Tips for Efficient Play-by-Post PbP Posting
Make the most of your time and help keep the game moving smoothly for everyone.
Whether you’re navigating dialogue, downtime, or combat, here are some best practices to make posting faster, clearer, and easier—for yourself, your fellow players, and your GM.
Combat Posting Tips
Roll Everything At Once
Don’t wait to see if your attack hits—just roll your attack and damage together. This lets the GM resolve your action faster without needing to wait for an extra post.
Instead of:
I swing my sword at the goblin!
(waits for GM response)
Do this:
I swing my sword at the goblin!
Attack: 1d20+7 = 18
Damage: 1d8+4 = 7
If the attack misses, the GM will simply ignore the damage. If it hits, they can apply it immediately. Win-win.
End Your Turn Clearly
At the end of your combat post, make it clear you’re finished so the next player knows it’s their go.
Good examples:
- “Kaelen ends his turn.”
- “She stays in place, weapon ready. Turn complete.”
This avoids confusion and delays.
Include All Relevant Info
Add key mechanical details in your post so the GM doesn't need to ask. This includes:
- Movement (where are you going?)
- Conditions (are you frightened, prone, etc.?)
- Resources (spell slots used, number of attacks, etc.)
- What you’re holding or drawing
Example:
Mira moves 30 feet to flank the ogre with Joran. She draws her rapier and casts True Strike. Ends turn.
Prepare Before Your Turn
Check the initiative order and plan your turn while others are posting. You don’t need to wait until your name is called to think.
Have a backup action ready if the situation changes.
Inactivity in Combat
If you can't post during a combat round:
- Let the GM know in advance if possible.
- Choose one:
- Sit out until you're ready to rejoin.
- Give the GM permission to control your character with simple actions (e.g., “Attack the nearest enemy” or “Use a healing potion if below half HP”).
This keeps combat moving without punishing anyone.
General Posting Tips
Post Actions + Intent
Even in non-combat scenes, write what your character is doing and what they’re trying to achieve. This gives the GM enough to respond meaningfully.
Example:
Tamsin scans the room for any signs of magical traps. She kneels near the chest, holding her hand over it, murmuring a quick incantation.
(OOC: Casting Detect Magic, then using Perception to examine the chest.)
Include Rolls in-Post
If a scene might require rolls (Perception, Sense Motive, Diplomacy, etc.), roll them preemptively with your action. GMs can ignore them if not needed, or use them right away.
Bonus Tip: Add skill modifiers in parentheses so the GM can adjust if needed.
Perception: 1d20+5 = 17 (+5 mod)
Label OOC Info Clearly
If you include mechanics or GM-targeted notes in your post, keep them distinct using:
- (OOC:)
- A spoiler tag
- Italics at the bottom
This helps separate story from system.
Don’t Freeze the Scene
Avoid ending your post with a total "lock" on what’s happening next unless it’s your turn to act. Leave space for others to contribute.
Instead of:
"You’re going to tell us what you know!" Talia shouts, slamming the man against the wall.
Try:
Talia steps in close, grabbing the man’s shirt. “You’re going to tell us what you know,” she growls, letting the threat hang in the air.
This invites response rather than forcing it.
Downtime & System Threads
- Fill out templates completely (Downtime, Shopping, etc.) so the GM doesn’t need to follow up.
- Include brief narrative blurbs to keep things immersive.
- Post totals, token usage, and resource costs clearly to help with bookkeeping.
Ping With Purpose
- Give your fellow players and GM time to respond.
- If it’s been longer than your group’s agreed timeframe (e.g., 24–48 hours), it’s okay to send a gentle ping or reminder.
- Tag with context, e.g., “Hey, just checking if you need anything else from me before combat moves on!”
Final Tips for Smooth PbP Play
- Keep posts concise when you can—quality > quantity.
- Collaborate with others; this is shared storytelling.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions OOC.
- Be patient—real life happens.
- Stay engaged, even if your character isn’t currently the spotlight.
- Trust the GM, and help make their job easier when you can.
Your Story, One Post at a Time
Streamlined posting isn’t about rushing—it’s about clarity, momentum, and helping everyone have a great time. When you post with intention and give your GM the tools they need to respond, the game flows smoother, the story shines brighter, and everyone gets their moment in the spotlight.
Keep writing, keep rolling, and enjoy the journey.
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