Starbase 118 Ops New Officer Handbook: Difference between revisions

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First and foremost, welcome to Starbase 118! If you're reading this, it's likely that you've been linked to this handbook by either Captain Sal Taybrim, or your mentor, whoever that may be.

   

Find an error? Have a question not outlined here? Please, never hesitate to contact Captain [[Taybrim, Sal|Taybrim]] or your mentor at any time!

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There are many reasons that people join the Starbase 118 fleet. While a love of Trek is a major one, there are some officers that join just because writing these characters is a lot of fun. As such, there are times when you might just need a little bit of extra help ironing out the tech and canon trek information that you include in your sim. Thankfully, the writers throughout the fleet have a few very trusted websites where we can seek out information and help.

   

Still feel lost? Don't hesitate to contact any member of the command staff with your questions. If they don't know the answer, they can find the answer for you.

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Going hand in hand with seeking help with simming format; one of the unique and wonderful things about a Starbase is that the stability of location lends itself to serial storytelling.  This means that plot elements frequently tie together in an ongoing storyline.

   

* Escalators - some sections have escalators where turbolifts would be inefficent.

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==='''Basic Simming'''===

The UFoP: Starbase 118 Academy introduces all new Ensigns to the script style format that the fleet uses to sim. Once Ensigns are assigned to their own ship, however, they might notice that there are little differences that vary from the format taught in the Academy. These differences make up the 'style' that a ship has, and each ship in the fleet is proud to have their own 'style'. This section will cover some of the variations that make up the 'style' that we use here at Starbase 118.

   

   

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.

==='''Need Help Getting into the Story?'''===

   

Switching characters is allowed, but on a case by case basis. These changes have to be approved by the command staff of the Starbase, so contact a member of the staff to discuss the change that you are thinking of. Keep in mind, however, that switching characters is not something to do every month. If a switch is approved, another will not be immediately approved. So think about these changes deeply before you decide to jump.

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Consistently maintaining a sim count higher than the bare minimum (generally 20+ a month) and answering your tags with alacrity looks very good for your development, keeps your character involved in the plot and allows for a much more fun simming experience for the whole crew.

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While each ship is considered an individual ship within the fleet, there are jobs and tasks that are required to make the fleet, as a whole, run. As you move up the ranks on your ship, you will be presented with lots of opportunities to help out on a fleet-wide basis and not just on your ship. While simming a character in the future world of Trek is a blast, there is plenty of behind the scenes activity that must happen in order to keep the fleet going. Fleet rank requirements state that helping out is required if you want to advance beyond a certain point and become a leader within the fleet.

   

   

There are many ways to help out, but you should be meeting a 3 sim a week average before taking on additional duties. In this instance, we say fun before work! Remember, the ship is here for you to have fun, it should never feel like a job!

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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.

Telepaths

   

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==='''Telepathy and Special Senses'''===

It can be frustrating to spend time and sims building up to an event, be it a major component of the plot or just some story arc you are following, and end up having to salvage it from ruins when another player 'claims' they knew what was happening. As such, be aware of how much knowledge you have when you are writing a sim and make sure that you keep your character 'in the dark'.

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One of the most important steps in building a great sim involves taking what you have written and polishing it up so that it not only reads well, but looks nice as well. The Starbase 118 Fleet adheres to certain guidelines when formatting sims so that they are similar fleet-wide. Some of these guidelines include the location of action at the top of your sim, the signage throughout the sim, and a signature at the end of a sim. It is important to remember these guidelines so that everyone involved will be able to read, and respond, to your contribution.

   

   

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.

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Writers of anonymous characters are also asked to maintain the secrecy of their character and not reveal any information that might blatantly show off who the writer is behind the character.

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Yeah, baby! The privileges of rank.

   

''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'.''

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When new writers come aboard any ship, including StarBase 118 Ops, they are given a mentor. This will generally be a staff member of rank Lieutenant or higher who guides, encourages and helps the new writer with any issues they may be facing. Starbase 118 has a few specific officers who have signed up to mentor new Ensigns as they are placed with our crew.

   

   

If you are interested in becoming a mentor aboard the Starbase, read over the mentor handbook and contact Commander [[Sal Taybrim|Taybrim]] 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.

   

   

*Character Cafe: where writing in ''any'' style can be posted- even if it's not Star Trek related!

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