Post by RYAN on Dec 9, 2013 20:32:35 GMT
Witches and wizards of Hogwarts Moon,
Dueling on a roleplaying forum can potentially be one of the most fun parts, and there will certainly be times where a plot-- individual or site-wide-- will call for a duel. Here on HM, you are in complete control of what happens to your character. That means that no one is able to control your character for you. However, we are all new roleplayers at some point, and we all have to learn proper dueling etiquette. So, if you're new to dueling on Hogwarts Moon or you just need a reminder, here is our general guideline for dueling etiquette.
What is god-modding and how do I make sure I'm not doing it?
God-modding is the act of extending you or your character's abilities beyond reason. This includes:
Never getting hit by spells
Claiming your spells have landed without consent from your opponent
Claiming your spells are more powerful
To avoid god-modding, know that the spell is out of your control once it leaves your wand. Unless you plan for it to purposely miss, do not describe the state of an attacking spell after casting it. This leaves the other person free to decide whether to get hit or not. If they're playing fair, then they will get hit eventually.
How should I attack?
Well, for starters, never throw more than three spells at an opponent in one post. One or two will usually cut it, and three is pushing it a bit, but more than that is just overwhelming to you opponent. Also, you shouldn't start off with the serious spells right away. If you start throwing out killing curses off the bat, then the duel has little room to grow. Try a few more creative or silly spells. Don't forget to use your brains! It gets boring to just watch people throw spells at each other. Try more original tactics. Instead of just using Protego, use Engorgio to enlarge something near you to block the spell. Instead of just throwing a curse at them, put ice on the floor near them so they slip. Dueling only stays fun when everyone involved asks: how can I make this interesting?
How do I be a good sport about being attacked?
I like to use something called the "miss-miss-hit" technique, and I think it's self explanatory. I let one out of every three spells hit. This changes depending on the circumstances, but it's a nice rule to keep in your back pocket. This is why you shouldn't throw too many spells at someone. If they play by this rule, you're forcing them to have something hit them in their next post, and that's god-modding. Also, as stated before, don't just use Protego over and over again. Get creative. Lastly, don't get hit with the serious spells right away; it'll only make the duel harder for you.
How do we know who wins?
Usually duels will be plotted out, and it will be known in advance who is going to win before it even starts, but for those more spontaneous duels: someone has to be the bigger person. Someone has to be okay with losing, and those people are highly-respected. After all, you win some and you lose some. If you win every duel, we won't think you're amazing, we'll think you're a bad sport. So, if a duel is carrying on with no victor, you're encouraged to take the fall so long as it doesn't ruin your individual plot or anything.
Dueling can be very fun, but it depends heavily on people playing by the rules and being kind to each other. Good luck, duelists!
Dueling on a roleplaying forum can potentially be one of the most fun parts, and there will certainly be times where a plot-- individual or site-wide-- will call for a duel. Here on HM, you are in complete control of what happens to your character. That means that no one is able to control your character for you. However, we are all new roleplayers at some point, and we all have to learn proper dueling etiquette. So, if you're new to dueling on Hogwarts Moon or you just need a reminder, here is our general guideline for dueling etiquette.
What is god-modding and how do I make sure I'm not doing it?
God-modding is the act of extending you or your character's abilities beyond reason. This includes:
Never getting hit by spells
Claiming your spells have landed without consent from your opponent
Claiming your spells are more powerful
To avoid god-modding, know that the spell is out of your control once it leaves your wand. Unless you plan for it to purposely miss, do not describe the state of an attacking spell after casting it. This leaves the other person free to decide whether to get hit or not. If they're playing fair, then they will get hit eventually.
How should I attack?
Well, for starters, never throw more than three spells at an opponent in one post. One or two will usually cut it, and three is pushing it a bit, but more than that is just overwhelming to you opponent. Also, you shouldn't start off with the serious spells right away. If you start throwing out killing curses off the bat, then the duel has little room to grow. Try a few more creative or silly spells. Don't forget to use your brains! It gets boring to just watch people throw spells at each other. Try more original tactics. Instead of just using Protego, use Engorgio to enlarge something near you to block the spell. Instead of just throwing a curse at them, put ice on the floor near them so they slip. Dueling only stays fun when everyone involved asks: how can I make this interesting?
How do I be a good sport about being attacked?
I like to use something called the "miss-miss-hit" technique, and I think it's self explanatory. I let one out of every three spells hit. This changes depending on the circumstances, but it's a nice rule to keep in your back pocket. This is why you shouldn't throw too many spells at someone. If they play by this rule, you're forcing them to have something hit them in their next post, and that's god-modding. Also, as stated before, don't just use Protego over and over again. Get creative. Lastly, don't get hit with the serious spells right away; it'll only make the duel harder for you.
How do we know who wins?
Usually duels will be plotted out, and it will be known in advance who is going to win before it even starts, but for those more spontaneous duels: someone has to be the bigger person. Someone has to be okay with losing, and those people are highly-respected. After all, you win some and you lose some. If you win every duel, we won't think you're amazing, we'll think you're a bad sport. So, if a duel is carrying on with no victor, you're encouraged to take the fall so long as it doesn't ruin your individual plot or anything.
Dueling can be very fun, but it depends heavily on people playing by the rules and being kind to each other. Good luck, duelists!
