Let me start by saying that while monitoring in your GM nick your focus should be primarily on watching the room. GM's are allowed to role play with their GM nicks during the times when no questions are being asked and no problems are going on. If a player asks you a question or if a problem arises, stop RPing and do your job.
Here are some guidelines for GM characters.
#1: GM's are members of 'The Tribunal'. This group is basically in charge of maintaining order in the fortress of Nessus. Members of The Tribunal are a step above the soldiers that patrol the streets. They are in charge but they are not all powerful IC.
#2: GM races are restricted the same as PC races. They have no innate magical abilities or immunities.
#3: GM's have all the magical limitations of PC's. They have no special powers, mighty weapons, or special spells. They can not alter time and space with a wave of a hand or use any other magic which is not listed in the shops. GM's are not gods. They are just like everyone else.
#4: GM's have no level. It is assumed they are higher level than the other people in the city. Exactly how much higher doesn't matter because they won't be used in scenarios where level would matter.
#5: GM's characters have no stats i.e. hit points, strength, dexterity, etc.. It is assumed they have stats proportionate to their level (Whatever that may be). Stats don't matter because they won't be used in scenarios where stats would matter.
Now that you have an idea of what GM characters are, here are some guidelines to actually role playing them.
#1: GM characters are 'the good guys'. Some characters might not like them simply because they are authority figures, however, this should be the only reason anyone shouldn't like a GM character IC.
Role playing your GM as a villian or asshole isn't acceptable. Like it or not you will be viewed as an asshole OOC if you portray one IC by some players.
Save your bad guy routines for your PC nicks where they will not reflect on your GM reputation or the game as a whole.
#2: GM characters may not be buds with PC's. Being friendly is fine, talking is fine, playing with PC's is fine as long as these things are not done in a way which would suggest favoritism or lack of objectivity when dealing with that character.
#3: GM characters may not be romantically involved with PC's in any way shape or form. This will suggest favoritism 10 times more than being friends will. Don't do it.
#4: GM characters may not 'make out' with anyone. GM's are considered at work if they are monitoring. I hope you wouldn't make out at work irl. Don't do it here.
#5: GM characters may not threaten PC's with physical harm. GM's do not go around beating people up and acting tough. If a threat needs to be made, the only acceptable threat is banishment.
#6: GM characters may not participate in fights with PC's. If a GM needs to break up a fight then he should break it up, not become a combatant in it.
#7: GM characters may not quest or duel.
#8: GM characters may not 'insult' PC's. Insult here is defined as any derogatory statement used to hurt or belittle someone.
#9: GM characters must follow every RP guideline in the game to the letter. GM's should lead by example, not perpetuate bad behavior.
More guidelines will be added as needed.
Just remember you are a representatve of the game. GM characters are not special, all powerful, or bad guys. Out Of Character you have the power to control the universe. In Character your just like everyone else.
If these limitations on GM characters seem to restrictive then you have another option... Dont RP with your GM nick.
�2001 Joe Pombo