Planet Mado Roleplay Guide: Action Ownership & Fair Play
To keep the world of Planet Mado immersive and fair, it’s important for players to respect the boundaries of roleplay—especially during combat or when replying to Ref-guided scenes. Below are the core best practices all players should consider:
1. Only Describe What You Do
You are in control of your character’s actions, not the results of those actions or how others react. Focus your writing on:
- What your character attempts to do
- How they move, think, or feel
- Any abilities they activate, charge, or unleash
Avoid:
“Bob slashes across Timmy’s chest, and watches the blood flying everywhere.”
Instead:
“Bob lunges forward with a slicing motion, aiming to cut across Timmy’s chest.”
2. Let the Ref or Opponent Decide the Outcome
Only the Ref (or the system mechanics) determines if an attack hits, is dodged, blocked, or causes damage. Likewise, you shouldn’t describe damage to another player, unless the Ref has already confirmed it.
Avoid:
“My punch lands clean and cracks his jaw.”
Instead:
“I throw a heavy punch toward his jaw, hoping to stagger him.”
Sometimes you can help this by including “(if successful) he smiles” or “(if unsuccessful) rages madly”
3. Don’t Describe Things You Couldn’t Possibly Know
If your character hasn’t seen, heard, or been told something, don’t include it in your post—even if you, the player, know it. Keep in-character knowledge realistic and earned through interaction.
Avoid:
“Steve notices that the energy in the east tower is fading fast—something’s wrong with the power core.”
Instead:
“Steve glances toward the distant east tower, unsure of what’s going on but sensing a strange disturbance.”
4. Stick to One Clear Action Per Turn (in Combat)
During combat or Ref-controlled scenes, you should focus on one significant action per response. No stacking a dodge, an attack, and a follow-up taunt in one go. This helps keep things balanced and fun for everyone.
Avoid:
“I dodge the beam, land behind him, throw a ki blast into his back, and then grab his neck.”
Instead:
“I attempt to sidestep the beam, aiming to reposition behind him if I succeed.”
5. Collaborative Play, Not Competitive Narration
Planet Mado thrives on storytelling, not just winning. Think of combat and scenes like co-writing a cool anime episode—leave space for the Ref or others to contribute to what happens next.
TL;DR — The “Golden Rule” of Mado Roleplay:
Play your character, not the outcome.
Describe what you try to do, not what happens.
I’m not perfect by any means… but over the past few weeks, these been my observations. Maybe this will help provide more quality to our game.