d20 Thread/Post Formatting
Notes On Post Formatting and Grammar
Spoiler
When creating or posting in your game threads, it is a good idea for your threads to be formatted and organized neatly. This ensures a smooth look thats easy on the eyes, but more importantly clearly conveys what your character is doing or saying. Most players prefer to use a prose format, in which third person and either present or past tense along with point of view are preferred. Most players prefer to assign a color to designate their characters speech which is used uniquely for a character in a specific thread. Italics are often used to denote internal thoughts and describe actions.
Regardless of format style, all players should follow the boundaries put in place by the DM, even if their preferences differ. This may include off-limit colors, post length, or whether or not players can "sandbox". As a general note when picking colors, most people prefer you dont use {Red Text} as it is reserved for Moderator Posts.
Proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation (barring unusual speech patterns or accents as part of a character's defining traits or race) are paramount. Improper post formatting and/or grammar and spelling can result in confusion as to what your character is doing, or who they are directing it toward. This could result in the need to clarify, other players misinterpreting your actions and responding in a manner you didnt intend, or simply a delay of the game until you correct your mistakes. Running a post through a spelling and grammar checker before posting is a good idea. If you are unsure of your post clarity, run it by your DM/GM prior to posting or have another player proofread it.
Separating by paragraphs at conversation breaks or at logical action breaks is a good idea. Strive to not post “one-liners.” That is, don’t simply post ‘Joe whacks the goblin.’ It comes across as very bland, and doesnt give the other players anything to roleplay with. Try to weave in some narrative: ‘Graxaan the Paladin ducks under the goblin’s hammer, easily sidestepping the crude swipe. His ornate mace slams into the goblin’s chest, reminding the foul creature of the might of Thor.’ This is a much better example to clearly convey your characters actions and intentions, and allows for the other players to engage in roleplay.
Regardless of format style, all players should follow the boundaries put in place by the DM, even if their preferences differ. This may include off-limit colors, post length, or whether or not players can "sandbox". As a general note when picking colors, most people prefer you dont use {Red Text} as it is reserved for Moderator Posts.
Proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation (barring unusual speech patterns or accents as part of a character's defining traits or race) are paramount. Improper post formatting and/or grammar and spelling can result in confusion as to what your character is doing, or who they are directing it toward. This could result in the need to clarify, other players misinterpreting your actions and responding in a manner you didnt intend, or simply a delay of the game until you correct your mistakes. Running a post through a spelling and grammar checker before posting is a good idea. If you are unsure of your post clarity, run it by your DM/GM prior to posting or have another player proofread it.
Separating by paragraphs at conversation breaks or at logical action breaks is a good idea. Strive to not post “one-liners.” That is, don’t simply post ‘Joe whacks the goblin.’ It comes across as very bland, and doesnt give the other players anything to roleplay with. Try to weave in some narrative: ‘Graxaan the Paladin ducks under the goblin’s hammer, easily sidestepping the crude swipe. His ornate mace slams into the goblin’s chest, reminding the foul creature of the might of Thor.’ This is a much better example to clearly convey your characters actions and intentions, and allows for the other players to engage in roleplay.
An Example Roleplay Post:
Spoiler
Quote:
Studying the last few prospective adventurers, Balthos grabs his axe which had been leaning against the table and rests his forearm on the butt of the handle as an impromptu walking stick and leans a little further back in his chair. The addition of a man of the wild, who from the looks of it knew how to handle the local area’s eccentric tendencies, quelled his uneasiness. Though he still didn’t know what to think of the towering man or the sorcerer with the wicked looking smile and darting eyes, he turns and nods to the Oridimm.
He realizes that everyone else had thrown in their lot already, leaving him as the last undecided attendee. He looks down at the almost empty mug in his right hand and frowns slightly, then raises the mug towards Finnean and gets up from his chair. “Alright, count me in on your little expedition; let’s hear how you plan to go about it.” He downs the last of the drink in his mug and sets it on the wooden table. “If the cold or the beasts of the wild don’t have their way with us, this seems like it could turn to profitable bit of work… or if nothing else at least a bit ‘interesting’." With that last bit he glances from the sorcerer to the towering cleric, both still standing near the Finnean alongside the hearth.
“Now when do we eat?”
He realizes that everyone else had thrown in their lot already, leaving him as the last undecided attendee. He looks down at the almost empty mug in his right hand and frowns slightly, then raises the mug towards Finnean and gets up from his chair. “Alright, count me in on your little expedition; let’s hear how you plan to go about it.” He downs the last of the drink in his mug and sets it on the wooden table. “If the cold or the beasts of the wild don’t have their way with us, this seems like it could turn to profitable bit of work… or if nothing else at least a bit ‘interesting’." With that last bit he glances from the sorcerer to the towering cleric, both still standing near the Finnean alongside the hearth.
“Now when do we eat?”
An Example Combat Post:
Spoiler
Graxaan's head spins, the cave walls around him loom in and out as his vision reels. He tries to focus, now is not the time to falter, he places his weapon arm against the wall for support. Ezhera is only a couple of strides away along the same wall, blood dripping from the Githzerai is visible from this distance even with the dim light of the torch. Continuing to try steady himself, he holds up a clawed hand like before and another a large spear of radiant light forms in his claws which he then hurls towards the monstrous statue.
Spoiler
Standard Action: Lance of Faith
-Attack -Wisdom vs REF:
-Damage :
-If Hit : If this attack hits, Fjarr gains +2 to next attack roll against this foe.
Saving Throw - to remove dazed. :
Lance Of Faith
-Attack -Wisdom vs REF:
GobO_Sapper rolled 1d20+3 and got a total of 7:
-Damage :
GobO_Sapper rolled 1d8+3 and got a total of 4:
-If Hit : If this attack hits, Fjarr gains +2 to next attack roll against this foe.
Saving Throw - to remove dazed. :
GobO_Sapper rolled 1d20 and got a total of 11:
Lance Of Faith
Spoiler
At-Will ✦ Divine, Implement, Radiant
Standard Action Ranged 5
Target: One creature
Attack: Wisdom vs. Reflex
Hit: 1d8 + Wisdom modifier radiant damage, and one ally
you can see gains a +2 power bonus to his or her next attack
roll against the target.
Increase damage to 2d8 + Wisdom modifier at 21st level.
Standard Action Ranged 5
Target: One creature
Attack: Wisdom vs. Reflex
Hit: 1d8 + Wisdom modifier radiant damage, and one ally
you can see gains a +2 power bonus to his or her next attack
roll against the target.
Increase damage to 2d8 + Wisdom modifier at 21st level.
While you dont have to post exactly like this, notice how clear and concise the information is.
Most importantly, remember to stay In-Character in the In-Character thread, and keep Out-of-Character conversation in the Out-Of-Character thread.
