#prompting tutorial

[charlosfest]

Where can I submit prompts?

If you have an ao3 account, you can submit them directly to the fest, following this link. We'll be taking prompts starting from March 1st, 2025.

As an alternative, you can send us asks to the fest directly, and our team of mods will submit them to ao3.

Is there a limit?

You can submit up to 10 prompts. (We're flexible, though, so we can teak this if it's too little!)

Can I submit a prompt even if I'm not participating?

Of course! Everyone can submit prompts.

Under the cut, you'll find a visual tutorial for prompting on ao3:

How to prompt on Ao3

Follow the link to the fest here

If you have an account, log in.

You'll see this to the left side of your screen:

Fill out the prompt form, and click "Submit" at the bottom:

If you want to submit more than one prompt, once you've posted one, go to "My Prompts" to the left side of your screen:

Then click on "Add Prompt":

Fill out the form, and select "Add Request". You're done! Happy prompting everyone!

If you have any doubts or want to reach out to our mods, fire an ask. We'll be happy to help you out!

[thesvnandthemooon]

𝐬𝐦𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐰-𝐭𝐨

i’m not someone who posts writing advice so i know this is random, but i used to struggle with writing smut and created this list to make it easier. i feel like this might help some people, so i’m posting it on here :)

→ will keep updating this whenever i find more

18+ MINORS DNI

words and phrases for…

…vaginas:

general

- pussy

- folds

- core

- heat

- cunt

- slit

- entrance

descriptions

- tight

- swollen (clit)

- dripping/soaking/drenched

- puffy

- leaking

- fluttering walls

- clenching around

- sensitive

- wet and needy

- slick with arousal

- quivering

fingering

- thumb their clit

- tease their entrance

- curl fingers inside

- scissors fingers apart

- pump fingers in and out

- rub tight circles over their clit

- over their folds

- drag fingertips along their slit

- press knuckles deep

- hook fingers inside

oral

- suck their clit into your mouth

- lap at their folds

- flick tongue over their clit

- trace their entrance with your tongue

- drink them down

- groan into their heat

- drag tongue from entrance to clit

- wrap lips around their sensitive bud

- sloppy, open-mouthed kisses against their cunt

- hold their hips down as they grind into your mouth

vibrator

- press the vibrator against their clit

- drag the buzzing toy over their entrance

- hold the toy against them until they beg

- push it deep and leave it there

- edge them with slow pulses

- set it to the highest setting and watch them come undone

…penises:

descriptions

- precum-oozing tip

- aching cock

- throb hotly

- cum shoots out in spurts

- heavy and twitching

- swollen with need

- slick with precum

- pulsing against their palm

- veiny and thick

- pressing against the fabric

- tip throbbing

oral

- hollow cheeks around them

- tongue swirling over the tip

- bobbing head up and down their shaft

- gagging around their length

- lips wrapped tightly around

- suckling at the head

- drool dripping down their cock

- holding the base as they thrust into your mouth

- slurping around them

- moaning against their length

hand

- pump with hand

- (pump) to full mast

- thumb swiping over the tip

- stroke from base to tip

- squeeze and twist on the upstroke

- grip tightening with each jerk

- slow, teasing strokes

- thumb pressing against the slit

- letting precum coat their fingers

- rubbing against their own stomach

…(afab) bodies:

nipples

- dusty rose

- perky

- pinch

- roll (tongue over)

- suck/suckle

- lick stripe over

- flick

- rub

- tug

- graze teeth over

- tease with fingertips

- harden under their tongue

- pebbling under their touch

hips

- bucking against them

- grinding down

- fingers digging into flesh

- guiding their movements

- pinned in place

- rolling in slow circles

- jerk forward in need

thighs

- clench around their waist

- soft against their hands

- shaking from pleasure

- held open by firm hands

- straddling them with ease

- squeezing around their hips

stomachs

- tensing with every thrust

- shudder under their touch

- arch from pleasure

- slick with sweat

- soft and warm beneath their palm

butts

- gripping tight in both hands

- spanking just enough to hear them gasp

- holding them still while they take every inch

- grinding down against them

- fingers slipping between their cheeks

…sex (p in v/strap in v):

