1. No OOC in #Gotham
Anything typed in the main channel should always be In-Character. There is another channel available for Out-of-Character messages. #Gotham_OOC Even if it's something as innocent and simple as ((Whoops, typo)), you can just as easily put that in /msg to the people you are RPing with. Do not put OOC messages in the main room, even bracketed, unless it is an absolute and justifiable emergency, as not doing so is rude to others.
2. Keep OOC and IC Separate
Do not use OOC excuses to avoid IC repurcussions of your character's actions. Conversely, do not take IC action against somebody for something that was OOC, or vice versa. That evil villain who wants to kill your character is not also an evil player who hates you as a player. Don't hold grudges OOCly for things that happen in RP. If you are unhappy or unsure, send them a /msg to clarify things.
3. No power-gaming
Also referred to as "god-moding". This means dictating another character’s actions to them, or not leaving room for them to respond to a situation. An example would be an emote such as “The Joker backstabs Batman and pierces his heart.” The correct way of doing this would be phrasing it as “The Joker attempts to backstab Batman, trying to pierce his heart” or something similar which leaves room for the other player to react and respond how they choose. A couple of words can make all the difference. Power-emoting also includes actions which are totally unrealistic or unfeasible for your character to perform, such as parrying and dodging the blows of half a dozen weapons from people attacking you simultaneously from every angle.
4. No meta-gaming
“Metagaming” is using knowledge of IC things you have as a player, but which your character does not, in roleplaying. The simplest example is your character referring to somebody by their name without having been told it previously. You as a player can see the name in the channel, but your character does not. Another example is the information in the animated series: it is nice that you have watched it 20 times, but your character really does not know all details happening in the DC Universe at that time. Decide what your character does know, and more importantly, what not. This is also why you do not need to be a Batman scholar to be a good Gotham roleplayer, though it does help knowing the history of the DCU in deciding what your character does know.
5. IC Actions = IC Consequences
Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Always be prepared to accept the logical consequences of your character's actions; if you attack and rob somebody, do not be surprised if they and their friends come after you with a vendetta, and do not take this personally. If you fall into a vat of physically-altering acid, guess what, you're changed.
6. Be Courteous To Each Other
We are all here for the same reason: to have fun RPing. Respect your fellow players, and respect their right to have fun. Always remember that there is a human being on the other side of the character or forum post, and treat them with dignity. If something they do annoys or agitates you, go take a break, calm down, sleep on it.
