The Syndicate

So a Question comes to mind.

What Era would you like this to be set in if you had your choice?

Enterprise - Limited Ships/Classes
JJ Verse? - Just because it should be an option. This would put us in an alternate reality.
The Original Series - The Original Series Movies
The Next Generation
Deep Space Nine
Deep Space Nine - Dominion War
TNG Movies / Voyager
After the last TNG movie. (future trek - Where no one has yet gone)

Picking one of these will help us determine how the storylines will unfold, the species available to you, and the Class of Vessel we can use. So choose wisely. LOL

To give you an idea, if you want more Action, the Dominion War would be the way to go. You want more pure exploration then Enterprise/TOS might be a little more up your ally. If you want exploration but in a more established universethen TNG/DS9.

Just starting to think ahead a little. This will also help me groom your future torture se... I mean the next storyline to throw at you.

Thanks to those who were able to attend tonight, I think that went very well. I will work out an After Action/Captains log report for you and post it here soon.

((To Set the Mood...... ))

An aged and seasoned man strolls out in front of the conference hall, coming slowly to a stop in front of a large screen adorned with a large Starfleet Academy Logo. He stands there waiting as the room quiets down. He seems to be lost in his own thoughts, he scratches at a balding spot at the top of his head. After a long moment he glances up. "Welcome cadets!" he says and begins a slow walk towards one side of the stage. "Today you will get to live the dream. You get to go out there into the vastness of space, or at least a short distance into space and take part in an exercise in which you will be judged on your performance." he turns and starts pacing the other direction. "Now we have three vessels going out, each on its own specific mission." he stops and turns. "Altar Misfits, will be assigned to the USS Ohio with Captain Doan." he continues to pace, once again stopping to glance at the next group. "Lady Lucks, you get the USS Vermont with Captain Stennis." he continues and once again comes to a stop turning to stare at you and your classmates. "The Syndicate, you will be taking out the USS Texas. You'll meet your Captain aboard ship. Be gentle, she's and old ship but she still has it where it counts." he looked to the rest of the class. "Get with your Class Quartermaster and head to your ship, Dismissed!" he said as he strolled from the room.

About an hour goes by, you get your uniforms issued and after a short shuttle ride up to Starbase 001 in orbit around earth you peer out and see the your approaching a vessel, she's a Miranda Class vessel. She certainly does not show her age but you know by the looks of her she's certainly one of Starfleet's Earlier models of the Miranda class. The shuttle glides into the shuttlebay and settles to the deck, the engines quiet down and the door slides open admitting you to your first vessel, the smell of the recycled air is unique but tolerable.

(This is your starting point for the up coming sim...just a way to get you into the spirit of the game.)

We will run out of boots and Padds if you don't recycle and flush...

See! He gets me! I like this guy already!

However... one simply cannot fix a waveguide.... It has to be removed and a new one installed and that's a big job because it is essentially a long piece of metal that acts as an insulated power conduit like a wire that transfers energy through the floor or ceiling a long distance which things tap into for power. It's usually connected directly to the EPS power grid. LOL

JaggedJimmyJay wrote:I'd have a lot of fun with chief engineer as long as I get to make up my own technobabble instead of having to reference REAL [fake] Star Trek science. :P

That can go good with the Current Star Trek stuff, I think we could work with that. But having some knowledge in some of the ships things would be helpful. If it breaks ya gotta be able to at least fix the thing. LOL Engineering is one of those positions that you can know only a little or a lot about treknology. The more you know the more the SM can challenge you. However you could just be a half wack job who knows that the thing is but calls it his own thing. LOL

Warp Drive - Glowing Inch Worm Thingie
Phaser - Zapper
Security Department - Walking dead
EPS power conduit - power thingie..

LOL So many things to choose from. But if the SM drops.

ACTION: Main power on decks 3 - 5 have gone offline, Diagnostics are showing that the primary waveguide has sustained damage.

Knowing what a waveguide is and how it works would help. LOL But one could simple post ::Goes and fixes the waveguide thingie...:: and it accomplishes the same. You might be better backing up someone with knowledge in Star Trek Science/Technology stuff maybe. But we can see how it goes.

Nerolunar wrote:I would like a position that´s not too hard/technical I don´t really know what that would be though...

