Editing Style Manual

'''Please note that parts of this manual are outdated due to a recent site renovation. The update to this manual is a work in progress.''''

This style manual dictates rules and guidelines for creating and editing build and team pages. Strict adherence will almost never get you banned and some flexibility is afforded to new users. However, blatant disregard for the rationality and intentions of this guide is sufficient ground for a ban.

==General Writing Styles==
These sections should provide a loose understanding of what is considered an ideal writing style.

===Voice===
* Maintaining an objective writing style (avoiding "I", "We", "You") is encouraged.
* Using CAPITAL LETTERS for emphasis is strongly discouraged.
* Limit '''bold''' words. In most cases there is a precedent set for what can be bolded. Language that needs to be emphasized should never be '''bold''' but can be ''italicized'' (This includes single words and short phrases).

===Language===
* Define acronyms at least once before using them. (Don't expect your reader to be well-versed in the terminologies).
** Example: "Deadly Arts (DA) is a specialization for Thieves."
* Omit needless words; Don't use 5 words when 3 will do.
** Good Example: Using a Leap Finisher in a Fire Combo Field will activate a Fire Shield.
** Bad Example: Whenever a player is using any kind of Leap Finisher in any kind of Fire Combo Field, it will always activate a Fire Shield.
* Reserve ultimatums/absolutes for actual 100% cases; Avoid "always, never, best, worst"; Choose "almost always, almost never, close to best, close to worst":
** Good Example: A very difficult build to counter
** Bad Example: Always the worst build to counter ever

===Pattern===
* Maintain structure. It is up to you to notice the implied structure/pattern when editing a page.
** Good Example #1:
*** Skill1 - Effect1 will provide this and that.
*** Skill2 - Effect2 will do so and so.
*** Skill3 - Effect3 will happen automatically.
** Bad Example #1:
*** Skill1 - Effect1 will provide this and that.
*** Skill2 - Effect 2 will do so and so.
*** Effect 3 will happen automatically upon activating Skill3.
** Good Example #2:
*** There are Leap Finishers, Whirl Finishers, and Projectile Finishers.
** Bad Example #2:
*** There are Leap Finishers, Whirl Finishers, and Finishers from Projectiles.

==Creating Build & Team Pages==
Before creating a new build or team, check if an existing variant is available:
* [[Special:PrefixIndex/Build:Guardian | Builds by Profession]] (Change the prefix to whatever profession you're looking for)
* [[Special:PrefixIndex/Team: | Teams]]

If the build already exists, consider adding content to that article or advocating changes in the discussion tab. Otherwise, you are free to create any new build or team page by following the steps below.

===Naming===
Creating a new build first requires a name. All build pages should begin with the "Build:" prefix, followed by the profession name, a space, hyphen, and another space. The build title then goes last.

Avoid using "Ultimate", "Perfect", or "Best" in the title. If a build is indeed that good it will surely gain traction from the community regardless of it's title. Sometimes it's easiest to distinguish a build by the weapons it uses or the specific trait/playstyle that makes it unique.

Here are some good examples:
<pre>Build:PROFESSION - TITLE
------------------------
Build:Elementalist - Staff Backline‏‎
Build:Engineer - Power Grenadier‏
Build:Guardian - AH Frontliner‏‎
Build:Mesmer - Double Ranged Shatter‏
Build:Necromancer - Standard Power Necro‏‎
Build:Ranger - S/A LB Spotter
Build:Thief - D/P Roamer
Build:Warrior - Shoutbow</pre>

If the build uses a Heart of the Thorns specialization, list that instead, for example:
<pre>Build:SPECIALIZATION - TITLE
------------------------
Build:Tempest - Staff Backline‏‎
Build:Scrapper - Power Grenadier‏
Build:Dragonhunter - AH Frontliner‏‎
Build:Chronomancer - Double Ranged Shatter‏
Build:Reaper - Standard Power Necro‏‎
Build:Druid - S/A LB Spotter
Build:Daredevil - D/P Roamer
Build:Berserker - Shoutbow</pre>

