# Chat & Commands

> Press T to talk. Press / to issue commands. Here's everything you can type.

![Screenshot: chat open with several messages from different players](../screenshots/10-interface/chat-active.png)
*Screenshot needed: chat box open with 5-10 messages from various players visible.*

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## Opening chat

- Press **T** to open the chat input
- Type your message
- Press **Enter** to send
- Press **Esc** to cancel without sending

Chat is **proximity-limited by default** — only nearby players see your message. Some chat modes broadcast wider.

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## Chat modes

### Local (default)

- Type freely → message visible within ~20m
- Like talking out loud in real life

### OOC (out of character)

- Use prefix `/ooc <message>` for cross-channel communication
- Visible server-wide
- Use for: technical questions, admin alerts, real-life pauses
- Don't use for in-character RP

### ME / DO (RP narration)

- `/me <action>` — describes what your character is doing ("*opens the trunk*")
- `/do <observation>` — describes something the world shows ("*the trunk has a faint scent of gasoline*")
- Italic format, visible nearby

### Whisper

- `/whisper <player_id> <message>` — direct message to a specific player
- Or `/dm` (depends on server config)

### Job-specific channels (if installed)

- Police radio: `/dispatch`, `/911` (for citizens)
- EMS radio: similar
- Gang chat: via tablet, not regular chat

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## Command reference

Commands start with `/`. Here's the common set:

### Movement / state

| Command | Effect |
|---|---|
| `/me <action>` | RP narration |
| `/do <observation>` | RP description |
| `/anim <name>` | Play a specific animation |
| `/cancelanim` | Stop current animation |
| `/sit` | Sit on nearest seat |
| `/lay` | Lie down |

### Inventory

| Command | Effect |
|---|---|
| `/inv` / `/inventory` / `/i` | Open inventory |
| `/give <id> <item> <amount>` | Give item to player (limited) |
| `/drop <item>` | Drop item |

### Phone

| Command | Effect |
|---|---|
| `/phone` | Open the NPWD phone (alternative to M key) |
| `/911 <message>` | Emergency call to police (text-based, since no active EMS yet) |
| `/sms <number> <message>` | Send text via phone (NPWD also has full SMS UI) |

### Gang

| Command | Effect |
|---|---|
| `/gangtablet` | Open gang tablet |
| `/gang` (some servers) | Gang menu shortcut |

### Vehicle

| Command | Effect |
|---|---|
| `/engine` | Toggle engine |
| `/lockcar` | Lock/unlock vehicle |
| `/seat <number>` | Change seat |
| `/admincar` | Save current car as admin (admin-only) |

### Job / business

| Command | Effect |
|---|---|
| `/duty` | Toggle on-duty status |
| `/clockin` | Clock in for a job |
| `/clockout` | Clock out |

### Admin (staff-only)

| Command | Effect |
|---|---|
| `/admin` | Open admin menu (staff) |
| `/giveitem <id> <item> <amount>` | Grant item to any player |
| `/setjob <id> <job> <grade>` | Set player's job |
| `/tp <coords>` | Teleport to coordinates |
| `/noclip` | Toggle noclip mode |

### Utility

| Command | Effect |
|---|---|
| `/help` | Show command list |
| `/rules` | Show server rules |
| `/time` | Show current server time |
| `/players` | Show online player list |

> ⚠️ **No in-game `/report` or `/bug` commands** on gangwars. All reports go through Discord — see [reporting](../12-settings-admin/reporting.md).

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## Chat customization

Settings menu often has:

- **Font size** — readable size for chat
- **Chat opacity** — adjust how visible idle chat is
- **Auto-hide timing** — when chat fades away
- **Filter** — block specific types (e.g., hide /me from view)

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## Tips

- **Don't OOC mid-scene.** Keeps roleplay immersive
- **Use `/me` and `/do` sparingly.** They're for ambiguous actions, not constant narration
- **Whisper for private RP.** Don't broadcast confidential RP to everyone
- **Custom commands.** Servers add their own — check `/help` regularly
- **Keep messages short.** Long messages annoy others — split or use voice

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## Common questions

**Why didn't anyone reply to my chat?**
- You may be too far (proximity-limited)
- Players may have chat hidden / not paying attention
- Use /ooc for urgent server-wide

**Can chat be muted?**
Yes — most chat plugins allow mute via right-click on player or via /mute command (if implemented).

**Are chats logged?**
Yes — server-side. Admins can review for moderation. Don't say things you wouldn't want logged.

**What's the chat character limit?**
Usually 240 characters. Longer messages get truncated.

**Can I use Discord-style formatting?**
Some servers support **bold**, *italics*, color codes. Most don't. Check.

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## Related

- [../12-settings-admin/reporting.md](../12-settings-admin/reporting.md) — how to report bugs and players
- [../02-gangs/treasury-chat.md](../02-gangs/treasury-chat.md) — gang chat (different from regular chat)
- [radial-menu.md](radial-menu.md) — radial alternative to commands