Pimp your sig with a Dakka Geek Code. You can pimp it here on Dakka, or go elsewhere and put the mysterious code in your signature there in order to give complete strangers the genetic key to your Dakka and Gaming addictions.
Throughout the article, you'll see the various codes you'll use. For each, use only one selection. There is an example following each section.
Many thanks to Waaagh_Gonads' hard drive, for preserving the original code.
Introduction
In Warren Ellis's not-quite-utopian series Transmetropolitan, various characters use a hand-held Genome reader, or G-Reader- in order to identify potential targets of race hate violence or to find evidence of sex with prostitutes. In reality, the closest we probably ever got was the infamous Geek Code that people would put in their sig files on various forums where you could identify someone's CV or current interests.
On ye olde Dakka, someone once made a Dakka Code for people to use so that others could identify users with similar interests. This article that you are reading is a complete and utter bastardization of all previous iterations of a geek code. Make your own and wear it proudly.
If you have additional lists you'd like to see in Dakka Codes, post in the Article Discussions forum and we'll discuss it.
Types
Start with the kind of Dakka gamer you are. Try to identify with a single archetype.
DA: Dakka Artists: I play to paint
DC: Dakka Collectors: I play to collect armies
DO: Dakka Organizers: I play to show others how
DQ: Dakka Quixotes: I play to challenge myself
DR: Dakka Roleplayers: I play to take part in a story
DS: Dakka Socialites: I play to hang out
DT: Dakka Tactician: I play to win games
Malfred's Dakka Code Example:
======Begin Dakka Geek Code======
DR:70+S+G-MB-I+Pwmhd05#+D++A+++/aWD100R++T(S)DM+++
======End Dakka Geek Code======
I had difficulty answering this myself. It's the reason I'm in this hobby at all. I pick armies that I like the look, feel, and character of, so Dakka Roleplayers makes the most sense, even if I don't put on a general cloak and wave a silly baton in the air as my troops open fire.
Age and maturity
The decade you were born. Use + or - if you think you should have been born later or earlier based on your personality.
70- I was born in the 70s but am more like a 60s child
70 I was born in the 70s
70+ I was born in the 70s but am more like an 80s child
Malfred's Dakka Code Example:
=====Begin Dakka Geek Code=====
DR:70+S+G-MB-I+Pwmhd05#+D++A+++/aWD100R++T(S)DM+++
======End Dakka Geek Code======
To me it's better to use a relative birth year than to post an actual age. As of this posting I am thirty years old, which puts me somewhere between a 70s and 80s baby. I think I remember more of the 80s, so this makes sense.
Skill Level
Because it's Dakka, skill level is next.
S: Skill level
for parenthetical declarations, select one
S(GT)...I won a Grand Tournament
S(TT)...I won at the Adepticon Team Tournament
S(GL)...I won at the Adepticon Gladiator
S(HC)...I won at the Warmachine Hordes Core
S(NL)...I won at the Warmachine Hordes Nationals
S++++...I won a Category at a Grand Tournament
S+++.....I win a lot of local tournies
S++.......I win a lot of friendly games
S+......... I've actually won before
S...........I put up a good fight
S-..........I suck
S--........No, I mean it, I really suck
s---.......I swear my dice are weighted to always come up ones.
S(GW)...I work for GW
Malfred's Dakka Code Example:
=====Begin Dakka Geek Code=====
DR:70+S+G-MB-I+Pwmhd05#+D++A+++/aWD100R++T(S)DM+++
======End Dakka Geek Code======
I do okay. I'm getting better as I learn how to play, but sometimes I think my wins are more made from opponent error than a resounding use of superior tactics.
Grasp of the Rule
How well do you proclaim to understand the rules of your chosen game?
G: Grasp of the Rules
G(FAQ)... I have written or contributed in a significant form to a FAQ used at a national tournament
G++++.....I am Mauleed or have proved Mauleed wrong.
G+++.......I've read all the codi many times, and don't have to refer to 'em during games.
G++......... You want help with wound allocation?
G+...........I read the FAQ and most of the codi (I even know the new Sister's rules)
G............I've read the black book, once
G-..........."Okay, grots are elite, right?"
G--..........Let's d6 it
G(40k)…. I work in the 40k design team.
