Protect Yourself From Murderers: Avoiding PK Attacks
A Comprehensive Guide by Magician of Rae

As we all know, any online RPG having a player-versus-player feature where the stakes are high can have its downsides. When it can be useful for defending your property and delivering a sense of authority and respect, it can also hinder or shatter every success you make in an instant. That is why I have constructed this article based on personal experience, observations of killing strategies, and good ol’ common sense.

I have compiled a list of rules to remember when playing Tibia. By following these guidelines, you may help prevent PK attacks or lessen the death rate from them.

Contents
Rules of Safeguarding against PK attacks

· Common sense is your most powerful asset.
· Respect other players.
· Keep your bag of healing items visible at ALL times.
· Hotkey spells that could save your life.
· Be aware of the environment to avoid trapping.
· Stay in public areas.
· Don’t party mode with strangers.
· Be on the lookout for warning signs of danger.
· Don’t log out during confrontations.
· Avoid carrying expensive items.
· What to do in an actual attack.

Other helpful advice

· Learn from your past mistakes.
· Have spare equipment handy.
· Always expect PKs to hit below the belt.
· Seek Allies.
· Healing Tips.
· Hunting Tips.
· Know the pros and cons of each vocation.

Common Sense is your most powerful Asset
If you use common sense, you can probably avoid most of dangerous situations. Common sense is the ability to derive decisions that are self-evident. For example, is it common sense to enter an area you think is dangerous while carrying a large amount of money? Asking yourself such questions can help you think clearly and make wiser decisions. In fact, much of the tips I give you in this article can be derived from common sense alone.

Be respectful to other players
The easiest way to prevent people from trying to kill you is to not give them a reason to do so. Respect other players and treat them as the way you want to be treated. Here are a few guidelines.

1. Don't insult other players - Avoid verbally offending other players. Speak your mind in a fashion that won't offend them. For example, instead of saying "don't freakin' touch my monsters, n00b," say, "Mine, please. Thank you." Try avoiding cursing them, even if they offended you (it's against Tibia Rules anyway). Speaking politely will not only aid the society, but also may prevent you from looking stupid. I wish to quote an anonymous writer: "Make sure your words are kind and soft. You may have to eat them someday."
   
   
2. Don't attack players for no reason - Even if you don't mean to kill or harm, players may get defensive with attacked and you may even provoke them into fighting back. If you do mean to kill them, then not only will you contribute to the pk problem, but also you will initiate a cycle of violence that may leave you as a hunted player for the rest of your time in Tibia. Besides, with the skull system, attacking someone puts you at serious risk, especially if you’re in a city like Carlin. Therefore, don’t attack others without a sensible reason, such as if they attacked you first.
   
   
3. Don't be a thief - Item thievery may not be against Tibia rules, but the majority of the players in Tibia will not tolerate a thief. If you see money or good items suddenly dropped on the ground, leave it alone until the owner gets it back. If you take an item, ask in the open if anyone lost an item, and then return it to them. What if you took it so you could prevent others from stealing it? That’s a nice gesture, but be careful. The owner of the item may think you're a thief as well and kill you before you can explain to them. Therefore, it's better to just leave dropped items alone.
   
   
4. Apologize for your mistakes - I know it’s difficult to compromise your pride. However, if you made a mistake, apologize for it. Saying “sorry” isn’t a proclamation of self-stupidity; it means that because of the undesired outcome, you regret your actions. So basically, you’re saying you wish that you never did the bad thing in the first place. That’s all what an apology is. If you accidentally killed someone innocent or taken something that you didn’t know had ownership, say you’re sorry and try to do something to make up for it.
   
   
5. Don't attack other player's monsters - If you see a player battling against a monster, don't attack it. The player will find that highly offensive of you because you taken a bit of the experience they would have gotten. If you really want to fight a monster that someone else is fighting, ask if they mind that you help.
   
   
6. Try to be respectful of others’ hunting areas - It’s really annoying to wait 5 minutes for a decent monster spawn, such as a vampire or a dragon, and have it be taken by someone who didn’t respect your effort. Don’t do the same to others. You’ll only be contributing to the problem.
   
