(03-14-2014, 12:41 PM)Magellan Wrote: I would like to completely second Freelance's post and dive a little deeper into it. Playing any sort of powerful or authority figure is highly problematic for several reasons, one of them being a constant evolution of 'one upmanship' in which people get caught up in whose more poweeful than who, and digital pissing matches occur. The root of the problem, as I perceive it;
We are all our own GM's: In tabletop RP, the 'players' have relegated control to a GM. They understand and agree the rules, and acknowledge the GM will throw any number of things at them, and settle OOC disputes along the way. The GM is crafting a story, which you are a part of.
This is not the case in MMO rp. In MMO rp, WE are our own personal GMs, and in complete control of our story. We have not recognized or acknowledged your authority in telling our story for us. So please do not assume a GM's role without OOC consent, ever. If you want to play a lawman, you will only ever have authority over those who have given you permission to use it.
Even if you are given authority, you must use it wisely. Unless someone has specifically stated they give you full control of the story, you must bear this in mind: (I have borrowed this next bit btw, so can't take credit for it!)
In MMO, everyone wants to be a 'hero'. They want to create engaging, exciting characters that do interesting things and perform amazing feats. Even if that feat is baking the most delicious cookie ever, its still heroic in your character's eyes, and progresses them towards where you want them to go. The best way to achieve this is through Hero vs Plot.Â
In Hero vs. Plot, you get to control how your story develops, what growth your character undergoes, and when you win and when you lose. Its a great way to build your characters story, because Plot doesn't have feelings, and therefore doesn't care what you do. You can be an elusive pirate that never gets caught, a deadeye archer that can hit a ixal from 500 meters every time, or a vampire mi'qote who's 1000 years old. Plot doesn't care. Go ahead and slay 100 bad guys, oh mighty warrior! And while you're at it, invent the combustion engine that makes airship travel more affordable! While some claims will make your rp more or less accessible to others, plot has got your back every single time (Plot's nice like that )
In Hero vs. Hero, this dynamic radically changes. Because now you are no longer telling your story, but a shared story. Both sides want to be heroic. Both sides want a favorable outcome for themselves, even if its not a favorable outcome for their character. By intruding on someone's plot without their permission, you are removing their ability to control their plot, and basically stating that your plot is more important than theirs. You should never assume your authority is wanted or recognized in someone else's plot.
And unlike Plot, players have feelings. They get upset if you make your character look bad or foolish, or blatantly disregard their wishes. Its poor form to put your characters needs before others in a shared scene (I'm not saying characters can't be selfish ICly, that's a completely different thing).
Share the stage, do not upstage. Someone elses plot is every bit as important to them as yours is to you, so plan an outcome that can keep everyone happy, don't try to override their plot with your own.
Or just don't be a hero and laugh as the police trip over each others' feet. Â