Author Topic: Shadow Fleet Rules  (Read 11560 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Kirok

  • Shadow Fleet Reserves
  • Triumphant Member
  • **********
  • Posts: 12127
  • Awarded in January 2017 to all active members. Awarded in January and July to the most diplomatic player. Awarded to any player who writes the Post of the Month. Awarded every January by the FCO. Awarded to the winner of the bi-annual crew choice poll.
    • View Profile
    • Awards
Shadow Fleet Rules
« on: March 24, 2018, 02:47:52 pm »
Shadow Fleet Rules & Guidelines

SECTION 1: Character Creation
     1.1 - Creating a User Account
     1.2 - Character Species
     1.3 - Character Name
     1.4 - Character Biography
     1.5 - Playing Your Character
SECTION 2: Posting
     2.0 - Word Count
     2.1 - Content
     2.2 - Format
     2.3 - Spelling & Grammar
     2.4 - Using NPCs
     2.5a - Posting for Others
     2.5b - God Modding
     2.6 - Posting Commitment
     2.7 - Leave of Absence & Reserves
     2.8 - Inactive Player Character
     2.9 - Suspension due to Inactivity
SECTION 3: Promotions
     3.1 - Enlisted Promotions
     3.2 - Commissioned Officer Promotions
     3.3 - Command Level Officers
     3.4 - Flag Officers
     3.5 - Commissioned Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer Establishments
SECTION 4: Chain of Command
     4.1 - The Command Structure
     4.2 - Fleet Command Structure
     4.3 - Starship Command Structure
SECTION 5: Missions
     5.1 - Organization of Missions
     5.2 - Submitting Mission Ideas
« Last Edit: July 20, 2018, 07:24:22 pm by Dylan Torngate »

Species:  Betazoid/Vulcan.
Being kind to others costs nothing & builds a stronger community.

Offline Kirok

  • Shadow Fleet Reserves
  • Triumphant Member
  • **********
  • Posts: 12127
  • Awarded in January 2017 to all active members. Awarded in January and July to the most diplomatic player. Awarded to any player who writes the Post of the Month. Awarded every January by the FCO. Awarded to the winner of the bi-annual crew choice poll.
    • View Profile
    • Awards
Re: Shadow Fleet Rules
« Reply #1 on: March 24, 2018, 02:48:26 pm »

SECTION 1 - Character Creation

1.1 - Creating a User Account

Creating a user account is the first step towards joining our community here at Shadow Fleet. However, there are some rules that you must obey when creating your account:

  • You must not include vulgar, hateful, pornographic or obscene words in any section of your account.
  • The name of the account must be your character's full name.
  • Do not include ranks within the name of the account.
Failure to adhere to these rules may result in disciplinary action being taken and/or the account name being changed accordingly.

You should also be aware that a 'character capping' regulation is being enforced. All personnel in the fleet are restricted to a maximum of three characters.

This may be overruled by the Shadow Fleet Admiralty on a case by case basis

1.1a - Creating an Alt

A player may apply for a secondary character once the following criteria are fulfilled:
  • A Player must be active in Shadow Fleet for an approximate period of two months
  • A player must have accumulated at least 75 post or have been substantially active in the fleet for a period of two months.
*Please message a staff member prior to applying with a second character.

    In order to be allowed to create a third character, you must:
    • Have been an active member of the fleet for at least one year with both your primary and secondary characters.
    • Have reached a total of 400 posts on your second character.
    • Have had no disciplinary action taken against you in the past year.
    • Have received permission from the Fleet Personnel Officer (via a request submitted to your commanding officer).
    There are also some restrictions in place for the second/third character. Once created:
    • Player might only have one playable character per simm.
    • Players can create a maximum of 2 alternative characters.  For a total of 3 characters.
    • Maximum rank for an alt is Lieutenant Commander for Officers and Chief Petty Officer for Enlisted.
    • In the event that a Player wishes to create a 4th or more characters, the player must seek administration approval.
    • You may only hold one Command Officer Level or Flag Officer Level position or one Senior Enlisted Commander position across all accounts.
    If your character wishes to go through the commissioned officer route they must go through the OTC.
    *Exceptions by the admiralty + Academy Commandant can be made for secondary characters who's primary character has successfully completed the cadet program. Specialized exams will be given in such cases.

