On the subject of public chat, I often find TitanPad to be exceptionally useful, both for coordinating OOC chatter and for collaborations. Combat can be resolved quickly and efficiently, while still allowing for questions and discussion on the side, as well as GM input and rulings, all in real-time. It's free, it's easy, and it works. Documents saved to TitanPad will go for [i]two years[/i] before being deleted due to inactivity. Editing even once in that timeframe resets the two-year timer.

In other words: It's perfect.

By the way, I believe I'm in the roleplay at this point. Hi, guys! Looking forward to some plot.