First off, anyone wanting to venture into the PvP aspect of this game, is more than welcome!
It is a part of the game, and has been for as long as I have been around, and even further back where it had serious impact on the game. I recall how Evfisher got to maintain her no.1 spot in the game, by beating down on those trying to take it from her - and yes they fought back, hard.
As is now, it has been watered down many times, to try and appease all who play the game. Some of the choices have had too big an impact on what PvP in FS is, some even to the point of devastation. It is not, what it used to be, and most of those who educated me on PvP, are no longer around..most slammed the FS door behind 'em, loudly.
As for this thread being derailed on Hooftest, the opt-out of PvP, the stats of the set etc. Hooftest is just that, at test character, and the gear will not be available to players. If another HCS member uses the same gear for whatever purpose they feel like, it is well within their rights, as developers of this game. They do not now, and properly never will, play the game enough to have any impact on how other players do anyways. The "warning" in Hooftests bio, is because of the stats which at the time the bio was written, was close to unbeatable by players. The opting the test character outta PvP, is due to the fact, that sometimes they test stuff related to economy, and hence the test character can at times hold insane amounts of gold, which should not be funneled into the game via PvP.
Oh, and there has been a few instances, where HCS members have thrown 'emselves into PvP, both hitting back and posting bounties.
As for advice to the OP; Start putting together setups, as you would for hunting, but with PvP in mind (obviously). Try to make the best defense based, armor based, attack based setup you can - always keeping in mind, what you want to be able to defend against, and what you want to be able to defeat with that specific setup. It is not enough to just make a high attack and damage setup (aka suicide) as you will most likely be defeated, if you miss on the first swing. I know it is common practice with a group of players these days to travel that road, and sure it may work eventually - but it will not give you any sort of understanding of what PvP is in FS, nor how the game mechanics work.
When you have a setup you think will work, start finding targets. Search for players within your normal range, and start hitting 'em - and most importantly, study the combat logs.
If you truly want to learn, find players within range who PvP. If you do not know of any, look at medals. Players with silver+ BH/Smasher medals could be a hint, that they like smacking around.
Try talking with 'em, and ask 'em to suit up and buff up, then do your attack. Pref get them on the board somehow (they'll know how), so you can have several chances to do battle with 'em.
You could also find a PvP orientated guild, ask to join and see if they'll help educate you in the ways of PvP.
GvG'ing may also provide you with some insight.
Good luck, and I hope to see you on the board sooner or later
Edited by KitiaraLi, 14 August 2015 - 07:07.