Writing Best Practices
Accessibility
Plain Language Guidelines
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Use everyday words when you can- try to write at an eighth grade level.
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Define game terms early in their source page.
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Break complicated rules into steps.
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Give examples for anything confusing.
Progressive Disclosure
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Start with what most players need to know.
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Add the complex stuff in labeled sections.
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Put edge cases in collapsible sections or notes.
Mobile-Friendly Formatting
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Keep paragraphs short (5-6 sentences max).
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Use meaningful subheadings every few paragraphs.
Scannability
Effective Subheadings
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Use descriptive headers, not clever ones.
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Maintain consistent hierarchy (don't skip levels).
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Keep headers concise (5 words or less ideally).
When to Use Lists vs a Block of Text
Use Lists For:
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Requirements or prerequisites
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Step-by-step instructions
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Multiple examples
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Quick reference stuff
Use Regular Paragraphs For:
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Stories and descriptions
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Lore and world-building
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Explaining concepts
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Character dialogue
Call-Out Boxes
These can be found in the text editor in the style selection menu. Use these to highlight:
Examples & Clarifications
When to Include Examples
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Complex rule interactions
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Mathematical calculations
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Multi-step processes
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Commonly misunderstood rules
Format:
Example: [Situation]
[Step-by-step resolution]
Result: [Outcome]