Often the most difficult part of our e-wrestling hobby is the act of
strategy writing.  Whereas physical roleplaying is based on outward
expression, it is much easier to show off a character - simply because
all of the details are in the hands of the player to manipulate,
allowing one to show off their character in the exact vision held by
the individual handler.  However, it is those same reasons that writing
a strategy becomes the greatest challenge any e-wrestling player faces.
 The same player that controls all environmental factors on a weekly
basis, must give up that control, and offer a collection of mere and
ideas, suggestions, and requests, in the hopes that a match writer will
faithfully maintain the character in the new environment (in our case,
the DCWL Arena), while interacting with another character with their
own set of ideas, suggestions, and requests.

The following four points will help to maximize your ability to write
effective strategies, and successfully communicate your own agenda
while assisting in the production of an entertaining match:


(1)  RING ENTRANCE

Establishing the attitude and emotional state of one's character before
a match begins can have an impact upon how a match writer creates the
journey a wrestler endures during the course of a match.  Each
character has submitted a standard ring entrance as part of their
Wrestler Application to the DCWL, but this submission is only a
starting point, and should be kept on file by every player for future
reference.  Depending on the atmosphere or psychology of a specific
match, a character might slightly vary their appearance and/or
behaviour as they approach the ring (ie, interaction with fans, warm-up
routines, ring attire, etc.).  Also, including your ring entrance
within a strategy saves the writer time that would otherwise be spent
copying the entrance from another folder, which means more time
available to write the "meat" of the match itself!


(2)  GOALS AND INTENTIONS

An introductory sentence or two at the top of your strategy can go a
long way to helping a match writer maintain the integrity of your
character that you've spent so many hours developing in roleplays. 
Including brief character notes (ie, Ross the Divorcer wants to prove
to his fans that he is good husband material) or general strategy notes
(ie, Ross the Divorcer's main intention is to wear down Super Dave's
ailing back in order to win with his powerbomb finisher) are perfect to
express in this area.  However, it is not wise to include notes that
will restrict a match writer's options (ie, Ross the Divorcer is
practically invincible, and will never submit under any circumstances,
because that is part of his character).  Remember, your introductory
statement should be simple and realistic, to assist your match writer
in creating the groundwork for a match and its underlying stories.


(3)  HIGH SPOTS

Although each character has submitted a basic repertoire list and
finishing moves, every great wrestler has moments of exceptional
achievement and/or devastation.  Suggesting an usually dramatic high
risk spot or innovative double team move will be help a match writer to
plot out climactic moments in a match, and make for a more entertaining
experience for everyone involved.  Of course, high spots don't always
have to involve tables and ladders - a creative counter to an
opponent's finishing hold can be equally exciting, and helps writers to
develop unique styles and psychology in each match!  An excellent
resource for move lists is available at:

http://www.deathvalleydriver.com/bbbowm/bbbowm.htm


(4)  OPTIONS & CONTINGENCY PLANS

Since no player can predict the actions of other characters, especially
those not involved in the match at-hand, a wrestler should be prepared
for a variety of situations.  For example...

  PLAN A:  Ross the Divorcer is expecting Super Dave's stablemates
  to interfere in this match, and has contacted The Bang Mang to 
  watch his back if any outside interference takes place.

  PLAN B:  If Super Dave's stablemates attack me during the match,
  Ross the Divorcer will attempt to fight them on the arena floor,
  to avoid a screwy pinfall by Super Dave.

However, it is also helpful to suggest options in the event of victory
or defeat, to help the match writer to paint your character in the best
light no matter the situation:

  IF ROSS THE DIVORCER WINS:  I would like to show off his skills
  as a counter-wrestler, and see Ross get the win by countering
  Super Dave's finishing move.

  IF ROSS THE DIVORCER LOSES:  Please make it as a result of his
  nagging knee injury, which I'll be playing up in future roleplays.

And of course, having options for post-match activities is also very
wise, since it is often during this brief window when the opportunity
for character development is at its peak:

  PLAN A:  If the finish to the match is clean, Ross the Divorcer
  will not try to attack Super Dave further, but try to flirt with
  a few single women in the front row.

  PLAN B:  If Super Dave's stablemates attack Ross after the match,
  I would like to see him leave ringside on a stretcher, to gain
  sympathy from the fans. 

Offering several options to a match writer will help the overall
success of the event, while assisting in the continued development of
your own character.


In conclusion, the writing of a strategy is an essential part of the
e-wrestling experience.  While it may not be the deciding factor in
one's win-loss record, it can be a wonderful character development
tool, and when written effectively, is a great help to match writers
and the overall success of the DCWL!