Nov 16, 2025 7:38 pm
Links
Reference
Be sure to read and follow the guidelines for our forums.
Nov 16, 2025 8:08 pm
Formatting Your Game Forums
Forums and Sub-Forums
Campaign Wiki's: What's the best approach?
Public Repository of Custom Games Sheets
Shared GM sheets - guide and repository
How best to handle Game Templates and Handouts?
Player Introduction Form - Nearly sorted - I think
Guides discussion thread : discussing the "Advanced Rules Definitions for GMs" and Dice roller guide.
Public Repository of Dice Highlight Codes
đź”” Setting up discord integration for your games
Forums and Sub-Forums
Campaign Wiki's: What's the best approach?
Public Repository of Custom Games Sheets
Shared GM sheets - guide and repository
How best to handle Game Templates and Handouts?
Player Introduction Form - Nearly sorted - I think
Guides discussion thread : discussing the "Advanced Rules Definitions for GMs" and Dice roller guide.
Public Repository of Dice Highlight Codes
đź”” Setting up discord integration for your games
Nov 24, 2025 4:28 am
Previous References I just found
CATS
Concept : Setting out on your first adventure you engounter challenges and trials
Aim : Introduction to RPG / PbP / Gamersplane
Tone : Light hearted action/adventure and social interctions
Subject : PG with conflict resolution that can include fighting
Social Contract : Between Open Table Policy and Lines and Veil.
Shared Expectations:
Pace :
The contract outlines what players and the GM expect from each other, both in terms of gameplay and social interaction.
Table Etiquette: Courtesy & Respect
In-Character vs. Out-of-Character:
OOC questions & comments not directly about the story should be placed in OOC threads
Safety and Boundaries:
Safety Tools
[ - ] Content Warnings
Unless you are palying in a complete sandbox, you most likely already have some idea of what topics might come up in the game. If any of them seem particularly controversial to you, let your players know in advance what to prepare for. You will of course never be able to predict everything that might upset your players, but it is a good policy regardless to cover the most common issues.
[ - ] The X-Card
The X-Card is an optional tool (created by John Stavropoulos) that allows anyone in your game (including you) to edit out any content anyone is uncomfortable with as you play. Since most RPGs are improvisational and we won`t know what will happen till it happens, it`s possible the game will go in a direction people don`t want. An X-Card is a simple tool to fix problems as they arise.
To use, at the start of your game, simply say:
"I’d like your help. Your help to make this game fun for everyone. If anything makes anyone uncomfortable in any way… [draw X on an index card] …just lift this card up, or simply tap it [ place card at the center of the table]. You don’t have to explain why. It doesn`t matter why. When we lift or tap this card, we simply edit out anything X-Carded. And if there is ever an issue, anyone can call for a break and we can talk privately. I know it sounds funny but it will help us play amazing games together and usually I’m the one who uses the X-card to help take care of myself. Please help make this game fun for everyone. Thank you!"The X-Card is an option to skip past content that makes any player uncomfortable. As we are not playing in a physical space, we obviously can`t use a physical X-Card, so instead, if anyone at any point is uncomfortable with where a scene is going or with something mentioned, you can simply post an X in any thread (or send it to me privately).
Feel free to add a clarification so that we others can more easily work around the unwanted content. This is not a requirement.
[ - ] Lines & Veils
Lines and Veils are a safety tool that makes sure people can list things they don`t want included in the game for whatever reason.
A Line describes something you don`t want mentioned as part of the game at all, not `on screen` and not in the narrative background. A Veil is something you don`t want to see happen `on-screen` but that you are fine with being included in the background.
Example: Torture - For example, if someone were to have a problem with torture, they can indicate that on the sheet.
Let`s say I was planning on having a torture scene in the game. I might decide to have you witness someone actually be tortured for information and describe that.
If someone indicates torture as a Veil, I would instead have the torture happen off-screen and you might just hear someone mention how the information was obtained.
If someone indicates it as a Line, there will be no mention of or allusion to torture. Instead, you might simply be told that the person gave that information out in an interrogation, maybe they cut a deal instead.
I`d like you all to check out this Google Docs and tick any boxes that apply to you. It`s completely anonymous. As far as I know, there is no way for me to see who ticked what box, just which boxes have been ticked. Feel free to also add new things that aren`t listed on the Docs yet.
I also want to state here that I`m not doing this because I am planning to push any boundaries. Just because something doesn`t end up ticked, doesn`t mean it will be included. This is just for me to double-check everyone will hopefully be comfortable with everything I do end up including.
If you have trouble accessing or editing the document, let me know and I`ll check if I messed anything up.