missionary

- hips rolling against theirs

- thrust back into someone

- pull out and thrust back in

- fuck (cock/strap) into someone

- body slamming against the others

- pound into

- hook legs around their waist

- hold their wrists down

from the back

- hands gripping their hips tight

- arching deeper for them

- hair wrapped around their fingers

- slapping against their skin

- hitting deeper from this angle

- bending them further down

- hands pinning them in place

- breath hot against their shoulder

from underneath/on top of them

- thrust up into

- bounce up and down

- rocking hips in slow waves

- grinding down to feel every inch

- holding onto their shoulders for leverage

- hands gripping their waist, guiding the rhythm

general

- push/pull hips

- walls tighten around

- guide oneself into place

- hips jerk (giver)

- pull away so only the head/tip is inside

- push oneself deeper

- rock ones hips

- ease it into someone inch by inch

- piston something into

- shallow thrusts before slamming in deep

- slow, teasing strokes before going rough

- fingers gripping at skin for stability

…orgasms:

- feel it build up

- come undone (around someone)

- fuck then through their orgasm

- shake apart in their arms

- ride out their high

- eyes rolling back as pleasure crashes over them

- pulsing around them, milking every drop

general words & phrases:

- bounce

- writhe

- squirm

- moan

- cry/whimper/whine

- rut

- twitch

- chest heaving

- ride

- depths

- nestled into

- never break pace

- back arching into their mouth

- clutching at the sheets

- gripping onto their shoulders

- hands fisting in their hair

- leaving marks behind

- gasping out their name

- skin slick with sweat

- desperate for more

- dragging nails down their back

- whispers of “please” in between moans

- legs trembling afterward

…positions:

classic positions

- missionary → deep eye contact, body pressed flush together, legs wrapped around their waist

- doggy style → hands gripping their hips, arching deeper, hair pulled back, skin slapping against skin

- cowgirl/reverse cowgirl → riding on top, hands braced on their chest/stomach, rolling hips, bouncing up and down

- spooning → pressed up against their back, slow deep thrusts, hand slipping between their legs

- side-lying → one leg hooked over their hip, lazy grinding, deep and slow strokes

- against the wall → legs wrapped around their waist, pinned in place, struggling to keep balance

- lap riding → straddling them, arms draped over their shoulders, rocking in their lap

intense positions

- bent over the table/desk → hands flat against the surface, back arched, helpless against their thrusts

- standing from behind → held up by strong arms, struggling to keep balance, deep and rough strokes

- pinned against a surface → back pressed against the wall, legs spread, trapped in place

- on their knees → forced to take it, submissive position, gripping onto their thighs for stability

- over the edge of the bed → hips dangling off, head thrown back, deep and unrelenting thrusts

- folded in half → legs pinned to their chest, completely open, deeper penetration

- one leg hooked over shoulder → allows for deeper angle, rough and desperate movements

soft & intimate positions

- face to face, foreheads touching → whispering against their lips, slow and sensual movements

- straddling while kissing → soft rolls of the hips, holding each other close, hands tangled in hair

- entangled limbs → wrapping around each other, slow grinding, deep eye contact

- lazy morning sex → half-asleep, sleepy rocking, breath moans

- holding hands while thrusting → vulnerable, fingers laced together, slow and passionate

risky/public positions

- backseat of a car → cramped, fogged-up windows, hands gripping at leather seats

- bathroom stall → quiet gasps, trying not to get caught, one hand bracing against the wall

- library/study room → pushed up against the bookshelves, biting their lip to stay silent

- pool/hot tub → water adding to the sensation, gripping the edge for support

- party hookup → corner of a dark room, drunken whispers, hands sneaking under clothes

…wlw positions

classic and intimate positions

- scissoring (tribbing) → legs intertwined, grinding against each other, slick heat pressing together

