Godmodeing, frequently abbreviated as GMing and often mispelled as godmodding, refers to an infraction of the universally accepted rules of roleplaying. Godmodeing is, unfortunately, a value judgment, and so there is seldom a concrete definition of what exactly is and is not an action persuant to this clause (such an issue plagues the Whills, as they are the arbitrators of GMing in Universe v.1.5). However, it is usually clear and easy to determine GMing actions in roleplay.
History
Godmodeing had its roots at the very beginning of Universe V.1.0. The addition of the Universe to the Jedi vs Sith application resulted in the forcible introduction of many people to the concept of text-based roleplaying games for the first time. Consequently, two divergent strands developed from the norm, both of which were based on misconceptions of roleplaying. The first strand comprised of people who did not understand what the boards were there for: observers of the early days of the original Universe will note many posts to the effect of "what's going on?" or "how does this work?". The second strand included what is now known as Godmodeing.
Basic Definition
The term Godmodeing is one used almost exclusively for roleplaying games. Its origins are from video games with cheat codes that enable the player to enter "God-Mode", and have access to abnormal powers or weapons. The concept remains the same in roleplay, but there are infinitely more applications of it. Godmodeing is the use of powers, numbers, narration, or technology in such a way as to gain an insurmountable advantage over other players.
The early Universe was infested with GMers, as practitioners of the term are referred to as. However, Godmodeing is a relatively simple problem to deal with, if done correctly. Most times, simple information of the offending party that they are acting illegally will cause a reform to the behavior, unless he or she is a Munchkin (one who plays a collaborative RPG with the sole intent to win at all costs).
Use With Powers
Godmodeing powers were at one time the most common of all. However, much more frequent now are powers that infringe upon Powergaming. For the most part, people have begun to gain an understanding of what can and cannot be done in terms of power.
- The first rule of a text-based RPG is that you cannot claim a hit on another person's character. Thus, any powers that are 'unblockable' are defined as GMing. The Force Power Thought Bomb, among several others, has been defined as a GMing power.
- In conjunction with the above rule, it is the responsibility of the player to claim damage appropriately. Powers that alleviate all damage perpetually are also defined as GMing. There are shielding powers, but they cannot be used to block every single attack. Additionally, excessive dodging is also GMing (hence the ban of the power, Force Travel, which is colloquially referred to as 'rifting').
- The use of many powerful techniques repeatedly is cause to call GMing. Force powers require energy to complete, and no one has infinite reserves of energy at their disposal.
Use With Numbers
Unlike many other forms of Godmodeing, numbers are completely objective, and therefore simple to identify when compared to other forms of GMing. The state of affairs in terms of fleet sizes or army sizes in the old Universe went to such an extent that the Galactic Fleet Authority was made in order to impose a basis for restricting fleets. Now, the size of fleets and armies are limited by the Natural Laws as written by the Whills.
- Using fleets or armies of unimaginable magnitude is GMing, with no two ways about it. Players who used fleets in excess of 1,000 capital ships were concerned only with winning in the RPG; thus their massive numbers became the insurmountable advantage that defined it as GMing.
- Ships of a certain size are nigh undefeatable by smaller ships; hence, large ships were manufactered excessively, and fleets became uniform from player to player. Thus, length of ships is limited.
- Excessive upgrades to ships gives them too much of an advantage. While replacing certain weapons with others, and swapping out certain things for improved performance in a specific area is thought well of, making your ship the best at everything brings to mind the very definition of GMing.
- Armies also follow the same line of thought as navies.
Use With Narration
One of the more subtle, yet most potent, means of GMing is in the narration; that is, the storytelling. Players must bear in mind that they cannot touch another character, even if it is not their character doing the action, and that they must respond to their opponent's actions. Additionally, their character must be realistic.
- Ignoring attacks is GMing. Every attack that is posted must be dealt with in some way or another. Otherwise, your character has a distinct advantage.
- Subsequent to this postulation, you cannot make more than a certain number of attacks in a move, and they must follow in logical progression. In general, this number is limited to two or three. And you cannot both move a significant distance and attack in the same turn. For instance, it is GMing to leap over an opponent and strike at their back in the same move. They are separated by a factor of time (which Anakin Skywalker learned to his detriment on Mustafar).
- Nature cannot attack for you, unless your character is using it with the aid of the Force. Thus, you cannot post lightning striking the opponent, unless it is your character who is directing the lightning.
- Your character cannot have all-penetrating weapons, nor inpregnable armor. This is the same line of thought as proposed in the section based on powers. Additionally, your character cannot be portrayed as far more powerful than any other, unless rank dictates otherwise. A Sith Apprentice cannot hope to match up in terms of strength or power to a Jedi Grandmaster. Rank is only officially determined from the application itself.
Use With Technology
Superweapons in general are disallowed. This is a slight problem, as superweapons played a heavy role in some of the larger conflicts portrayed in Star Wars.
- The Natural Laws have described which weapons/vehicles are not allowed to be used.
- Generally speaking, as long as technology does not deal catastrophic levels of damage, prevent all damage from being done, or in any way violate the other forms of GMing as a part of its nature, it can be allowed.