The Codex

The Codex:Character Data Standards


Character Data Entry Standards

This page defines the standard values and formats for character properties on The Codex Wiki.

Required Fields

Franchise

  • Use the official franchise name
  • For crossover characters, use their origin franchise
  • Examples: "Metal Gear", "Super Mario Bros.", "Final Fantasy"

Tier

  • Use standard tier notation
  • Format: Number-Letter (e.g., "8-B", "5-A")
  • See Tiering System for full details

Biographical Properties

Gender

Common values:

  • Male - Standard male gender
  • Female - Standard female gender
  • Non-binary - Non-binary gender identity
  • Unknown - Gender not revealed/unclear
  • Genderless - Beings without gender (e.g., robots, abstract entities)
  • Variable - Can change gender (e.g., shapeshifters)
  • Not Applicable - For non-sentient objects animated as characters

Status

Common values:

  • Alive - Currently living
  • Deceased - Confirmed dead
  • Unknown - Status unclear
  • Undead - Vampires, zombies, etc.
  • Sealed - Imprisoned/sealed away but not dead
  • Erased - Removed from existence
  • Dormant - In stasis/hibernation
  • MIA - Missing in action

Age

  • Use numerical values when known
  • For immortal characters: Use their apparent age or "Immortal"
  • For unknown ages: Leave blank rather than guessing
  • Format: Just the number (e.g., "35", not "35 years old")

Alignment

Standard D&D alignment system:

  • Lawful Good
  • Neutral Good
  • Chaotic Good
  • Lawful Neutral
  • True Neutral
  • Chaotic Neutral
  • Lawful Evil
  • Neutral Evil
  • Chaotic Evil

Alternative if D&D system doesn't fit:

  • Hero
  • Anti-Hero
  • Neutral
  • Anti-Villain
  • Villain

Combat Statistics

General Format

  • Include calculation/feat in parentheses when possible
  • Use "At least" for minimum showings
  • Use "likely" or "possibly" for uncertain ratings
  • Separate forms/keys with " | "

Attack Potency

Examples:

  • "Building level (Destroyed a warehouse)"
  • "City level (Comparable to Character X who performed this feat)"
  • "Planet level | Solar System level (Base | Super Form)"

Speed

Examples:

  • "Supersonic (Dodged bullets)"
  • "Faster Than Light (Flew across the galaxy in seconds)"

Durability

Examples:

  • "Building level (Survived an explosion)"
  • "Planet level (Tanked Character Y's ultimate attack)"

Multiple Values

Array Properties

For properties that accept multiple values (abilities, equipment, affiliations):

  • Separate with commas: "Flight, Super Strength, Telepathy"
  • Each item will become its own link
  • Keep entries concise - create separate pages for complex abilities

Creating New Values

Before adding a new non-standard value: 1. Check if an existing value fits 2. Discuss on Talk:Character Data Standards if unsure 3. Add to this documentation once established

Quality Guidelines

Do's

  • ✓ Be consistent with existing entries
  • ✓ Use proper capitalization
  • ✓ Link to feat calculations when available
  • ✓ Update this guide when patterns emerge

Don'ts

  • ✗ Don't use abbreviations (except in tiers)
  • ✗ Don't include units in age (just "25", not "25 years")
  • ✗ Don't guess - leave blank if unknown
  • ✗ Don't use composite versions without noting it

Examples

Well-Formatted Character

|franchise=Metal Gear
|tier=8-B
|gender=Male
|status=Alive
|age=42
|alignment=Chaotic Good
|attack_potency=Building level (Destroyed Metal Gear REX)
|speed=Subsonic with Supersonic reactions
|durability=Building level (Survived REX's explosion)

Poor Formatting

|franchise=metal gear  ← Wrong capitalization
|tier=Building        ← Not using standard notation
|gender=M            ← Using abbreviation
|age=42 years old    ← Including units
|status=dead         ← Not capitalized
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