- face sitting → straddling their face, thighs trembling as they’re eaten out, hands gripping their hair

- lying between their legs → one partner on top, grinding against their thigh or pressing their clit against them

- mutual masturbation → lying side by side, fingers working between each other’s legs, watching the other fall apart

- kneeling between their legs → holding their thighs open, diving in

- reverse face sitting → sitting on their face but facing away, giving a perfect view of their back arching

fingering positions

- straddling while fingering → one on top, hips rolling down while fingers pump deep

- pinned down and fingered → wrists held above their head, completely at their mercy

- facing each other, both using fingers → legs tangled, staring into each other’s eyes as they bring each other closer

…phrases/things that are HOT

- sucking breast through the thin fabric of their top/their bra

- cock so painfully stiff it twitches against their stomach

[starlit-doodles]

what server are these guys playing on again?

[karoiseka]

Happy Pride from the Chorus!

[sskybooks]

Your character has been kidnapped...

The chains on your wrists rattle as you move. Your butt is starting to hurt from the chair you're sitting on. A double mirror is on one side of the wall. You stare at the reflection. You're disheveled, but you're fine. The door opens, and someone in a black cloak walks into the room. His face is hidden by a mask. It is completely white and shows no facial features. He sits down across from you, his arms clasped in front of him.

“Now, let us begin.”

His voice is human-sounding, so you cross "unknown beast from beyond" off your list. He lifts a stack of papers and sets them on the desk. You can’t see what is written there.

“Who are you?” you ask.

“I am part of the story police. I’m going to ask you some questions. Answer them to the best of your ability.”

“Why? What do you want?”

“Simply what’s best for the author.”

“Author? What author?”

“It doesn’t matter. Let’s start.”

(This is a character interview. You sit down with your character in your head and talk to them. This is a good tactic to flesh out your characters. The scenario was just to give your character context. You can use it or not. Enjoy)

Part one: The basics

What is your name?

What three words best describe your personality?

How old are you now?

When were you born?

Do you have a lifelong dream or aspiration?

What is your state of mind usually?

Where do you call home now?

To what social class do you belong?

What do you tend to do that other people find strange? 

What are your quirks, strange mannerisms, annoying habits, or other defining characteristics?

Do you have any bad habits? If so, what are they and how do you plan to get rid of them?

Do you have a lifelong dream or aspiration?

Part Two: Family

How close are you to your family?

Do you have a spouse or significant other? Describe them.

Have you started your own family? Describe them if you do. If not, do you want to? Why or why not?

Who was your Father and what was he like?

Who was your Mother and what was she like?

Who are you closest to in your family?

Is there someone in your family you wish you were closer to?

What was your parent’s marriage like?

Did they remain married? If not, how did that affect you? When did they split?

Part Three: Friends and Relationships with Others

In general, how do you treat other people that you have just met?

Does your treatment of people change depending on how well you know them and if so how?

Who is the most important person in your life and why?

Who is the person you respect the most and why?

Who are your friends? Describe them.

Who would you turn to if you were in desperate need of help?

Do you trust anyone to protect you? Who and why?

If you died or went missing, who would miss you?

Who is the person you despise the most, and why?

Do you tend to argue with people or avoid conflict?

Do you tend to take on leadership roles in social situations?

Do you like interacting with large groups of people? Why or why not?

Do you care what others think of you?

What is the most important quality you look for in a friend?

What do you most value in your friends?

Part Four: Growing Up (Childhood)

Where were you born?

Where did you grow up?

How would you describe your childhood in general?

What is your earliest memory?

What is your fondest childhood memory?

What is your worst childhood memory?

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

As a child, what were your favorite activities?

As a child, what kinds of personality traits did you display?

As a child, were you popular? Who were your friends, and what were they like?

Part Five: Growing Up (Teen/Young Adult)

How much schooling have you had?

Did you enjoy school?

Where did you learn most of your skills and other abilities?

While growing up, did you have any role models other than your parents? Describe them.

