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Constitution Officer's Manual: Difference between revisions
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=='''Introduction to the USS Constitution-B'''== | =='''Introduction to the USS Constitution-B'''== | ||
First and foremost, welcome to the USS Constitution-B! If you're reading this, it's likely that you've been linked to this handbook by either Commander | First and foremost, welcome to the USS Constitution-B! If you're reading this, it's likely that you've been linked to this handbook by either Commander Jalana Rajel, or your mentor, whoever that may be. | ||
This page serves as a combined welcome and "HowTo" page for simming as part of the USS Constitution-B crew. | This page serves as a combined welcome and "HowTo" page for simming as part of the USS Constitution-B crew. | ||
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This handbook is not to replace the one on one guidance that you get from both the command staff and your mentor. On the contrary, this text has been created to help supplement the information that you get from these members of the crew, enabling you to grow into your role aboard the USS Constitution-B. | This handbook is not to replace the one on one guidance that you get from both the command staff and your mentor. On the contrary, this text has been created to help supplement the information that you get from these members of the crew, enabling you to grow into your role aboard the USS Constitution-B. | ||
Find an error? Have a question not outlined here? Please, never hesitate to contact Commander | Find an error? Have a question not outlined here? Please, never hesitate to contact Commander Jalana Rajel or your mentor at any time! | ||
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<span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">T'tala: Response.</span> | <span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">T'tala: Response.</span> | ||
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As you can see, there is a pretty big difference between the two, and not just in word count! The second version gives much more insight into what the character is thinking and feeling, as well as what the room actually looks and feels like. Just like the writers behind these characters, they have numerous senses that can be used to describe any given situation. The more ways you can think of to describe your characters senses, the better! | As you can see, there is a pretty big difference between the two, and not just in word count! The second version gives much more insight into what the character is thinking and feeling, as well as what the room actually looks and feels like. Just like the writers behind these characters, they have numerous senses that can be used to describe any given situation. The more ways you can think of to describe your characters senses, the better! | ||
'''Tip''': Imagine the scene in your mind, that often happens that you can see it like in a movie. Now imagine that nobody else has seen that scene but you want them to know exactly what you have seen and what happened. Write out the details, so everyone can imagine what you had in mind. | |||
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'''Sim Content''' | '''Sim Content''' | ||
Starbase 118 prides itself on its serious and realistic themes, its free form nature and its interesting character driven plots. On the | Starbase 118 prides itself on its serious and realistic themes, its free form nature and its interesting character driven plots. On the Constitution-B, we believe that Star Trek and all good drama in general is about the characters, first and foremost. While we do have missions, plots and external forces at play here, our primary focus is on our characters and displaying strong character development. | ||
We do not limit character development to shore leave only. While some ships like to concentrate on the mission while it is running and only allow development posts during shore leave, the | We do not limit character development to shore leave only. While some ships like to concentrate on the mission while it is running and only allow development posts during shore leave, the Constitution-B welcomes development posts at any time. This doesn't mean, however, that the plot should be abandoned. The quality of writers on board makes it easy to both develop characters and push the story forward at the same time. | ||
'''Themes''' | '''Themes''' | ||
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'''Realism''' | '''Realism''' | ||
This ties in with the realism of things that we enjoy on the USS Constitution-B as well. While we do explore plot lines and missions that involve Trek and other fantasy related topics, we try to make things as realistic as possible. For example, children should not be on the bridge, no character should have too many 'powers', and we all pride ourselves with being able to realistically react to events such as death, injury, and animosity. | This ties in with the realism of things that we enjoy on the USS Constitution-B as well. While we do explore plot lines and missions that involve Trek and other fantasy related topics, we try to make things as realistic as possible. For example, children should not be on the bridge, no character should have too many 'powers', and we all pride ourselves with being able to realistically react to events such as death, injury, and animosity. We also believe in the motto of "IC consequences for IC actions." So if your character does something against the rules, it won't be broomed under the rug or ignored. | ||
