God-modding Policy

[Kaede]

Regarding god-modding

What is it:
There are three types of RP practices that can be called god-modding that we will discuss here:

The first, involves describing actions taken that completely nullify the original actions against you. For example:

Player A: *shoots his bow at Player D*
Player B: *launches a firebolt towards Player D*
Player C: *Lunges at Player D with a sword*
Player D: *jumps out of the way of the sword, ducks past the arrow and weaves around the firebolt*

This isn’t the Matrix. Realistically, something had to have hurt the character.


The second is similar to the first, but on the other end of the action. It involves describing the outcome of your own actions against another character. For example, character A states: *lashes at Joe with his sword, creating a huge gash in Joe’s cheek.*

This is not appropriate, it gives Joe no chance to respond. The action itself is fine, but the result of the action should not be included with the action itself. Give the other person a chance to choose what happens to their own character. Otherwise, you are essentially controlling characters that are not yours.


The third type of god-modding is a bit different from the first two. It is in essence when someone’s character has abilities that go beyond reason or that give them excessive power. For example, the ability to fly, or complete invulnerability to a given type of magic, or strength enough to uproot a tree.


God-modding in Player Characters:
The first two types should never exist within normal RP of characters within Solidairty. If you are seen doing so, an officer will give you a warning.

The third type should rarely be seen within characters. I do not say never, but it should be very limited. As an example, Laios’ time-travel and world-hopping ability is okay. Why? Because it is a part of his backstory, not an actual functional ability. He doesn't actually have the ability at present, and even if he did have it he could not use it without risking ruination of the timeline which would cost him his life.

If you wish your character to have an ability not already present within the game’s canon, discuss it with an officer. You must get approval from them before implementing it in-game.


God-modding in Event Characters:
The rules for characters made specifically for events are a bit different. By event characters I mean ones like Margaret, seen in Kaede’s Memory Arc; and Bravia, seen in Oren’s Curse story, or Neirenn and other non-player characters made for special stories.

These characters can, if the one running the character has the permission of the event host, violate the first 2 god-modding forms if appropriate. These characters by nature are often more powerful than any normal character, requiring a whole team to bring down, if it’s possible to take them on at all. So for instance, it is not unreasonable for them to have the ridiculous agility shown in the first example. You should still be careful not to take it too far though, or it will only be frustrating for those participating. Knowing what is, and what is not, too much is a part of good event planning.

Additionally the rules on the 3rd type are more lax for these types of characters. If it is an ability that does not directly affect other players, for example some kind of elemental immunity, then you can use that in the event character without explicit permission. However if it’s any ability that can directly change another’s character, for example either the gifting or removal of an ability or trait, the event planner should check with an officer to make sure it is okay for that ability to be used.




Just because I say check with an officer, does not mean it is wrong to do it. It just means that it is getting close enough to dangerous territory, that you should have another set of eyes look it over who knows the possible dangers and how far we are willing to go as a guild.


Also please bear in mind, if in doubt… ask.