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