   
7. Try to respect others, despite level or language - Don’t be a jerk to someone just because they speak a different language or because they’re a lower level than you. Just because you’re a higher level or believe a foreign language speaking person seems inferior to you, that does not make you better than anyone else. I know you probably received the same abuse before, but you’ll only become what you hated if you did the same to others.

Keep your healing items visible at all times
One of the first things you’ll want to do when being attacked is to heal from the damaged received. Make sure your healing items (UHs, IHs, potions, etc.) are in constant view in your inventory. If your healing runes aren’t in view, you’ll have to fumble through your inventory, searching for them. Sure, it may be only a few clicks away, but the added frustration during such a stressful time may become your demise. In many cases, you don’t have “three clicks” and then “2 clicks” to live. Therefore, get yourself into the habit of keeping your healing items visible.

As a reference, here are the healing items available in the game.

1. Life Fluid: Being mainly used on Rookgaard, these are the low end of healing items. Life Fluids are roughly the same price as IH (on mainland), and they heal only about 40HP. Therefore, these aren’t recommended unless your magic level is 0 (If that’s the case, then utevo lux yourself to 1!).
   
   
2. Intense Healing Rune (IH): This healing rune can be purchased from druids or made by them at level 9 (magic level 4). This rune heals about 70 for a low level knight, better than Intense Healing Spell. Generally, this spell is used by knights who don’t have the Magic Level required to use the most advanced version of this rune, or by mages who don’t mind healing only half their HP for less the price. IHs are cheaper than UHs at the price of 1k per backpack.
   
   
3. Ultimate Healing Rune (UH): The staple healing item for most players in Tibia, this rune is the most powerful known healing item in the game. With exception of knights whose HP exceeds their magic level’s ability, UHs will usually heal the target completely. Like IHs, UHs are influenced by Level and Magic Level. Therefore, they are more effective in the hands of a mage. UHs cost roughly 100gp each (2k per backpack), but the high demand for them and the “tyranny” of druids have driven them to 2.5k per backpack and higher.

Hotkey spells that could save your life
Hotkeys can pose as a powerful asset. With them, you don’t need to type out or remember spell words. They can be life-saving during a life-or-death situation because you are only one key press away from healing. Thanks to the new update, you won’t even need to use the Enter key to use them.

Hotkey life saving spells such as Exura Vita, Utamo Vita, Utani Gran Hur, or whatever you think you’ll need during a dire situation. Assign these spells to keys that require only one touch; don’t assign them to key combinations such as Ctrl+F1. Also, to each of these spells, enable the automatic execution so you do not need to press Enter to use the spell. Once you set them, get familiar with their use. Train yourself to use them without a thought. If you set and use these hotkeys well, they will become valuable assets to your Tibian life.

Be aware of the environment to avoid trapping
Common player killers tend to use strategic areas in order to kill their victims. Learning what these areas are and how to escape from them during an attack is important. When entering an area, always try to keep many escape routes in mind. If you enter an area where you can think of only one exit route, avoid entering that area, especially if the passage is narrow. Try to ask yourself “if I was a PK, would this be the ideal place to attack someone?”

Betrayal underground

Here are a few common trapping places.

1. Narrow Dungeons: Narrow dungeons allow PKs to trap and strike easily and unexpectedly. At times, they may even use the monsters in the dungeon against their victims. Avoid entering tunnels that lead to a dead-end. If you see parcels on the ground that might block someone’s escape, discard them by carrying them or putting them inside a monster body. Usually, a player killer will not be able to establish a sturdy barrier because you have to go through the blockade area to be trapped. Because of this, it may be possible to break through the blockage to your escape. If you are unable to escape, try using the dungeon’s narrow path to your advantage. If you’re a mage, these are prime conditions because the player killer will not be able to evade your rune attacks without fleeing. Be careful in narrow dungeons, and make sure you have the necessary healing assets.
   