Malfred's Dakka Code Example:
=====Begin Dakka Geek Code=====
DR:70+S+G-MB-I+Pwmhd05#+D++A+++/aWD100R++T(S)DM+++
======End Dakka Geek Code======
I don't actually know the latest 40k rules, but I do try to keep up with Warmachine and Hordes.
Modeling and Painting
Modeling and painting falls under one category. Try to pick one and stick with it.
M: Modeling (also Painting)
M(Clouseau)...I am Clouseau
M(DPC).... I have won a Dakka Painting Challenge
M(GD)..........I've won/been a contender for a Golden Daemon/Slayer Sword
M++++........I'm making my own (well made) Titan(s)
M+++.........I've do (well made) Wide-bodied Rhinos/Battlewagons/Wave Serpents in my sleep
M++...........I can drybrush/highlight/weather with my eyes closed
M+............People ask me for tips about how to paint/glue
M..............My army is painted/I've done a few kit-bashes
M-............Most of my army is Painted/I do head-swaps
M--...........Some of my army is Painted/My army has cloning
M---..........Grey & Shiny army of DOOM!!
M----........Painting models is against my religion
Malfred's Dakka Code Example:
=====Begin Dakka Geek Code=====
DR:70+S+G-MB-I+Pwmhd05#+D++A+++/aWD100R++T(S)DM+++
======End Dakka Geek Code======
I try not to play it if I haven't painted it. It's a personal thing and keeps the budget restrained.
Building Terrain
B: My skill level at building terrain.
B(lucas) You might have seen my stuff in the following films...
B+++++ My dioramas are Golden Demon worthy, extremely playable, and stunningly vertical
B++++ I sell my terrain to people like you
B+++ I organize club events and construct tables for tournaments
B++ Most of my terrain is hand made/carved/painted
B+ I buy premade terrain that I have to paint myself
B- I pay modestly for premade, prepainted terrain
B-- This is a towering pile of books, I mean government buildings.
B--- I want you to imagine that there is a hill here...
Malfred's Dakka Code Example:
=====Begin Dakka Geek Code=====
DR:70+S+G-MB-I+Pwmhd05#+D++A+++/aWD100R++T(S)DM+++
======End Dakka Geek Code======
I'm somewhere between a B- and a B+ with terrain construction. I love Armorcast, but my budget restraints mean that it's more viable to pick up stuff from War Torn Worlds.
Images on the Internet
We share images of our creations on the web (also here on Dakka). How proficiently do you share these?
I+++++... I publish a visually appealing gaming related site that has many subscribers due to my photos
I++++... I create stunning backdrops and modify images to great effect with photoshop or other tools
I+++... I display dioramas of my armies in battle that are pleasing to look at.
I++... I have a light box so that I can take professional looking pictures of my army.
I+... I can adjust the lighting of a photo and the macro setting on a digital camera
I... I use my phone to take pictures of my minis
I-... I scan my minis on a flatbed scanner
I--... I only ever describe my minis for people on the Internet.
Malfred's Dakka Code Example:
=====Begin Dakka Geek Code=====
DR:70+S+G-MB-I+Pwmhd05#+D++A+++/aWD100R++T(S)DM+++
======End Dakka Geek Code======
I don't always adjust the light in my pictures. I should probably just construct a light box and have done with it.
Plays
P: Hobby Game of choice. This is the game you should have answered the above questions in regards to. Also, many of the following questions are in reference to whatever game you mention here. And don't laugh at the second answer. I know there are some of you freaks around.
Pw40k.... I play the current version of 40k
Pw40k(x)...I still mostly play x version of 40k
Papoc... I like to stand around a table and scoop up minis by the armload
Pwhfb... I play warhammer fantasy battle
Pat43... I play AT-43
Pconf... I play confrontation
Panct... I play some form of ancients historicals
Pww2... I play world war 2 historicals
Pvsf... I play victorian science fiction themed games
Prisk... I like to roll dice for hours and hours and hours
Pwmhd... I play warmachine/hordes
Plotr... I play lord of the rings
Pacw...I play historical american civil war games
Pbfg... I play battlefleet gothic
Pe40k... I play epic 40k
Malfred's Dakka Code Example:
=====Begin Dakka Geek Code=====
DR:70+S+G-MB-I+Pwmhd05#+D++A+++/aWD100R++T(S)DM+++
======End Dakka Geek Code======
I know it's weird. I post on a 40k centric forum but mostly play Warmachine/Hordes. Games are shorter, for one thing, so I'm able to get two games in in the span of one Warhammer game, and I really love the game mechanics and character.
