Fellow Feathermooninite and fantastic blogger, Ovistine, tweeted her frustrations regarding a topic that many an RP has faced: Godmodding. This is the practice of forcing another character into a thought, or behavior, against their will. Common examples of this can be found in FlagRSPs:

“As you gaze upon Pretty Pretty Princess, you are drawn to her. She is so pretty, so attractive, you simply have to have her…”

Or

“You cannot meet the evil gaze of Evil Warlock EvilvonEvilson, the most evil of evil that ever kicked a kitten.”

If this issue was limited to character descriptions, then the problem of Godmodding would have easy solutions. Godmodding occurs in fic, in random RP, during RP events and anywhere in between. In short, Godmodding can occur damn near anytime two RPers start to RP. It is not an insurmountable problem, it just takes a little creativity to deal with.

Before we delve into solutions, some attention should be given to why godmodding occurs. I would suggest that there are two primary causes for Godmodding:

Two RPers who randomly interact will not be aware of their styles, their character’s goals and motivations or their various histories. Figuring out the last two is what makes RP exciting. Sussing out new characters should be a FUN activity for everyone involved. Sometimes, players forget that the primary way to communicate these facets is to RP it. They want it to come across instantly. In Game RP isn’t that simple. OoC communication needs to supplement IC communication to help bridge the gap of paraverbal communication (ie: our tone of voice).

Bricu is a perfect example of this. He frequently, if not always, comes across as an abrasive, manipulative, lying jerk to people. This has lead to other players to step in in OoC (or through whispers) to say, “That’s just who he is. Don’t be scared off.” Now, when I play Bricu, I don’t emote, “Bricu makes you feel uncomfortable being here.” If that is what he is trying to do–Hint: it probably is–then I try to do that through RP. Note that since I’m RPing a bastard, I use the OoC communication in two ways: To make sure the other player realizes I’m not that big of a jerk AND to point out that the RP is just Bricu’s personality and style.

In a rush to accomplish their RP goals, some Godmodders forget (or do not know) basic communication skills, and forcing thoughts, feelings and actions onto other characters.

Controlling Players, however, are a different breed. These are the players who do not want to relinquish control to their characters. They want, or need, for their characters to be recognized as something, be it pretty, evil, good, powerful. The options go on and on. In order to achieve these goals, they force others to acknowledge their characters beauty, morals or their ABV.

I am sure there are reasons for Godmodding that do not fit neatly into either category; however There is one tactic that may work for all types of Godmodders: Try talking to them. This is not just my advice. The wise folks at the Hearthstone Tavern also suggest that taking someone aside to explain why Godmodding sucks deals with this issue at least 50% of the time. In short, rule number one in dealing with Godmodding: Be patient, explain why it doesn’t work and give them a do-over.

Another tactic for dealing with Godmodders: Co-opt the Godmodding. A long time ago, another player wrote up a bit of Fic that had a paladin trainer–Grayson Shadowbreaker–talking about how Bricu was a terribad example of a paladin. In this same speech, Threnn was indirectly cautioned to stay away from Bricu and the player’s character was praised. Now, I had set up Bricu to have a difficult relationship with the leaders of the Church. I didn’t specify who, nor did I say why. It was explained to me by someone else, someone who did not run this idea by me.

I did not just run with it. I took ownership of it. I explained my concerns regarding the story, but I then created the reasons why Grayson dislikes Bricu. While Bricu was labled by another writer, I took ownership of that label and did what I wanted with it. This is not giving the Godmodder what they want. This is taking what the Godmodder gave you and making it your own.

Imagine that a Godmodder wants to punch your character. In typical Godmodder fashion, they emote, “Mr. Dudeguy draws his and stabs yourToon in the gut. Blood beings to flow.” RP the stab wound. Whisper to them the conventions that you are used to (for instance, that *normally* the combat would be handled like x, y or z) and RP the fight normally. Don’t forget to include, calling for help, healing yourtoon and pressing charges with the watch.

Last, and not least, there is another way to address Godmodding: Ignore them. If a person will not communicate with you on the nature of the RP, there is no reason to RP with them. RP happens with people, not TO people. If you are willing to talk with a Godmodder and work with them, then they should, at least, attempt to work with you. To be completely realistic, not everyone gets along with everyone else. While you should give a Godmodder a chance to work with you, if they refuse to, you do not need to beat your head into your keyboard.

If you have to ignore the Godmodder, I recommend the following: RP what you are comfortable with and leave the rest at the table. To continue with the stabbing example, you could RP that your character’s bleeding out into Dalaran, crying for help in your RP channels. You could RP that your character crawls to saftey, away from the nutter with the knife, and manages to call for help. I would strongly recommend not Godmodding in return–don’t feed into the negative behavior by emoting how your 80 level prot shield slams the 75 rogue into the Nether. Focus on what your character COULD do to escape the bad situation and type in /ignore.

In short, good communication can help with Godmodding. If they don’t want to communicate, then your job is done. Do not, however, Godmod back.

Now its your turn. Tell us about your favorite ways of dealing with Godmodding or about your worst instances of Godmodding!