Writing guidelines: Characters: Difference between revisions
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In addition to the general [[Writing Guidelines]], articles on characters should | In addition to the general [[Writing Guidelines]], articles on characters should adhere to the following format; note that some subjects will not require every section (unused sections should always be deleted): | ||
The [[Template:Character| | The [[Template:Character|Character infobox]] should be used for all character articles, with as many parameters as possible filled in with ''pertinent'' details. If they don't apply or are not known, leave them blank. These details should be explained or expounded on in the main body text. | ||
The introductory sentence should include the character's name, role, and | The introductory sentence should include the character's name (in '''bold'''), as well as their role, gender, and species (e.g. [[Elf|elven]], [[giant]], [[human]] ([[Suel]]), [[lizardfolk]]), if applicable. Also include the character's patron deity, if they worship one. Also, any associated heraldry or symbols should be noted in the introduction. | ||
Information in each section (below) should be in fully descriptive text as much as possible. Do not use phrases, incomplete sentences, or one-word entries for section content. Even things like feats should be described, rather than simply the name given. See also: [[Great Library of Greyhawk: Manual of Style#Rules and Mechanics|Manual of Style: Rules and Mechanics]] | |||
== Description == | == Description == | ||
This section should contain information on the | This section should contain information on the character's typical physical appearance (height, build, hair color, eye color, etc.), their behavior, others' opinion of the character, etc. | ||
=== | === Typical physical appearance === | ||
=== Personality === | === Personality === | ||
| Line 15: | Line 17: | ||
== Abilities == | == Abilities == | ||
The character's ability scores, in known, and individual, | The character's ability scores, in known, and individual, unique abilities they may have including feats, spells, or permanent magical effects. These should be 'described' not simply listed as in a stat block. Common abilities found in the ''Player's Handbook'' do not need to be defined here. See also: [[Great Library of Greyhawk: Manual of Style#Rules and Mechanics|Manual of Style: Rules and Mechanics]] | ||
== Home == | == Home == | ||
This section should contain | This section should contain detailed information on the character's dwelling (castle, palace, keep, ''etc.''), if applicable. If information is scarce, the city, realm, plane, or region the character calls home may be included in the introduction. | ||
== Equipment and possessions == | == Equipment and possessions == | ||
Significant items the character possesses or may carry. Powerful magic items associated with the | ''Significant'' items the character possesses or may carry. Powerful magic items associated with the character should appear here, as well as weapons the character commonly wields. Mundane items, such as those found in the "Equipment" chapter of the ''Player's Handbook'' should not be listed here. | ||
Magic items should be ''italicized'' and Artifacts should be capitalized. | |||
== Relationships == | == Relationships == | ||
Important relationships, including relatives, friends, servants, and foes | Important relationships, including spouses, relatives, friends, servants, and foes should be noted here. | ||
=== Allies and minions === | |||
=== Enemies === | === Enemies === | ||
=== Other acquaintances === | === Other acquaintances === | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
The character's history and backstory should appear here. | |||
== Works == | == Works == | ||
=== Writings === | === Writings === | ||
This section should include any works authored by the | This section should include any written works authored by the character. | ||
=== Spells === | === Spells === | ||
Any spells developed by the | Any spells developed by the character, or bearing their name, should appear here. | ||
==In ''Living Greyhawk''== | ==In ''Living Greyhawk''== | ||
Revision as of 11:27, 12 February 2025
In addition to the general Writing Guidelines, articles on characters should adhere to the following format; note that some subjects will not require every section (unused sections should always be deleted):
The Character infobox should be used for all character articles, with as many parameters as possible filled in with pertinent details. If they don't apply or are not known, leave them blank. These details should be explained or expounded on in the main body text.
The introductory sentence should include the character's name (in bold), as well as their role, gender, and species (e.g. elven, giant, human (Suel), lizardfolk), if applicable. Also include the character's patron deity, if they worship one. Also, any associated heraldry or symbols should be noted in the introduction.
Information in each section (below) should be in fully descriptive text as much as possible. Do not use phrases, incomplete sentences, or one-word entries for section content. Even things like feats should be described, rather than simply the name given. See also: Manual of Style: Rules and Mechanics
Description
This section should contain information on the character's typical physical appearance (height, build, hair color, eye color, etc.), their behavior, others' opinion of the character, etc.
Typical physical appearance
Personality
Religion
Abilities
The character's ability scores, in known, and individual, unique abilities they may have including feats, spells, or permanent magical effects. These should be 'described' not simply listed as in a stat block. Common abilities found in the Player's Handbook do not need to be defined here. See also: Manual of Style: Rules and Mechanics
Home
This section should contain detailed information on the character's dwelling (castle, palace, keep, etc.), if applicable. If information is scarce, the city, realm, plane, or region the character calls home may be included in the introduction.
Equipment and possessions
Significant items the character possesses or may carry. Powerful magic items associated with the character should appear here, as well as weapons the character commonly wields. Mundane items, such as those found in the "Equipment" chapter of the Player's Handbook should not be listed here.
Magic items should be italicized and Artifacts should be capitalized.
Relationships
Important relationships, including spouses, relatives, friends, servants, and foes should be noted here.
Allies and minions
Enemies
Other acquaintances
History
The character's history and backstory should appear here.
Works
Writings
This section should include any written works authored by the character.
Spells
Any spells developed by the character, or bearing their name, should appear here.
In Living Greyhawk
{{LGsection}}
See general Writing Guidelines for usage.
Creative origins
See general Writing Guidelines for usage.
Publishing history
See general Writing Guidelines for usage.
See also
See general Writing Guidelines for usage.
References
See general Writing Guidelines for usage.
External links
See general Writing Guidelines for usage.