Often used, more often misused, the AFK is a safe and viable choice when deciding how to escape imminent PvP. More than that, however, it is a tool that lets other players know that you won't be able to appreciate their awesomeness, at least for a while.

Here is a quick guide to the plethora of AFKs and their meanings:

"AFK/afk" - The plain cake donut of AFKs. Often typed in haste and accompanied by a typo, this AFK lets people know that you have to step away from the computer, and you have no time to explain. Based on your capitalization, the first and simplest example can take on different meanings: if you type with no capitalization or punctuation then when you type afk it will not be any great difference but if you type AFK then you are clearly excited about something either good or bad; conversely, if you usually type with flawless capitalization and punctuation, then a simple "afk" may be a warning that something is wrong or that you're frustrated with the way things are going.

"AFK one sec" - Approx. 5-60 seconds - The first of the conditional AFKs, in terms of length. By expressing a timeframe for your departure that uses a short time measurement (sec) and detailing a exaggerated estimation of how long it will take, you're taking great care to assure other players that your AFK will be very brief. Best used by the honest rather than the stupid, since if you're gone for too long after this one then people tend to get annoyed. Still, there is no excuse not to wait for somebody who is only "AFK one sec".

"AFK a sec" - Approx. 30-90 seconds - Similar to "AFK one sec" except in length; this AFK will tend to be slightly longer in duration while still taking the time to assure other players of your impending return. This AFK and the one above usually refer to distances from the computer not exceeding the room the computer is in. If there are turn/level spells such as Ghostly Visage in place, your allies are better off continuing the quest, provided that your character is not pivotal to the group strategy.

"AFK a min" - Approx. 2-5 minutes - An AFK of rare usage but with a very clear and defined importance: the duration of an "AFK a min" coincides well with a bathroom break or the microwave preparation of food. Allies should consider whether or not to take a brief break from battle, advancement, and exploration during this time; if time is of the essence, due to buffs wearing off soon, then it is probably best to leave the other player.

"AFK a bit" - Approx. 5-60 minutes - Not an easy AFK to predict in regards to duration, "AFK a bit" often means that you don't know how long you'll be away exactly. Some people like to use this one for extended absences, during which many people will pass by and marvel at the great unmoving character paying homage to Grumbar. When you use this AFK, you've forfeited any participation in immediate events and would be better off finding a safe place to hide or logging off. Allies should not count on you to return any time soon, just to be on the safe side.

"AFK: Fire" - Approx. ??? - Your shit is on fire. Damn.

"AFK: Tornado" - Approx. 1-4 minutes - Rare and unique, the Mewtwo of AFK if you will. This is an AFK that must not be ignored, considering the gravity of the IRL situation. In addition, your patience will be rewarded with information on tornados when the player returns. Here's a couple of examples: https://efupw.com/efu1-forum/topic/32/32979/afk-tornado/index.html#post-130492

"Afk, W8 plz" - Ive seen this one used alot recently, where the person says it, leaves for a half hour, and returns with "Sorry about that". You have to wait morally, and it usually regresses into completely OOC chat while waiting.

And i have learnt a bit. I think I now can Afk better. Now, WHAT IS YOUR AVATAR?!

Gutsman's ass.

What about, "// AFK. The gnomes have once again set my home alight."?

First of all, why is "afk" quicker or better to type than "afc"? "c" is just below "f" on most keyboards. It seems to me that online lingo should be simpler than regular speak. But to type "afk" is actually more work than to type "afc" which means the exact same thing and for those of us who are new to online-speak, until we know what it means, is confusing and illogical. Can anyone clear this up for me? I'm a noob (newb) as far as all on-line areas are concerned...

afk = away from keyboard. It's not about typing fast, it's about typing exactly what you mean to say. Away from keyboard. Not able to communicate. There's nothing "illogical" about it. Do remember that the origins of "afk" go far beyond online games such as NWN where you can do things even without your keyboard -- I'm not an expert on the acronym's history, but I believe it was first used in chatrooms.

