This thread was created at the request of HD3 as he was having some troubles with the forums. I've posted the content of our discussion below:
- "Hello KC. I wanted to discuss an issue with you with regards to clarifying a policy point. With titles for characters, what is our policy regarding putting things like (formerly) after said titles? Some characters titles seem to be dating from the latest possible point in the story while others date from the earliest. It seems like it could be a good idea to establish a consistent guideline. Zevran for instance says "Antivan Crow (formerly)" but its entirely possible for him (depending on the warden's choices) to have lived and died as a fully fledged antivan crow the entire time. Can we clear this up?
10:44, July 12, 2014 (UTC)"
- "Hi HD3, this is a good point. I'd suggest two methods of dealing with this problem: A) Removing (Formerly) entirely, or B) Adding dates relevent to the title. So, for Zevran, we could put Antivan Crow (Prior to 9:30 Dragon)
- Option B would obviously be consistent with how we handle titles on other pages (such as Justinia V) and so I think that would be my personal preference. However, if we're dealing with Zevran specifically, it might be best to remove (Formerly) altogether since (as you point out) it's unclear if he ever did actually leave the Crows.
- In short, I'd suggest that users should use their own judgement in cases such as this, though as always, feel free to start a forum with your own proposal if it's something you feel strongly about
King Cousland | Talk 21:11, July 12, 2014 (UTC)"
- In short, I'd suggest that users should use their own judgement in cases such as this, though as always, feel free to start a forum with your own proposal if it's something you feel strongly about
- "This might sound a little odd but could you make the forum thread please KC, every time I try to make a forum thread on wikia I get an error message for some reason. I personally would suggest removing "formerly" entirely but the date option could work too. I definitely think we should establish a consistent protocol for dealing with this ASAP though
01:40, July 13, 2014 (UTC)"
- "This might sound a little odd but could you make the forum thread please KC, every time I try to make a forum thread on wikia I get an error message for some reason. I personally would suggest removing "formerly" entirely but the date option could work too. I definitely think we should establish a consistent protocol for dealing with this ASAP though
Further input would be appreciated. King Cousland | Talk 00:30, July 16, 2014 (UTC)
I think it is enough to just list their titles, whatever they may be, in the chronological order they obtained them. It's not necessary and, perhaps, even a spoiler to say things like formerly or only until X date, depending on the character and the reason for their losing said title. If people wish to know more specifics about it, then that's what the rest of the article is there to be read for. 67.61.238.87 (talk) 00:55, July 16, 2014 (UTC)
I am inclined to agree with the above actually. It does seem like the easiest way to handle things and preserve continuity. The only exception I would argue for would perhaps be (possible) for titles they obtain depending on the choices of the player.
- 05:04, July 16, 2014 (UTC)
I'm a fan of the titles in chronological order with the "possible" tag added when needed too. 
Loleil Talk 02:51, July 18, 2014 (UTC)
I'm also in favor of cutting out "formerly". Especially in cases where the absence or presence of a title is due to player choice (such as Zevran mentioned above). Adding dates could lead to spoilers in at least a few cases. --Kelcat (talk) 03:17, July 18, 2014 (UTC)
I think we could leave (formerly) only in those instances where it's not due to a player choice, for example when it happens before the game starts, or it happens in another medium, such as in a film or a show (see: Tallis was an Athlok, but then she was Tallis; Regalyan D'Marcall is appointed an Enchanter at the end of the film; Fiona was a Grey Warden, but is now the Grand Enchanter; Alistair was a Templar recruit, but then he became a Grey Warden). 
henioo (da talk page) 07:58, July 18, 2014 (UTC)
Wouldn't be confusing for readers to find several (perhaps even conflicting) titles for a character? The date suggestion looks good and it could be applied when we know the exact date but in many cases, we don't.
I think the best solution is to remove the former titles altogether and only use the current one unless there are several paths when we will use multiple titles (such in the case of Sigrun who can be a Legionnaire or/and a Grey Warden). If the current one is spoilerish, then a former title could be used instead but with a date specification (for example Loghain being a Warden). 
18:31, July 18, 2014 (UTC)
"Wouldn't be confusing for readers to find several (perhaps even conflicting) titles for a character?"
That is why I suggest we leave (possible) for titles which may be acquired based on player choices so its clearer that the mutually exclusive titles are not held simultaneously.
The dating model wouldn't help in this case either. Bethany for instance would be listed under that model as both Senior Enchanter & Grey Warden as of the same year. Also as you said Viktoria, in many cases we don't know the exact year either so it would be hit and miss with accuracy in many cases.
I don't think removing all former titles would work either. It would get very difficult to apply that to a broad variety of scenarios. Loghain for instance, under that model we would have to strike off every title he currently has except grey warden. Which would make no sense for any players who executed Loghain at the landsmeet.
Whereas if we just removed (Formerly) we wouldn't have to worry about figuring out all the date changes for every individual title, the information would still be pertinent for players earlier in the game, it would be easier to apply too. - 02:24, July 19, 2014 (UTC)
- I think you confused my proposition. Since Loghain being a Grey Warden can be spoilerish, we can remove it and revert back and keep a former title of his, such as "Teyrn of Gwaren".
- As for the cases when we do not know the exact date, we cannot allow adding assumptions or educated guesses. 13:06, July 20, 2014 (UTC)
I see. Sorry Viktoria, I thought you meant removing the actual word "formerly". I see what you're getting at now. I don't know how far we could make it work if we're going to make covering all possible spoilers for the titles section without adding spoiler tags to the titles section itself. The only two options I can see if we're going to with a model that will work for all characters is either date the Titles section from the earliest possible point of continuity or the model we suggested initially.
Ok then In a bid to move this along, I'll put this to a vote and then we can vote on the proposed amendments subsequently.
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Proposed Model: Remove "(Formerly)" after titles, all titles listed in chronological order of acquisition.
- 13:40, July 20, 2014 (UTC)
, with that we'd get rid of "formerly", but still keep "possibly". I retract my previous statement as it'd be confusing. - henioo (da talk page) 16:30, July 20, 2014 (UTC)
--Kelcat (talk) 20:19, July 20, 2014 (UTC)
King Cousland | Talk 16:44, July 21, 2014 (UTC)
Ok we seem to have reached an agreement then so I think its safe for us to go ahead and add this to the guidelines/policy section and start implimenting it.
- 08:03, August 1, 2014 (UTC)
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Proposed Amendment to Model: Include (Possibly) for titles whose acquisition is contingent on player decisions. E.G Loghain's "Grey Warden" title would list "(Possibly)".
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Proposed Amendment to Model: Retain "(Formerly)" only for titles whose change is not contingent on player decisions. E.G Justinia becomes Divine regardless of Warden/Hawke's choices ergo "(Formerly)" is listed next to her "Revered Mother" title.