While growing up, how did you get along with the other members of your family?

How old were you when you went on your first date? Describe the date.

What is your favorite memory from your teen years?

What is your worst memory from your teen years?

When and with whom was your first kiss?

Describe any influences in your past that led you to do the things you do today.

Part Six: Past Influences

What do you consider the most important even of your life so far?

Who has had the most influence on you?

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

What is your greatest regret?

What is the most evil thing you have ever done?

Do you have a criminal record of any kind?

When was the time you were the most frightened?

What is the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you?

If you could change one thing from your past, what would it be, and why?

What is your best memory?

What is your worst memory?

When and where were you the happiest?

Part Seven: Beliefs and Opinions

Are you optimistic or pessimistic?

What is your greatest fear?

Have you told any one your fear before?

Who would be the one person you’d never tell your fear?

Are you able to kill?

Under what circumstances do you find killing to be acceptable or unacceptable?

In your opinion, what is the most evil thing any human being could do?

Do you believe in the existence of soul males and/or true love?

What do you believe makes a successful life?

How honest are you about your thoughts and feelings? (Meaning do you hide your true self from others and in what way?)

Do you have any biases or prejudices?

Is there anything you absolutely refuse to do under any circumstances? Why?

Who or what, if anything, would you die for? (or go to extremes for?)

What is your best feature, in your opinion?

What do you think of drugs and alcohol? Are there any types that people should never do? Why or why not?

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Part Seven: Religen/politics.

What are your religious views?

what religion are you apart of?

What are your beliefs?

what will you not do as part of your religion?

What are daily/weekly practices do you do?

What holidays do you celebrate?

Why do you follow your particular religion?

Are you aware of the origins of your religion?

Do you ever disagree with the teachings?

Do you ever have a crisis of faith?

Do you trust priests or religious leaders?

Why do you think religions were created

Do you believe in an afterlife punishment/reward?

Do you know much about religious history?

Are you ever sceptical of holy fables/stories?

Do you think you can be manipulated by religion?

Do you ever dislike non-believers of your faith?

what commands from a religious leader would you not obay?

What are your political views?

What life experiences have you had that have led you to feel so passionately about this issue?

Where do your beliefs come from? Family? Church? Work?

What do you think your beliefs might be if you had been born into a different family, religion, race, gender, class, or time?

What is at the heart of this issue, for you as an individual?

Why do you care so much about this issue?

Do you see any gray areas in the issue we are discussing, or ideas you find it difficult to define?

Do you have any mixed feelings, doubts, uncertainties, or discomforts regarding this issue that you would be willing to share?

Is there any part of this issue that you are not 100% certain of or would be willing to discuss and talk about?

Do you think other definitions, meanings, experiences, or emotions are possible? How?

What underlying values or ethical beliefs have led you to your current political beliefs?

Part Eight: Likes and Dislikes

What is/are your favorite hobbies and pastimes?

What is your most treasured possession?

What is your favorite color? Why?

What is your least favorite color? Why?

What is your favorite food? Why?

What is your least favorite food? Why?

What is your favorite sound? Why?

What is your least favorite sound? Why?

What is your favorite smell/scent? Why?

What is your least favorite smell/scent? Why?

What, if anything, do you like to entertain your self with? Books or movies? Why?

What makes you mad?

What makes you furious?

What makes you laugh?

What makes you laugh out loud, hysterically?

What makes you cry?

What makes you cry, hysterically?

What shocks or offends you?

How do you deal with stress?

Are you spontaneous or do you always need to have a plan? Why?

What are your pet peeves?

Where do you go when you’re angry or depressed?

What do you do when you are sad? Why?

What do you do when you are angry? Why?

What do you do when you are happy? Why?

What do you do when you are scared? Why?

What do you do when you’re bored?

What type of music do you like? Favorite bands or musicians?

What annoys you more than anything else?

What kind of weather is your least favorite? Why?

What is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen?

What is the most awful thing you have ever seen?

What sorts of things embarrass you?