Veteran status
How long have you been playing the game of your choice?
Post the two-digit year when you began playing your game.
84 I began playing the game of my choice in 1984
00 I began playing the game of my choice in 2000
Modifiers
/f.... first! I started back when it was the first edition of the game.
/d... design. I had some impact on the design of the game of choice.
/pt... playtest. I have playtested for the game of my choice
/re... retired. I have retired from the game of my choice many times.
Malfred's Dakka Code Example:
=====Begin Dakka Geek Code=====
DR:70+S+G-MB-I+Pwmhd05#+D++A+++/aWD100R++T(S)DM+++
======End Dakka Geek Code======
Nothing special here. I ordered an early version or Warmachine, but never really started playing until 2005, where both Greg and Phil beat me down for six straight months "teaching" me how to play.
- of Games in a week
- How often do you play in a week, on average?
- (infinity) all I do all day long is play my game.
- ++++ I play an average of eight or more games a week
- +++ I play an average of four games a week
- ++ I play my game twice a week
- + I manage to play at least one game a week
- - I manage to get a game in only during events once a year or in the convention season
- -- I don't actually play the game of my choice. I just want to.
- --- I don't actually play the game of my choice. I just pretend to.
- ----I have never actually played the game of my choice.
Malfred's Dakka Code Example:
=====Begin Dakka Geek Code=====
DR:70+S+G-MB-I+Pwmhd05#+D++A+++/aWD100R++T(S)DM+++
======End Dakka Geek Code======
I set aside Wednesdays to play, and some Saturdays. The weeks when I play twice a week balance out the weeks when I don't play at all.
Furthest Distance Traveled
D: Furthest distance you have traveled to play at a gaming event.
D+++++ ... Around the world. So if I live in Chicago, then I ended up in the middle of the Indian sea or something.
D++++ ... Across an ocean of some kind
D+++ ... Across a country or continent
D++ ... Another State or County
D+ ... The suburbs where I live
D ... Across the street
D- ... My basement
D-- ... I've made it difficult for other people to travel for gaming events.
Malfred's Dakka Code Example:
=====Begin Dakka Geek Code=====
DR:70+S+G-MB-I+Pwmhd05#+D++A+++/aWD100R++T(S)DM+++
======End Dakka Geek Code======
Indiana's a state, right?
Armies Collected
A: How many armies and factions of your game of choice do you currently own?
A(chief)..... I own or have a majority stake in the company that produces the game of my choice
A(WTF)...... I have every army available in the game bulit up to twice the size of casual play standards. In addition, I have every supplemental release/promotional item offered by the company or licensed to another
A++++...... I have eight armies built up to casual play standards/ I can field four armies to twice the size of casual play standards
A+++......I have four armies built up to casual play standards/ I can field two armies to twice the size of casual play standards
A++.....I have at least two armies built up to casual play standards/I can field an army twice the size of casual play standards
A+...... I have a single army built up to casual play standards
A......It's a prepainted game! What?
A-......The models in my armies come from an old game system I no longer play
A--...... See these buttons? Those are space marines.
A---....... I beg, borrow and steal armies to play my game of choice. I am also a very sad sad person.
Malfred's Dakka Code Example:
=====Begin Dakka Geek Code=====
DR:70+S+G-MB-I+Pwmhd05#+D++A+++/aWD100R++T(S)DM+++
======End Dakka Geek Code======
Warmachine takes up a lot of my time and money. Each time a new warcaster or warlock comes out I start to plan a list. 200-300 dollars later I'm done, and have something to add to whenever they make new releases.
Type of Army you prefer to play
/ modifier to indicate the type of army you prefer
/a Attrition army that survives the enemy
/c Combo army that needs to combine specific units and effects
/d Dice army that rolls lucky
/e Elite army filled with specialist and veteran soldiers
/f Fighting army that destroys in close combat
/h Horde army that overwhelms with numbers
/m Mobile army that outmaneuvers the enemy
/are Ranged army that shoots the enemy out of the water
/s Swiss knife army with lots of utility
/w Whatever works army that wins whatever
Malfred's Dakka Code Example:
=====Begin Dakka Geek Code=====
DR:70+S+G-MB-I+Pwmhd05#+D++A+++/aWD100R++T(S)DM+++
======End Dakka Geek Code======
Gameplay-wise, I prefer stubborn armies that stick around. However, I do have fragile and elite armies as well. Elites I like more for their character than their abilities (though the abilities don't hurt).