[ - ] Open Table Policy
While not really a Safety Tool, there is one more thing I want to say before we start:
I have been in awkward situations before where I joined a game and then discovered that it wasn`t for me but then felt weird about leaving. If you end up not enjoying this game or if something happens that causes you to not have the time for it anymore, please feel free to leave anytime. I would appreciate a heads-up, with or without a reason, just so I know what`s going on.
Not every game works for everyone, so if you are not enjoying a game and have lost interest, it`s always a better solution (most of all for yourself), if you just leave to find something better suited rather than force yourself to stick with it out of commitment.
That said, I hope of course, that you will enjoy this game and stick with it :)
Discussions on this topic and suggestions for further safety tools can go here
Fun and Enjoyment:
Ultimately, the goal is to create a positive and enjoyable gaming experience for everyone.
Posting Etiquite
Post Formatting
OOC use in story
Games for new players https://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/22187/
Your Introduction to Gamersplane and PBP https://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/22162/
Noob Central (PbtA Cyber) https://gamersplane.com/games/3159
Fresh Faced Adventurers (PbtA WoD) https://gamersplane.com/games/3160
Breaking News (PbtA WoD Breakers) https://gamersplane.com/games/3161
New GP Member Guide by Naatkinson
1. Introduce Yourself http://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/2656/?p=93903#p93903
2. Find a Game http://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/2656/?p=93905#p93905
3a. Create a Character http://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/2656/?p=93906#p93906
3b. The Character Sheet http://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/2656/?p=93907#p93907
3c. Editing Characters After Creation http://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/2656/?p=93908#p93908
3d. Submitting Your Character http://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/2656/?p=93909#p93909
4a. Play the Game http://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/2656/?p=93910#p93910
4b. Basic Posting http://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/2656/?p=93912#p93912
4c. Advanced Posting and Rolling http://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/2656/?p=93913#p93913
GM Mentoring Project https://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/7902/?p=356765#p356765Advanced Rules Definitions for GMs https://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/25324/
Contents:
* About Advanced Rules Definitions
* Background image
* Dice Rules
* Dice Rules examples
* Character Sheet Integration
* Dice Defaults
* Tip: Player handouts using playerSheets
Guide to Gamers Plane BBCode https://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/23649/
GP Thread Notifications on Android (No Email for public games)
1. Download Web Alert (Website Monitor) from Google Play Store: LINK
2. Open a web browser and navigate to the forum (or subforum) page that shows the thread you`d like to follow.
3. Copy the link to the forum page (not the thread)
4. Open Web Alert and Click the Add Alert button:
5. Paste the url into the textbox when prompted:
Setting up discord integration for your games https://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/23941/
Public Repository of Dice Highlight Codes https://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/22053
Top 10 PbP Refereeing by Cruvis
Pace (expectations and commitment)
Consistency (pacing, ruling, and treatment)
the Gentle Nudge (summarize the situation)
Critical Mass (Size Matters) ~ 3-6
Recruitment (often, everywhere, new & veteran)
Story over Rules (it is all about the fun)
Writing (details, senses, show dont tell, dialog, descriptive action, organized)
GMing on Gamers Plane https://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/23126/
Grounding - react to what has already been posted.
Start your post by reacting and acknowledging what is being posted by the GM and other players. This ensures that you are looking at the recent posts in the session and at least acknowledging the events and actions described by the other players. This can be as easy as "Moli smirks at Ferdinand's attempt to hide behind a thin post." Or, "Amris frowns as he tries to follow the logic of Moli's haggling with the pie merchant," or it can be much more detailed. The key here is that other players know you have read their posts, and their actions have had an impact on your character and the scene. It helps to ensure that you have noted things that might later drive more action.
Drive - try to move the action forward.
Try to include something in your post that will help to drive the action forward. The minimum might be "Else continues to watch". This is basically a "pass" that signals to the other players that you had a chance to respond and are ready for things to continue. Without this, other players may delay their own posts in expectation, or perhaps even hope, that your character is going to do something. However, it adds little to the story other than passing the initiative to the other players.
The aim should be to add something to the action that others can react to. "Else distracts baker by asking about the best flour for breading fried wyvern wings." This should be relevant to the scene but just be an interaction that adds to the scene. "Else picks up the strange idol and inspects it for Marks of Chaos.' The objective here is to provide something for the others to react to.
Focus - avoid trying to do too much.