Ultimately, it is the simmer's responsibility to ensure that their sims are tasteful. Repeated violations of the PG-13 guidelines may result in a warning or disciplinary action. If you have questions, or you simply wonder if a sim is pushing things to far, either tone it down or contact a member of the command staff. They can clear a scene for you and make sure that you are adhering to the PG-13 guidelines. | Ultimately, it is the simmer's responsibility to ensure that their sims are tasteful. Repeated violations of the PG-13 guidelines may result in a warning or disciplinary action. If you have questions, or you simply wonder if a sim is pushing things to far, either tone it down or contact a member of the command staff. They can clear a scene for you and make sure that you are adhering to the PG-13 guidelines. Often we can apply "If you have to ask if something is okay, it probably isn't." | ||
==='''Need Help Getting into the Story?'''=== | ==='''Need Help Getting into the Story?'''=== | ||
There are many times where you might sit back and think to yourself, "How do I get involved?" Often you might find yourself asking this if you have just been assigned to the | There are many times where you might sit back and think to yourself, "How do I get involved?" Often you might find yourself asking this if you have just been assigned to the ship, or if you have been gone for a few days and you are catching up to the rest of us. You may also ask this if a plot or story arc is going on with only a segment of the crew involved. | ||
This is a question with no one right answer. Aboard the USS Constitution-B, there are a few different ways that you can jump right in. Generally the easiest thing to do is to ask the command staff OOC'ly if there's anything you can do IC'ly to assist- they're sure to have ideas. The command staff is here to help you integrate into the crew so that you can enjoy the fun that our missions, and shore leaves, bring us. We never want you to feel left out, so if you are having trouble, never hesitate to contact a member of the command staff. | This is a question with no one right answer. Aboard the USS Constitution-B, there are a few different ways that you can jump right in. Generally the easiest thing to do is to ask the command staff OOC'ly if there's anything you can do IC'ly to assist- they're sure to have ideas. The command staff is here to help you integrate into the crew so that you can enjoy the fun that our missions, and shore leaves, bring us. We never want you to feel left out, so if you are having trouble, never hesitate to contact a member of the command staff. | ||
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*''A close friend.'' | *''A close friend.'' | ||
If you are a new player, or this is your first PNPC, simply send a message to Commander Jalana Rajel with your idea for a PNPC. | |||
<div style="background: LightGrey; border: 1px solid #BD934F; margin: 1em auto; padding: 0 10px; width: 400px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">''Tip: You can have as many PNPCs as you like, but we recommend no more than four.''</span></div> | <div style="background: LightGrey; border: 1px solid #BD934F; margin: 1em auto; padding: 0 10px; width: 400px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">''Tip: You can have as many PNPCs as you like, but we recommend no more than four.''</span></div> | ||
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*''Is a different species or gender to your main character.'' | *''Is a different species or gender to your main character.'' | ||
*''Really dislikes your main character! Nothing like conflict to get the stories flowing.'' | *''Really dislikes your main character! Nothing like conflict to get the stories flowing.'' | ||
*''Does not have any link to your main character at all'' | |||
Regardless of what you choose, make sure that you maintain the weekly post rate of at least 3 posts per week with your main character. You are, of course, not limited to this amount of posts, and you may post as much as you wish with any of your characters, but to properly consider a PNPC what it is, they should play a supporting role rather than one that would shut your main character out. If you find that you have more fun playing a PNPC, and that your post count reflects this, you may consider switching your main character for the PNPC. Then, your main would become another PNPC, while the PNPC in question would become your main. | Regardless of what you choose, make sure that you maintain the weekly post rate of at least 3 posts per week with your main character. You are, of course, not limited to this amount of posts, and you may post as much as you wish with any of your characters, but to properly consider a PNPC what it is, they should play a supporting role rather than one that would shut your main character out. If you find that you have more fun playing a PNPC, and that your post count reflects this, you may consider switching your main character for the PNPC. Then, your main would become another PNPC, while the PNPC in question would become your main. | ||
