Roleplaying Rules

Metagaming Rules

What is metagaming?

Metagaming is, generally speaking, any number of actions where knowledge that you (the player) is used to determine your in-character (IC) actions, when that knowledge is not known by the character.

• Metagaming, excluding examples mentioned in the exceptions list, is not allowed.

The reason for this is simple; this is a roleplaying game. Breaking character or acting in a way that undermines the roleplay aspect of the game is not allowed.

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Examples of Metagaming

• This list is not all inclusive, but should serve as a guideline if you're unsure.

Knowing someone's name, history, etc. without learning it IC.

• Just because you can see someone's name in their profile or by mousing over them does not mean your character knows it. The same goes for information in their profile (excluding appearances, which your character can see); just because you can read the history tab does not mean that information is public knowledge or that your character magically knows it.
• This is a common problem for roleplaying beginners, so try to be careful if you are one!

Utilizing the game environment in abusive ways.

• While we, the player, know this is a game, that does not mean that your character does. Do not refer to things such as stats or other game mechanics in their specific terms. For example, your character should not say in-character how they once took 251 Darkness damage from a Necromancer boss once, or that their Gigantys has a +6 Power upgrade.
• A more serious transgression is utilizing the game to try and avoid RP consequences. Logging out of the game to avoid RP conflict or consequences is never permitted, and will likely result in punishment.
• Utilizing game behavior also falls into this category. For example, if you are locked in a cell, but 'escape' by joining someone's party and 'teleporting' out of the cell. This is another serious offense which will result in punishment, so do not do it.

Using knowledge of a character's player in abusive ways.

• Do not attempt to harrass or bother people 'ICly' based on you knowing who their player is OOCly. (This also applies for friends or factions related to the person even if not done to them directly.)
  • For example, do not attempt to insult or attack a character because someone you dislike is playing them; as always, you need an IC justification. Even with IC justification, if it is found to be lacking, or that your primary goal is to bother a player instead of create RP in good faith, you will likely be told to stop or be punished.

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Exceptions List

Using OOC/LFG to set up parties for PvE or roleplay/events.

• This is permissable on the assumption that it is a purely positive interaction.
  • An example of an allowed use of this exception is to use OOC or LFG to try and find other players to do dungeons with.
  • Another example of an allowed use of this exception is if someone is using OOC or LFG to notify others of a roleplay event, such as a festival or party, going on in a certain location. However, in this case, it is preferred that you utilize LFG with IC 'hooks', IE; 'Fliers hanging on boards all over Cellsvich tell of a masquerade ball taking place in [player house] in the West Cellsvich District.'
  • An example of how this exception may NOT be used; someone asking for help OOC because they're being robbed or arrested.