Game Master Guidelines

[Big Crunch]

Game Mastering Guidlines

I will be going through all of the rules, as laid out by Platyna in this thread > http://forums.themanaworld.org/viewtopi ... =23&t=2922

1. Do not abuse other players (it means insults, swearing etc. directed to a particular person/s)

One thing that is not included in this is harrassment. Harrassment is when a player follows, sits on, and generally tries to make another player uncomfortable or angry through a game action.

The punishment of these infractions should follow a strict set of consequences:

First offense: Warning

Second offense: Warning, and an @kick from the server

Third offense: 1h ban

Fourth offense: 1d ban

Fifth offense: 7d ban

Sixth offense: 30d ban

Seventh offense: Permanant Block

In the case of one offender logging in accounts to circumvent the ban, the second account should receive the next step in punishment.

2. No bots (and by botting I also mean ANY AFK activity in game).

Of course the punishment for this is well known, automatic block with a reset on the first offense and a block with no reset on the second.

This rule is rather specific and our previous enforcement of this rule has been narrow; Anyone suspected of botting was asked to respond to a simple question from a GM. If they answer within the 2 minute time limit, they were considered not to be botting. This interpretation to be broadened to some degree. Given that we have new tools at our disposal, there is no reason to continue to limit it to such a strict interpretation and enforcement.

It is a common occurance for players to have one character sitting in Hurnscald and one out and about killing things. I see no reason for this to change.

On the other hand, there are several players who will maintain a character in Hurnscald, a character in one area killing, a character in another area healing, and yet another character on yet another map doing some other activity. This is where the interpretation will now differ regarding enforcement. Now, all three of these characters will be warped to the botcheck area and asked to do 3 different activities at roughly the same time. I say 'roughly the same time' because it is understood that absolute synchronization is virtually impossible, however all 3 characters should be moving in different patterns at the same time, as specified by the GM. If the characters are unable to do this, then they are botting or using illegal automation.

In the case of 'autofollow' automation, the punishments under Rule 1 should be followed.

3. No spamming/flooding (including trade spam).

Spamming/Flooding is defined as repeating the same thing in a short time span or exclaiming nonsense or random characters.

Trade requests should be limited to approximately 1 trade request every 10 minutes. This is open to interpretation by the GM to allow for mistakes, corrections or the like.

The punishment of these infractions should follow a strict set of consequences:

First offense: Warning

Second offense: Warning, and an @kick from the server

Third offense: 1h ban

Fourth offense: 1d ban

Fifth offense: 7d ban

Sixth offense: 30d ban

Seventh offense: Permanant Block

In the case of one offender logging in accounts to circumvent the ban, the second account should receive the next step in punishment.

4. No begging.

Asking for money or items with no return. This includes asking for donations.

The punishment of these infractions should follow a strict set of consequences:

First offense: Warning

Second offense: Warning, and an @kick from the server

Third offense: 1h ban

Fourth offense: 1d ban

Fifth offense: 7d ban

Sixth offense: 30d ban

Seventh offense: Permanant Block

In the case of one offender logging in accounts to circumvent the ban, the second account should receive the next step in punishment.

5. Speak English on public chat.

The punishment of these infractions should follow a strict set of consequences:

First offense: Warning

Second offense: Warning, and an @kick from the server

Third offense: 1h ban

Fourth offense: 1d ban

Fifth offense: 7d ban

Sixth offense: 30d ban

Seventh offense: Permanant Block

In the case of one offender logging in accounts to circumvent the ban, the second account should receive the next step in punishment.


In the case of all of these rules, with the exception of the No Botting Rule, the GM is allowed a measure of discretion. If the GM feels as though someone perhaps doesnt understand then more initial warnings are absolutely encouraged.

Bans are not global (meaning a player can spam, insult, and beg and get a warning in each case) with the exception of multiple infractions within a short time frame. If a player is spamming insults in french, the GM will explain that he has broken multiple rules and will therefore be subject to a one hour ban. Each rule that was broken should be recited prior to the ban. Given the fact that someone who does not speak english will not understand a warning given in english, this is subject to the discretion of the GM as to the severity of the punishment.
Account Phishing

Account phishing is the act of attempting to gain access to another players account. This will be punished with a 30 day ban for the first offense, followed by a permanent ban on the second.

Game Master Behaviors

In our game, Game Masters have been elected by the people to be the judge, jury and executioner. This is a great trust given to us by the players. Because of that we must maintain a higher standard.

Game Masters should always be impartial. There should be no difference between your treatment of a sibling and a complete stranger. Both should recieve an equal punishment for the same infraction, barring one having previous bans/punishments.

Game Masters cannot under any circumstances do things that endanger your impartiallity. Holding items or money, trading between two parties, warping a player in a beneficial way (to or out of Candor, Nivalis, terranite cave etc) should never be done.
Warping a player to another tile, using @kill on townsitters, random spawns, etc, as long as they are done in a way that does not offer one player or group an advantage and are used in good nature should be acceptable.

Game Masters should be easily reconizable. Whether on an alternate character or main, if you are on duty as a GM, you should have your hat and robe and wear them when called into a situation.

[Big Crunch]

This thread was posted for the sake of transparency. We feel as though the players should know what to expect from a GM on a regular basis. However, as the title says, this is a guideline, and while it contains examples, it is by no means exhaustive, nor conclusive.

[Frost]

These guidelines are the result of quite a lot of discussion among GMs and admins.
During those discussions, it became clear that the GMs also believe in openly communicating with players, and not simply looking for rule-breakers.

Thanks for posting this, BC.

[Chicka-Maria]

You may want to add another guideline for phishing, may be useful in the future. Just a suggestion.

Regards,