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It's a casual observation that the more someone sims, the lower the quality and the shorter the length of the sim is. So sacrificing quality for quantity is obviously not desirable. However, someone who only sims twice a month- even if those sims are the bees knees- isn't desirable either. | It's a casual observation that the more someone sims, the lower the quality and the shorter the length of the sim is. So sacrificing quality for quantity is obviously not desirable. However, someone who only sims twice a month- even if those sims are the bees knees- isn't desirable either. | ||
So each writer must find a balance, must find what works for them. But no matter what you decide is best for you, membership in our group requires at least ten sims a month to be considered active, and twelve sims per month to be considered a full time writer. While there are some | So each writer must find a balance, must find what works for them. But no matter what you decide is best for you, membership in our group requires at least ten sims a month to be considered active, and twelve sims per month to be considered a full time writer and be eligible for promotions. While there are some players who sim less than this, it is often difficult to really integrate said characters into a full out plot. | ||
Generally speaking, these sims should be evenly spaced out (every couple days), rather than a large burst of activity at the end of the month. Since our plots and story lines run throughout the month, it will be difficult to contribute appropriately if you are only simming one week out of the entire month. However, if you feel that you have been away too long (perhaps you went on a week vacation or the like) then you can always ask a member of the command staff for help getting back into the story so that you can meet the posting requirements. | Generally speaking, these sims should be evenly spaced out (every couple days), rather than a large burst of activity at the end of the month. Since our plots and story lines run throughout the month, it will be difficult to contribute appropriately if you are only simming one week out of the entire month. However, if you feel that you have been away too long (perhaps you went on a week vacation or the like) then you can always ask a member of the command staff for help getting back into the story so that you can meet the posting requirements. | ||
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Not every voyage is smooth sailing, and while simming there are many issues that you might encounter. Some of them are general, while others are very specific in nature. In any event, they should all be treated with caution. Remember, we are all here to have fun, but we are also all human. Sometimes it is personalities that clash, while other times it is the actions of a character or group of characters. The Academy goes over some of these issues, especially when building a bio for your character. Here is a more in depth look at the problems that you may face along the way. | Not every voyage is smooth sailing, and while simming there are many issues that you might encounter. Some of them are general, while others are very specific in nature. In any event, they should all be treated with caution. Remember, we are all here to have fun, but we are also all human. Sometimes it is personalities that clash, while other times it is the actions of a character or group of characters. The Academy goes over some of these issues, especially when building a bio for your character. Here is a more in depth look at the problems that you may face along the way. | ||
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One should also be aware of runaway dialog. Unless your character is giving a big speech, you should keep your spoken lines fairly short, giving other players plenty of time to contribute. Remember, this is a collaborative game and it will be no fun for one person to do all the talking or acting. Be mindful of this; it makes simming so much more fun for you and those around you. | One should also be aware of runaway dialog. Unless your character is giving a big speech, you should keep your spoken lines fairly short, giving other players plenty of time to contribute. Remember, this is a collaborative game and it will be no fun for one person to do all the talking or acting. Be mindful of this; it makes simming so much more fun for you and those around you. | ||
It also important to note that every sim you write, should be 100% from the point of view of your character. That means delete thoughts and actions from other characters and write your own. Your character does not know what the other person is thinking (unless Telepath) so remove it, if you are not looking, you cannot see what the other person is doing, so remove it. Maybe you hear it instead or smell it. Same goes for whispers that are out of hearing range and so on. Keep it realistic. Imagine it like in RL, everyone sees a scene differently, has a different focus or notices different details. Show that in your writing. | |||
=='''Mission Specific Playable Characters'''== | =='''Mission Specific Playable Characters'''== | ||
