Writing guidelines: Characters

In addition to the general Writing Guidelines, articles on characters (NPCs) should adhere to the following format; note that some articles 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 described in the main body text (not simply listed), and an article about a character should never be treated like a character sheet with a list of mechanics and numbers, or as an inventory sheet.

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, lists of 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.

Abilities

The individual, unique abilities the character may possess, described narratively, including feats, unusual powers, or permanent magical effects. These should be 'described' not simply listed or named, as they would be in a stat block. Ability scores may be listed, but are not recommended, as they may change over editions.

Common abilities found in the Player's Handbook (especially class abilities) should not 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.

Possessions

Mundane items, such as those found in the "Equipment" chapter of a Player's Handbook should not be listed here. This is not an inventory list on a character sheet.

List notable or significant items the character possesses or may carry. Powerful magic items associated with the character should appear here, as well as weapons if they are specific in some way to the character. As in the Manual of Style regarding magic items, not all magic items need to be listed. Unnamed, generic, or otherwise non-descript magic items do not need to be listed, especially lower-level ones, and single use items, those with limited charges, or ones that might be expected to be replaced or upgraded.
For example,

Do not include items like ring of protection, wand of healing, dust of disappearance, scroll of strength, +1 longsword, +1 buckler, bracers of armor, sleep arrow, or everburning torch, etc.

Do include notable magic items, especially artifacts or "named" items which have lore specific to the World of Greyhawk™ like Fragarach or Queen Ehlissa's Marvelous Nightingale, as well as unusual items like a planar tuning fork, special house heirloom, or the diamond(s) required for a raise dead spell.

Names of magic items should be italicized, and Artifacts should be capitalized and italicized.

Relationships

Important relationships, including spouses, relatives, friends, servants, and foes should be noted here.

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.

External links

See general Writing Guidelines for usage.

References

See general Writing Guidelines for usage.