How to Play D&D by Post

Dungeons & Dragons works beautifully by post. The exploration, roleplay, and problem-solving that fill most of a session translate directly to writing; only the live back-and-forth changes. Here is how to keep a D&D game moving when the group plays one post at a time.

Set the pace before the first post

The single biggest question in play-by-post is: how often is everyone expected to post? Agree on it up front.

A common rhythm is once a day on weekdays, with weekends optional.
For combat, many groups switch to once a day per turn, keeping initiative moving.
If someone will be away, the AFK status tells the table so the game does not stall waiting.

Write the expectation somewhere everyone can see it. A campaign that knows its own pace rarely dies waiting on a silent player.

Run the easy parts in the open

Play-by-post rewards separation. Keep the table together for the moments that need it, and split off for the rest.

Start a scene with a short prompt: where the party is, what they see, what is at stake.
Let players post their actions and dialogue in any order during exploration. You do not need strict turns outside combat.
Use replies to answer a specific post, and whispers to pass a private note to the Game Master.

Use scene breaks, not walls of text

Long posts are hard to read on a phone. Structure beats length.

Open with a scene break when the location or time changes.
Quote the line you are reacting to instead of restating it.
Put bold on the one thing that matters in a post — a name, a threat, a roll.

Keep combat readable

Combat is the one place where order matters, so lean on the tools.

Set the status bar to show initiative and the active player.
Use the dice roller: tap 1d20+5 in a post to roll it, or open an ability check with the modifier pre-filled.
For games that read each die, use pool rolls (5d6) or success rolls (5d6>=4).
Announce the turn clearly and let the next player post when they can.

Give everyone something to do

In a live game it is easy to ask the quiet player a direct question. Online, do it in writing.

Address a character by name and ask what they do.
Use NPCs to have an ally or villain speak directly to a specific player.
Let downtime happen between scenes so players can pursue their own goals.

Keep the table comfortable

Safety matters more, not less, when the group is not in the same room. Role by Post includes safety tools built into the channel:

Lines and veils record what the group wants off-screen or handled carefully.
An anonymous X-card lets any player flag a moment without having to say so out loud.

Read the safety tools guide and set them up before the first scene.

Start playing

Create a campaign, invite your group, and post the opening scene. Role by Post handles the timeline, dice, NPCs, and notifications so the story can keep moving between sessions. New to the format? Start with what play-by-post is, or read how to run a play-by-post game.