   
2. Protection Zone Blockades: Another annoying and underhanded tactic used by PKs is blocking PZs such as temples, depots, boats and docks, using themselves, items, or fields. If someone is standing next to a PZ, player killers tend to begin their assault by pushing the person away from the protection zone. Be on alert when someone stands next to you, especially if that person is higher in level than you. If the person is blocking the protection zone and there are no other entrances in, flee the area for a bit to lure them away from the protection zone, and then turn yourself around to get into the PZ. If you don’t believe you have the ability to do this, run to another protection zone. Remember to keep in mind that PKs tend to use cowardly tactics, such as PZ blocking, to make their kills successful.
   
   
3. Blocking with Damage Fields: Fire fields are commonly used by player killers to block passages and deal extra damage. Also, they can disrupt auto-click moment. Rather than avoiding the fields, I suggest walking through them using arrow keys if your HP permits it and there aren’t many to walk through. Though you may take some extra damage, this will force the player killer to walk through their own fields and disrupt their chase attack mode, allowing you time to escape from their range. Destroy fields may also be helpful, but it may take you too much time to have one ready.
   
   
4. “Burning Parcels”: Burning Parcels are several parcels stacked with a damage field on top of it, usually Fire Field. Unlike times when each of the elements are separate, burning parcels are impassible, unmovable objects that can seriously slow your retreat. For this reason, I strongly suggest that you keep a few Destroy Field runes on you, preferably with your healing items, as they are easily accessible. Use the DF on the parcel’s space (make sure your healed first to prevent exhaustion), then push the parcels away with haste. Once it’s out of the way, continue fleeing from the enemy to safety.

As extra advice on this subject, be on constant alert. Do not stay in easily trappable areas to fish or perform some other stationary action. Also, remember that trapping and blocking protection zones is against Tibia Rules. If you are stuck and don’t know a way out, I suggest you screenshot the incident and report it using Ctrl+R or on the Tibia Forums.

Stay in Public Areas
If you have a need to stay motionless for while, such as mana sitting, I recommend doing such actions in public areas near protection zones. Because of the skull system easily marking an offender and the community of “skull killers,” there is a chance that other players may strike the assailant. With this in mind, a player killer will usually not attack players in populated areas unless the character is hacked. Thus, public areas are often safe from individual assassins.

Do NOT Party Mode with Strangers
Being in Party Mode with a stranger is very dangerous. Not only will any person in the party be able to attack you without receiving a white skull, seeable by all, but also any death between party members will be considered “justified,” sharply reducing your chances of vengeance. If you must train, only train in public areas and deny any offer from a stranger to go elsewhere. Even so, other players may not help you if you’re being killed in a public area because they may receive a white skull for being involved. Therefore, party mode only with trusted friends.

Be on the lookout for warning signs of danger
One way to avoid being PKed is to not be in the area which it happens. Look for key elements that may tell you that a dangerous event has occurred or is occurring. Look at dead bodies as you pass them by. If you see a lot of them killed by the same person, then that may tell you that a mass random player-killer is rampaging about. If you enter an area and notice dead poison spider bodies and poison fields where they shouldn’t be, be on the lookout for a lured Giant Spider. These danger signs can tell you when an area isn’t safe.

Avoid carrying expensive items
It is not sensible to carry your absolute best equipment or a large sum of money when you aren’t doing anything that may require it. Why put your items at such a dumb risk? If you don’t think you’ll need the item, then don’t have it on your person. Having it on you puts you at a risk of losing it if you happen to die. When playing a game like Tibia, you never know when all of hell can break loose, so don’t risk it.

I have a friend who gave his level 10 paladin a Skull Staff to fight Swamp Trolls, to level and avoid wasting ammo. During his hunting, he was killed by a lured ghoul and lost his Skull Staff. He could have avoided his loss by using another item such as a Clerical Mace or a Mourning Star. Sure, the Skull Staff is more effective, but with fighting Swamp Trolls, a lesser weapon would have sufficed. It’s not worth taking an unnecessary risk of losing a 6k (Nova) weapon.

