Out of Character
OOC stands for "Out of Character." What constitutes unacceptably OOC behavior varies among players.
The most common complaints about OOC behavior can be divided into four broad categories: references that are inappropriate for the genre or setting, inappropriate knowledge (or metagaming), inappropriate syntax, and inconsistent behavior.
Inappropriate for the Genre/Setting
DragonRealms is set in the high fantasy world of Elanthia. Things that are not appropriate for this genre are called "out of genre" (OOG). For example, firearms and denim jeans do not belong in this genre. Conversely, some things that are appropriate for the high fantasy genre do not exist in Elanthia. There are no Half-Elves or Drow, for example.
Similarly, discussions of things that only exist in the real world (regardless of how creatively they are described) belong in this category:
Examples:
- Web sites ("scrolls"), instant messaging systems ("pigeons"), and e-mail
- Real-world events, dates, and times
- Real-world foreign languages
Inappropriate Knowledge (Metagaming)
Metagaming is allowing one's character to discuss or act upon knowledge that he should not have.
Game Mechanics
Discussion of the game's mechanics or systems that characters are not capable of knowing. For example, the consent rules do not exist as far as characters are concerned. (Those are just rules that players have to follow.)
The primary objection to discussing mathematical information (such as numerical values of statistics and skills) is that the numbers are merely an imperfect model of a character. The model exists for the benefit of the system, which is basically a glorified system of dice. The character does not think of himself as a collection of numbers, just as it would not occur to his player to say that he has 100 ranks in driving.
Examples:
- GMs, profiles, PvP stances, consent, and lag
- Formulas (for example, encumbrance, TDPs, and forging factors)
- Numerical values of statistics and skills
- Commands
Use of Outside Information
A character does not know everything that the player knows. If the information is not common knowledge, gleaned from the character's firsthand experience, or derived from secondhand sources in the character's life, it is arguably inappropriate for a character to know it.
Examples:
- Knowledge gained from outside sources, such as Web sites and IMs
- Knowledge gained through alternate characters. (Just because one character knows something does not mean that the player's other characters know it.)
- Knowledge of a character's name, guild, or title that is solely derived from his description or profile. (This is often regarded as normal in Prime.)
Inappropriate Syntax/Vocabulary
Even if a piece of information is not otherwise inappropriate, some players object when it is stated inappropriately (especially on public gweth channels). A purist would say that if a real person wouldn't speak that way, then a character shouldn't do so.
Examples:
- Netspeak and emoticons
- Emotes/actions (for example, "*smooches*")
- Shorthand appraisals (for example, "l/bc/f p/r")
- Stating directions as commands (for example, "From Empaths, E, N, go backdoor")
- Referring to outdoor locations as "rooms"
Inconsistent Behavior
It is considered OOC when (for no good reason) a character behaves in a way that is abnormal in light of his previously established personality, beliefs, or background.
Often, unexplained changes in behavior are caused by relationships between players. For example, if two players like each other, their characters might act like close friends, even though they are seemingly incompatible.