Avoid trying to include too much in a single post. Try instead to focus upon your character achieving a single goal. Trying to achieve too much in a single post simply complicates the responses for the other players and creates confusion for the GM. Most posts will only describe between five and thirty seconds of actual gameplay. So, limit your characters actions and interactions to what can logically be achieved within that limited period. "Gunnar attacks the orc with his axe." or "Sali asks Moli if a she is able to pick the lock."
Conditional Actions - anticipate what might happen.
Feel free to post conditional actions that anticipate what might happen or what other character in the party may do. "Moli nervously opens the door ready to jump back if there is anything dangerous behind it." or "Amris ready's his sword of Sali charges charges the Orc he will jion her."
Avoid Power-Posting - don't create your own outcomes
Power posting is an attempt by a player to anticipate or invent conditions that actually don't exist or haven't happened in the scene at the time of posting. "Gunnar decapitates the orc with his axe." rather than "Gunnar will attack the orc with his axe hoping to decapitate it." or "Sali grabs the machine gun she just found hidden under the table and sprays the room with bullets." rather than "Sali looks under the table hoping to find a fully loaded machine gun."
Video by Stuart Langridge
Introduction to Gamers Plane for Brand New Users
Video by Qralloq.
Accessing Sessions and Threads.
When accessing a Session Log or Forum Thread there are two choicesas shown below.
Generally, when accessing a Session Log you will want to access the thread at the last post that you read to see what has happened since you last accessed the thread. So, click on the Page Symbol on the left, rather than the downward arrow on the right.
CATS
Concept : Setting out on your first adventure you engounter challenges and trials
Aim : Introduction to RPG / PbP / Gamersplane
Tone : Light hearted action/adventure and social interctions
Subject : PG with conflict resolution that can include fighting
Social Contract : Between Open Table Policy and Lines and Veil.
Shared Expectations:
Pace :
The contract outlines what players and the GM expect from each other, both in terms of gameplay and social interaction.
Table Etiquette: Courtesy & Respect
In-Character vs. Out-of-Character:
OOC questions & comments not directly about the story should be placed in OOC threads
Safety and Boundaries:
Safety Tools
[ - ] Content Warnings
Unless you are palying in a complete sandbox, you most likely already have some idea of what topics might come up in the game. If any of them seem particularly controversial to you, let your players know in advance what to prepare for. You will of course never be able to predict everything that might upset your players, but it is a good policy regardless to cover the most common issues.
[ - ] The X-Card
The X-Card is an optional tool (created by John Stavropoulos) that allows anyone in your game (including you) to edit out any content anyone is uncomfortable with as you play. Since most RPGs are improvisational and we won`t know what will happen till it happens, it`s possible the game will go in a direction people don`t want. An X-Card is a simple tool to fix problems as they arise.
To use, at the start of your game, simply say:
"I’d like your help. Your help to make this game fun for everyone. If anything makes anyone uncomfortable in any way… [draw X on an index card] …just lift this card up, or simply tap it [ place card at the center of the table]. You don’t have to explain why. It doesn`t matter why. When we lift or tap this card, we simply edit out anything X-Carded. And if there is ever an issue, anyone can call for a break and we can talk privately. I know it sounds funny but it will help us play amazing games together and usually I’m the one who uses the X-card to help take care of myself. Please help make this game fun for everyone. Thank you!"The X-Card is an option to skip past content that makes any player uncomfortable. As we are not playing in a physical space, we obviously can`t use a physical X-Card, so instead, if anyone at any point is uncomfortable with where a scene is going or with something mentioned, you can simply post an X in any thread (or send it to me privately).
Feel free to add a clarification so that we others can more easily work around the unwanted content. This is not a requirement.
[ - ] Lines & Veils
Lines and Veils are a safety tool that makes sure people can list things they don`t want included in the game for whatever reason.
A Line describes something you don`t want mentioned as part of the game at all, not `on screen` and not in the narrative background. A Veil is something you don`t want to see happen `on-screen` but that you are fine with being included in the background.
Example: Torture - For example, if someone were to have a problem with torture, they can indicate that on the sheet.
Let`s say I was planning on having a torture scene in the game. I might decide to have you witness someone actually be tortured for information and describe that.
If someone indicates torture as a Veil, I would instead have the torture happen off-screen and you might just hear someone mention how the information was obtained.
If someone indicates it as a Line, there will be no mention of or allusion to torture. Instead, you might simply be told that the person gave that information out in an interrogation, maybe they cut a deal instead.
I`d like you all to check out this Google Docs and tick any boxes that apply to you. It`s completely anonymous. As far as I know, there is no way for me to see who ticked what box, just which boxes have been ticked. Feel free to also add new things that aren`t listed on the Docs yet.
