Powergaming

Powergaming is when a player forces actions, outcomes, or consequences onto others without giving them a fair opportunity to respond. It breaks the collaborative spirit of roleplay and undermines character agency.

Landfall SMP is built around mutual storytelling, where conflict is welcome—but must be fair, earned, and reactive. This guide outlines what powergaming is, how to avoid it, and what happens when it’s abused.

What Counts as Powergaming?

Powergaming includes, but is not limited to:

• Bypassing mechanics or RP consent: Destroying a structure, disabling a defense, or harming a character without following appropriate mechanics (e.g., siege, sabotage) or giving time for in-character response.
• Skipping consent: Killing or kidnapping without letting the other player react.
• Invalid sabotage: Destroying a base without triggering proper siege mechanics.
• Overriding discovery: “I know you’re the traitor” without IC investigation.

If you’re not giving the other person a chance to respond, fight back, or negotiate, you’re probably powergaming.

✅ How to Avoid Powergaming

• Avoid OOC Assumptions: Do not act on the assumption that other players will not resist, counter, or respond through RP or combat. Let outcomes emerge from interaction.
• Respect dice and outcomes (optional): Some players or groups may agree to use rolls to determine outcomes.
• Collaborate OOC: If a scene is high-stakes, check in with the other player to ensure it’s fun for both.

🤝 Conflict Is Welcome—But Must Be Fair

We encourage betrayal, intrigue, assassination, rebellion, and sabotage. But all of these should:

• Follow established mechanics (e.g., siege rules, sabotage limits)
• Be rooted in narrative justification
• Allow for reaction, escalation, or fallout

Even a coup can be great RP—if it’s earned, not steamrolled.

⚖️ Enforcement Philosophy

Powergaming is often about intent. If it seems like someone is just trying to win at all costs, ignoring the story or fairness, it’ll be corrected.

First Offense:

• Staff will reach out and explain the problem.
• The offense may be retconned.

Repeated or Egregious Cases:

• Staff may void the offense.
• Repeat offenders may be barred from initiating major RP actions (e.g., rebellion, sabotage).
• In extreme cases, players may be removed from political leadership or temporarily suspended.

When in Doubt, Ask

The best canon comes from co-authorship, not domination. If you’re unsure how to act a part, escalate conflict, or handle a betrayal—ask your co-players or a moderator for input.

Landfall is a world of shifting alliances, risky moves, and political drama. Let those stories unfold with tension and respect.

Everyone is the main character of their own story. Powergaming is when you forget that.