use offensive voodoo except if you enter our hitlist. Voodoo however can be a great counter way or a way to settle a deal.
For example, if someone violates our RoE, then we need to either hitlist him for 24hours or settle the deal in the middle, with some beneficial vooodoo casted on the member who suffered the violation.
To be honest, war sounds scary right now but perhaps it would be good to try it so I personally stand in the middle. PK has set their RoE, perhaps it is time all guilds do the same or war may be closer than you think, which is not necessarily a bad thing.
I believe that if every guild has its RoE, then it will be easier to define guild relationships.