===Creating===
'''The screenshots in this section is outdated, but the process is exactly the same.'''
To actually create the new page, do one of the following:

'''Address Bar'''
# Type <nowiki>"www.metabattle.com/wiki/Build:Guardian - AoE Staff Farmer"</nowiki> into the address bar and hit enter (Don't worry about spaces or punctuation, the server will figure it out for you).<br/>[[File:Style Manual - Build in Address Bar.png|link=]]
# If the page doesn't exist, you can click "edit this page" in the message or the "Create" tab near your personal navigation bar.<br/>[[File:Style Manual - Create New Page Dialogue.png|link=]]
# If the page already exists, consider adding your content to the existing page. If you believe your build to be very different consider asking the discussion page or creating a new build under a different name.

'''Search Method'''
# Alternatively, you can simply type your build into the search bar.
# Type "Build:Guardian - AoE Staff Farmer" into the search box near your personal navigation bar and hit enter
# Click the red link for your build (If there is no red link, the build already exists! See step 3 above).<br/>[[File:Style Manual - Search For New Page Dialogue.png|link=]]

You should now be at a text-editor.<br/>[[File:Style Manual - Text Editor Dialogue.png|link=]]<br/>Here you can type anything you'd like to begin your build. You can always preview your work with the "Show preview" button near the bottom. The page will be created once you "Save" the page.

==Templates==
The following are barebone templates you can copy and edit for different types of gameplay. Several wiki templates that are used to display the articles are explained in more details in the section [[MetaBattle:Style Manual#Template Explanation|Template Explanation]].

===Conquest===
<pre>
{{MBuild
| profession = Warrior, Guardian, Revenant, Ranger, Thief, Engineer, Elementalist, Mesmer, Necromancer (choose one)
| specialization = Berserker, Dragonhunter, Herald, Druide, Daredevil, Scrapper, Tempest, Chronomancer, Reaper (Choose one, leave blank for none)
| designed for = Conquest
| rating = draft, test (choose one)
| focus = 
}}

==Overview==
Description

==Skillbar==
{{Skillbar
| profession = Warrior, Guardian, Revenant, Ranger, Thief, Engineer, Elementalist, Mesmer, Necromancer (choose one)
| specialization = Berserker, Dragonhunter, Herald, Druide, Daredevil, Scrapper, Tempest, Chronomancer, Reaper (choose one, leave blank for none)
| set1 =
| set2 = 
| healing = Skill name
| utility1 = Skill name
| utility2 = Skill name
| utility3 = Skill name
| elite = Skill name
}}

===Variants===
*{{Skill|Skill name}} for reasons x, y, and z.

==Traits==
{{Specialization|Name|Position|Position|Position}}
{{Specialization|Name|Position|Position|Position}}
{{Specialization|Name|Position|Position|Position}}
'''Variants'''
* {{Trait|Trait name}} for reasons x, y, and z

===Variants===
'''Specialization''' over '''Specialization''' for reasons x, y, and z
{{Specialization|Name|Position|Position|Position|variant=y}}

==Equipment==
{{PvP equipment
| weapon1 = 
| sigil1 = 
| weapon2 = 
| sigil2 = 
| rune = 
| amulet = 
}}

===Variants===
'''Sigils'''
* {{Sigil|Sigil name}} for reasons x, y, and z.

'''Rune'''
* {{Rune|Rune name}}  for reasons x, y, and z.

'''Amulet'''
* {{Amulet/|label=1}}  for reasons x, y, and z.