I would suggest the following then for you to start out with:

Helmsman - Just need to know some basic nautical terms, and what kind of engine does what on the ship. IE: Thrusters, Impulse Engines, and Warp Drive. What a Warp Field is might be handy as well. You dont have to become a rocket scientist but have a basic understanding of how that stuff works. Though in certain circumstances this can be a very busy position.

Security - Think Cop with a laser gun. LOL

Medical - I wouldn't call medical easy but it can be as easy as you make it or as complicated as you want. Like Daisy said she used to keep tabs open to medical stuff, that helped her.

This gives you an idea of what a SiM kinda looks like as it progresses. This was done on AIM or AOL at the time. So our future version may not feature the time stamp but you can see the persons Screen Name on the left, their tag and then there post.

Please let me know if you have questions. I will do my best to answer them. The more you know what to expect the day of when we start the better the experience.

One thing I can say is try your best to know your position. If you have one you think you might like to try looking up stuff about what your position would do. Knowing "Treknology" is a plus but not a must. For an Engineer you may want to be more Savvy on the Treknology or the concept of it. Both me and Daisy should be able to help you with that or direct you to resources. There are a TON of online resources.

Here is another sample from January 2008

AngelaBenham (11:01:25 PM): [CMO] ::in her office she is overwhelmed with updating all the personel medical files, but for once she doesn't mind, keeps her from thinking too much, which seems to only leave her irritated these days::
R0GUE Q (11:01:39 PM): {XO} ::nods then grins over at her:: {CNS} know of any good prosthetics dealers on the planet?
MichieruTieraal (11:02:06 PM): CNS> XO> ::makes a sad face:: No...not really...
Wesleywpicard (11:02:21 PM): [Lisa]::she looks up to her dad her eyes ll aglow with joy she had never been to earth::[Dad] is earth nice?
R0GUE Q (11:02:31 PM): {XO} {CNS} it's okay, I've been working on one... slowly...
MichieruTieraal (11:02:55 PM): CNS> XO> I wish I could help...that had to have been so painful
KLynnaQultuq (11:02:57 PM): [CENG]::looks over at Sae's console:: [Aeng]Yeah that particular one is done but about 3 more started
CptVidiot (11:02:58 PM): [CO] ::He stands up, his eyes finding the back of the head of the one at the Helm:: [Helm] Hello? ::he blinks:: is anyone home?
Tom Paskel ECF (11:03:09 PM): [Pilot] ::he sat in the quarters assigned to him, reading a very funny device that the man with the funny head called a PADD, reading up on the past few centuries of history::
Wesleywpicard (11:03:15 PM): [Rose]::a little girl who appears to be of 4 years of age wanders into sickbay::
AmberFireECF (11:03:38 PM): {Helm}::looks up at the captain::{CO} I'm here sir. I think. This may be an illusion though
R0GUE Q (11:04:09 PM): {XO} {CNS} a bit... ::twitches a moment::
CptVidiot (11:04:12 PM): [CO][Helm] Well... While your halucinating.. could you check our position possibly?
Wesleywpicard (11:04:19 PM): [CSEC]::smiles::[Lisa] yes Lisa Earth is lovely especially Hawaii ::he looks around::[Kids] where did Rose go?
Wesleywpicard (11:04:47 PM): [Alexis]::looks around too::[Dad] i don't know
Haemis (11:04:51 PM): [Tac] ::sits in his quarters, staring out the window with a blank expression and drooling::
AngelaBenham (11:05:01 PM): [CMO] ::hears the door to SB open and goes out to see who is here and how she can help them, sees the little girl:: [Rose] Well hello...
Wesleywpicard (11:05:24 PM): [CSEC]::sighs::[Alexis] finishing packing your suitcase then help Sarah and Lisa pack hers i am going to go look for rose
CptVidiot (11:05:31 PM): (((YAY!!!!)))
AngelaBenham (11:05:49 PM): ((Emily!!))
R0GUE Q (11:05:50 PM): {XO} (HOORAY! The crew is complete!)
EmilyRWildman (11:06:20 PM): ((well so much for sneaking in lol))
MichieruTieraal (11:06:25 PM): CNS> XO> I am hoping the doctors can help me finally recover all of those memories
