[Information] Resources

[savoylen]

Welcome to the Resource Thread for the Iron DM competition!

This thread is designed to be your go-to place for helpful materials and information to support you throughout the competition. Whether you're looking to brush up on your skills, explore new ideas, or simply need a bit of guidance, you'll find valuable resources here that we've shared year after year during the Iron DM season.

Remember, this thread is here to help *you*. It's not a list of requirements, and it's certainly not meant to be overwhelming. You're free to use as little or as much of this information as you find helpful. Whether you're looking for mentorship, specific tips, or just a bit of inspiration, we hope you'll find something that resonates with you.

Keep in mind, this isn't an exhaustive list of resources—just the ones we frequently find ourselves sharing. Instead of dropping links in the general discussion, we've compiled them here in one convenient spot, just in case you need them.

Happy adventuring, and best of luck in the competition!

[savoylen]

In case you need to know a little more about the dice roller here.

A Basic Guide to Rolling Dice at RPG Crossing

 

[savoylen]

While the aesthetic appeal of a post—its "prettiness," so to speak—may not be a primary criterion in what our judges and mentors evaluate when considering what makes a 'great' submission, we do recognize the importance of formatting in engaging and retaining your readers. Thoughtful and effective formatting can enhance the readability and impact of your content, making it easier for your audience to follow your ideas and immerse themselves in your narrative.

With this in mind, we frequently receive questions about BBCode (Bulletin Board Code) formatting. To help you navigate this aspect of your posts, we've compiled a list of resources that many Dungeon Masters and players have found incredibly useful. These resources provide tips, guides, and examples of how to effectively use BBCode to enhance your posts—whether you're looking to create clear headers, highlight important information, or add visual elements that complement your storytelling.

Please remember that the use of these formatting tools is entirely optional.

Our goal is to provide you with resources that you might find helpful, not to add extra pressure or impose additional requirements. Feel free to explore these tools as much or as little as you wish.

Ultimately, what matters most is the content of your post and how well it conveys your ideas and creativity.

Here are some of the resources that have been most frequently recommended by the community:

• A quick guide to BBcode use on RPG Crossing
• A short but helpful post from briar from a previous IDM year
• A very nice BB color code list (external site)
• Our very own BB code listing
• And our very own Gaijin's "The Workshop" templates page