Player VS Player

Player vs player (PvP) can be one of the toughest things to write because you are limited… (To do it without causing headaches for/with your PvP partner anyway.)

So a good way to write a player versus player post is to follow the tips mentioned here.

1. Write only 1-2 actions per post because it makes it easier for the partner to react to what is going on. It also reduces the chances that you will force a player to go along with something they don't want to. (Especially if many actions get buried together as it can be tough to sort out what is going on.)
2. Keep actions fairly brief, though described well so your PvP partner knows what you're trying to do but not is overwhelmed by descriptions. (EX- If your character swings a sword… include the motion of the swing and direction but don't bother going on about the blade's history or how shiny it is or it's last victim. The latter stuff is filler and can make it tougher for your partner to reply to.)
3. Don't go too far into future actions. This means avoid saying a lot of things such as: “If the opponent went right then Dante would go left.” because it can be misinterpreted very easily and cause people to think you're either controlling their character or can cause confusion as to what your character actually has done. So at best use only 1 or 2 of these actions per post. (For best results, only use these at the end of your post so the other player knows what your intention is, or if you're guarding an attack so they know what sort of counter attack your character would make.)
4. Write actions only for your character. This means don't decide if an attack hits the other player or if they dodge/defend against it, let them make that call for themselves. (Though if a player dodges everything or makes you take damage like this… Seek a staff member.) Also don't force a character to move in a certain direction or to a new location (unless they want to and it's been agreed on first.)
5. You can make attacks miss, projectile type attacks especially, and those can cause damage to the surrounding environment… Use that to your advantage. Describe what's happening to the environment as your attacks land/miss.

1. Inner monologuing can be useful to provide the character's thoughts and reactions to the situation as it unfolds. How does a character feel when they see their attack block or parried? Or were they surprised when the opponent took that hit, especially if they figured it was an easy dodge. Though be sure to keep it separated from the dialogue. And be careful with it because posts that are only internal thoughts are pretty much useless to other players.
2. Dialogue can also be good… Ask questions, make taunts, respond to the opponent.
3. React to the dialogue of the opponent. Even if you just think a reply… add that in. Perhaps they said something and maybe you grinned or smirked at it? add that in as well. Your character is more than a brick wall, and they have facial expressions so you can use them.

1. Separate the actions up a bit. Big paragraphs can be the enemy as it makes figuring out what someone has done a bit tougher.
2. Make sure your action and dialogue bits are clearly defined.
3. Don't worry if your post isn't really long or involved, short posts work well here to get the action moving quickly. Plus long posts can be difficult to reply to and can borderline godmod.

Even with the confines of PvP there is still a lot of room for creativity. Just be cautious and avoid controlling another person's character without their permission.