A Mission Specific Player Non-Playing Character, or MSPNPC, is an NPC assigned to a specific player for the duration of a mission. They are usually antagonists, and are played just like any other character, except they are | A Mission Specific Player Non-Playing Character, or MSPNPC, is an NPC assigned to a specific player for the duration of a mission. They are usually antagonists, and are played just like any other character, except they are only played for the mission they were created in. Occasionally, some MSNPCs are seen again in future missions or sims. | ||
MSNPCs are assigned by the command staff of the USS Constitution-B. Generally an email is sent out near the end of a shore leave period and anyone who wishes may apply to be one of the characters. Most of the time, applicants are not told what, or who, they are playing until the details are ironed out and the mission is about to begin. | MSNPCs are assigned by the command staff of the USS Constitution-B. Generally an email is sent out near the end of a shore leave period and anyone who wishes may apply to be one of the characters. Most of the time, applicants are not told what, or who, they are playing until the details are ironed out and the mission is about to begin. | ||
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Every writer in the fleet has both an IC and an OOC rank. In most circumstances, these two are the same. Where writers choose, for example, to sim an enlisted crewman rather than an officer, or to have their character decline a promotion for roleplaying reasons, their OOC rank and their IC rank may differ. | Every writer in the fleet has both an IC and an OOC rank. In most circumstances, these two are the same. Where writers choose, for example, to sim an enlisted crewman rather than an officer, or to have their character decline a promotion for roleplaying reasons, their OOC rank and their IC rank may differ. | ||
<div style="background: LightGrey; border: 1px solid #BD934F; margin: 1em auto; padding: 0 10px; width: 400px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">''Tip: Promotions on the | <div style="background: LightGrey; border: 1px solid #BD934F; margin: 1em auto; padding: 0 10px; width: 400px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">''Tip: Promotions on the Constitution-B are not automatic and must be earned. We like to think we are stricter with our promotions than other vessels- if you are promoted by us, you are one of the best.''</span></div> | ||
Only your main character will get ranks and promotions officially. You may sim an enlisted crewman of any rank, but all officers must be the same rank as your main character or lower. This means that if you are a Lieutenant, then you can not sim a PNPC that is a Lieutenant Commander. | Only your main character will get ranks and promotions officially. You may sim an enlisted crewman of any rank, but all officers must be the same rank as your main character or lower. This means that if you are a Lieutenant, then you can not sim a PNPC that is a Lieutenant Commander. | ||
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''Lieutenant Commander is the fourth and final rank you can earn without beginning to cross into the realm of command. A writer who wishes to become a senior staff member and reach the rank of Lieutenant Commander should follow the guidelines stated here.Note: A Lieutenant Commander is generally addressed as simply 'Commander'.'' | ''Lieutenant Commander is the fourth and final rank you can earn without beginning to cross into the realm of command. A writer who wishes to become a senior staff member and reach the rank of Lieutenant Commander should follow the guidelines stated here.Note: A Lieutenant Commander is generally addressed as simply 'Commander'.'' | ||
For more details on the requirements for each rank, please check the [[Constitution-B Promotion Guide]]. | |||
=='''The Mentor System'''== | =='''The Mentor System'''== | ||
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These officers have a history of high level simming ability and a secure grasp of how things work on the USS Constitution-B and in the Fleet. Because our mentors have the responsibility of shaping some of the Fleet's future leaders, we do not take this job lightly. On the contrary, to be a mentor means both dedication to the rules and setup of the Starbase 118 Fleet as well as knowledge of writing and simming overall. | These officers have a history of high level simming ability and a secure grasp of how things work on the USS Constitution-B and in the Fleet. Because our mentors have the responsibility of shaping some of the Fleet's future leaders, we do not take this job lightly. On the contrary, to be a mentor means both dedication to the rules and setup of the Starbase 118 Fleet as well as knowledge of writing and simming overall. | ||
<div style="background: LightGrey; border: 1px solid #BD934F; margin: 1em auto; padding: 0 10px; width: 400px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">''Tip: Volunteering to mentor a new crew member to the ship is a great way to earn a new drinking buddy! | <div style="background: LightGrey; border: 1px solid #BD934F; margin: 1em auto; padding: 0 10px; width: 400px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">''Tip: Volunteering to mentor a new crew member to the ship is a great way to earn a new drinking buddy!''</span></div> | ||
