> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://axiomemu.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://axiomemu.gitbook.io/docs/data/experiencetable/gamemaster.md). # GameMaster.xml & CtlCode GM setup - GameMaster.xml command levels and the Character.CtlCode database column Making someone a Game Master involves **two independent switches**. They do different things, neither implies the other, and mixing them up is the usual cause of "my GM has no commands" or "my GM cannot use skills". | Switch | Where | What it grants | | ------------------------------ | --------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | | `Level` in `GameMaster.xml` | Config file, GameServer | Permission to run slash commands | | `CtlCode` on the character row | `Character` table, database | In-game GM *status*: aura, monster immunity, trade unlock, name colour | {% hint style="success" %} **Short answer:** put `Level="32"` in `GameMaster.xml` and set `CtlCode = 32` on the character row. Never use `CtlCode = 8`. {% endhint %} ## File Location ``` Data/Util/GameMaster.xml ``` Loaded at GameServer startup. `/reload util` reloads it without a restart, and the new GM list applies at once, even to characters already online. With no GM set up yet, use `reload.util` in the Server Manager's **Commands** tab (or the GameServer window's Reload menu) instead. ## Schema ```xml ``` | Attribute | Type | Effect | | ----------- | -------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | | `Account` | string, max 10 chars | Account name as stored in `MEMB_INFO`. Must match the character's owner | | `Character` | string, max 10 chars | Character name under that account | | `Level` | byte (0-255) | GM command level. Higher = more privilege | Entries are keyed internally by `Character` name - listing the same character twice keeps only the first row. An entry whose `Account` or `Character` exceeds 10 characters is skipped with a red log line instead of loading. ### What Level actually means `Level` is an arbitrary number with **no hard-coded tiers**. The only rule the GameServer applies is: > the character's stored `Level` must be **greater than or equal to** the `GameMaster=` attribute of the command being run ([Command.xml](/docs/data/command-xml.md)). The value `32` in the shipped file is a convention, not a bitmask, and has nothing to do with `CtlCode = 32` despite looking identical. | Level | Typical role | | ----- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | `0` | Not a GM - entry is effectively disabled | | `1` | Event host / helper commands (all built-in event commands gate on `>= 1`) | | `32` | Full admin - the level used by the stock command gates in Command.xml | Commands whose `GameMaster=` is `0` or missing are available to every player. ## Character.CtlCode `Character.CtlCode` is a `tinyint` **bitmask** column, default `0`. The DataServer only ever reads it (the single writer is the `WZ_DesblocAccount` stored procedure, which clears `CtlCode = 1` once a block expires), so it is safe to edit by hand or with the AXIOM Editor. It is read when the character enters the game - relog to apply. | Value | Name | Effect | | ----- | ------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | `0` | Normal | Ordinary player | | `1` | Character blocked | GameServer drops the connection when the character enters. Character select shows it as blocked. Auto-cleared by `WZ_DesblocAccount` when `bloc_expire` passes | | `2` | Item block | Cannot pick up, drop or move items (inventory, trade, warehouse). Character select warns about it | | `4` | For TV | Client-only spectator camera mode | | `8` | **Observer GM** | GameServer `Authority = 2`: monsters ignore the character. Client marks it a non-attacking GM - **all attacks and all targeted skills are refused client-side** | | `16` | Account item block | Same restriction as `2` | | `32` | **GM** | GameServer `Authority = 32`: GM aura effect, GM ring support, monsters ignore the character, trade-block bypass, immunity to some player skills, hidden from viewport while invisible. Attacks and skills work normally | | `128` | Manager move char | Client-only marker in the character info balloon | Bits combine, but the two GM bits do not: `Authority` is assigned, not accumulated, and `32` wins over `8` when both are set. {% hint style="danger" %} **`CtlCode = 8` breaks skills, and that is by design.** It is the observer/TV GM flag. The client's attack check refuses every attack and every targeted skill for a character carrying it, so the character looks fine but nothing casts. If your GM "cannot use any skills", this is why. Use `32`. {% endhint %} ## The Two Switches Together | GameMaster.xml | CtlCode | Result | | -------------- | ------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Not listed | `0` | Ordinary player | | `Level="32"` | `0` | **All slash commands work.** No GM aura, no monster immunity, no trade unlock - looks and plays like a normal character | | Not listed | `32` | GM status, aura and immunities - but **no slash command with `GameMaster>=1` works**. Entering the game registers the character at GM level `0` | | `Level="32"` | `32` | Full GM. **This is the correct setup** | | `Level="32"` | `8` | Commands work, GM status is the observer kind - cannot attack or cast | ## Cross-File Dependencies | Attribute | Related in | | ---------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- | | `Account` | Must exist in the JoinServer / DataServer `MEMB_INFO` table | | `Character` | Must belong to that account | | Per-command GM gate | [Command.xml](/docs/data/command-xml.md) `GameMaster=` attribute | | Command tuning and cooldowns | [Command.dat](/docs/gameserver/command-dat.md) | | Name-creation word filter | [DataServer BadSyntax.txt](/docs/dataserver/badsyntax.md) | ## Common Issues * **GM cannot use any skills or attack** - `CtlCode` is `8` (or `4`). Set it to `32` and relog * **GM has no commands** - only `CtlCode` was set. Commands come exclusively from `GameMaster.xml`; add the account/character pair and run `reload.util` in the Server Manager (or `/reload util` as another GM) * **GM has commands but no aura/immunity** - only `GameMaster.xml` was set. Set `CtlCode = 32` on the character row and relog * **Command still denied after editing the XML** - `Level` is below the command's `GameMaster=` value, the `Account` does not match the character's real owner, or the file was not reloaded yet. Run `/reload util` (or `reload.util` in the Server Manager) * **Character cannot log in at all** - `CtlCode` bit `1` is set * **Character cannot touch items** - `CtlCode` bit `2` or `16` is set * **Duplicate character names** - only the first entry for a given character name is stored, even across accounts * **Test GMs shipped to production** - v1.0.7 ships an empty GameMasterList. If you inherited an older file, strip its stock `admin` / `test` rows before release