Haemis (11:06:41 PM): [Tac] ::looks around for his left boot, then realized he's holding it in his hand, foot raised, and about to put it on::
MichieruTieraal (11:06:42 PM): (for some reason the program I am using doesn't let me send alot of text)
AngelaBenham (11:06:49 PM): [CMO] [Rose] Can I help you?
MichieruTieraal (11:06:49 PM): (so sorry for that in advance)
Wesleywpicard (11:06:53 PM): [Rose]::jumps alittle and looks at the female:;[CMO] hi ahh where exactly is this place? ::she had decided to explorer the ship but she leaves the fact she had snuck out of her quarters out::
Haemis (11:06:55 PM): (Gaim?)
Haemis (11:07:00 PM): (Or Pidgin?)
MichieruTieraal (11:07:01 PM): (yes!)
MichieruTieraal (11:07:05 PM): (gaim)
AmberFireECF (11:07:07 PM): {OPS}::she blinked a bit, and somehow she was over at the operations station. but it might be a figment of her imagination. she pinched herself to check::
R0GUE Q (11:07:08 PM): {XO} ::looks over at her:: {CNS} wish I could have been of more help in that regard...
Haemis (11:07:13 PM): (Yeah. It's retarded that way)
Haemis (11:07:32 PM): (I might patch it)
EmilyRWildman (11:07:38 PM): [Helm]::she slipped into the helm seat, turning around enough to give Amara a sly smile::
AngelaBenham (11:07:39 PM): [CMO] [Rose] ::motions around the room:: This is Sickbay. Are you lost?
Saerin Makihia (11:07:52 PM): [AENG]::the sound of a something clunking loudly, followed by a few random curses, ( ::JUST DIES:: EMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) then she re-emerged from the panel, hitting it hard with the heel of her hand::
Haemis (11:08:05 PM): [Tac] ::Completes the operation of pulling on his boot, then looks around for the other one::
CptVidiot (11:08:05 PM): [CO] ::He blinks lookin between the Helm and the Operations Stations:: ok..... [HELM} About time ya joined us Ms. Wildman. Care to pull a position fix for us.
Wesleywpicard (11:08:09 PM): [Rose][CMO] yes alittle will actully i am explorering this ship and i got lost
EmilyRWildman (11:08:14 PM): ((hi hi!))
Saerin Makihia (11:08:26 PM): [AENG]::blinks at the lights lit solid, grinning over at Lynna::[CENG]You're right... hitting it works...
MichieruTieraal (11:08:31 PM): CNS> XO> You did help...I just seem to be to receptive to your memories ::smiles::
Haemis (11:08:54 PM): [Tac] ::finds it on his other foot and stands, satisfied::
R0GUE Q (11:09:15 PM): {XO} ::chuckles a bit:: {CNS} be glad we haven't had a chance to go through another session after we got back...
AngelaBenham (11:09:23 PM): [CMO] ::leans over looks her in the eye:: [Rose] Do your parents know where you are?
EmilyRWildman (11:09:27 PM): [Helm]::grins before pulling up sensors quickly::[CO}We are nearing the Trill system, cruising at a comfortable Warp 6 and preparing for interplanetary approach
Wesleywpicard (11:09:28 PM): [CSEC]::enter the lift and tries to think where a 4 year old girl can go::[Self] i need to get the kids commbadges so i can locate them or atleast in the system
AmberFireECF (11:09:38 PM): {Copilot}::sitting goomily in her room, looking out the window, juggling a clear plastic ball with one hand::
Haemis (11:09:43 PM): [Tac] ::grabs a PADD from the shelf by his desk, and heads out for the torpedo inventory::
MichieruTieraal (11:10:03 PM): CNS> XO> ::they arrive outside the shuttle bay:: Yeah, I don't want memories of you losing your arm...
MichieruTieraal (11:10:19 PM): CNS> XO> Looking at it hurts enough
R0GUE Q (11:10:23 PM): {XO} {CNS} more the lightning strike than the arm...
Wesleywpicard (11:10:53 PM): [Rose][CMO] what's your name? ::she smiles up at her giving her the innocent look::
MichieruTieraal (11:10:54 PM): CNS> XO> True...I was sort of blacked out in pain, I keep forgetting that happened
Saerin Makihia (11:11:02 PM): [AENG]::brushing herself off as she stood up, she grinned a little::[CENG]Would you mind... if I showed our new crew around some? Everything looks good here.
Haemis (11:11:04 PM): [Tac] ::steps into the TL and punches buttons, rather than talking to it::
R0GUE Q (11:11:13 PM): {XO} {CNS} thankfully, there's no nerves in the cybernetics so it didn't hurt to lose the arm...
CptVidiot (11:11:22 PM): [CO][Helm] If you would please, drop us to Impulse power for approach...

