I don't think evil factions should shy away from PvP. I don't think I've ever stated that. Its a very handy tool in the toolbox and just one way my own faction deals with encounters, but far from the only one. The Puppetmaster approach can become toothless, when not backed up by threat of force. But its the actual THREAT that's underlying the encounter that allows room for dramatic RP, not the use of force.

For me at least, the threat of force is usually the RP component. The last thing I'm wanting to do is carry out that threat, it gives a very short ending to the story. But, in this culture of pridegaming, 90% of the time, the other side NEVER takes the out, doesn't play along to the blackmail or evil offer, doesn't pick up the plot hook I'm throwing out to make it more interesting and for all intents and purposes, usually engages PvP first. I've learnt, playing the evil villain, that the best approach is to never strike first unless there's no other option in the storyline. This way, they can't accuse you of griefing but at the same time, I'm NOT going away and I'm here to make your world grey...that's the role of the villain.

The problem is, not that Factions are aggressive, nor that they warrant harsher penalties against them IC. Its the fact that usually, the so called 'victims' aren't willing to step up to the roleplay plate and deal with the encounter. Social roleplay does not equal no conflict and I'm guessing that these gamers aren't social gamers at all, they're Carebear gamers. RP builds can simply take the OUT given to them or engage with the plot hook without PvP being inevitable. Carebears refuse IC conflict, full stop; and whinge the whole time.

It's going to be satisfying when I can point and say, I told you so.