Awaysewing

By Awaysewing

• September 11, 2025
Rules: Yes
Referral: Other
In your own words, what is powergaming, and why should it be avoided in roleplay?: In regards to accidently making my character overpowered, I tend to keep a notepad open with information of my characters abilities. When I am doubtful that my character could reasonably do something, I tend to just default to they are unable to. For example, could (insert character) be a good cook? Well, they don't have mention of cooking in their backstory, and no reason to have regularly cooked in the past, so I can default to them being a terrible cook.

As for controlling other characters actions, I check myself and make sure the way I'm describing things isn't forcing other characters into certain actions
As an example of what not to do:
"The smoke was thick, and caused everyone's noses to wrinkle up in disgust."

Instead I'd say something like this:
"The smoke was think, with a putrid noxious scent."

This still tells others that the smoke smells unpleasant, but doesn't directly control their character's actions.
In your own words, what is metagaming, and why should it be avoided in roleplay?: It ruins a lot of surprise/suspense. Even if I know a certain character is the BBEG, It's a lot more fun if my character doesn't. A big part of roleplaying is your own character learning things.

Of course, it can also ruin other's experiences! Someone could be building up for a backstory reveal and then... someone's character spoils it despite having no reason of knowing it.
Status: Accepted