==Usage==
*Point 1
*Point 2
*Point 3

==Counters==
*Counter 1
*Counter 2
*Counter 3
</pre>

===World vs. World===
<pre>
{{MBuild
| profession = Warrior, Guardian, Revenant, Ranger, Thief, Engineer, Elementalist, Mesmer, Necromancer (choose one)
| specialization = Berserker, Dragonhunter, Herald, Druide, Daredevil, Scrapper, Tempest, Chronomancer, Reaper (Choose one, leave blank for none)
| designed for = wvw, roaming (choose one)
| rating = draft, test (choose one)
| focus = 
}}

==Overview==
Description

==Skillbar==
{{Skillbar
| profession = Warrior, Guardian, Revenant, Ranger, Thief, Engineer, Elementalist, Mesmer, Necromancer (choose one)
| specialization = Berserker, Dragonhunter, Herald, Druide, Daredevil, Scrapper, Tempest, Chronomancer, Reaper (choose one, leave blank for none)
| set1 =
| set2 = 
| healing = Skill name
| utility1 = Skill name
| utility2 = Skill name
| utility3 = Skill name
| elite = Skill name
}}

===Variants===
'''Weapon'''
*{{Skillbar variant|profession|mainhand weapon|offhand weapon}} (use x for none)

'''Heal'''
*{{Skill|Skill name}} for reasons x, y, and z.

'''Utility'''
*{{Skill|Skill name}} for reasons x, y, and z.

'''Elite'''
*{{Skill|Skill name}} for reasons x, y, and z.

==Traits==
{{Specialization|Name|Position|Position|Position}} (use "top", "mid" and  "bot" to select the traits.)
{{Specialization|Name|Position|Position|Position}}
{{Specialization|Name|Position|Position|Position}}
'''Variants'''
* {{Trait|Trait name}} for reasons x, y, and z

===Variants===
{{Specialization|Name|Position|Position|Position|variant=y}}
'''Specialization''' over '''Specialization''' for reasons x, y, and z

==Equipment==
{{PvE equipment
| stats = 
| rarity = Ascended, Exotic (choose one)
| runes = 6 Superior Rune of (choose the rune)
| infusions = 18 (choose the infusion, you can also include multiple infusions separated by a comma)
| s1w1 = (rarity, stat, weapon, sigil 1+sigil2)
| s1w2 = 
| s2w1 = 
| s2w2 = 
| head = (rarity, stat - remove line when identical to |stats= and |rarity= )
| shoulders = 
| chest =
| hands =  
| legs = 
| feet = 
| amulet = 
| ring1 = 
| ring2 = 
| accessory1 = 
| accessory2 = 
| back = 
}}

===Variants===
'''Stats'''
for reasons x, y, and z.

'''Sigils'''
* {{Sigil|Sigil Name}} for reasons x, y, and z.

'''Runes'''
* {{Rune|Rune Name}} for reasons x, y, and z.

==Consumables==
'''Food'''
* {{Food|Food Name}} for reasons x, y, and z.
* {{Food|Food Name}} for reasons x, y, and z.

'''Utility'''
* {{Utility|Food Name}} for reasons x, y, and z.
* {{Utility|Food Name}} for reasons x, y, and z.

==Usage==
*Point 1
*Point 2
*Point 3

===Gameplay Tips===
*Point 1
*Point 2
*Point 3

==Counters==
*Counter 1
*Counter 2
*Counter 3

==Gameplay Videos==
*Video 1
*Video 2
*Video 3
</pre>

===Fractals, Raids, PvE===
<pre>
{{MBuild
| profession = Warrior, Guardian, Revenant, Ranger, Thief, Engineer, Elementalist, Mesmer, Necromancer (choose one)
| specialization = Berserker, Dragonhunter, Herald, Druide, Daredevil, Scrapper, Tempest, Chronomancer, Reaper (choose one, leave blank for none)
| designed for = Fractals, Raid, Open World (choose one)
| rating = draft, test (choose one)
| focus = 
}}

==Overview==
'Description'

==Skillbar==
{{Skillbar
| profession = Warrior, Guardian, Revenant, Ranger, Thief, Engineer, Elementalist, Mesmer, Necromancer (choose one)
| specialization = Berserker, Dragonhunter, Herald, Druide, Daredevil, Scrapper, Tempest, Chronomancer, Reaper (choose one, leave blank for none)
| set1 =
| set2 = 
| healing = skill
| utility1 = skill
| utility2 = skill
| utility3 = skill
| elite = skill
}}
===Variants===
;Weapons
*{{Skillbar variant|profession|mainhand weapon|offhand weapon}} (use x for none)
;Utility skills
*{{Skill|Skill name}} for reasons x, y, and z.