Part Nine: Self Image

Describe a normal day for you.

How do you feel when your routine is disrupted?

What is your greatest strength as a person?

What is your greatest weakness?

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Are you generally introverted or extroverted?

Are you generally organized or messy?

Name three things you consider yourself to be very good at.

Name three things you consider yourself to be very bad at.

What are your reasons for being an adventurer or heroic? Are your real reasons different than the ones you tell other people in public? If so, detail both reasons.

What three words best describe your personality?

What three words would others probably use to describe you?

What about you is heroic?

Are you a better lead or follower? Why?

What is your responsibility to the world? Why?

What do you like about yourself?

What don’t you like about yourself?

How do you picture yourself?

Part Ten: Occupation & Finance

What is your occupation? (If you don’t have one, where does your money come from?)

Do you like your job?

What is your boss/employer like?

What are your co-workers like?

Do you get along with your co-workers?

Which co-workers don’t you get along with and why?

What is something you had to learn that you hated?

Do you tend to save or spend your money? Why?

If you were to gain an obscenely large sum of money, what would you do with it?

Do you smoke, drink, or use drugs? If yes, why? Do you want to quit?

Do you drink on a regular basis?

Have you ever tried any kind of “mood altering” substance? Which ones? Describe the experience.

Part 11: Love

Have you ever been in love? What happened?

Have you ever had your heart broken?

Do you currently have a lover? Describe them, what you are attracted to, and what the relationship is like.

What is the perfect romantic date?

Describe your perfect partner.

Do you ever want to get married? When do you see this happening?

Do you want children? Why or why not?

What was your most recent romantic relationship like? Who was it with?

What’s the worst thing you’ve done to someone you love?

Part twelve: Morality

What one act in your past are you most ashamed of?

What one act in your past are you most proud of?

Have you ever been in a physical fight before? Over what, with who, and who won?

What do you feel most strongly about?

What do you pretend to feel strongly about, just to impress people?

What trait do you find most admirable and how often do you find it?

Is there anything you think should not be incorporated into the media or arts? (i.e., sex, violence, etc). What and why or why not?

Do you think the future is hopeful? Why or why not?

Do you think redemption is possible? Why or why not?

Is there something you think is absolutely unforgivable? What is it?

Is it okay for men to cry?

Is it okay for you to cry?

What do you think is wrong with most people, overall?

What is the worst thing you could ever do to someone you hated?

Do you have feelings that disturb you? What and why?

On what occasions do you lie?

Do you think it is okay to lie?

Part thrteen: Talents/Superpowers

Tell the story of how you became what you are or first learned of your own abilities.

What do you think now of being supernatural? Is it cool or have you been screwed?

Do you have a mentor? Describe them and how you became their student.

Do you have any magical items? Where did you get them?

Think of a major event that happened during your training/initiation. Describe the experience.

What is something you had to learn during your training that you hated? Why did you hate it?

What is something you had to learn during your training that you loved? Why did you love it?

Part fourteen: Future

What goal do you most want to accomplish in your lifetime?

Where do you see yourself in five years?

If you knew you were going to die in 24 hours, name three things you would do in the time you had left.

What is the one thing for which you would most like to be remembered after your death?

If you could, what advice would you, the hero, give to the villain? Or If you could, why would you, the villain want the hero to be at your side or part of your team?

If your house burned down, what one thing would you want to save?

What is a nightmare (during sleep) that you have often?

What is a daydream that you have often?

What is your motto?

Part fifteen: Chariter arc

If you could go back to any point in history and change something, what would it be?

What is the absolute worst thing that could happen to you at this point in the story?

What is the best thing that could happen at this point in the story?

Everybody’s hiding something—a fear, a weakness, a strength, an unpopular opinion. What are you hiding right now?