Avoid logging out during confrontations
If someone has a grievance against you, don’t log out just to escape them. Not only is it a cowardly move, but also the other person is most likely going to hunt you when you return. If you really need to leave, tell the person you have to go, why you have to go, and tell them that you wish to continue the conversation at a later date. During the confrontation, try to be reasonable and respectful, even if the other person isn’t to you.

So you’re under attack, now what?
Whether you didn’t listen to one of my guidelines or perhaps you followed them critically, you’re going to end up getting attacked anyway. So, when it happens, what do you do? After experiencing successes and failures when under attacked, I compiled my observations into these steps. Practice these steps and try to hardwire them to your brain; make them a part of your instinct.

1. Do NOT panic: This is probably the number one mistake I and many others I seen make. Also, it is often the mistake that proves fatal. When you see the message “you lose X hitpoints due to an attack by X,” take a deep breath and remain calm. Remember that Tibia is just a game and is nothing to panic over. Just remain calm and don’t panic.
   
   
2. Fight or Flight?: Now that you’re being attacked, you should decide if you’re going to run away or stand and fight. Base your decision on observations of the situation. How strong is the enemy; can you withstand more attacks? Are you close to a protection zone? Can you survive the trip to a protection zone under these conditions? Are you strong enough to fight? Take these things into account and decide. Make sure you decide quickly.
   
   
3. Act: Now that you have decided what to do, do it.
   
   
   • If Run: Click off-screen to an area on your map. Make sure it isn’t too far or too short of a distance. If it’s too far, you may get an error; if it’s too short, you’ll have to click again soon to escape. Don’t use arrow keys. As you run, try to relax and keep an eye on your health, healing when needed (see Healing Tips). If a obstacle blocks your way, pull through it or find another way to go.
     
     
   • If Fight: Strategically position yourself and prepare for battle. Arm your runes quickly and fight, depending on how the assailant is attacking and how you attack. If you pull this off successfully, you may be able to scare them away. I’m afraid I cannot give you more advice on this. Find an article on the art of combat.
     
     
4. Aftermath: After the violence has ended, there are a few things you should do.

a. If you died: Log in and access the damages: how much exp you lost, what items were taken. As you do this, contact the assailant and ask for the reasons of their attack. Save the log for possible use later. While talking to them, try to put your anger aside and be reasonable as much as you can. Try to ask for your items back. Of course, if the person is being unreasonable, then take the measures to avenge your death. Contact your friends and allies. Do NOT spam “X is a PK, kill them.” I assure that most people will disregard your message and label you as a “noob.”

b. If you lived: Get to a safe area and recover. If you aren’t skulled (which you shouldn’t be), then go to a safe, crowded area. Stay there until the protection zone lock is removed. Ask for friends to give you food and needed supplies, perhaps protection. When the person returns online, ask them why they attacked and save the conversation.

Know the pros and cons of each vocation
Understanding vocations may aid you in forming evasive strategies. Study each vocation and how they fight to find their advantages and disadvantages. For example, Paladins cannot fire around solid, sharp corners. If you make a quick, sharp turn, your bolt-shooting assailant may not be able to damage you until they make that turn, reducing injuries. Not only do mages have this disability, but they also must precisely click on you in order to fire their powerful spell runes, such as SDs. If your feet are quick and constantly moving, you may receive only a few shots. Learning these limitations can become an important asset to your survival.

Knight: Due to their low mana and magic level, a knight’s healing assets are limited. This makes the vocation reliant on Intense and Ultimate Healing Runes. Fortunately, their high HP makes them more durable to hits. Once you reach the low yellow zone of your HP, ctrl+click the rune, then stop for a brief moment. As soon as you click on yourself, continue running. I also suggest that you try practicing aiming at yourself as you run. Try it with LMMs, which are cheap, and they won’t hurt you.