    Failure to adhere to these rules will result in the new account being suspended.

    1.2 - Character Species

    Once you have created your account, you can create your character. The first thing you should consider is the species. Shadow Fleet rules allow the following species:

    • Andorian
    • Ba'ku
    • Bajoran
    • Benzite
    • Betazoid
    • Bolian
    • Breen
    • Caitian
    • Cardassian
    • Denobulan
    • El-Aurian
    • Elaysian
    • Ferengi
    • Human
    • Klingon
    • Mugato
    • Nausicaan
    • Orion
    • Risian
    • Romulan
    • Rutian
    • Tellarite
    • Tholian
    • Trill
    • Vulcan
    • Yridian

    In addition, the following species are allowed but require a fully developed backstory and Fleet Admiral approval:

    • Androids
    • Delta Quadrant Species
    • Founders
    • Jem'Hadar
    • Liberated Borg
    • Preservers
    • Tarellians

    If you would like to SIMM as a species that is not on this list, seek admin approval first. Please note that prohibited species include the Borg, Talosians, the Q, Species 8472, and any non-canon species.

    This may be overruled by the Shadow Fleet Admiralty on a case by case basis

    Note that when you are creating your character, you will be required to write a bio for them, so you will need to be aware of the relevant background information for the species you have chosen. Remember that if your character is from a non-Federation species - for example, a Cardassian - and you wish for them to be a member of Starfleet, you will need to think of a plausible reason as to how they came to be accepted into the fleet. Implausible reasons will result in the application being rejected.


    1.3 - Character Name

    When you are creating a name for your character, the most important thing to remember is to be original! Try not to use a name that already exists in the Star Trek series. Notable canon names (Picard, Kirk, Riker etc.) are prohibited.

    You should also make the name of your character suit the race that you have chosen. For example, if you chose to be a Vulcan, do not use a Human name like Michael. Should this happen, you will be asked to think of another, more appropriate name for your character.


    1.4 - Character Biography

    The character biography is the most important part of the creation of your character here on Shadow Fleet. The biography allows other players to imagine the type of person your character is. Therefore, it is important that you get this right.

    Make the biography match the species you are, and the department you have applied for. For example, do not state that your character is a keen engineer and then apply for the medical position. Similarly, make your character's qualifications match their specialty. Do not give your character a medical degree when then are applying for a position as Helm officer. Again, should this happen, you will be asked to think of another, more appropriate biography for your character.


    1.5 - Playing Your Character

    You have created your character's name, species and biography. It is time to post as them. Bear in mind that when you begin to post, you must obey what you have already established with the character.

    Don't give your character special abilities in-game when the species they belong to clearly do not possess the ability. For example, do not give a Human telepathy when Humans are not telepathic. Again, if this happens, you will be warned to correct it.

    For further information about creating your character, please see: "Help: Character Creation"[/list]
    « Last Edit: July 25, 2021, 06:29:39 pm by Ian Galloway »

    Species:  Betazoid/Vulcan.
    Being kind to others costs nothing & builds a stronger community.

    Offline Kirok

    • Shadow Fleet Reserves
    • Triumphant Member
    • **********
    • Posts: 12127
    • Awarded in January 2017 to all active members. Awarded in January and July to the most diplomatic player. Awarded to any player who writes the Post of the Month. Awarded every January by the FCO. Awarded to the winner of the bi-annual crew choice poll.
      • View Profile
      • Awards
    Re: Shadow Fleet Rules
    « Reply #2 on: March 24, 2018, 02:49:08 pm »

    SECTION 2 - Posting


    2.0- Word Count

    We do not have a minimum word count. We require you to make posts that effectively convey the concepts, actions, and dialogue of your character in an engaging way.


    2.1 - Content & Behavior

    Posting with other characters and watching your own character grow and expand is an exciting process, however, there are rules governing what you can and can't post in the fleet and how you can act toward others.  This rule on content & behavior applies both on the site and off the site.  You MUST NOT post, PM or IM anything or act in a way that:

    • is obscene, pornographic or sexually explicit.
    • depicts graphic or gratuitous violence.
    • makes threats of any kind or that intimidates, harasses, or bullies anyone.
    • is derogatory, demeaning, malicious, defamatory, abusive, offensive or hateful.
    • goes outside the realms of possibility for your established character and/or others.
    At Shadow Fleet we use Star Trek canon.  That is, we only use equipment, species and technology that has been established in Star Trek episodes, movies, and cartoons (though we are set in the "Prime Universe"). 