It is slightly faster than "afc", though, because all of the letters are on the same keyboard row. You type the "a" with your left ring finger, the "f" with your left index finger and the "k" with your right index finger. So, you can use both hands, which facilitates the typing speed. On the other hand, if you type "afc", the "c" has to be typed with your left middle finger, which means all of the letters are typed with the same hand: this can cause slight maneuverability problems, particularly if you've large hands. The difference in speed is still very slim, of course.

I hope this answers all your concerns, Pup. If not, do find me in IRC some time so we may argue in length, the way serious people do.

-- Anthee

PS

LTS: I disagree with your estimate of the length of "afk a sec". I can attest from personal experience that the duration of the afkee's absence can be as little as 30 seconds in this instance, and correspondingly I would note that 120 seconds is a gross overestimate of the maximum duration -- "afk one min" is generally used when the duration is equal to or greater than two minutes. I would say that the timeframe is approximately 30-90 seconds instead of the 60-120 that you propose.

You crazy cats.

I prefer to use:

AFK until you get bored

This allows me to to steal your lootz and just hang out until you log off in frustration with it! :twisted:

I would rather have the afk a bit, or the Afk a sec than the afk gotta take a crap or afk bio break or (I seriously saw this on Arabel) afk gotta beat my kids ass. Too much informations is a bad thing somethimes.

Not many people are fond of the "AFK: my life story" style of AFK, it's true. It's really just a way to show off how real your life is.

Also, I edited the "afk a sec" entry to show a more well-adjusted time. Thanks, Anthee. Thanthee.

It's really just a way to show off how real your life is.

Or how real your poopoo is.

Today I used "Afk, gotta order a pizza" Acceptable or no?

Fine, but were you in the middle of a quest? If so, order pre-quest next time, just to be polite! Your average quest synchronizes well with the time it takes for a pizza to arrive.

Ah, but I had only just found out my food stores was depleted. but it's ok, I died later anyways and got to go pick it up without interrupting anything! hurrah for death!

I once went AFK at the gates of town, set myself to autofollow, and was walked all the way to the goblin fort while AFK. I managed to hit all the major AFK reasons at once: refilled my drink, used the bathroom, and I even made a trip to the store to get some cigarettes.

The gods did not smile on me during the quest, but it was some epic AFK, you must admit.

Lmao, nice one.

Autofollow pwns...

:lol:

Always tempting to guzzle an invis potion and lead the follower to their death though. Just for lulz.

Updated: https://efupw.com/efu1-forum/topic/32/32979/afk-tornado/index.html#post-130492

Anthee afk = away from keyboard. It's not about typing fast, it's about typing exactly what you mean to say. Away from keyboard. Not able to communicate. There's nothing "illogical" about it. Do remember that the origins of "afk" go far beyond online games such as NWN where you can do things even without your keyboard -- I'm not an expert on the acronym's history, but I believe it was first used in chatrooms.

It is slightly faster than "afc", though, because all of the letters are on the same keyboard row. You type the "a" with your left ring finger, the "f" with your left index finger and the "k" with your right index finger. So, you can use both hands, which facilitates the typing speed. On the other hand, if you type "afc", the "c" has to be typed with your left middle finger, which means all of the letters are typed with the same hand: this can cause slight maneuverability problems, particularly if you've large hands. The difference in speed is still very slim, of course.

I hope this answers all your concerns, Pup. If not, do find me in IRC some time so we may argue in length, the way serious people do.

-- Anthee

Heh. I thought it stood for "away from computer", not "away from keyboard". Told you I was a newb!

the most most urgent: /afk bio

a break of about 1-3 min or a half hour...

[]s tooh

PS please say if 1 or 2 ...

PC, that is an amazing story. Pity there's not an auto-screenie function too.

Weirdest one I've had was "afk, gotta kill my friend over an orange" Came back and said //He's still alive, and I have no orange. Good times.

I have used AFK to sneak a cig now and then...I'm so ashamed.

I have also used auto-follow on the way out of quests to sneak a cig too >.>

I throw myself at the mercy of the AFK court.

Oh man...I forgot, I have used extended invis to cover taking a wicked shitte now and then too <.< Along with an AFK...risky when you are playin' a drow XD

I am the king of AFK.

You people know nothing.