[mystiffox]

— the (amateur) (unreliable) (silly) guide to the sans skull

take all of this with a grain of salt! i admire all yall who draw him and i don't intend to compete with that ever. just make me your artist for humanized designs /lh

see my beef with his dumb skull has always been there i just learn how to hide it better lol. srsly props to yall who can draw him easily i have to redo the top part of his skull like 5 times at minimum. but its not like i hate that i cant draw him, i just think that if i wanna draw for myself, im gonna own it and make it how i wanna and if that means human designs, so be it! its called free will🙏

[godofthestupid]

doing Marco Buccis daily prompt challenge(highly recommend this guy!) and today's prompt was to color pick(from a painting of choice) light and shadow areas and group the colors separately to look at them and study them

I took one of my fav in-game cgs from r1999 with Getian as the study subject :D

What I found out(this is only for this picture,I will do more from r1999 in the future):

Light values are all very warm and saturated though never fully saturated (blue circle),while the shadow tends to concentrate in the corner left(orange circle)

the light also has more midtones while the shadow tends to be very concentrated at the bottom

the grey areas vary in how warm and cool they are,the lighter areas are warmer while the darker ones use more green

the little thumbnail I did at the bottom is not mandatory, I just wanted to also practice doing light studies by eye balling the colors I had picked earlier

[joelletwo]

[ID from alt: natsuyuu fanart of tanuma lost in thought laid over a sparkling water background, dying him in blue and purple]

life is hard when youre the grandfather of your teen best friend

[deepdreamnights]

Assembling your Cast in Vidu: "My Reference" First Impressions and Tutorial

(Disclaimer: I am in the Vidu Creative Partner Program)

For a long time, one of the major barriers for any kind of generative video is character consistency. The solutions were either using image-to-video for start frames or having a general reference option, usually the former, sometimes both.

Vidu uses both, but have recently updated their reference system. We're starting to get to the level of complex interface that I've been talking about in previous blogs.

Vidu's reference-to-video and other similar features were a good start, but with important limitations: You only had three images to reference per generation, and the AI had to guess who was what based on your text prompt. Combined with some quirks around how it handles model-sheet type images (more on that later) and it was a good start, but required a lot of finagling.

Vidu updated with a major improvement to the reference tool, one that lets you build profiles for each person or location you're using, consisting of up to three images, a short style prompt (about 1 line) and a description-prompt. These are saved to your profile so you can call them up at any time (saving a lot of redundant prompting of character details).

The robot will fill in the description for you, but I suggest editing it to your needs.

You can use up to three references per shot (scale between references is a little tricky), and, in a very helpful feature, you reference those characters by tag in the prompt body.

In the old reference system you'd tend to have to use a single shot for a character, then a model sheet, because if you did just the model sheet the characters would tend to "twirl" while animating in chaotic and unnatural ways, meaning you'd generally lose two slots to one character, but here you can load everything in one place.

I've only played with it a little bit thus far, but here are my basic recommendations:

The first image should be a single shot of the character, and the second and third images can be model-sheet character assemblages. If you're doing a reference specifically for talking head shots, you'll want the face-shot in the first slot, and full-body reference in the latter ones.

Try and use multiple-angle reference where at all possible. This just increases stability of the character in general, even if they don't show the alternate angles being shown. I have a tutorial for using Vidu to produce this kind of reference here.

Use the extra prompt space for specific visual instruction. The more direction you give, the less chaos and weirdness you get. (Assuming that's your goal.)

[autumnslance]

Hi! I’ve been trying to make an introductory post for my WoL, but when I tried doing so freeform it ended up overly long and full of rambling. I’ve searched for templates all over the internet, but the only ones I can find are in the general style of D&D character sheets that include irrelevant information about stats while not properly dedicating space to the actual character traits. I saw the format you used for your OCs, and it seems to be about what I’m looking for. Is there any chance you could provide a blank template along those lines for me and others who might have the same problem?

Funnily, while I keep them all similar, I didn't have a template before now. Also reminds me I need to do some updating and revision on my own OCs, it's been awhile and they can use a refresh for character and plot updates.

