techircd/docs/GOD_MODE_STEALTH.md

God Mode and Stealth Mode

TechIRCd supports two advanced operator features via user modes:

God Mode (+G)

God Mode gives operators ultimate channel override capabilities.

Usage

/mode nickname +G    # Enable God Mode
/mode nickname -G    # Disable God Mode

Capabilities

• Channel Access: Can join any channel regardless of bans, limits, keys, or invite-only status
• Kick Immunity: Cannot be kicked from channels by anyone, including other operators
• Ban Immunity: Can join and remain in channels even when banned
• Invite Override: Can join invite-only channels without being invited
• Limit Override: Can join channels that have reached their user limit
• Key Override: Can join channels with passwords/keys without providing them

Requirements

• Must be an IRC operator (/oper)
• Must have god_mode permission in operator class configuration
• Only the user themselves can set/unset their God Mode

Security Notes

• God Mode actions are logged to operator snomasks (+o)
• Use responsibly - this bypasses all normal channel protections
• Intended for emergency situations and network administration

Stealth Mode (+S)

Stealth Mode makes operators invisible to regular users while remaining visible to other operators.

Usage

/mode nickname +S    # Enable Stealth Mode
/mode nickname -S    # Disable Stealth Mode

Effects

• WHO Command: Stealth users don't appear in /who results for regular users
• NAMES Command: Stealth users don't appear in channel user lists for regular users
• Channel Lists: Regular users can't see stealth operators in channels
• Operator Visibility: Other operators can always see stealth users

Requirements

• Must be an IRC operator (/oper)
• Must have stealth_mode permission in operator class configuration
• Only the user themselves can set/unset their Stealth Mode

Use Cases

• Undercover moderation and monitoring
• Reduced operator visibility during investigations
• Network administration without user awareness

Configuration

Add permissions to operator classes in configs/opers.conf:

{
  "classes": [
    {
      "name": "admin",
      "rank": 4,
      "description": "Administrator with special powers",
      "permissions": [
        "*",
        "god_mode",
        "stealth_mode"
      ]
    }
  ]
}

Examples

Basic Usage

# As an operator with god_mode permission:
/mode mynick +G
# *** GOD MODE enabled - You have ultimate power!

# Join a banned/invite-only channel:
/join #private-channel
# Successfully joins despite restrictions

# Disable God Mode:
/mode mynick -G
# *** GOD MODE disabled

# Enable Stealth Mode:
/mode mynick +S
# *** STEALTH MODE enabled - You are now invisible to users

# Regular users won't see you in:
/who #channel
/names #channel

# Other operators will still see you

Combined Usage

# Enable both modes simultaneously:
/mode mynick +GS
# *** GOD MODE enabled - You have ultimate power!
# *** STEALTH MODE enabled - You are now invisible to users

# Now you can:
# - Join any channel (God Mode)
# - Remain invisible to regular users (Stealth Mode)
# - Be visible to other operators

Permission Checking

# Attempting without proper permissions:
/mode mynick +G
# :server 481 mynick :Permission Denied - You need god_mode permission

# Must be oper first:
/mode mynick +S
# :server 481 mynick :Permission Denied- You're not an IRC operator

Technical Implementation

God Mode

• Stored as user mode +G
• Checked via HasGodMode() method
• Bypasses channel restrictions in:
  • JOIN command (bans, limits, keys, invite-only)
  • KICK command (cannot be kicked)
  • Channel access validation

Stealth Mode

• Stored as user mode +S
• Checked via HasStealthMode() method
• Filtered in:
  • WHO command responses
  • NAMES command responses
  • Channel member visibility

Mode Persistence

• User modes are stored per-client session
• Lost on disconnect/reconnect
• Must be re-enabled after each connection

Security Considerations

1. Audit Trail: All God Mode and Stealth Mode activations are logged
2. Permission Based: Requires explicit operator class permissions
3. Self-Only: Users can only set modes on themselves
4. Operator Level: Requires existing operator privileges
5. Reversible: Can be disabled at any time

Troubleshooting

Mode Not Setting

• Verify you are opered (/oper)
• Check operator class has required permissions
• Ensure using correct syntax (/mode nickname +G)

Not Working as Expected

• God Mode only affects channel restrictions, not other commands
• Stealth Mode only hides from regular users, not operators
• Modes are case-sensitive (+G not +g)

Permission Denied

• Contact network administrator to add permissions to your operator class
• Verify operator class configuration in configs/opers.conf