White Dwarf
WD: My first issue of white dwarf
WD039
WD139 etc.
WD- Means you never bought one. Ever!
Malfred's Dakka Code Example:
=====Begin Dakka Geek Code=====
DR:70+S+G-MB-I+Pwmhd05#+D++A+++/aWD100R++T(S)DM+++
======End Dakka Geek Code======
I *think* it's issue 100. I picked it up at the comic store and remember being struck by how cool the little men were (I had no idea you had to paint them yourself).
Recruit
How often do you get others to join the hobby?
R+++++ Companies owe their success to me
R++++ I regularly organize events and tournaments
R+++ I have talked up the game to people curiously watching us at the store.
R++ I have convinced at least one friend to start the hobby
R+ I play with friends and locals
R- I slink away in shame whenever the words "hobby," "wargame," or "toy soldiers" are mentioned in casual conversation.
R-- I set up two armies on a table and play both sides.
R--- I watch others play and cheer them on.
R---- I haven't even convinced myself to play yet.
Malfred's Dakka Code Example:
=====Begin Dakka Geek Code=====
DR:70+S+G-MB-I+Pwmhd05#+D++A+++/aWD100R++T(S)DM+++
======End Dakka Geek Code======
I think I can take credit for "encouraging" Aaron to play. We'll see.
Type of Poster
T: Type of Poster
Most of my posts on Dakka are
T(T)actical
T(M)odeling related
T(S)pam
T(Ot)her things mostly unrelated to gaming
T(R)umors
T(D)ebates of rules and such.
T(I)nquisitorial and thread moderation
T(P)lay testing new rules
T(F)iction
T(B)egun from other forums
T(G)ame reports and reviews
T(L)inks to other sites
T(C)ut and paste threads
T(Pic)tures of my models and armies
Malfred's Dakka Code Example:
=====Begin Dakka Geek Code=====
DR:70+S+G-MB-I+Pwmhd05#+D++A+++/aWD100R++T(S)DM+++
======End Dakka Geek Code======
You don't rack up 18,000 posts on any one thing. Spam seems most appropriate for me.
Dakka Member
DM: Dakka Member Since?
click here to review your history
DM+++++ ... I was a member of the original game club
DM++++ ... I took part of the original website
DM+++ ... I joined after Russ started the store (2000-2004)
DM++ ... I joined after Russ started a family (2004-2007)
DM+ ... I joined after yakface took over the website.
Malfred's Dakka Code Example:
=====Begin Dakka Geek Code=====
DR:70+S+G-MB-I+Pwmhd05#+D++A+++/aWD100R++T(S)DM+++
======End Dakka Geek Code======
I remember the old Ezboards.
Begin and End Dakka Geek Codes
Feel free to use or leave out the Begin Dakka Geek Code and End Dakka Geek Code messages. It IS somewhat bulky, but at least it explains what the heck is going on.
Linking to the Article
Finally, you can link the sig text to this specific article by "wrapping" it with bbcode or html. You'll have to find out which one your particular forum uses. Sometimes a forum that is set to use bbcode will still require html sig files.
HTML
HTML is your standard web coding. An HTML link starts with the anchor tag, followed by its href, the URL. In between the anchor tag and its closing tag is the text link, which in this case would be your Dakka Code.
Malfred's Dakka Code with an HTML link
<a href="http://www.dakkadakka.com/wiki/en/The_Dakka_Code">DR:70+S+G-MB-I+Pwmhd05#+D++A+++/aWD100R++T(S)DM+++</a>
BBCode
BBCode is html code for more casual users. A BBCode link is made when
Malfred's Dakka Code with a BBCode link
[url="http://www.dakkadakka.com/wiki/en/The_Dakka_Code"]DR:70+S+G-MB-I+Pwmhd05#+D++A+++/aWD100R++T(S)DM+++[/url]
Parsing the Code
As of February 2009, the tireless codethrall legoburner has made it so that so long as you start the code properly, a mouseover will popup an informative window explaining your code.
Just make sure to leave no spaces after "DC:" and it should work properly in your sigfile.
The End?
Discuss the article in our article forum if you have suggestions for The Dakka Code.