    In addition, Memory Alpha can be used as a primary source for information and Memory Beta as a back up to fill in details not included but referenced in Memory Alpha.

    Our Shadow Fleet Timeline of Events is historical canon as far as Shadow Fleet is concerned and any conflicting sources would be considered wrong for roleplaying purposes.

    If something non canon does require creation, this creation will be subject to approval by the Admiralty and will require a discussion before implementation!

    While character relationships are not forbidden, Shadow Fleet is a 13+ rated board, so if your characters do partake in extra-curricular activities during a date, keep the description to a minimum.

    Shadow Fleet considers violation of these rules as serious offence.  This is not an exhaustive list.  So please treat others as you would want to be treated regardless of where you are when you are conducting SF business.  Anyone found to be continually breaking these will be subject to disciplinary proceedings.


    2.2 - Format

    This is the preferred posting format within Shadow Fleet. Slight deviations from this format are permitted but try to follow it as closely as possible to maintain consistency across the RPG.

    [Location Tag]

    Set the scene for the rest of the players. Describe what the character is doing, take time to explain the setting using lots of adjectives.

    "This is your reply speech. Remember the speech marks"  said [insert name]


    Please remember to follow this format as it makes everything consistent and enables easier reading. Also, remember to watch your spelling and grammar; if you need help, use a spell checker.

    Here is an example post:


    [Tinzu planet surface]

    Kirok offered the woman a nod.  They had worked together on the Discovery for a short while.   He remember her well.

    Then his thought turned back to the mission at hand.   The Federation had not had a great history with arachnoid species.  He wondered if their situation with this species would improve.


    Please see: Posting Format

    2.3 - Spelling & Grammar

    Shadow Fleet is a text-based role-playing game, and as such, a certain level of spelling & grammar is required so all members can enjoy the RPG experience. The following rules govern spelling & grammar:

    • The official language on the boards is English. If you can't write in English, sorry!
    • All proper English spellings are acceptable as long as the post is legible. For example, "color" (American English) and "colour" (British English) would both be acceptable.
    • Posts should be checked using the spell checker, before you submit them to the boards, and preferably proof read after you have submitted them.
    Anyone seen to be having trouble with their spelling & grammar will be notified by an admin or forum moderator and help will be offered to bring them up to standard.


    2.4 - Use of NPCs

    NPCs, or "Non-playing Characters", are recurring characters that are not played by any user on the forums. They will generally be defined on the ship's roster. The rules regarding the use of NPCs are as follows:

    • They must only be used to add to the background of a story or story event.
    • Only NPCs that have been defined in the ship's roster may be used. Do not make up NPCs without the approval of a command officer.
    • They must not be used against another user without their consent.
    • Injuries or deaths amongst NPCs are allowed, but should be kept to a minimum and should only occur when the story warrants it.
    2.5a - Posting for Others

    Posting for others is defined as using another user's character in a post, without their consent. This is expressly prohibited within Shadow Fleet and anyone found to be breaking this could face a temporary suspension from the fleet.

    If you would like to include another user's character within one of your posts, contact the owner of the character FIRST, via private message. After you receive written permission from the other player, you will be authorized to include that user's character in your post.  You should also keep a copy of the PM giving you permission to use the character, should any misunderstandings occur.

    2.4a - Guest Starring on Another SIMM

    If a CO requests a player to guest star, they should PM the player and their CO(s) and the affected TG CO(s) so that everyone is in the loop. If a player wants to guest star, they should PM the CO where they want to guest star, CC their CO(s), as well as the affected TG CO(s).

    Player should receive approval from all involved COs prior to guest starring.

    Player is expected to prioritize missions for their main/alt(s) over the guest starring role

    2.5 - God Modding

    God Modding is defined as giving your character the ability to do actions without limits or boundaries.  Such actions can include and not limited to: knowledge that characters cannot possibly know, auto-hitting other PC's, supernatural abilities with no explanation, directly controlling or controlling the consequences of your actions to another PC. 

