neon-sprawl-archived/docs/decomposition/epics/epic_06_pvp_security.md

Epic 6 - PvP Security Zones and Fairness Rules

Source Anchors

• Master epic reference: neon_sprawl_vision.plan.md — Core Epic Map, System Modules Epic 6
• Related modules: E6.M1, E6.M2, E6.M3, E6.M4

Ownership and success (Level 1)

• Ownership focus: Systems Design + Online Engineering + Trust/Safety
• Success criteria: PvP is compelling for participants while remaining fully optional and non-blocking for progression.

Objective

Implement security-zone based PvP opt-in, clear consent and risk UX, reward parity with PvE/crafting paths, and later loss/anti-grief rules so PvE-first players never need PvP to progress.

Module Breakdown

E6.M1 - PvPEligibilityAndFlagState

• Responsibility: PvP enablement logic by zone state and explicit opt-in context.
• Key contracts: PvPFlagState, EligibilityRule, PvPStateChanged
• Dependencies: E4.M4
• Stage target: Prototype

E6.M2 - ConsentAndRiskUxSignals

• Responsibility: Entry warnings, in-zone risk UI, and clear state communication for PvP status.
• Key contracts: RiskPrompt, ZoneRiskState, PvPIndicatorState
• Dependencies: E6.M1, E1.M2
• Stage target: Prototype

E6.M3 - LossPenaltyAndAntiGriefRules

• Responsibility: Death/loss rules in PvP contexts plus spawn protection and abuse mitigation.
• Key contracts: PvPLossRule, SpawnProtectionState, GriefingStrike
• Dependencies: E6.M1, E9.M4
• Stage target: Pre-production

E6.M4 - RewardParityEnforcer

• Responsibility: Guarantee functional equivalents for PvP rewards through PvE/crafting paths.
• Key contracts: RewardParityMap, EquivalentPowerBand, ParityViolationAlert
• Dependencies: E3.M2, E5.M3, E7.M2
• Stage target: Prototype

Implementation Slices (Backlog-Ready)

Slice 1 - Zone-based PvP flag core

• Scope: E6.M1 driven by E4.M4 security tiers; high-sec blocks combat between players.
• Dependencies: E4.M4
• Acceptance criteria:
  • Server-enforced eligibility; no client-only PvP toggles.
• Telemetry hooks: pvp_state_changed, pvp_zone_enter, pvp_zone_exit.

Slice 2 - Consent and risk UX

• Scope: E6.M2 prompts on low-sec entry and persistent in-HUD indicator.
• Dependencies: E6.M1, E1.M2
• Acceptance criteria:
  • Non-PvP testers report clear understanding without coaching.
• Telemetry hooks: risk_prompt_shown, risk_prompt_accepted, risk_prompt_declined.

Slice 3 - Reward parity validation

• Scope: E6.M4 enforcing mapping for prototype sidegrade example.
• Dependencies: E3.M2, E5.M3, E7.M2
• Acceptance criteria:
  • Every PvP-only functional reward has validated PvE/crafting equivalent per policy.
• Telemetry hooks: parity_violation, parity_grant_path_completed.

Slice 4 - Loss and anti-grief (pre-production)

• Scope: E6.M3 with spawn protection timers and strike escalation hooks to E9.M4.
• Dependencies: E9.M4
• Acceptance criteria:
  • Repeat killer patterns detectable in tests; abused spawns protected.
• Telemetry hooks: pvp_death, spawn_protection_applied, grief_flag_raised.

Risks and Mitigations

• Risk: PvP feels mandatory due to reward leakage.
  • Mitigation: Parity enforcer blocks ship if mapping incomplete; KPI audit on non-PvP completion.
• Risk: Griefing destroys new-player trust.
  • Mitigation: High-sec safe hubs; anti-grief telemetry and fast iteration on rules.

Definition of Done

• Prototype passes PvP optionality and parity gates from master plan.
• Pre-production tightens loss and abuse response with operational hooks.