Here is a Small Piece from December of 2007 from the USS Dark Angel Sim: For your Entertainment CptVidiot is Myself, and AngelaBenham is your SpaceDaisy

MichieruTieraal (11:21:25 PM): CNS> ::looks around, confused and in disbelief::
Saerin Makihia (11:21:30 PM): [ASEC]::blinking repeatedly, she backed up, until she found a wall, watching them uneasily::
R0GUE Q (11:21:50 PM): XO> ::rolls to his feet, glaring at the offending sword::
MichieruTieraal (11:22:44 PM): CNS> ::blinks, settling in:: Is everyone alright?
AngeIaBenham (11:22:47 PM): [CMO] ::heads over to the table with all kinds of food stuffs on it and stands on tiptoe to look around for cookies::
CptVidiot (11:22:59 PM): [Co] ::He points at nate with pumpkin pie all over his face, and laughs:: your funny.
CptVidiot (11:23:36 PM): [CO][CNS] you talk funny! ::He goes back to eating his pie::
R0GUE Q (11:23:40 PM): XO> ::looks at Vid:: CO> you're a boogerhead
MichieruTieraal (11:23:46 PM): CNS> Oh no...
KLynnaQultuq (11:23:50 PM): [CENG]::punches Saerin and runs out the door:: Come on let's get out here.......
MichieruTieraal (11:24:09 PM): CNS> You all really are kids...
AngeIaBenham (11:24:11 PM): [CMO] ::glances over at Nate on the floor and says to Dan:: [CO] He;s not funny, he's a big cry baby!
CptVidiot (11:24:31 PM): [Co][Xo] ::He looks up again covered in pie:: No I'm not... :;he starts examining hs head, his expression changing as his hand runs over the ridges on his forehead::
MichieruTieraal (11:25:16 PM): CNS> ALL> Hey! We need to stay in here, in this room!
AngeIaBenham (11:25:40 PM): [CMO] :;turns around and crosses her arms defiantly:: [CNS] who made you the boss?
Saerin Makihia (11:25:43 PM): [ASEC]::she ran after Lynna, rubbing her arm where she'd been hit::
MichieruTieraal (11:25:45 PM): CNS> ::doesn't want to know what kind of damage to the ship and to themselves will occur if they run loose::
CptVidiot (11:25:46 PM): [Co] ::He picks up his blaster and points it towards Michi:: [CNS] And if i donnna wanna?
KLynnaQultuq (11:26:37 PM): [CENG]::sticks her tongue out at Michi and runs over and stomps her foot:: [CNS]You're not the boss of me......
MichieruTieraal (11:26:37 PM): CNS> CO> Woah! Hold on, that's a real gun!
R0GUE Q (11:26:38 PM): XO> ::runs over and slaps Annie on the back:: CMO> tag, you're it!
R0GUE Q (11:27:08 PM): XO> ::darts away::
MichieruTieraal (11:27:21 PM): CNS> Ow! CENG> Look, it just isn't safe around the ship...there's..uh...a man! Yeah..don't you remember? He'll be looking for us
CptVidiot (11:27:24 PM): [CO] ::He examins it for a second:: Sure looks like one.. ::He pulls the trigger sending a pie across the room at her::
AngeIaBenham (11:27:34 PM): [CMO] :;slapped on the back, turns and glares for moment at Nate's retreating figure:: [XO] Hey! That wasn't fair i didn't know we were playing tag! :;runs off after him::
MichieruTieraal (11:27:57 PM): CNS> CO> ::screams:: I just said to be careful! ::can't talk fast enough::
KLynnaQultuq (11:28:13 PM): [CENG][CNS]Boys are gross...... ::runs out the door::
Saerin Makihia (11:28:28 PM): [ASEC]::she retreated to the wall again, staring at them, then giving chase to Lynna::
CptVidiot (11:28:30 PM): [CO][CENG] GIRLS HAVE COOTIES!!!!!!!!!
MichieruTieraal (11:28:42 PM): CNS> Damn it...::looks down as she wipes the pie off her oversized clothes::
CptVidiot (11:28:51 PM): [CO][CNS] Cootie blaster.... ::he opens fire with the Pie Blaster at Michi::
MichieruTieraal (11:28:52 PM): ((god, it's like I'm at work..LOL))
R0GUE Q (11:28:59 PM): (clothes are sized to fit)
MichieruTieraal (11:29:08 PM): (Whatever..fine lol))
MichieruTieraal (11:29:23 PM): (thought because of your sword...)
CptVidiot (11:29:34 PM): [Co] ((Lmao....))
R0GUE Q (11:29:41 PM): XO> (sword was different... if the clothes didn't fit Nate would be nekkid...)
MichieruTieraal (11:29:55 PM): ((no mental pics needed, I get the idea))
AngeIaBenham (11:30:05 PM): [CMO] ::stops by Dan:: [XO] I do not have cooties! ::hits him with an evil grin before running off and calling over her shoulder:: You're It!
Saerin Makihia (11:30:37 PM): [ASEC][CENG]Kroiha!!!
CptVidiot (11:30:42 PM): [Co] NO!!!!!!!! ::HE starts shooting pies at Annie's back::
R0GUE Q (11:30:50 PM): XO> ::hiding behind a plant in the corner of the room::
CptVidiot (11:30:58 PM): [Co] ::He stops shooting, and runs over to Michi::
CptVidiot (11:31:14 PM): [Co] ::He slaps her on the shoulder:: [CNS] Your it!
MichieruTieraal (11:31:17 PM): CNS> ::tries to compose her thoughts::
CptVidiot (11:31:25 PM): [Co] ::he runs for the door::
AngeIaBenham (11:32:01 PM): [CMO] ::hit in the back with a pie, trips over her own feet and falls down:: [CO] You can't use weapons! There are no weapons ni tag dummy. ::attempts to wipe the excess pie off her back which is a funny site to behold indeed::

