in a PBP game there's so much information to convey that proper text formatting will make the game more cohesive. As a result, reading pleasure goes up.
General
We will be using third-person limited in the present tense. Examples of good and bad:
Henric watched on helplessly as a canibalistic lunatic bit off Petrov's ear. BAD
Henric watches on helplessly as a canibalistic lunatic bites off Petrov's ear.GOOD
Checks or rolls should be isolated at the bottom of the post.
DM Runge wrote:
Henric trembles with fear at the sight of the faceless monstrosity, and tries to hide.
______________________________________
[dice=Stealth]1d20+6[/dice]
Preferably separated by underscores
Prose
The written word is the medium through which we play our game. without a commonly shared basis for prose formatting, we may end up confused, frustrated, or worse yet bored when reading the prose of our fellow players. To prevent this, follow the instructions outlined below when writing your prose.
"Bold with quotes" is used for character speech. "CAPS LOCK" expresses yelling.
"Italics with quotes" represent a character's private thoughts and inner monologues, and "bold italics with quotes" is used when a character projects his or her thoughts – such as when communicating through telepathy.
Bold italics is used for onomatopoeia.
In addition to the above, bigger indicate that something is extra loud. It is implied that yelling is loud, so abstain from using this together with caps lock unless necessary. It works well with onomatopoeia.
Combat
At the start of combat, I will roll initiative and post the order. On your turn, open your post with a header containing round # and initiative. Example: Round 3, Init 17
During combat, rolls and actions should likewise be isolated at the bottom of the post – Feel free to put them in a spoiler, if you wish. In addition, action economies should be broken down.
DM Runge wrote:
=========
Round 3, Init 17
=========
Wide-eyed with fear and hands shaking, Henric reloads his pistol – his last bullet. Aiming, he takes the shot believing he finally, and against all reason, found a soft spot on the faceless monstrosity.
______________________________________
Move Action: Reload pistol.
Free Action: Activate studied strike +2d6.
Standard Action: Deadly Aim at the hideous monstrosity.
> [dice=Deadly Aim vs. Faceless Monstrosity]1d20+9[/dice]
>> [dice=Damage]3d6+7[/dice]
