User:Aitas/Sandbox1: Difference between revisions

Jump to navigation Jump to search
no edit summary
No edit summary
No edit summary
Line 128: Line 128:
Themes
Themes


We also tend to be ''slightly'' more "European" in what constitutes a PG-13 rating. Generally speaking, this means that we tend to prefer a euphemism ("Frak!") over a censored word ("$@#%!"), we have a number of shipboard romances (and as of 2388, a pregnancy) and we explore these through tastefully written sims and Joint Posts. We also take a relaxed, 24th century view on the personal choices and freedoms of the crew aboard.
<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: The MPAA defines PG-13 as "Some material may be not be appropriate for children under 13". More information [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motion_Picture_Association_of_America_film_rating_system#Rating_process here].''</span></div>
Accordingly, this means that we tend to avoid scenes with strong violence or gratuitous bloodshed if at all possible- especially acts committed by Starfleet personnel in good standing. While an occasional sim may contain violence, it is unbecoming for officers in good standing to wound or take lives unnecessarily, gratuitously or with relish. The Starbase fires her phasers only when she has to.
Realism
This ties in with the realism of things that we enjoy on the Starbase 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. In fact, we even have a Cardassian counselor aboard, which has become the catalyst for tons of character development, especially among the Betazoid population of our crew.


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?'''===
==='''Need Help Getting into the Story?'''===
Line 152: Line 143:
*''A close friend.''
*''A close friend.''
{{Heading|Plot and Themes|Red}}
{{Heading|Plot and Themes|Red}}
This ties in with the realism of things that we enjoy on the Starbase 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. In fact, we even have a Cardassian counselor aboard, which has become the catalyst for tons of character development, especially among the Betazoid population of our crew.
{{SubHeading|Content Rating|Red}}
{{SubHeading|Content Rating|Red}}
We also tend to be ''slightly'' more "European" in what constitutes a PG-13 rating. Generally speaking, this means that we tend to prefer a euphemism ("Frak!") over a censored word ("$@#%!"), we have a number of shipboard romances (and as of 2388, a pregnancy) and we explore these through tastefully written sims and Joint Posts. We also take a relaxed, 24th century view on the personal choices and freedoms of the crew aboard.
<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: The MPAA defines PG-13 as "Some material may be not be appropriate for children under 13". More information [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motion_Picture_Association_of_America_film_rating_system#Rating_process here].''</span></div>
Accordingly, this means that we tend to avoid scenes with strong violence or gratuitous bloodshed if at all possible- especially acts committed by Starfleet personnel in good standing. While an occasional sim may contain violence, it is unbecoming for officers in good standing to wound or take lives unnecessarily, gratuitously or with relish. The Starbase fires her phasers only when she has to.
Realism
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.
{{Heading|Characters|Red}}
{{Heading|Characters|Red}}
{{SubHeading|PNPCs|Red}}
{{SubHeading|Personal/Player NPCs|Red}}
<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: Feel free to play your PNPC as often or infrequently as you like, but if they start to eclipse your main character you should consider making them your main character (and your old main a PNPC). You can do this at any time, just ask your CO.''</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: Feel free to play your PNPC as often or infrequently as you like, but if they start to eclipse your main character you should consider making them your main character (and your old main a PNPC). You can do this at any time, just ask your CO.''</span></div>


Line 174: Line 175:


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.
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.
{{SubHeading|Mission Specific NPCs|Red}}
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 generally only played for the mission they were created in. Occasionally, some MSNPCs are seen again in future missions or sims.
Tip: If you're assigned a MSPNPC, don't tell anyone- and try to mix up your writing style and format a little to keep people guessing! The mystery is half the fun!
MSNPCs are assigned by the command staff of the Starbase. 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.
When thinking about simming a MSNPC, it is important that you consider your availability. Regardless of how many PNPCs or MSPNPCs you are simming, you will be expected to maintain your sim rate throughout the mission in addition to these extra characters. If you think that spending the extra time for another character might mean that you sim your main character less, then it may be a good idea to wait till next time.
Once assigned, you will be sent an introduction email explaining your character for the mission and any limitations that may be placed on said character. You will be expected to sim this character as needed throughout the course of the mission, even though that may not be as much as is considered 'full time' for purposes of the fleet. You are, however, required to sim it enough to push the plot forward so that it does not stall because of tags or events that are in the hands of the MSPNPC and its writer.