I also want to state here that I`m not doing this because I am planning to push any boundaries. Just because something doesn`t end up ticked, doesn`t mean it will be included. This is just for me to double-check everyone will hopefully be comfortable with everything I do end up including.
If you have trouble accessing or editing the document, let me know and I`ll check if I messed anything up.
[ - ] Open Table Policy
While not really a Safety Tool, there is one more thing I want to say before we start:
I have been in awkward situations before where I joined a game and then discovered that it wasn`t for me but then felt weird about leaving. If you end up not enjoying this game or if something happens that causes you to not have the time for it anymore, please feel free to leave anytime. I would appreciate a heads-up, with or without a reason, just so I know what`s going on.
Not every game works for everyone, so if you are not enjoying a game and have lost interest, it`s always a better solution (most of all for yourself), if you just leave to find something better suited rather than force yourself to stick with it out of commitment.
That said, I hope of course, that you will enjoy this game and stick with it :)
Discussions on this topic and suggestions for further safety tools can go here
Fun and Enjoyment:
Ultimately, the goal is to create a positive and enjoyable gaming experience for everyone.
Posting Etiquite
Post Formatting
OOC use in story
Games for new players https://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/22187/
Your Introduction to Gamersplane and PBP https://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/22162/
Noob Central (PbtA Cyber) https://gamersplane.com/games/3159
Fresh Faced Adventurers (PbtA WoD) https://gamersplane.com/games/3160
Breaking News (PbtA WoD Breakers) https://gamersplane.com/games/3161
New GP Member Guide by Naatkinson
1. Introduce Yourself http://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/2656/?p=93903#p93903
2. Find a Game http://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/2656/?p=93905#p93905
3a. Create a Character http://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/2656/?p=93906#p93906
3b. The Character Sheet http://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/2656/?p=93907#p93907
3c. Editing Characters After Creation http://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/2656/?p=93908#p93908
3d. Submitting Your Character http://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/2656/?p=93909#p93909
4a. Play the Game http://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/2656/?p=93910#p93910
4b. Basic Posting http://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/2656/?p=93912#p93912
4c. Advanced Posting and Rolling http://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/2656/?p=93913#p93913
GM Mentoring Project https://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/7902/?p=356765#p356765
[ +- ] Helpful Resources for GMs Old & New
• Guide: GMing on Gamers` Plane by @Adam
• Qralloqian Lore—Gamers` Plane Tips & Tricks (episode list) by @Qralloq
• Massive DM`s Toolkit - Online Resources
• The Complete Hippo - DM resources
• A Helpful Guide for DM`s Running Theater of the Mind Combat
• Running a Game Without Miniatures
• Music for your games
• Kalajel`s Resources & Free Games
• Building Encounters in 5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons
• Cruvis` Top 10 PbP Refereeing Tips
• The Adventure Funnel
• Tools for New D&D Dungeon Masters
• D&D 5E House Rules Compendium
• The Phrontistery - For every GM trying to find a cool, rare word for something
• Handy graphical cheat sheet for D&D 5E
• A D&D 5e magic item generator created by our very own @lenpelletier
• Sly Flourish: Best practices in dealing with game-breaking spells.
• The Alexandrian
• DM Muse (Every Dungeon Master Needs a Muse)
• 5e Inspiration: a DM app
• Token Stamp - online tool for creating map tokens.
• TokenTool - an offline option for creating map tokens.
• The Monsters Know What They’re Doing - run your monsters like actual creatures and not just stat blocks!
• 5 Room Dungeons - a handy framework for adventure design.
• Hexroll - This is an impressively detailed hexcrawl/sandbox generator.
• Hextml (a hex mapping tool)
• Qralloqian Lore—Gamers` Plane Tips & Tricks (episode list) by @Qralloq
• Massive DM`s Toolkit - Online Resources
• The Complete Hippo - DM resources
• A Helpful Guide for DM`s Running Theater of the Mind Combat
• Running a Game Without Miniatures
• Music for your games
• Kalajel`s Resources & Free Games
• Building Encounters in 5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons
• Cruvis` Top 10 PbP Refereeing Tips
• The Adventure Funnel
• Tools for New D&D Dungeon Masters
• D&D 5E House Rules Compendium
• The Phrontistery - For every GM trying to find a cool, rare word for something
• Handy graphical cheat sheet for D&D 5E
• A D&D 5e magic item generator created by our very own @lenpelletier
• Sly Flourish: Best practices in dealing with game-breaking spells.
• The Alexandrian
• DM Muse (Every Dungeon Master Needs a Muse)
• 5e Inspiration: a DM app
• Token Stamp - online tool for creating map tokens.