So for a Quick Tutorial (I will post an example after)

Simming is essentially like active story telling. It's written kind of like I would imagine a script would look. Each person at the beginning of the session will be given a post if one has not already been assigned as a permanent posting. So its something to think about. What would you like to do if you choose to do this with regularity.

As I mentioned before there are "posts" which are as follows.
Position POST TAG
Sim Master <SM> Essentially the Dungeon Master for this game. Our Plot Twister. The man behind the curtain.
Commanding Officer <CO> Think: Picard, Kirk, Archer, Mal, Sisko, Janeway, Pike
Executive Officer <XO> Think: Riker, Spock, Indian Guy on Voyager, Kira, T'pol
Helmsman <HELM> THink: Sulu, Westley Crusher, Tom Paris, Travis Mayweather
Tactical Officer <TAC> Think: Worf, Tuvok, Malcom Reed
Chief of Security <CSEC> Think: Worf, Tuvok, Odo
Assistent Security Officer <ASEC> or <ASO>
Chief Medical Officer <CMO> Think: SpaceDaisy, Crusher, McCoy, EMH, Julian Bashier, Dr. Phlox
Assistant Medical Officer <AMO>
Operations Officer <OPS> Think: Data, Miles O'Brien,
Chief Engineer <CENG> Think: Scotty, LaForge, Belanna Torres, Charles Tucker III
Assistant Engineering Officer <AENG>
Ships Councilor (Rare) <CNS> Think: Dianna Troy
Chief Science Officer <CSCI> Think: Spock, Jadzia Dax
Assistant Science Officer <ASCI>
Every Damn Thing <EDT> This is the person who just fills in wherever we need them no matter what. Really just like an Operations officer but a flashy title.

When in the Chat in order to keep track of who's talking to who we use the Post Tags to keep things straight. For example the joining of Tags.

<CO><HELM> This is the Commanding officer talking to the helmsman. So yo know your being talked too.

IE: <CO><HELM> One Quarter Impluse Power!

IE: <CO><CENG> Chief, I need warp power or were all dead in thirty seconds!
<CENG><CO> Were a little busy down here right now!
<CO><CENG> Were about to die up here!
<CENG><CO> GOOD! Its my ship anyway!