==Traits==
{{Specialization|Name|Position|Position|Position}}
{{Specialization|Name|Position|Position|Position}}
{{Specialization|Name|Position|Position|Position}}
'''Variants'''
* {{Trait|Trait name}} for reasons x, y, and z

===Variants===
'''Specialization''' over '''Specialization''' for reasons x, y, and z
{{Specialization|Name|Position|Position|Position|variant=y}}

==Equipment==
{{PvE equipment
| stats = 
| rarity = Ascended, Exotic (choose one)
| runes = 6 Superior Rune of (choose the rune)
| infusions = 18 (choose the infusion, you can also include multiple infusions separated by a comma)
| s1w1 = (rarity, stat, weapon, sigil 1+sigil2)
| s1w2 = 
| s2w1 = 
| s2w2 = 
| head = (rarity, stat - remove line when identical to |stats= and |rarity= )
| shoulders = 
| chest =
| hands =  
| legs = 
| feet = 
| amulet = 
| ring1 = 
| ring2 = 
| accessory1 = 
| accessory2 = 
| back = 
}}

===Variants===
'''Stats'''
for reasons x, y, and z.

'''Sigils'''
* {{Sigil|Sigil Name}} for reasons x, y, and z.

'''Runes'''
* {{Rune|Rune Name}} for reasons x, y, and z.

==Consumables==
'''Food'''
* {{Food|Food Name}} for reasons x, y, and z.
* {{Food|Food Name}} for reasons x, y, and z.

'''Utility'''
* {{Utility|Utility Name}} for reasons x, y, and z.
* {{Utility|Utility Name}} for reasons x, y, and z.

==Usage==
===Standard Rotation===
*Rotation Goal
# {{Skill|Skill Name}}
# {{Skill|Skill Name}}
# {{Skill|Skill Name}}
# {{Skill|Skill Name}}
# {{Skill|Skill Name}}
</pre>

==Template Explanation==
Templates are special tools written in plain text which have special meaning to the wiki. Templates accept parameters and output some pretty-formatted information on the page. They usually have the form ''<nowiki>{{Template Name|parameter 1|parameter 2|etc...}}</nowiki>''.

===MBuild Template===
Once you submit a build, it should first be marked under the ''"Draft"'' category. Fill in the correct profession, Heart of the Thorns specialization (leave blank if none), and focus by adding the following code:

<pre>
{{MBuild
| profession = 
| specialization = 
| designed for =
| rating = draft
| focus = 
}}
</pre>

For example:

<pre>
{{MBuild
| profession = Warrior
| specialization = Berserker
| designed for = Conquest
| rating = draft
| focus = Direct damage
}}
</pre>


In this stage the community will criticize and suggest improvements to the build. The build will be located under ''"Draft"'' due to being set to ''"Draft"''. Note that it will take some time (ranging from a few hours to a few days) before it appears on the main page, this is an anti-spam measure. 

Once you have reviewed the comments and made necessary adjustments to the build and think that it's ready for the community to rate it, you should replace '''draft''' with '''test''':
<pre>
{{MBuild
| profession = 
| specialization = 
| designed for =
| rating = test
| focus = 
}}
</pre>

For example:

<pre>
{{MBuild
| profession = Warrior
| specialization = Berserker
| designed for = Conquest
| rating = test
| focus = Direct damage
}}
</pre>

This is where people will rate the build. Once a minimum of 5 votes have been gathered you should replace '''test''' with the following: 

* Trash (0 – <3.75):
* Good (3.75 – <4.75):
* Great (4.75 – 5.0):

If it happens that the build is also used in the current meta,  a Curator will tag it with the Meta tag.