Anyone can apply to be a mentor, but the program run on the USS Constitution-B is not for the faint of heart. Only the best of the best are accepted. Want to better your chances of approval? Make sure that you maintain a full time sim rate and contribute with sims that are of appropriate length, checked for spelling and grammar errors, and free from other formatting or content problems. | Anyone can apply to be a mentor, but the program run on the USS Constitution-B is not for the faint of heart. Only the best of the best are accepted. Want to better your chances of approval? Make sure that you maintain a full time sim rate and contribute with sims that are of appropriate length, checked for spelling and grammar errors, and free from other formatting or content problems. Also show that you are able to participate in the plot, include other players in your plots and put the ship first (meaning that not all plots have to be about you, sometimes it is about others or the mission). | ||
If you are interested in becoming a mentor aboard the USS Constitution-B, read over the mentor handbook and contact Commander | If you are interested in becoming a mentor aboard the USS Constitution-B, read over the mentor handbook and contact Commander Jalana Rajel to apply. | ||
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Outside of simming, there are a huge number of resources for you to let out your creative energies. Involvement in any of the OOC activities is strictly optional below the rank of Lieutenant, but in order to progress up the ranks a certain level of involvement is expected. | Outside of simming, there are a huge number of resources for you to let out your creative energies. Involvement in any of the OOC activities is strictly optional below the rank of Lieutenant, but in order to progress up the ranks a certain level of involvement is expected. | ||
<div style="background: LightGrey; border: 1px solid #BD934F; margin: 1em auto; padding: 0 10px; width: 400px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">Tip: See a sim you liked? Nominate it for the Top Sim competition!''</span></div> | <div style="background: LightGrey; border: 1px solid #BD934F; margin: 1em auto; padding: 0 10px; width: 400px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-size: x-small;">Tip: See a sim you liked? Nominate it for the Top Sim competition! Also check out the forums in general, it's fun to socialize with other players.''</span></div> | ||
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*Meeting others playing your duty post around the fleet, and learning more about how to play that post better; | *Meeting others playing your duty post around the fleet, and learning more about how to play that post better; | ||
*Nominating well written sims by either yourself or your crew for the Top Sim contest; | *Nominating well written sims by either yourself or your crew for the Top Sim contest; | ||
*Writing articles for the Community News (head to the team Yahoo! Group and request membership); | *Writing articles for the Community News (head to the team Yahoo! Group and request membership); | ||
*Joining the Publicity team! | *Joining the Publicity team! | ||
*Working on graphics in the Image team! | |||
*... and much more! | *... and much more! | ||
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There are many players throughout the Fleet that enjoy writing more than just on their own vessel. After you reach the rank of Lieutenant, you are permitted to have one other 'main' character on another ship. This other character is known as a secondary. This is not, however, the only extra avenue of writing within the Starbase 118 fleet. On the contrary, there are many other places that encourage your creativity to flow. | There are many players throughout the Fleet that enjoy writing more than just on their own vessel. After you reach the rank of Lieutenant, you are permitted to have one other 'main' character on another ship. This other character is known as a secondary. This is not, however, the only extra avenue of writing within the Starbase 118 fleet. On the contrary, there are many other places that encourage your creativity to flow. | ||
There are two areas on the forums where you can write freely, outside the ship: | |||
There are | |||
*Character Cafe: where writing in ''any'' style can be posted- even if it's not Star Trek related! | *Character Cafe: where writing in ''any'' style can be posted- even if it's not Star Trek related! | ||
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Regardless of your rank or position, or when you joined the USS Constitution-B, always remember that the command staff is there to help you. No matter what your question or comment is, or if you simply need another set of eyes or help with another issue, your Captain and First Officer will be glad to help! Simply contact them. | Regardless of your rank or position, or when you joined the USS Constitution-B, always remember that the command staff is there to help you. No matter what your question or comment is, or if you simply need another set of eyes or help with another issue, your Captain and First Officer will be glad to help! Simply contact them. | ||
As we like to say: We are a family, all in the same tin boat. | |||
[[Category:USS Constitution-B|Handbook]] | [[Category:USS Constitution-B|Handbook]] | ||