Line 225: Line 237:




==='''Omniscience'''===
{{SubHeading|General RP Etiquette|Red}}


While we, the writers, can read any sim in the fleet (and know what's going on all over the ship) your characters do not. Part of realistically playing a character is making sure that the character only reacts to what they know. There's nothing wrong with picking up hints or clues about what's going on all over the ship, but even powerful telepaths should be mindful to keep some surprise in store for their characters.
While we, the writers, can read any sim in the fleet (and know what's going on all over the ship) your characters do not. Part of realistically playing a character is making sure that the character only reacts to what they know. There's nothing wrong with picking up hints or clues about what's going on all over the ship, but even powerful telepaths should be mindful to keep some surprise in store for their characters.
Line 232: Line 244:




=='''Polishing your Sims'''==
{{SubHeading|Polishing your Sims|Red}}


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 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.
Line 245: Line 257:
*''Read your sims before posting them. If YOU wouldn't read your own work, who will?''
*''Read your sims before posting them. If YOU wouldn't read your own work, who will?''
*''Use whitespace to make your posts more readable.''
*''Use whitespace to make your posts more readable.''
*''Splash in actions, thoughts and the like. A good rule of thumb is, one good descriptive for every two lines of dialog for your character. It is not required, but if you use this exercise, you can increase the quality of a sim instantly. Dialog is good, but internal feelings and thoughts are better.''
*''Splash in actions, thoughts and the like.''


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.




=='''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 generally only played for the mission they were created in. Occasionally, some MSNPCs are seen again in future missions or sims.
Tip: If you're assigned a MSPNPC, don't tell anyone- and try to mix up your writing style and format a little to keep people guessing! The mystery is half the fun!
MSNPCs are assigned by the command staff of the Starbase. 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.
When thinking about simming a MSNPC, it is important that you consider your availability. Regardless of how many PNPCs or MSPNPCs you are simming, you will be expected to maintain your sim rate throughout the mission in addition to these extra characters. If you think that spending the extra time for another character might mean that you sim your main character less, then it may be a good idea to wait till next time.
Once assigned, you will be sent an introduction email explaining your character for the mission and any limitations that may be placed on said character. You will be expected to sim this character as needed throughout the course of the mission, even though that may not be as much as is considered 'full time' for purposes of the fleet. You are, however, required to sim it enough to push the plot forward so that it does not stall because of tags or events that are in the hands of the MSPNPC and its writer.
==='''Anonymous Email Accounts'''===
At the beginning of a mission, the CO takes volunteers for people to play these roles, and assigns them each to an anonymous e-mail account that has been set up especially for this task. During the mission, no one knows who is playing which MSPNPC, including the other MSPNPCS. We have found that this adds to the suspension of disbelief, removes expectations from the MSPNPCs, and makes the game more enjoyable.
At the end of the mission, identities are usually revealed, and the anonymous email addresses are abandoned until they are needed again for the next mission. The anonymous email accounts should not be used for any other purpose than to send sims in from your MSPNPC. Be careful to check your email 'TO' line to make sure that you are sending the sim from the correct address so that you maintain the mystery of the character.
Some writers make a game of privately trying to guess the MSPNPC's writers just before the big reveal, so feel free to join in with that, too!
Simming a MSPNPC
MSPNPCs are simmed just like any PNPC. Simming an MSPNPC is a great chance to try something new or challenging with a character, since they are designed to be temporary.
It should be noted that although MSPNPCs are usually villains, writers are reminded that ALL SB118 sims must be PG-13. Scenes of extreme cruelty or sadism, even from MSPNPCs, isn't acceptable. If you want your character to commit a serious 'kick the dog' moment, it is best to 'fade to black' or employ vague or poetic wording to do so. If you're ever in doubt that a scene might not be PG-13, it probably isn't... but the PG-13 rating is a very subjective thing. As always, if you're uncertain, ask the command staff for clearance.
Simming an MSPNPC can be a lot of fun, as long as it doesn't become added stress to an already packed schedule. It is important to keep this in mind when you apply to write as one of these characters.
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.




Line 327: Line 311:


   
   
==='''Fleet OOC Opportunities'''===
{{Heading|Fleet Out of Character Opportunities|Red}}


At the time of writing, there are a vast number of fleet-wide OOC activities you can become involved in!
At the time of writing, there are a vast number of fleet-wide OOC activities you can become involved in!


*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;
*Entering the Writing Challenges, held every two months;
*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!
2,751

edits

Navigation menu