Role-playing
The idea of a forum-based RPG is to develop your writing skills, while having a good time. It's important to put thought into posts and try and bring the role-playing world to life.
Point of view and tense
All posts should be written in third-person. Below is an example:
It is the underlined nouns that determine the point of view.
Posts are also written in past tense. Below is an example (take note of the underlined words):
Godding
Godding occurs when you take control of someone else's character without their permission. Godding is poor role-playing etiquette and as such is not allowed. Some examples of godding include:
- reading another character's thoughts
- posting another character's actions
- writing that you see another character in a room when the member hasn't already posted there (ie. you have brought their character into the room)
- posting the outcome of your action on another character, for example:
Seeing Ryan coming towards him, Jack drew his wand and in a flash had cast the Leg-locker curse. It hit Ryan square in the chest, and he stumbled to the floor as his legs were magically bound.
Jack should not have posted Ryan's response to the jynx, but let Ryan post his own character's response/actions.
To report a case of Godding to a moderator, click the 'Report to moderator' link at the bottom right of the post.
Syntax / post format
Posts should be written in the stardard style for printed novels. Speech and thoughts should be enclosed in " ". An example sentence follows:
If you are unsure about how to format your post, please contact Admin.
Do not change the colour of your text.
Out-of-character (OOC)
All the boards at HPHavenRPG are 'in-character' boards, that is all posts are a part of the story. The only exceptions are the boards in the 'Miscellaneous' category.
If you want to make a brief out-of-character statement in a role-playing post you should enclose the text in OOC tags. Simply type :ooc: before and after your text and it will be enclosed in two 
OOC comments should be kept to a minimum. For longer discussions please use the Miscellaneous boards.
Double posting
Double posting is when you reply to your own post before someone else has.
If you have more to add to a post and no-one has replied, simply click the 
button and edit the original post.
New threads
When starting a new thread, first ensure you have a reason for the thread. It is unacceptable to start a thread with your character just 'sitting around'. Give other members something to respond to and get involved in.
If you can't think of a new idea for your thread, try joining in another thread and see where it takes you.
Joining threads
If a thread is well underway (up to two pages long) it is probably best not to join in.
Unless it's obvious more people are wanted, post an OOC message asking if you may join, or PM the creator of the thread, before bringing your character in.
Some threads are only open to certain members. See 'Private Threads' below for more information.
Private threads
If there is a particular character you need to role-play a scene with you can enclose their name in brackets at the end of the topic name. This indicates the thread is open only to those characters.
If you post in a private thread you can expect your posts to be deleted without warning by a moderator.
Private threads should only be used in cases where it is crucial that only the specified characters be involved - afterall, role-playing is about interacting!
Interacting
When interacting with other members (and their characters):
- be patient - give people a chance to keep up and get involved in your thread
- write open-ended posts
For example:
It was cold and wet outside and Jordan could think of no-where else to go so he entered the Great Hall, and had a look around to see who was there.
Post length
Posts should be at least a paragraph in length.
If you're having a conversation and the spoken responses are short, add some descriptions and actions, for example:
Advertising
These forums may not be used for the advertising of products and/or services.
Admin reserves the right to remove such posts with or without warning (this extends to signatures).
Please be wary of any such posts and report them immediately to Admin using the 'Report to moderator' link on othe post.
Unforgivable curses
The Unforgivable Curses consist of:
- Avada Kadavra (the killing curse)
- Imperius Curse (used to control other people)
- Crucio (torturing)
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