Metagaming

Metagaming is when a player uses out-of-character (OOC) knowledge in character (IC), violating the boundaries of immersive roleplay. In Landfall SMP, we encourage creative, immersive storytelling where discovery, diplomacy, and deception are earned through in-character action—not Discord chat logs or third-party gossip.

This page outlines what constitutes metagaming, how it’s enforced, and what to expect if a mistake occurs.

What Counts as Metagaming?

Metagaming includes, but is not limited to:

• Acting on Discord or forum knowledge IC (e.g., attacking someone because you saw their plans in a public or private message)
• Preemptively targeting or avoiding a guerilla faction, spy, or trap because you read their registration post
• Suddenly “knowing” a character’s secret or faction alignment without having learned it in-game
• Planning a defense or war strategy based on info you heard OOC but were not told IC
• Reacting to sabotage before it happens because you know the attacker’s intentions from a third-party conversation

If your character would not realistically know the thing—or if it wasn’t discovered through IC means—acting on it is likely metagaming.

Acceptable Cross-Boundary Play

Not all OOC influence is banned. The following are allowed, as long as IC boundaries are respected:

• Knowing something OOC and choosing not to act on it until discovered IC
• Using OOC channels to coordinate building, redstone, or staff assistance
• Discussing RP ideas collaboratively, such as gaining consent for an assassination.

When in doubt: if it advances the story through your character’s lens, it's likely okay. If it skips the RP in favor of “just winning,” it’s not.

Enforcement Philosophy

We recognize that mistakes happen. Metagaming is often unintentional, especially on a roleplay server where players interact in and out of character regularly.

Our priority is corrective action, not punishment.

Minor Offenses:

• You’ll receive a warning and a polite explanation.
• You may be asked to retcon (revert) an action or allow the story to play out naturally.

Major, Repeated, or Deliberate Offenses:

• You may lose privileges such as espionage, sabotage, or political leadership roles.
• In extreme cases, faction progress may be rolled back or voided.

Respect the Shared Stage

Metagaming breaks immersion, undermines trust, and ruins the story for others. Landfall SMP thrives on the drama of the unknown—the whispers, betrayals, slow reveals, and earned alliances.

Everyone’s role matters. If you’re ever unsure whether something is metagaming, just ask a mod or admin. We’re here to help keep the narrative fair and fun.