I’ve got a neutral stance on this whole subject. As I understand, some “DMs” (DMs being people running the RP) prefer higher levels of power and some don’t. I, personally, alter my level of power depending on the circumstances so that I’m never too powerful nor too weak. I think the power creep comes in when DMs interact their RPs and thus have to clash against other DMs. This means they have to increase their power levels to accommodate for DMs who run more power-demanding RPs, as well as boosting their power so that their in-RP entities can compete. I’m going to circle back to these power-favoring DMs. While some may genuinely prefer DMing and RPing on a more powerful scale, I think an underlying reason for the power requirements is so that the DM can create a feeling of significance; a world destroying threat will better draw in Offtopic better than a low key adventure. Now, I’m not saying that these power-favoring DMs are bad, nor are the more simplistic DMs. To each their own. It would be perfectly possible to be stronger in one RP and weaker in another, but some people don’t want to break the cannon of their less flexible characters. And therein lies the paradoxical problem. Should we favor low-powered RPs, it’s unfair to higher-powered DMs and RPers. Should we favor high-powered RPs, it’s unfair to lower-powered DMs and RPers. Should we favor both levels of RPing, it’s unfair to people with less flexible characters. So, should we force out RP power-levels of one side of the spectrum? Should we force people to use more flexible characters? How can we find a canon-friendly solution to altering levels of power? Discuss. Edit: I’ve gotten a little inspiration from Warlock Holme’s latest post in which he introduces a new character, and this may be a possible solution—multiple characters of varying levels of power. One character could be a servant or affiliate of the stronger, or completely unrelated. I personally like this solution, but some may want to stick with one character. Thoughts?

Just remember, [i]none[/i] of you Roleplay on [i]the Dragon[/i]'s level so- accept your inferiority along with the rest of us. /s

I would call this all role players. It kinda looks like something else.

In my view, RP should focus on a story or narrative, not on “who would beat who” in a fight. Those taking part of it should be made fully aware of that fact

The Storm Samurai might be... [i]slightly[/i] overpowered...

*Cries in very large tool kit* [spoiler]In all seriousness, I can never tell if I'm OP or not. I look at some people and think "if I'm at full strength, they can't touch me" and some people I just have no chance against.[/spoiler]

[quote]power creep[/quote] [i]*Heavy breathing intensifies*[/i]

Hence why in my murder mystery stories way back when, I tried to keep people as low powered as possible, instead focusing on comedy.

Hasn’t it always been a problem? You guys should do a hard reset. Take everything back to square one. LIKE WITH CAVE MEN RIDING DINOSAURS!

The few times I tried running an RP, I ended up in a panic trying to keep the powerful players in line. But in the formless event I'm trying to overhaul, there will be a main threat with the ability to temporarily steal a player's abilities or gain permanently by killing the owner of that power and uses those powers as its own. This is meant to both make it both something to fear as it is planned to rival stronger players and not just any other obstacle you can encounter.

Kill everyone. Reset. [spoiler]Iss joke, unless people are down for it. I'll personally slay Poly myself if everyone's onboard without a moments hesitation[/spoiler]

I only participated in one, with a character I’d consider on the higher end of how strong a standard protagonist should be.. And I was the weakest one there. : / So yeah, I think it’s a bit too high. But, I prefer weaker protags, so maybe I’m biased. Edit: disclaimer, though, she also didn’t have access to her stronger skills.

Yeah, it’s becoming a problem.

Power is relative. The obvious solution here is that all the DM/GM has to do is realize that not every character interaction has to be canon, and procede with plot lines or outcomes as they are, regardless of the power discrepancy. At the very least, you will learn to improvise and stretch your creativity.