When administrating the {LFNY} servers, we have a particular goal. This goal was established by our original founder, Pete, a.k.a {LFNY} TheDon, and still governs what we are about today. . .

We look at each important aspect of the game and how it pertains to our concept of a tactical stealth hunt experience. In each situation, we reviewed how it would be implemented in real life and then compared it to what this game allows for. From there we came to the best middle ground for the most realistic experience we could get from this game while maintaining pace and excitement. Questions always come up in regarding such an approach so the {LFNY} FAQ provides a quick and easy summary of a this very different approach. Please familiarize yourselves with it.

1- Is {LFNY} about realism?

Yes and no. Our attempt is to bring the game as close to real life conditions as possible. Realism is 99% achieved with tweaks to run speeds, weapon functions etc. However, with "fairness" and "equality" also a priority, some aspects of the game must sway from realism. For example, weapons that are originally automatic are tweaked to semi-automatic or single shot operation to eliminate any auto rapid fire from our environment and bring equality to bolt action rifles and snipers.

2- I pick a spot in the field on a sniper server and "camp" as it is known. Isn't that realism?

In real life, yes. A sniper may pick off enemy's from a stationary position. But, as {LFNY} may "promote" realism, we at the same time "encourage" a stealth hunt approach. This is for the purpose of keeping the game moving along and creating an exciting, adrenaline filled game. See the part on "Stealth Hunt vs. Run and Gun" and "Stop & Scan" Tactics. This approach is also with the intention of improving a player’s game, his coordination, reflexes, and use of intelligent decision making when engaging the field. We "encourage" the mastering of elements to achieve being an active "hunter" of your subjects.

3- What is Stealth Hunt vs. Run and Gun approach?

Run and gun is the reckless constant running, chasing down enemies or objectives, shooting and just basically a non-stop mindless approach to battle whereas stealth hunt is a tactical intelligent approach which takes thinking and quiet engagement of each area of a map that you encounter. Stealth is 99% crouched, quiet movement using obstacles as cover but always on the move . The only exception is to cross large open area's too reach another area of cover to continue your hunt or during the actual engagement of an enemy. Basically, your a sneaky tactical hunter the majority of the time. Your enemy should hear your shot and not the footsteps that accompany that engagement.

4- What about hopping around like a blundering idiot, is that okay?

No! Hopping is completely prohibited on our servers. It's not realistic in any way, shape or form. Nor is it OK to jump during battle.

5- What is a "Stop & Scan" tactic as opposed to "camping?

Temporary "Stop and Scan" is appropriate as opposed to "camping". We want to encourage as much as possible that players hunt and keep the game moving. The hunt is what makes the excitement. If no one's moving and your the only one hunting, where is the game, where is the challenge? "Stop and Scan" is when you scope an area for enemy movement or position then when the area is clear you continue your hunt.

For example: You’re in a room with windows. You go to the window and scan the outside area left and right. You see an enemy. Are you going to kill him? Of course, but are you going to deliberately just stay there doing nothing and wait for others to come in view? That's camping. Once the scan is completed and the area is "clear" you should be continuing your hunt.

6- When may I run as a hunter who’s primarily using a stealth approach?

A. When engaging the enemy. Move quickly, side-to-side, back, crouch, stand, etc. Never give him a clean kill target. It is never recommended that you engage an enemy head to head in crouched stealth position as most of the time you will be defeated.

B. For Cover. Get to your destination, then stealth that destination. Would you cross a large open area stealthily? Of course not. In any open area that leads to another area of position, you go as quickly as you can, moving side-to-side to avoid the shots that will come your way. But once you reach your destination, immediately drop to stealth position and scan the entire area. Then resume your hunt.

7- Okay, I'm crossing a large open area to reach cover and continue my hunt . Along the way I run into an enemy. Is that run and gun?

When seeking cover and along the way you engage an enemy, that is not running and gunning. Clearly your intention was to cross an open area,. However, using that as an excuse to always run will never jive.

8- Sometimes during direct engagement of an enemy I drop to "prone" to achieve a steady shot and fool my subject. Why is that prohibited?

The "engagement drop" is when players are engaged in face to face battle "regardless of distance" and one player in the middle of that engagement suddenly drops to a prone position creating steady dead on aim to achieve the kill . Mostly, this move is just not a realistic move and adds an element of arcade like behavior to a game in which we are deliberately attempting to create the most realistic experience possible . When players engage in face to face battle, several elements are required to be successful in that head to head battle. Quickness, reflexes and aim. When a player utilizes the "engagement drop" in the middle of that battle he removes quickness, accuracy and reflexes to achieve the kill. Dealing with that enemy in crouched or upright position is just what you would do in real life, not drop to the floor. Not to mention, if you did something like that in real life you'd probably end up eating your scope!