===Skillbar settings===
Fill in the correct profession and specialization (leave blank if none). Skill names are case sensitive and be sure to keep spaces. If you leave a ''Utility#'' out, it will appear as optional.
 <pre>
{{Skillbar
| profession = 
| specialization = 
| set1 = 
| set2 = 
| healing = 
| utility1 = 
| utility2 = 
| utility3 = 
| elite = 
}}
''Variants''
*{{Skill| }}
</pre>

For example:
<pre>
{{Skillbar
| profession = guardian
| specialization = dragonhunter
| set1 = staff
| set2 = mace, shield
| healing = Purification
| utility1 = Smite Condition
| utility3 = Fragments of Faith
| elite = Renewed Focus
}}

''Variants''
*{{Skill|Purging Flames}}
</pre>

Will appear as:
{{Skillbar
| profession = guardian
| specialization = dragonhunter
| set1 = staff
| set2 = mace, shield
| healing = Purification
| utility1 = Smite Condition
| utility3 = Fragments of Faith
| elite = Renewed Focus
}}

''Variants''
*{{Skill|Purging Flames}}

===Specialization settings===
A blank Specialization template looks like this:
<pre>
{{Specialization| | | | }}
{{Specialization| | | | }}
{{Specialization| | | | }}
'''Variant'''
*{{Trait| }}
</pre>

Fill the first blank with the Specialization name, and the following spaces with the trait's position, for example:
<pre>
{{Specialization|Honor|mid|mid|bot}}
{{Specialization|Valor|mid|top|mid}}
{{Specialization|Dragonhunter|top|top|top}}
'''Variant'''
*{{Trait|Big Game Hunter}}
</pre>

Which looks like:
{{Specialization|Honor|mid|mid|bot}}
{{Specialization|Valor|mid|top|mid}}
{{Specialization|Dragonhunter|top|top|top}}
'''Variant'''
*{{Trait|Big Game Hunter}}

==Equipment Settings==
This section will be split up into Conquest, World vs. World, and Fractals/Raids as each uses different templates.
===Conquest Equipment Settings===
A pvp equipment will show one to two weapons, sigils, runes, and amulets, the following is a blank template:
<pre>
{{PvP equipment
| weapon1 =  
| sigil1 =  
| weapon2 =  
| sigil2 =  
| rune =  
| amulet =  
}}
</pre>

The following is a filled in example. Please note that weapon names are not case sensitive, while sigils, runes, and amulets are. For Runes, the '''Superior of''' section is left out, so ''Superior Rune of the Monk'' should be listed as ''the Monk'' : 
<pre>
{{PvP equipment
| weapon1 = staff
| sigil1 = Leeching, Renewal
| weapon2 = mace, shield
| sigil2 = Leeching, Renewal
| rune = the Monk
| amulet = Magi
}}
</pre>

Will appear as:
{{PvP equipment
| weapon1 = staff
| sigil1 = Leeching, Renewal
| weapon2 = mace, shield
| sigil2 = Leeching, Renewal
| rune = the Monk
| amulet = Magi
}}


List of Amulets:
<pre>
| amulet = Assassin
| amulet = Barbarian
| amulet = Berserker
| amulet = Carrion
| amulet = Cavalier
| amulet = Demolisher's
| amulet = Destroyer
| amulet = Diviner's
| amulet = Knight
| amulet = Magi
| amulet = Marauder
| amulet = Mender's
| amulet = Paladin's
| amulet = Rabid
| amulet = Rampager
| amulet = Sage's
| amulet = Seeker's
| amulet = Valkyrie
| amulet = Viper's
| amulet = Wanderer's
| amulet = Sinister
</pre>
===World vs. World Equipment Settings===
https://metabattle.com/wiki/index.php?title=Template:PvE_equipment

===Raids/Fractals Equipment Settings===
''WIP'' Please refer to current Raids/Fractals  builds as a guide.

