Guide to Writing Orders

The following is an example of how we prefer orders layout to be. It shows how orders should be laid out as well as how they should be written. This is not to say that this is the only acceptable format. The intention is not to restrict you in your self-expression but to aid you in expressing your intentions more clearly.

Formatting

Use plain text in emails
Type orders in the emails directly instead of attaching documents
Avoid hard-to-read fonts in documents
Use bullet points or numbering for each point
Please make hand-written orders legible
Use the word "Orders" in the email subject
Use Word or Wordpad format for documents
Divide Orders into separate paragraphs according to subject.

For example,

Paragraph 1: Orders - Feeding for this month
Paragraph 2: Orders - Increasing Haven Security
Paragraph 3: Orders - Investigation of Dark Times article

Content

Questions should be clear and unambiguous.
Put the most important orders at the beginning in case we don't get time to go through them all.
At the end of each section state what Skills, Disciplines, etc you are using

For example,

I'm feeding by going to a Dance club and seducing someone.
I'll wipe their memory afterwards.
(Using Advanced Seduction, Dominate 3)

Keep your orders simple and to the point. We will ask you for detail if we need it. We will NOT "screw your character over" because you missed out describing every minute step.
If it helps you, divide orders into 1. Aim and 2. Execution.

For example,

Aim: I'm feeding at Clubs, this month
Execution:

Go to Dance clubs
Seduce somone (Advanced Seduction)
Wipe their memory (Dominate 3)

Here is an example of what we don't want:

For example,

My character tried rock clubs but didn't like them very much. The people had too many piercings!! So instead she's going to go to one of the trendy dance clubs on Sauchiehall Street. Probably that one called the Temple (I think that's what its called). When I get there, I'm going to go to the bar and see if there is anyone that looks cute. If they are cute I'll wander by then "accidentally" spill their drink. Then I'll offer to buy them another one and try to chat to them. If all goes well, I'll go back to their place. Instead of sleeping with them, I'll feed. Afterwards, I'll Dominate them so that they don't remember me! Then I'll go call a taxi and go back to my haven.

This one would be nice if we were looking for how the character thinks... but that information should go into the character background. Orders are only to describe what your character is doing.

Deadlines

Orders must be received 2 weeks before the game. See your XP notification for the exact date

Delivery

Email orders should be sent to admin@gvlarp.org.uk
Postal Orders should be sent to:

Orders can be emailed, posted or hand-deliver. You can also put your orders on computer disk and give it to us that way

Other information

We only guarantee that we will attempt to deal with your first 6 orders each month
Activities that take place over more than 1 month should be stated in the orders for each month in which they are being performed
Please CC admin@gvlarp.org.uk on any in-character emails
We DO NOT accept orders over the phone
Orders are only confirmed after you have recieve written notification from the storytellers. This means that you should NOT consider your character actions to have taken place if you have only had a verbal discussion with a single Storyteller
Please send Orders and XP emails separately. Otherwise your XP emails could get overlooked