9- When is the use of prone appropriate?

Going prone is implemented in certain situations for a realistic effect , such as a sniper holding an area in a team situation or going prone to shoot under an obtrusive object such as a truck, train, etc. Prone may also be required to stay behind cover or get underneath obstacles. These are proper uses of prone.

10- Sometimes a player has an avatar above his head, other than a team icon. What does this mean?

When you see such an icon above a players head, he or she is either busy typing or has used this to indicate they are busy. This player is to be "bypassed". Pass him or go in another direction and continue your hunt. It's understood that accidents happen sometimes and you may fire at the enemy and his bulb comes up simultaneously. Also, avatars of the other team don't show up during team play or sometimes they might not be there at all. So we know it happens. Just apologize out of respect and move on. It will be understood.

11- To avoid getting type killed, what should I do?

Players should make every effort to get themselves to a hidden out of the way area and face a wall when typing messages . If you attempt to type out in the open a bullet might be on it's way simultaneously, in affect, you've just killed yourself .

12- I finished typing, turn and see a player who just "bypassed" me. Can I shoot him ?

Of course not! Show him the same respect he just showed you and continue your hunt in another direction, you don't need the kill that bad.

13- What's a "Blatant" type kill?

You enter an area and it is clear that there is an icon or avatar above the players head. He is typing and you shoot him anyway. Aiming in wait for an icon to disappear and then shooting is considered the same. "Blatant" type kills will not be tolerated and you may be kicked or banned from the server.

14- Sometimes a player is facing a wall in an out of the way area. What does this mean?

Sometimes you will encounter a player facing a wall in an out of the way area. Usually in a corner if possible. This means he is temporarily idle. Maybe he stepped away from the keyboard or maybe he’s busy addressing players on the server. He is to be "bypassed". If he remains in that position for a long period of time, an Admin can make the decision to kick him, assuming that he might be having technical difficulties.

15- I need to go to spectate for a few minutes and I don't want to lose my spot in the server, is that okay?

Yes, however, a player is in spec for a long period of time and doesn’t respond to an Admin they may be kicked to relieve a spot for an incoming player.

16- What is a "grace period" ?

When a player spawns he is protected for a short period of time, meaning he cannot be damaged for that period. It is the responsibility of the spawned player to get clear of the area and resume his hunt during that time. The purpose of this protection is to allow the player to get to cover, NOT to gain advantage over nearby players. See the item on "I have just spawned and see an enemy. What do I do?"

17- I am near a spawn area and a player just spawns into the field. What do I do ?

You are to "bypass" that player and continue your hunt in another direction . Again accidents happen It’s understood and usually resolved with a “sorry” followed by a “no problem.”

18- I have just spawned and see an enemy. What do I do?

Show the same respect in this instance as you would if you we're near the spawned player. Bypass the individual and start your hunt in another direction as if he wasn't there Again accidents happen and are understood, but a spawning player should not be engaging the enemy, rather they should be seeking cover.

19- What is "spawn camping"?

Spawn camping is when a player deliberately positions himself in view of a spawn point and picks off players as they spawn. If caught doing so you will be kicked and or banned from the server .

20- I approach an area and 2 players are battling. Do I kill on sight?

Yes! "kill on sight" is the way we play. Just as you would in the real world . It's the hunters responsibility to the best of his ability to engage his enemy's in isolated area's to avoid being shot by a third party. It's part of the tactical approach. Getting killed by a third party during engagement happens to all of us and is not to be frowned upon. It's also another reason you want to employ a tactical stealth hunt approach, to take out your enemy without others knowing where you are.

21- Can I use a pistol as a primary weapon?

No! The pistol is a secondary weapon to be utilized in a tight situation such as running out of ammo during engagement or maneuvering in close quarters.

22- What about melee attack. Is that permitted?

Yes, but is the same premise as the pistol and should not be used as a primary attack. It should be used in a tight situation as a last resort or when sneaking up behind someone.

23- I found a way to get under a map or an area that I can shoot from but cant be seen or shot. Can I use those area's?

Absolutely not. Exploiting a flaw in a map is strictly prohibited! Those who are caught even trying to kill from such a place shall be banned! If you find such a place, notify an Admin. If it’s deemed troublesome we may just remove that map until it can be fixed.

24- I find grenades or maybe a rocket launcher that are able to be picked up and used in a map. Can I use them?