    In posting you should describe your own character's actions and their intent- not the result of the action if this involves another character or is of importance to the plot. For example: You can say that you are attempting to disarm the bomb and the way you are trying, not that you successfully disarmed the bomb. Or, when involving another character, you can say you are attempting to punch them in the jaw, hoping to knock them out, but the result of the action should be described in the responding character's post.

    Example "Poor" Post: "James T. Kirk interlaces his fists and brings down a double-fisted hammer blow on the Gorn! The lizard beast slumps to the dirt and rolls down the hill."
    Example "Good" Post: "James T. Kirk interlaces his fists and brings down a double-fisted hammer blow, hoping to knock the lizard-beast out with one blow!"


    2.6 - Posting Activity

    While we do not impose a minimum posting requirement we do expect all members to be active, engaged and online regularly. We realize that post count may vary based on both real lives and in mission constraints. With that in mind, we set forth a recommended guideline of 1 post per day on average with a preference for missions over non-mission posts.

    Additionally, we ask that preference is given to mission-related posting over holodeck and general conversation or command board areas.

    2.7 - Leave of Absence & Reserves

    If you are going to absent from your SIMM for a prolonged period of time (3 days or more - anything less, then simply inform your CO), then you need to fill out an LoA or Reserves request so we don't suspend your account for inactivity.

    For our purposes, an LoA request should be filed if your absence will be 3 days to one month.  A Reserves request should be filed if your absence will be more than one month.

    The start date of your LOA or Reserve request should be the date of your last period of activity.  If you do not start posting after an LOA has expired and your total time absent from a mission is more than one month, your account will be automatically reserved.  If you need to take  multiple LOAs during a one month period, please simply reserve your character and reactivate the character when you are ready to return.

    Note - In emergency situations in which you are unable to post an LoA or Reserves request on the board, you may have someone else do it for you.


    2.8 - Inactive Player Character

    An inactive player character (IPC) is defined as someone who has stopped posting on the site.  For our purposes, we will consider someone to be an IPC after 7-14 days of inactivity and failure to resume activity after prompts from their Department Heads and/or CLOs.  The start date of marking someone IPC is dependent on the characters history and CLOs discretion.

    2.9 - Suspension due to Inactivity

    An IPC will be suspended due to inactivity if s/he fails to resume activity on the site within a given time frame.  For our purposes, we will suspended an IPC's account after 14-30 days of continued inactivity and failure to resume activity after prompts from their Department Heads and/or CLOs.  The start date of suspending an IPC's account is dependent on the characters history and CLOs discretion.





    (OOC Post restored due to server outage - Tess t'Lhoell 07/22/2020)
    « Last Edit: July 22, 2020, 12:24:33 pm by Tess tLhoell »

    Species:  Betazoid/Vulcan.
    Being kind to others costs nothing & builds a stronger community.

    Offline Kirok

    • Shadow Fleet Reserves
    • Triumphant Member
    • **********
    • Posts: 12127
    • Awarded in January 2017 to all active members. Awarded in January and July to the most diplomatic player. Awarded to any player who writes the Post of the Month. Awarded every January by the FCO. Awarded to the winner of the bi-annual crew choice poll.
      • View Profile
      • Awards
    Re: Shadow Fleet Rules
    « Reply #3 on: March 24, 2018, 02:49:56 pm »
    SECTION 3 - Promotions

    3.1 - Enlisted & Commissioned Officer Promotions

    3.2 - Command Level Officers

    Command level officers are players who have been assigned a position as executive officer or commanding officer of a starship or starbase. They will usually hold the rank of Captain (for COs) Commander (for XOs) but this may vary depending on the size of the vessel on which they serve. For smaller ships, the commanding officer may hold the rank of Commander and the executive officer may hold the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

    Out of character, command level officers are moderators on the forum and are responsible for making sure all users follow the Shadow Fleet Rules.

    Players may only be appointed command level officers by meeting the following criteria:

    • Must have been a member of the fleet for at least 6 months.
    • Must have completed the command officer training course
    • Must have the recommendation of a current command level officer, who has served in the post for at least 3 months.
    • Must have served as a lieutenant commander for at least 2 months.