Now. Often times you will find that your on the bridge talking to the Chief Engineer down in Engineering. You need to be able to denote that so people know your not in the same location talking. We generally use a few things. Some prefer ::TAPS::, I like the =/\= instead. Becuase it looks like a Comm badge. LOL So the same sequence above would look like this:

IE: <CO>=/\=<CENG> Chief, I need warp power or were all dead in thirty seconds!
<CENG>::TAPS::<CO> Were a little busy down here right now!
<CO>=/\=<CENG> Were about to die up here!
<CENG>::TAPS::<CO> GOOD! Its my ship anyway!

So now perhaps your wondering how you show that you've "PHYSICALLY" done something. There is a post tag known as the Actions Brackets and they are :: :: simple, and easy. Some people like to us ** ** but I find that confuses me personally but I dont mind if you choose to use this too.

IE: <CO> ::he walked over to the helmsman who's crying like a baby:: <HELM> THERE IS NO CRYING IN STAR TREK! ::Slaps the soul out of him::
IE: <CO> ::He walked over to Daisy:: <Daisy> Hiya! ::Pies her in the face::
IE: <CO> ::He drops heavily into his chair, and stares at the viewscreen with intensity:: <TAC> Fire at will!

Actions in game should be kept descriptive but short and sweet whenever possible. Try and break things up remembering that a few seconds are going by between posts. Think about the steps to do something and logically post those steps.

Other post Tags to remember
(( )) OOC = Out of Character Chat

IE: <CO><HELM> ::Settles into his chair:: Mr. Terry, Engage Running lights, thrusters to Stations Keeping. <OPS> Ms. Oliver, Switch us to internal support, clear all moorings. <TAC> Get me the Dock Master. ((Lets get this show on the road...))

*** Notice how here I addressed two positions in one post. This can be done just like that.

~~ ~~ Thoughts or Emotions that people cannot hear but anyone who is telepathic would pick up on. Probably check the roster for those and post them or as asked post them as it helps with their part of the story and character development.

IE: <CO> ::He stares at the Klingon vessel through the haze of the damaged bridge:: ~~Apprehension, Fear: "I'm going to die here today!"~~

Some of these things are pretty standard. I think that'ts it for Tag's Tutorial at the moment for the sim. I'm sure I will think of something I missed later. Or Daisy can chime in..

So do you want I should go and pull some old examples of logs to post as examples to help people understand whats going on with this when we do start? A tutorial sorta thing?

But for the purposes of practice sims. I could probably swing just about any day/time right now.

Depending upon the time Saturday or Sunday would be better for me. Just because I know in September I will be starting school and I know for a fact I wont have school on those days at night. The later the better because I'm on the Pacific Coast.

http://syndicatesim.chatango.com/ <--- Here is a link to our temporary room while we figure out the ship.

I was thinking maybe somewhere between 9-11 East Coast Time to start. Just some thoughts to get us started.

Yes.. yes I did. LOL

That's the second practice run...

Nerolunar - There certainly are plenty of them out there. They have most of the series and some of the movies on Netflix and other streaming services so its not a bad idea to watch a few shows. It would also give you an idea on what kind of a character you want to play. Essentially the role on the ship you want to play. If this kicks off and we make it a regular thing being able to create a character around what it is you want to do would be helpful to you in the long run.

Once we do decide to pick an era in which we will play that will also give you a good idea on which show series to watch to help acclimate will help too. But we've not really discussed that yet too.

One thing we will also be looking for if playing a specific role on the ship isnt of interest we'll be looking for a few Story Tellers. (Sim Masters) to also participate so even if you play a random character while trading off that position it might also work for you. Having more than one SM helps because it can keep the story fresh and allows you to brain storm ideas together. interweave storylines for long term events and help each other with individual one off stories.