• TokenTool - an offline option for creating map tokens.
• The Monsters Know What They’re Doing - run your monsters like actual creatures and not just stat blocks!
• 5 Room Dungeons - a handy framework for adventure design.
• Hexroll - This is an impressively detailed hexcrawl/sandbox generator.
• Hextml (a hex mapping tool)
Contents:
* About Advanced Rules Definitions
* Background image
* Dice Rules
* Dice Rules examples
* Character Sheet Integration
* Dice Defaults
* Tip: Player handouts using playerSheets
Guide to Gamers Plane BBCode https://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/23649/
GP Thread Notifications on Android (No Email for public games)
1. Download Web Alert (Website Monitor) from Google Play Store: LINK
2. Open a web browser and navigate to the forum (or subforum) page that shows the thread you`d like to follow.
3. Copy the link to the forum page (not the thread)
4. Open Web Alert and Click the Add Alert button:
5. Paste the url into the textbox when prompted:
Setting up discord integration for your games https://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/23941/
Public Repository of Dice Highlight Codes https://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/22053
Top 10 PbP Refereeing by Cruvis
Pace (expectations and commitment)
Consistency (pacing, ruling, and treatment)
the Gentle Nudge (summarize the situation)
Critical Mass (Size Matters) ~ 3-6
Recruitment (often, everywhere, new & veteran)
Story over Rules (it is all about the fun)
Writing (details, senses, show dont tell, dialog, descriptive action, organized)
GMing on Gamers Plane https://gamersplane.com/forums/thread/23126/
Grounding - react to what has already been posted.
Start your post by reacting and acknowledging what is being posted by the GM and other players. This ensures that you are looking at the recent posts in the session and at least acknowledging the events and actions described by the other players. This can be as easy as "Moli smirks at Ferdinand's attempt to hide behind a thin post." Or, "Amris frowns as he tries to follow the logic of Moli's haggling with the pie merchant," or it can be much more detailed. The key here is that other players know you have read their posts, and their actions have had an impact on your character and the scene. It helps to ensure that you have noted things that might later drive more action.
Drive - try to move the action forward.
Try to include something in your post that will help to drive the action forward. The minimum might be "Else continues to watch". This is basically a "pass" that signals to the other players that you had a chance to respond and are ready for things to continue. Without this, other players may delay their own posts in expectation, or perhaps even hope, that your character is going to do something. However, it adds little to the story other than passing the initiative to the other players.
The aim should be to add something to the action that others can react to. "Else distracts baker by asking about the best flour for breading fried wyvern wings." This should be relevant to the scene but just be an interaction that adds to the scene. "Else picks up the strange idol and inspects it for Marks of Chaos.' The objective here is to provide something for the others to react to.
Focus - avoid trying to do too much.
Avoid trying to include too much in a single post. Try instead to focus upon your character achieving a single goal. Trying to achieve too much in a single post simply complicates the responses for the other players and creates confusion for the GM. Most posts will only describe between five and thirty seconds of actual gameplay. So, limit your characters actions and interactions to what can logically be achieved within that limited period. "Gunnar attacks the orc with his axe." or "Sali asks Moli if a she is able to pick the lock."
Conditional Actions - anticipate what might happen.
Feel free to post conditional actions that anticipate what might happen or what other character in the party may do. "Moli nervously opens the door ready to jump back if there is anything dangerous behind it." or "Amris ready's his sword of Sali charges charges the Orc he will jion her."
Avoid Power-Posting - don't create your own outcomes
Power posting is an attempt by a player to anticipate or invent conditions that actually don't exist or haven't happened in the scene at the time of posting. "Gunnar decapitates the orc with his axe." rather than "Gunnar will attack the orc with his axe hoping to decapitate it." or "Sali grabs the machine gun she just found hidden under the table and sprays the room with bullets." rather than "Sali looks under the table hoping to find a fully loaded machine gun."
Video by Stuart Langridge
Introduction to Gamers Plane for Brand New Users
Video by Qralloq.
Accessing Sessions and Threads.
When accessing a Session Log or Forum Thread there are two choicesas shown below.
| Down Arrow | Go to the last post | By clicking on the downward arrow on the right you will be taken to the very last post in that thread. |
| Page Icon | Go to the first new post | By clicking on the page icon on the left of the thread you will be taken to the first new post in the thread. |
Generally, when accessing a Session Log you will want to access the thread at the last post that you read to see what has happened since you last accessed the thread. So, click on the Page Symbol on the left, rather than the downward arrow on the right.