# English translation style guide
## Text box constraints
In RPGMaker 2000, the displayable text box contained 4 lines of text of 49 characters each.

For MV, some of these constraints are no more present, but their legacy remains in the english translation. 

Sometimes, when a little portrait is displayed at the left of the textbox, at the right of the textbox, or both, the allowed number of characters is reduced. (35 for one portrait, 21 for both)

Reminder of what a translation key-value looks like:

```
"GuildMaster-FirstWelcome": "Guild Master\n「Welcome. This is the \\C[18]『Adventurers Guild』\\C[0]!\\.\n I haven't seen you before...\\. You new?」\n"
```

## Formatting
- Since the translation value is an inline text string, it should include line breaks with `\n`
- All values should end with `\n`
- RPGMaker special characters have a backslash `\ ` so they should be escaped by adding a backslash `\ `
- When a character talks, their name should appear on the first line and what they say on the other lines.
- For what is actually said, japanese brackets should be used. `「` and `」`
- For what is thought, those parentheses should be used. `（` `）`
- Use either `~` or `...` at the end of a line, but not both at the same time

## Special characters
RPGMaker MV has a number of special characters that are used to display certain things. Here is a list:
- `\V[n]` Show a variable value. n= variable identifier
- `\V[111]` Variable for the name of the current main character
- `\C[n]` Show a text color. n = number (1 to 19)
- `\N[n]` Show the name of a hero. n=hero's number.Note that 0 will write the name of your party's leader
- `\S[n]` Set the text speed. n = number(1 to 20) 1 is the fastest (without pauses) and 20 is the slowest
- `\$` A box appears showing your current money
- `\!` Break between two words. To continue displaying the text, it needs the player input
- `\.` 1/4 of delay before the next letter
- `\|` 1 delay before the next letter
- `\^` The message end without you need to press enter
- `\>` `\<` Displays the part of the message between \> and \< instantly
- `\\` Shows `\ `
- `\_` Shows half a space.

### Symbols
- `$A` Sword
- `$B` Shield
- `$C` Star of Salomon
- `$D` Sun
- `$E` Moon
- `$F` Mercury
- `$G` Venus
- `$H` Venus(inversed)
- `$I` Mars
- `$J` Jupiter
- `$K` Saturn
- `$L` Uranus
- `$M` Neptune
- `$N` Pluto
- `$O` Aries
- `$P` Taurus
- `$Q` Gemini
- `$R` Cancer
- `$S` Leo
- `$T` Virgo
- `$U` Libra
- `$V` Scorpio
- `$W` Sagitarius
- `$X` Capricorn
- `$Y` Aquarius
- `$Z` Pisces
- `$a` Smiling face
- `$b` Neutral face
- `$c` Sad face
- `$d` Sweat 1
- `$e` Sweat 2
- `$f` Spade(clear)
- `$g` Hearth(clear)
- `$h` Stand(clear)
- `$i` Club(clear)
- `$j` Spade(filled)
- `$k` Hearth(filled)
- `$l` Stand(filled)
- `$m` Club(filled)
- `$n` Skull
- `$o` X cross
- `$p` Sun
- `$q` Moon
- `$r` Dot
- `$s` Up arrow
- `$t` Right arrow
- `$u` Down arrow
- `$v` Left arrow
- `$w` Up-right arrow
- `$x` Down-right arrow
- `$y` Down-left arrow
- `$z` Up-left arrow

## Naming
Always use the same name that was convened for a character / place.

### Characters
TBD

### Places
TBD
TRANSLATION_STYLE_GUIDE.md