I know we haven't had too many problems with people interfering with duels, but unless there isn't already, I think there should be massive penalties, maybe even combat exp penalties, for damaging ships involved in a duel.

If at all possible I would rather not implement such penalties. I like the open ended and self regulating nature of combat VO has so far and would like to keep it if at all possible.

Currently the only barrier to interfering with a duel is getting KOS from the participants, observers, and their friends. And as you said this plus other factors (smaller population, etc) has worked pretty well so far. To that end I think we should continue to cultivate the attitude of "You don't mess with a duel, or you will be hunted to the ends of the Universe" at least among Guilds who have that ideal.

Beyond that you have the idea of dueling sectors where bots would attack and the faction responsible for monitoring would dock your standing if you interfered with a duel.

Also you can always hold a duel in a somewhat random sector and the odds are low someone will be able to find the duel to interfere.

One more thought, a warning line when you target a dueling player (similar to No fire zone warnings around stations) would be helpful for the players whose actions can be more accurately ascribed to ignorance rather than malice.

CP, while I like the idea, what prevents two friendly players from "dueling" each other, then going off and mining? Wouldn't they be protecting themselves with an exploit?

hmm... good point, Randomizer.

I'd also like to add that I'd like to see functionality for multiperson duels.
(atm, its possible to have a multiperson duel, with members of the same faction, owing to the fact that people who are dueling can be attacked by anyone, so with four people, you can have 2 duels and just fight in whatever way you like.)

it would be nice though if you could set up teams.

Also, right now I have practice duels to orange, it would be nice if you could set up a "non-fatal" duel which would precisely figure out who wins.

So how about this... Upon damaging a player that is currently in a duel, you are also added to the duel? This would enable a two person duel to quickly scale into something much larger, however it would need to be properly supported in regard to an experience distribution system. While it still wouldnt protect the integrity of a two person duel, it may make people think twice about interfering and add to the the spontaneous and chaotic nature of space combat. Ultimately this would only support PvPvP duels, though, and a seperate system would be required for team duels...

how about an Arenia whare you can wormhole into from each Capitol
and then you can group with your buddies against the other teams Buddies or you can Fight one on one.