Yes. However, remember that {LFNY} exclusively uses modded weapons so you might want to reconsider using it. If it presents a continuous problem for players, if it can’t be turned off or it’s non use adequately enforced, the map may be removed.

25- Are there any particular rules governing the use of grenades?

Yes. First, no grenades will be dropped upon death to avoid collection & abuse, so use yours wisely. Grenades are used primarily to flush an enemy from a hidden room or position. They are definitely not permitted to be used in head to head battle unless your opponent has retreated into a location for cover, such as a room. Use your primary and secondary weapons just as you would in real life. You wouldn't toss a nade at an enemy in the middle of fighting head to head. Also cooking a grenade to take your opponent out with you is prohibited. We're not suicide bombers. Keep in mind that first, you shouldn't throw a grenade unless you have a known target and second, you would also want to inspect your target area after throwing to ensure a kill. If you employ grenade use with these facts in mind, there should never be an issue.    

26- You talk about "respect". What do you mean?

A general respect among players, Admins, etc. is of the utmost priority! We do not tolerate cursing, arguing, constant console messages of a malicious nature etc. Just have fun and carry yourself with maturity and you'll never have a problem on our servers. We're here to have fun, not argue. Also, if our servers are not to your liking, no problem. You can try it out further or simply leave and search for another one. However, a lot of work goes into our servers so criticizing them (commonly referred to as the "this is gay" approach) is the quickest way to get on our bad side. If you have suggestions or comments, we welcome those, but otherwise just be polite and log off. Thanks.

27- Every server I go to seems to be about competitive attitude and skill levels. Will I find that here at {LFNY}?

Absolutely not! That's part of what separates us from the rest. We don't focus on a players skill level, we don't do ladder or clan matches. Everyone who shows respect and makes every attempt to abide by the contents of this FAQ is welcome with open arms . Whether your new or a veteran, we're about a friendly respectful atmosphere and if you possess a respectful attitude you are part of our community. As a matter of fact, those who focus on such priority makes for an un-comfortable atmosphere and is in contrast to our overall mindset and shall be dismissed.

28- What is an "Admin" and what is there purpose?

An admin is a member of the LFNY team who has the authority to oversee the server’s operation. This includes our actual maintenance of our website, forums, mods, and servers as well as the enforcement of our rules and overseeing player activity. If they impose a penalty, it is understood there was good reason. Therefore players should not question the decisions nor actions of our Admins. If something needs clarifying, it is best to seek it on our forum by Pm to the Admin involved or to Sgt.Powers. LFNY is also about the people. We come to LFNY to have fun and enjoy a great game. That enjoyment is not just from the game, but from each other. We could all be playing solitaire and still be having a great time because we're first and foremost friends; an online family. With that in mind, our Admins support not only our players, but each other as well. This comes across in our game play and contribute to the uniquness of LFNY.

29- What about "taunt" messages in game. I like to throw them up constantly as I think that's so amusing. Is that ok?

No. Of course taunt messages are permitted, they are part of the game. But there over use is a form of spamming the console and can get very annoying to players in the field . Most players do not use them. Any constant over-use shall be grounds for that players dismissal. Basically common sense is to be applied here . Throwing up a bind once in awhile is one thing. Throwing them up constantly is another. Be thoughtful.

30- What about "voting". Are there guidelines to go by?

Yes, but very simple. If voting is enabled, which it usually is not, and you call a vote that doesn’t pass, that means other players in the field do not want that choice. Don’t call it again. Also, if a round has been going on for a while and you just got there, don’t call a vote. Players probably want to finish their round. Most voting should occur at the beginning of a map. Constantly throwing up votes shall be grounds for dismissal. Also, don’t forget, you can simply ask an Admin for your particular preference.

31- I'd like to join the {LFNY} team. How can I join?

Excellent. The members of the {LFNY} are hand picked and are by "invite only". If a player becomes a regular of the community, is active on the forum, joins and chats with us on ventrilo and over time shows total respect for the members of our community, then you shall be noticed. Eventually when we are ready to consider adding an Admin, those are the people we look at to choose from. We are very careful when appointing Admins and don’t always just add people simply because we can. So, don't be discouraged if you are a regular for sometime and haven't received an invite yet! If you are a part of this community in good standing your day will come. There is also nothing wrong with being a regular member and not an Admin. You’re appreciated just the same.

As before mentioned, these above FAQ's are the most common conversations we’ve had over the last several years. If you still have any questions, please contact any of our Admins from the forum and we’ll be glad to clarify.

Please also see the {LFNY} Rules of Conduct for important additional information concerning our approach! THANK YOU!