"In Character" vs. "Out Of Character"

In order to give the game a consistent feel I have decided to split in character (IC) posts and out of character (OOC) posts. The game discussion group (which is searchable, archived, etc.) will hold all IC posts.

OOC posts should be made to a special mailing list which is for the specific use of the players. The mailing list traffic will not be made public.

Staying "In Character"
When posting to the game discussion group please remain in character at all times. The character doesn't know who the players are, and there is a good chance the reader doesn't either so don't make any non-game references. And please don't conduct in-game, player discussions in the game discussion group. The OOC mailing list should be used for this purpose.

The Background
You should make a point of describing, in detail, the actions your character is making. Your posts should take into account the characters surroundings at the time of their action. For example: It's all very well to spray a room with bullets, but were there any other characters already standing in it at the time? How does the character deal with it?

Writing Style

Consider the following responses to the event: "A vampire suddenly rises out of the ground in front of you"

Post A:

"Joe quick draws, and hits (2 levels of damage), then he steps back"

Post B

"Joe was surprised by the vampires entrance but he didn't loose his head, he quickly drew his pistol and took a shot at the vampire. The vampire didn't seem to be effected by the shot so Joe took a step back."

Post C:

"Surprise catches Joe for a instant but instinct quickly takes over: he pulls out his pistol as quickly as he can and shoots in it's general direction. The shot connects, but just barely, so Joe starts moving backwards trying to get out of reach."

Analysis

All three posts amount to the same thing in terms of the game: Joe shoots the vampire, but with bugger all damage and then steps back out of reach*. However, Post A is very dry and quite Spartan. The reader gets no feeling for the game, or for Joe, and it fails to express any of the tension that the situation would provoke. Post B is much better, the reader is getting a feel for the action, and the game mechanics (the two levels of damage) have been removed**. However, it has been written in a passive voice, and past tense; the reader is reading about events that occurred in the past and probably don't matter much now. Post C is better again. It has been written in present tense with an active voice. In the mind of the reader everything is happening right now, and the reader is right there, sitting on the edge of her ring side seat waiting to find out what will happen next. Active voice engages and compels the reader. Active voice rocks.   * For all the good that is likely to do him... :-) ** They are still important, but they shouldn't get in the way of the game. This is specially important when the entire game is in text. For more information please see "Keeping Track of the Game Mechanics"

Reality Check

OK, lets get real. Not everyone can write like Tom Clancy (myself included) and Honor's Hand is game - not a writing school. The priority is to take part, and to avoid writing like Post A, if you can do that then I'm happy. If you have the talent (or the time) to write like Post C then I'm even happier.