This can seem a difficult concept to grasp at times, but in reality it is very simple. In-character (abbreviated IC) is something being said or done by your character. Out-of-character (abbreviated OOC) is something being said or done by you. Use ‘IC’ and ‘OOC’ in your writing to signify the difference.

Example:

OOC: How many rats are there?

IC: Hargrew the Warrior stopped as he saw the rats come down the hallway toward him. He let out a battle cry and charged. An observer would have thought that it sounded more like a scream of terror than a battle cry, and this would have been borne out by the fact that Hargrew was charging away from the rats.

OOC: I hope that door’s unlocked!

When writing in your character’s thread, most of your writing will be IC, and generally does not need to be noted unless it comes immediately after an OOC comment. Many comments that you may want to make OOC can also be made IC. Both of the OOC comments in the above examples could have been incorporated into the IC part: “He counted the rats in the approaching pack.” “As he fled, a desperate thought crossed his mind: I sure hope that door’s unlocked!”

When writing in the Tavern, your writing will probably be mixed between IC and OOC. The Tavern is a place where the people of Telgard can associate either IC or OOC. You should try to be clear when posting in the Tavern as to whom you are posting as-yourself or your character. It can be embarrassing (at least!) to be criticized for expressing views that are your character’s, not your own. Remember, though, at all times, courtesy to the players and Moderators is the rule whether posting IC or OOC. The same doesn’t necessarily apply to the NPCs-or the other characters.