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Themes | Themes | ||
==='''Need Help Getting into the Story?'''=== | ==='''Need Help Getting into the Story?'''=== | ||
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*''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| | {{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> | ||
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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. | |||
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{{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. | ||
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{{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. | ||
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*''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 | *''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. | ||
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{{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; | ||
*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! |
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