Player vs. Player and Battle HQ

PvP, short for "Player versus Player", is a game mode where you challenge your skills against another human being.  In short, to activate a PvP match with another player, type "/Battle (playername)".  So, if you'd like to battle me, for example, you'd type /Battle Henrie.  But don't do that.  lol, you need to have the courtesy to ask first.

The Battle HQ is more of a random setup.  Once you enter one of the Battle HQ buildings (Most large towns have one.) you are matched up with someone from the opposite team.  For example, if you are on the BLUE team, you're matched with someone from the RED team, and visa-versa. (NOTE: HQ DOES NOT WORK ON THE NEW SERVER YET.)

Currently, there is no experience awarded in either type of battle.

Compiled by someone with sense, here's a sort of Doctrine for Battles.  Condoned absolutely by myself.  Thank you Zephead for taking the time to write this.

PvP Etiquette

1. Do not blindly challenge everyone in your area, or someone you heard over chat, to a battle. If you want to battle someone, ask them their levels before you do so. If they are reluctant to answer or do not answer at all, they might be trying to lure you into a fight with their higher leveled pokemon. Make sure to get the levels of all their pokemon also. If they give you only a range, or one or two, they could be hiding an uber pokemon in their party. If you're paranoid and just can't seem to trust that person, try searching their name on the old pokedex and looking at their trainer card. If they have hidden it, you are not obliged to battle them. It is your decision.
   
   But by no means, if you happen to blindly challenge a stronger player, and they accept and obviously have the means to defeat you, should you disconnect. It's your fault that you challenged a stronger player without knowing it or asking. Disconnecting is just rude and it dupes the opponent out of their rightful win. It's not their responsibility to make sure you're not ignorant and careless.
   
   
2. This is basically tip 1 with the roles reversed. Should someone challenge you, it is your duty to ask them about their levels or look up their trainer card if they seem reluctant to answer. If you're uncomfortable, you're not obliged to accept the battle. If you are obviously going to be beaten, do not disconnect. Accept your loss; ignorance is no excuse.
   
   
3. Know the rules and terms of the battle before going into it. If you are both willing to battle, and knowledgeable about the levels of your opponent, you should also be knowledgeable about what your opponent's pokemon team consist of and what items, moves, and status afflicting moves can be used.
   
   Let me explain if you think I'm trying to impose that no items can be used, certain pokemon can't be used, etc.  In the metagame of Pokemon Diamond/Pearl, the online battles have given rules, or clauses as they're commonly referred to, that players usually agree to before the battle.
   
   Some examples are:
   
   > Sleep Clause - Which refers to the rule that only one of your opponent's pokemon can be put to sleep at a time.
   
   > Species Clause - Which forbids duplicates of any pokemon on you or your opponent's team.
   
   There are many others that can't be implemented at this time due to battle bugs, such as the OHKO clause which forbids one hit ko moves. And there are also clauses that can't be used due to the lack of legendary pokemon. But regardless, the ones I mentioned that could be used are very important! You don't want an entire team of Dragonites fighting you do you? Now I'm sure that the clauses will change and new ones will appear as the battle system improves and new pokemon become available, but for now I'll talk about what exists.
   
   Remember again that these are not necessary, and are optional if you prefer to fight this kind of fight. These clauses merely keep the battles balanced. They may seem to some of you as a boring way to fight, but they also keep the battle from becoming too one-sided or outrageous. If you go into the battle without the knowledge beforehand, you could lose. It is no excuse to disconnect though. If you're interested in more information, google the keywords "pokemon standard clauses".
   
   
4. Disconnecting seems to be fairly easy to accomplish, and I have seen many people do it on the verge of losing a battle. In most of the community, I have seen that people absolutely hate it. If you have any etiquette at all, there are only certain circumstances in my opinion, in which it is acceptable to d/c.
   
   
   1. When your opponent has blatantly lied to you. If you agreed upon set terms before the battle, and you discover that your opponent has obviously lured you into a one sided fight, then it is obviously okay for you to disconnect and avoid an unfair loss.
      
      
   2. If the game, for some reason or another, seems not to respond to your fight. You should definitely wait a good time before deciding that the battle is frozen, and even then, ask the opponent if they agree that the battle is frozen and want to d/c. Sometimes chat and pm'ing will work while the battle will not. Again, be sure to discuss it with your opponent before doing so.

PvP

Player vs. Player battles are the same as NPC Battles.  Just...  with another person, and therefore possibly more difficult.  Before initiating or accepting a battle, you should always check the other player's levels on the Playerdex.  If you're of similar levels, then feel safe to accept.  Once you've entered a battle, stick it through until the bitter end.  A loss in-game is better than a disconnect - as fewer people will battle a sore loser.

/Battle playername  -  initiates a battle request.

/Accept playername  -  confirms the request and begins the battle.

Battle HQ

Located in every major city is a Battle HQ.  Enter one at your own risk, because you don't have any clue who you'll be battling.  Each Win in this facility earns you Team Points which can be exchanged for prizes in the Playerdex.  The prizes differ for both teams.

If you win a match in the Battle HQ, you are given the option to stay inside and "hold down the fort".  Of course, your Pokemon are not healed.  There is also a ten minute wait period if you leave.  Therefore, you can't leave and heal your Pokemon without having the time penalty.