How about a 'suggested' post format?

[Zyzzyx]

So, having seen how Sagar's group has kind of settled in to things, and reading through the other two, was wondering if there's any thoughts as to a general format of posting a character's combat actions that would make it easier for the DMs and other players to follow along.


It seems to work well, and most folks are doing it, to use italics for OOC commentary, questions, or whatever.

Something I've seen Sagar's group do that I like doing myself, and also as another player for when others do it, is to copy/paste a basic summary of the power used (I like to put it in italics as well). I expect this makes it a bit easier for the DMs, not having to refer back to the sources, "Hmm... ok, what was the damage and bonuses for the Supermega Flying Squirrel attack?" Also nice as a fellow player to see what powers are being used, and the info behind them.

Something that I noticed in our group's recent fight against the dragon: things got a durn bit confusing on who was doing what, when. I realize that we're not going to wait for the DM to do a character's actions, then wait for the next person to post, then the DM, etc... But, how about a bit more info regarding at least in what round you're actions are taking place? I know our DMs do a good job of trying to keep the current round listed when they post the initiative and status list. Perhaps as players we could do better at noting what round our actions are?



I'm thinking of a 'standard' post format something like this:

--------
Round 34:

Solak yells across the chasm, "Joe, don't pull that lever!" (Free)

Solak then turns his attention to the earthworm swarm coming from behind the group. After eyeing them for a moment with curious wonder he decides not to take them home to his little brother. He takes a few steps away from them (Move), and with a twitch of his nose he summons the power of the demonic fairies (Standard). The worms are surrounded in a rainbow of colors as they are burned with demonic love.

- Fairie Burn; +15 vs Will, Area Burst 1 (3x3), 1d4+20 love dmg; any creature entering the area takes 10 love dmg

If Joe Schmoe does pull the lever, Solak does not attack, but just turns and runs. On his way out, he yells, "See ya on the other side!"
------


That covers the round for your action. Allows for RP and character actions. Provides basic info for the power/attack used. And this one also gives an alternate action depending on the outcome from someone else's prior turn.


I dunno... I kinda just rambling here... Generally thinking of making things easier for the DMs, and perhaps less confusion overall. At least for when the fights get a bit beyond crazy. Thoughts? Ideas? Comments?

[Sagar]

For the dragon fight, I didn't want to do any character actions.. they were just to critical to success / failure and I wanted the fight to be all character.

I like your suggestion, though.

Another thing I've thought of is to have each person identify Move Action, Std Action, Minor Action so there is no doubt what people are doing.

[Greebo]

I'm not unhappy with how things are going. I'll second Sagar but am fine either way.

[EricStratton]

One thing I'd appreciate if ppl put their bonuses to attack and damage rolls in their posts so I don't have to keep referring to the PDFs/character sheet posts. Like what Z had above w/ Fairie Burn.

I'd like if ppl listed which action is which (standard, move, minor) but it's not necessary.

And I'd like it if ppl put the round # at the top of their posts. But again, not completely necessary.

[Zyzzyx]

Well, I figured the DMs would be speaking up if things really weren't working. I was mostly thinking of just making things a bit easier.


On the other side, I've enjoyed seeing the differences in DM communication between the three of ya. I like a bit from each of your styles, mostly differences in referring to how hits and damage are communicated to the players/characters. Well done.

[Lycos]

I don't like having to put what type of action it is. I liked when I played that the DM calls what you can and can't do. I know I have limitations, as a character, but if I have to break it all down like that it takes away from the fun of the game. I know it may speed things up, but I think it would be so mechanical at that point. It would detract from the fun.

The rest is fine by me.

The main thing that I have found difficult to do is when I am at the bottom of the initiative list, my actions may change two persons down. I change it. Two more people act. My actions change, etc. I don't want to hold people up, but I may not know until my actual turn what I am going to do. I don't know if there is a better option.

[EricStratton]

The main thing that I have found difficult to do is when I am at the bottom of the initiative list, my actions may change two persons down. I change it. Two more people act. My actions change, etc. I don't want to hold people up, but I may not know until my actual turn what I am going to do. I don't know if there is a better option.
I personally don't mind if those at the bottom of the order wait for a while before acting due to exactly what you describe. There's no point in continuously editing your action when you could just wait to post it. And if you don't edit it, then I have to decide what you probably would've done if you had edited it. At that point, you just go sit down and I'll play for you. :lowlol:

[Zyzzyx]

I don't like having to put what type of action it is. I liked when I played that the DM calls what you can and can't do. I know I have limitations, as a character, but if I have to break it all down like that it takes away from the fun of the game. I know it may speed things up, but I think it would be so mechanical at that point. It would detract from the fun.
Hmm... *goes back and looks at the example post* Yeah, I could see that. Maybe just an occasional reminder for how something counts, especially if not done often?

"JimBob uses his telekinetic powers to slide himself two squares (minor action)"

So the DM doesn't have to remember that power is does not count as standard action. *shrug*


The main thing that I have found difficult to do is when I am at the bottom of the initiative list, my actions may change two persons down. I change it. Two more people act. My actions change, etc. I don't want to hold people up, but I may not know until my actual turn what I am going to do. I don't know if there is a better option.
Apologies for not being clear. I don't want to have it set up where everyone immediately posts their actions for the round. I fully understand wanting, needing, to wait until others have acted to determine your actions. There is a balance on how far in advance to post your actions, and it changes from one encounter to another, or even within a single encounter.. Just wanting to make things a bit more clear for when folks do post actions in advance.


I guess the main thing I'd like to see, especially coming from trying to follow what was happening in the dragon fight, would be for players/characters to list the round for which they are posting actions. I dunno how Sagar managed to keep that one straight. Heck, not sure he did. :lowlol::roll:

I figured the DMs would mostly appreciate having the info copy/pasted in for the power used; especially when it has extra goodies, not just plain damage.

[Greebo]

I don't like having to put what type of action it is. I liked when I played that the DM calls what you can and can't do. I know I have limitations, as a character, but if I have to break it all down like that it takes away from the fun of the game. I know it may speed things up, but I think it would be so mechanical at that point. It would detract from the fun.
There are plenty of opportunities to come up with unique ideas that aren't covered by pre-defined skills. Like Sagar's idea to try to defuse the cask in the current encounter - it was creative, innovative, and a little too involved to happen at the same time as a standard attack.

But the pre-defined skills and powers, however, have specific uses. When you use those, there are rules to conform to, and in a table top game, the DM would say, "Mooglys Mystical Mark is a minor action?" and you would say "Yeah" or "No", and never think of it. Here, if you don't tell us, we have to ask or look it up. It's mechanical either way - but telling us up front. SOMEONE is going to do the mechanics. DMs already do the lions share of it by far. Helping the DM keep the paperwork straight helps keep the game flow moving overall.

[Quervo]

I have been trying to follow that format, alittle RP blurb at the top then a
Minor
move
standard
AP
break down below With listed bonus and basic discription