I recommend making static pages over posts; easier to track and edit. I am a stickler for organization, so keep my pinned post to the bare basics with links to the profiles and other pages, to keep from stretching the post to a mile long, in part, and to keep the info where it's easily read and relevant. Also because mobile app view won't show one's theme and links, and the pinned post is more likely to be seen and accessible than a sidebar or menu.

I have tutorials on how to set a custom theme (and access full blog features) as well as how to create those static blog pages. Tumblr may have made some updates since, but the gist is the same, and the Help pages have newer details if necessary.

I do urge keeping colors and format simple, accessible, and reader friendly, including screen reader friendly. A row of asterisks or tildes as a separator line are usually individually read out by screen readers, as is the code used to make those fancy hard-to-read gothic letters folks use for "aesthetics." In a lot of my profiles, I split sections with images of the character (which should also use alt text if we're trying to be kind and inclusive, and it's to the point of a profile page anyway).

I think I will put the intro and template here in the post under a cut, and then in a Reply Comment add a link to the Google Doc version, cuz of how Tumblr is about external links. An actual blank copy-pasta is on the GDoc, what's below has some thought processes for each section for guidance.

This a pretty modular template, that can be added to or subtracted from as needed. Move descriptive blocks around as they seem more or less relevant for your OC, substitute things that make sense over things that don’t; this is just a starting point!

I see these as broad strokes; a quick introduction and general overview of your character, meant to give an at-a-glance idea of who they are. It’s handy for other writers and artists, and even oneself for keeping track of some details. I recommend practicing succinct writing here; these blocks should each stay between 100-300 words or thereabouts. Use links to other pages and tags to point toward longer details and stories (and keep them handy for yourself!). It also makes it much easier when you want to revise things when characterization marches forward, or if you want to retcon something entirely.

But these are all just my opinions and ideas on how I approach OC profiles after making them in some form or another for about a quarter century. Make it as long or short as it needs to be, change it up, go nuts, I ain’t your mom, and so on 😉

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Statistics: The basics; barebones, at-a-glance stat blocks, handy for quick reference. Can be added to or shortened as needed. If a stat starts to word wrap on a standard screen, trim it and move that extra detail to the “Description” paragraph below the list.

Race: (for FF14 fantasy possibilities) Nationality: (or Ethnicity, whatever works. Where are they from, as that helps shape them?) Height: (both feet/inches and centimeters are handy here) Eyes: Build: (I prefer this to weight, as that’s ridiculously variable depending on one’s build, which is more important visually anyway; are they broad, stocky, skinny, muscular, stringy, etc) Hair: (color, type, texture, preferred lengths and styling) Skin: (sometimes I fold scars into here, if there’s nothing too outstanding) Scars: Voice: (how do they sound?) Nameday: Age: (depends on your personal timeline for your OCs, but I recommend an age range over specifics; mid-20s, 25-35, late teens, a little over a century, etc. Less updating and fits with the handwaved time bubble anyway) Disciplines: (what are their main job[s]? The adventuring or professional skills they’ve learned?) Hobbies: Birthplace: Current Home: Occupation: (Their actual day job, different from or part of their disciplines?) Signature Items: (A particular weapon? A piece of jewelry? Always wear a specific coat?)

Description: A very short "immediate impressions" type description; what would someone "on the street" see when meeting/looking at your character on a typical day? Taking some of the info from the stats but then how you want those barebone facts to be seen; is the OC elegant, or rough? Expensive clothes or simple attire? Any particular smells, or sounds? I recommend around 100 words.

Biography: Very brief, general overview of the backstory that led them to the point where they become a story protagonist (adventurer, the WoL, or other roleplay archetype). Don't have to go into great detail, keep it short and simple; it's a blurb that sets up how they got here in broad strokes. I think my longest bio is around 300 words, and it probably shouldn’t go over that here.

To get more details, one can always link to specific stories, or to a tag. I have multiple OCs, so I might make my tags something like "Aeryn Backstory" or "Iyna Lore" or "Punchy History" or some combo thereof (I usually try to keep them consistent though for ease).

