Greets all. What does "Zone of Influence" actually mean?
Are IDs restricted to their ZOI
Are they therefore Outlaws outside that ZOI unless and alliance exists?
If they are unofficial with a standard ZOI do they actually have any influence in said ZOI?
Zone of influence is essentially where the ID can act on its rules. Unless stated otherwise in the ID, the ZoI is where ships can exercise their engagement and roleplay rights.
You can leave your zone of influence (unless the ID says you can't) freely but will not be able to attack hostiles and do things like enforce laws or demand cargo.
For example, on my GMG ship, I can attack Outcasts in the Sigma systems and systems bordering the Sigmas. I can also fly to New York or wherever else, but I cannot outright up and attack Outcasts outside of my zone of influence.
Most people can exit their ZoI, but can't do much outside of it. ZoI applies to non-generic factions mostly, with exceptions like BHG and the Coalition. IDs will specifically say what you can or can not do inside your ZoI and outside of it. Unofficials have influence inside their ZoI, and only have to follow the direct orders of Officials when officials are logged on in the same system.
Generally, you should stay in your Zone of Influence if you want to use your ID to the fullest.
A ZOI essentially means the general AO (Area of Operations) of a faction. For instance, Liberty Navy has a ZOI within Liberty, her borderworlds, and the frontlines of the Gallic conflict going on in Bretonia and the Tau systems.
Most IDs are not 'restricted' entirely to their ZOI, but there are limitations such as who and what can be engaged and what can be done outside of ZOI. I.e., Liberty Navy cannot Engage Order in Omicron Delta because O-Delta is not part of their ZOI. Core however, can.
There are no inRP ramifications in most situations outside of a server faction for being outside of your ZoI.
As for unofficial factions in their ID's ZOI, the Official factions have authority over them. For instance, a Unofficial LN faction follows the command of their superiors in [LN] and 5th|.
Thats all very clear and I am gratefull for your input.
Basically what I thought but a few encounters with IDs outside their ZOI forced me to clear things up.