Mage: A mage has a large advantage when it comes to healing because their high mana and magic able them to heal well and often. However, their low HP requires them to heal after every major blow. I suggest that you get the habit of keeping your mana near its maximum at all times. If you can’t, at least have enough mana to use Exura Vita. As you’re being attacked, I suggest using your mana to heal while your enemy draws near. If your enemy is a paladin with weak skills or you think you can heal yourself without receiving too many blows, use a healing rune instead. Another alternative, when your mana maximum has reached a considerable amount, is mana shield. At least, this spell may seem useless because it potentially costs more mana to use. However, not only are you able to withstand attacks that would normally kill you in a single hit, but also the spell’s automatic blocking allows you to concentrate on evading/attacking rather than worrying about when to heal. It may become life saving when you’re in a panicky state. If you have a premium account and mana to spare, I also suggest using Strong Haste. You may be able to escape from your enemy’s range and to safety before any major damage can be received.

Paladin: Due to the balance of their stats, a healing for paladins combines the strategies of mages and knights together. Most importantly, a paladin must understand when to use instant healing spells and when to use healing runes. Because your mana isn’t as good as a mages, save the instant spells for when you need to be healed within a second’s notice, such as when your HP reaches the red zone. Use your runes when you reach the yellow zone and have the ability to pause and heal yourself for a second. Because a paladin’s mana isn’t as good as a mages, I don’t suggest using mana shield. However, it’s good to have incase you panic.

Other helpful advices

Learn from your past mistakes. It is important that you do this. While you lose your items and your time, you can gain wisdom from your deaths. Try to find factors that you could have done differently to survive. To be honest, many tips I give you in this article come from understanding the mistakes I have made. Learn from these mistakes and use them to protect yourself from attacks in the future.

Have spare equipment handy. It is advisable to have a set of spare equipment in your depot. This will help you get back into the game quickly, after a death that caused the loss of your items. This way, you won’t have to run naked trying to buy armors or have to go hunting wearing newbie equipment. It doesn’t have to be the best equipment, but it should be enough to go fight monsters to help you level up. A healthy practice is to not sell your old equipment when buying new equipment. By doing this, you can use your old equipment as a spare set incase you lose your new stuff.

Seek Allies. Try to be a very friendly person and find friends. The best way to find friends is to contribute to a community. Go to the Game chat often and talk to people, learn about them. They may even want to learn about you. Don’t discriminate by level and kiss up to high levels. Even lower levels can make good friends. No matter their level, having friends will help you during tough situations. In many cases, they may avenge your death from a PK and give you emotional support when an unfortunate event occurs. These friends can really help you when you’re in trouble. I know a level 20 that has several friends in the 70s and perhaps one in the 100s. However, try not to abuse them. It will make you look like a coward to others and your friends. If you get some good friends and treat them well, they will treat you well, too.

Expect PKs to strike cowardly. Most PKs tend to kill their victims under conditions where they have the unfair advantage. They’ll usually try to kill someone when either the victim is trapped, the victim is AFKing, the PK has another person with them, or when the victim’s level is lower. PKs also tend to lie or exaggerate the reason they attacked. Remember to expect a PK to attack under cowardly conditions.

Healing Tips: Healing is the most important asset when being attacked. Learning to master the art of healing will help you get the most out of your healing runes and spells.

Hunting Tips: One of the times that can prove difficult to evade a player killer is while hunting. Therefore, the best thing to do is to be prepared incase it should happen. As always, make sure your healing items are visible, and avoid entering dead end tunnels where you could get trapped easily. Be on alert, especially if you see dead bodies lying around. Avoid hunting in areas where a lot of higher levels are present. Some may find your presence to be hostile. If you see a lone higher level with a skull, I suggest you leave the area and find another place to hunt. Having a trusted hunting partner can be valuable. Not only is there strength in numbers, but also, if you die, your partner may be able to recover your items. Keep these things in mind when hunting.

Remember that Tibia is a game where chaos can happen in even the most unexpected times. Even if you follow this guide or any guide, you will probably end up dying somehow. Therefore, you should make your real objective to be prepared incase of attack or death. Prepare for them both in-game and emotionally, as anyone can easily become frustrated over a death. Be ready for them and live an enjoyable Tibian life.