===Usage/Guide settings===
Guide on how to use the build, doesn't have to be long. Focus on special qualities of the build and not on basic mechanics of the class.  

With '''New Builds''' you are submitting, don't spend much time on Usage. The Build itself is more important than the usage, so focus will be placed on the Skills/Traits/Equipment when testing.

===Counters settings===
Explain what is countering the build and how you can prevent that.


===Video Guides settings===
Links to Youtube videos where this guide is used, use this format when adding new links:

<pre>
* Youtube: [VIDEO-URL VIDEO-TITLE]
Example:
* Youtube: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZkmJ0GGUVc&list=UUOnS25A9T04O4fv6XbAvW7A How to Play: Hambow Guide]
</pre>

The above example would give this on the article page:

* Youtube: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZkmJ0GGUVc&list=UUOnS25A9T04O4fv6XbAvW7A How to Play: Hambow Guide]

You can also add streamers to the list:
<pre>
* Twitch: [https://www.twitch.tv/holymoobs Moobs - NA]
</pre>

==Other Templates==
===Pending-Archive===
If you believe that the build in question is outdated you can mark it for archive by adding this code right under "########## Rating/Category settings ##########":

<pre>
{{Pending-Archive|REASON1|REASON2|...|REASON8}}
</pre>

The template accepts up to 8 reasons. Example if we fill in 3 reasons:

<pre>
{{Pending-Archive|REASON1|REASON2|REASON3}}
</pre>

The above example would display this on the build article:

{{Pending-Archive|REASON1|REASON2|REASON3}}


===Archived Build===
If the build in question should be archived, replace rating with '''Archive.''' You may add the archive reason on the page if you wish. For example:
<pre>
{{MBuild
| profession = Elementalist
| designed for = Conquest
| rating = archived
| focus = bunkering, support, hybrid damage
}}
''Archived due to the removal of the Cleric Amulet.''
</pre>

===Mark for Deletion===
If you believe that the build or page should be deleted, add the following tag to the top of the page:

<pre>
{{Delete|REASON1|REASON2|...|REASON8}}
</pre>

The template accepts up to 8 reasons. Example if we fill in 3 reasons:

<pre>
{{Delete|REASON1|REASON2|REASON3}}
</pre>

The above example would display this on the build article:

<center>
{| style="width: 600px; background-color: #fee; border: 2px solid #aaa; text-alignt: left; padding: 0.5em;" 
|<b>This page is a candidate for deletion, because:</b>

{{ #if: REASON1 | * REASON1 }}{{ #if: REASON2 | * REASON2 }}{{ #if: REASON3 | * REASON3 }}{{ #if:  | * {{{4}}} }}{{ #if:  | * {{{5}}} }}{{ #if:  | * {{{6}}} }}{{ #if:  | * {{{7}}} }}{{ #if:  | * {{{8}}} }}{{ #if:  | * {{{9}}} }}

If you disagree with this page's deletion, please explain why in the comments section of a build page, or the talk page of a normal page. If this page obviously should not be deleted, or you intend to fix it, please remove this notice, but do not remove this notice from builds that you have created yourself.

<small class="plainlinks">''[[Special:Listadmins|Administrators]], remember to check [[Special:Whatlinkshere/{{NAMESPACE}}:{{PAGENAME}}|if anything links here]] and [{{SERVER}}{{localurl:{{NAMESPACE}}:{{PAGENAME}}|action=history}} the page history] ([{{SERVER}}{{localurl:{{NAMESPACE}}:{{PAGENAME}}|diff=0}} last edit]) before deleting''</small>

|}
</center>