I think one of the funnest parts of playing in this for me has always been creating characters with a Rich Background and growing it. You can start as the fresh newbie right out of Starfleet Academy or semi-experienced officer all the way up to the "Old man of the oaks" status guy who's just enjoying the career ride. Its really up to you. But thats a bridge we cross when and if this becomes an actual thing. The character you make can be as complicated or a simple as you want. Usually for first time people I tell them to put together a character concept that fits them the best just the basics and then grow as you play. As you interact with other players you might talk about experiences in Starfleet, on that ship you once served or that Battle you once fought in and that starts growing your character. If you've played Role Playing games like D&D you probably get my meaning. Daisy and I will also be able to help you a lot with your characters. Some things that will add restrictions onto our game play will involve the era because during certain times there are certain races and species that were not part of Starfleet so that will also put some constraints on characters. For Example: You couldn't play a Ferengi in Starfleet before the time frame that Nog became the first cadet in Starfleet from the Feringi alliance. Or for that matter a Klingon. As Worf has always been the only known full blooded Klingon in Starfleet. However I've always been very flexible about discussing proposals for characters and "Home grown" characters or cultures within the game as long as you can convince me that its plausible and logical. As an Example: I had a group of players that was able to make a good argument on how the characters from the cartoon series "Swat Kats" were able to live within the Star Trek World. Well there are Catians which are Cat like Humanoids. So why couldnt it be plausable for them to exist in the Star Trek Universe. The argument was sound I allowed it and Chance and I think Jake Furlong were part of my ships history. LOL My First Officer was a home grown species which was something like the cross between a Q and Jedi, and that concept worked because we needed him to fight his twin brother who was just like him but more powerful. Best longest running storyline we had was involving that man. It ran for a couple of years. So it is possible to get exceptions to the rules, we just need to talk.

The ship is something that you should keep in mind. I generally like to have the crew vote on what ship class we end up using, as well as the Name. Once we have the base of the ship in mind, I generally build out general specifications and get your input on any specific build out changes we want based on the era and time frame. This can change the make up of the ship in some cases due to War, or mission or both. So if your a trekkie and you have or know an Era you want to play in start considering a class of ship to use. But keep in mind when the class comes available.

Here is something for your reference: http://techspecs.acalltoduty.com/federation.html This is a great site for Starships, and their specifications as well as other information. I use it a lot as a reference.

Something to note, for our first practice SIM we will be using a Miranda Class Starship so looking over the specifications at the Defensive Systems, Decks, Crew Compliment, to get some basics wouldnt hurt. But not a necessary thing.

Sorry I'm rambling on.. LOL

Well, let me think... The important posts needed to be filled to do at least a couple of test runs..

SM, CO, HELM, TAC, ENG, MED so about 6 honestly. But the typical Chief Positions are SM, CO, XO, HELM, TAC, ENG, MED, OPS, SEC, SCI, CNS (Rare but sometimes..) and I think that covers it..
SM = Sim Master - Kinda like the DM in Dungeons and Dragons.
CO = Commanding Officer
XO = Executive Officer
HELM = Helmsman or Chief of Flight Operations
TAC = Tactical Officer
CENG/ENG = Chief Engineer
CMO = Chief Medical Officer
CSEC = Chief of Security
CSCI - Chief Science Officer
CNS = Chief Councilor

Those are the typical positions and if there are an overflow of poeple we start having them play Assistant positions which usually are an "A" and the position. Such as ASEC, AMO, AENG..
A little lesson I guess in simming "Tags"

When and if it becomes something more than just a few one off attempts, usually as the Captain i send out a "Captains Log" which is essentially a recap of the events that happened and I generally include the chat log from the room that night so that people can stay up to date with whats going on. Usually via E-Mail or I could do it on a bulliten board page. Either way we do keep everyone informed as to whats happening that is interested so they are not lost too if they come in mid storyline.

Absolutly. A lot of the time there is some fluidity in the positions so if you wanted to play randomly you could as well. Generally we fit players where we can or where they would like. Spectating is perfectly fine. 8-) If you decide you want to play as a random character we can work with that too.

::He chuckles:: Okay, okay... I'm not that mean. Give me some credit. It's actually "Galaxy Quest". I cant have just a little fun.

::He shakes his head:: For you it is going to be that Star Wars Ewok Adventure. If that isn't torture enough we can arrange four hours of Teletubbies followed by Barnie...

Really? You of all people have a question? ::Face, Palm::

It wouldn't be right not to vote yes! LOL

I've been involved in star trek Simminig for a long time. As far back as 1997, I Previously Captained my own ship for 5 1/2 years in total and participated in many others in various positions. If i can answer any questions you might have about the concept I would be happy to answer.