Persona: What face do they present to the world? How are they perceived by the public, acquaintances, coworkers, family, actual friends? Some of these answers will be the same, some may change depending on if and how they code switch in various social situations.

From there, what lies underneath the surface? What are some general internal attitudes, traits, feelings?

A hundred words for outward demeanor and another one hundred for innermost self ought to cover the general broad strokes.

Romance: If so inclined, details about the OC's relationship details; sexual and romantic orientations, relationship history, current situations, how they view and approach intimacy (or not!).

Links to relationship tags or stories or art can work well here, too.

Echo: Does the OC have an Echo at all? Is it a "typical" Echo, or do they have some special abilities, some things they're better at than others? How does it affect them, how do they feel about it?

This is another section that may be a free space section to remove or swap to something else relevant to the character.

Hobbies: The stuff outside of work and heroics. Ways they relax, special interests, side jobs, things they enjoy, and so on. This can be an expansion of the listing in the stat block, or you can cut out one or the other to avoid redundancy.

Companions: What’s their chocobo like, or do they have another favored mount? What pet(s) do they have? Are they practically a Disney Princess? Have a familiar? Do they prefer arcane entities? Technological constructs? Or do they eschew companions entirely?

How to find the OC in game: This is where I list things like realm and data center, and addresses for the FC house and personal house or apartment. Not necessary if you don't want folks to go looking.

Links: The links can be scattered through the post in relevant sections, or gathered together here. I tend to put my basic tag for the character, if I have an aesthetic tag for them, their story tags, any links to art references or other miscellaneous items I want easily found for myself and others. I often put this close to the top if a profile is longer and I want those links to be quick referenced.

OOC: Any particular notes one wants to make about the character from a meta perspective. Can also be combined with the Links.

[eosofspades]

godddd thinking about the red war first couple missions and going insane . that was so good and for what

[therobotmonster]

Q what prompts did you use to get you that uncanny nostalgia cartoon aesthetic with midjourney?

Changed up a lot over time.

The thing that worked best most recently was building a moodboard of screencaps from a potluck of shows, but for straight prompting I tended to have a format along the lines of:

(description of scene), vintage cartoon screencap, 1985 (series real or imaginary), by (pick two or more of Filmation, TOEI, AKOM, TMS, Sunbow Productions, Toei, etc, etc.), vhscore. vintage cel animation still.

Usually at --ar 4:3, under niji if you want it to look high budget, under the standard model if you want it to be a low budget ep. But moodboards and style prompting are your friends.

Sure would be nice to not be unjustly banned from there, mumblegrumble.

[indigoseijin]

I'm a gunlance main with 80 hours in World and I *just* realized you can load your slinger ammo into the wyrmstake to extend its duration, I'm a dumbass I played so much Rise I didn't even think that there was some function exclusive to World here... this opens a new world of possibilities, feels like I just saw the matrix

[yet-another-music-enjoyer]

Every time I watch/get into a new musical I wish I did theater growing up instead of ballet

However I know full well that the only characters I, a 5 foot 0 girl, have the vocal range for are like Random Ensemble Man #3, so maybe that's for the best

[eu0n1a]

Fill in the Blanks (pt 2)

-follow me on tiktok: @sunnytingz69 for ur fav character edits & help me hit 1K so i can livestream games, book streams, n more

Use the fill in the blank prompts to start or end a story.

1) It was speeding out of control. As she raced to get to the controls _

2) Where could she go if not _

3) I wanted to run but my body _

4) He hated _ more than anything

5) Why was it so _?

6) They would be able to track her by following the blood on the snow - but _

7) It felt so weird to be back here in the _

8) Universally, it is considered a bad idea to _

9) She was an angry little stubbed toe woman wrapped up in a cute pink apron. To make herself seem less hostile, she embroidered it with the face of a kitten, and yet she _

10) I wished more than anything that _

[devilmokujin]

OKAY I READ PPL COMPLAINING I GET WHAT TO DO WITH THE FISHING ROD NOW