    The Command Officer Training Course may be attempted by anyone holding the rank of Lieutenant Commander, however completing it does not necessarily mean the player will be appointed to a command level position. Exceptions to the above criteria are rare and will only occur after discussion between current command level officers and the admiralty.

    For more information on the Command Officer Traning Course, please see: "Help: The Command Officer Training Course"


    3.3 - Flag Officers

    Flag officers are players holding the rank of Rear Admiral (Lower Half) or above. In game, they hold senior fleet staff positions, such as 'Task Group Commanding Officer' and are responsible for all personnel under their command. Out of character, they usually hold admin status and are responsible for ensuring all users under them are contributing towards the SIMM and behaving in a acceptable manner. Flag officers have the authority to promote players above the rank of Lieutenant Commander and are able to assign players as command level officers.

    Maximum number of flag officers in Shadow Fleet:
    • Fleet Admiral (1)
    • Admiral (1)
    • Vice Admiral (2)
    • Rear Admiral (Upper Half) (1 per Task Force)
    • Rear Admiral (Lower Half) (1 per Task Group)
    • Master Chief Petty Officer of Shadow Fleet (1)

    3.4 - Commissioned Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer Establishments

    The number of commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers in Shadow Fleet is unrestricted.  However, as we go up the ranks, there are fewer and fewer spots on each SIMM.  For example, there typically is only one Captain and only one Chief of Boat on a SIMM.
    « Last Edit: October 30, 2023, 06:57:06 am by Rayek trLhoell »

    Species:  Betazoid/Vulcan.
    Being kind to others costs nothing & builds a stronger community.

    Offline Kirok

    • Shadow Fleet Reserves
    • Triumphant Member
    • **********
    • Posts: 12127
    • Awarded in January 2017 to all active members. Awarded in January and July to the most diplomatic player. Awarded to any player who writes the Post of the Month. Awarded every January by the FCO. Awarded to the winner of the bi-annual crew choice poll.
      • View Profile
      • Awards
    Re: Shadow Fleet Rules
    « Reply #4 on: March 24, 2018, 02:50:30 pm »

    SECTION 4 - Chain of Command

    4.1 - The Chain of Command

    The command structure is defined as, "...the line of authority and responsibility along which orders are passed within a military unit and between different units. Orders are transmitted down the chain of command, from a higher-ranked soldier, such as a commissioned officer, to lower-ranked personnel who either carry out the order personally or transmit it down the chain as appropriate, until it is received by those expected to carry it out.

    It is essential that the command structure be followed in order to maintain an efficient and constructive SIMM.


    4.2 - Fleet Command Structure

    Starship commanding officers in need of assistance should use the following chain of command. Similarly, messages will be passed down to starship commanders using this structure :

    • Fleet Commanding Officer
    • Fleet Executive Officer
    • Fleet Personnel Officer
    • Head of Fleet Operations
    • Task Force Commanding Officer
    • Task Force Executive Officer
    • Task Group Commanding Officer
    • Starship Commanding Officer

    In addition to the above, the Academy Commandant falls under the responsibility of the Fleet Personnel Officer.

    4.3 - Starship Command Structure

    Any personnel seeking assistance within a SIMM should use the following chain of command. Similarly, messages will be passed down to individual crew members using this structure:

    • Commanding Officer
    • First Officer
    • Department Head

    The department head should be the first port of call for any crewmember in need of assistance. They should be able to assist with any problems that arise, however, if they are unable to, they will refer to the first officer for the answer. Except for particularly personal requests, the commanding officer should not be bothered with questions relating to the SIMM and will be informed on individual crew performances by the first officer. Anyone bypassing this chain of command, and going directly to the commanding officer of their SIMM, will be told to use the appropriate structure.

    Species:  Betazoid/Vulcan.
    Being kind to others costs nothing & builds a stronger community.

    Offline Kirok

    • Shadow Fleet Reserves
    • Triumphant Member
    • **********
    • Posts: 12127
    • Awarded in January 2017 to all active members. Awarded in January and July to the most diplomatic player. Awarded to any player who writes the Post of the Month. Awarded every January by the FCO. Awarded to the winner of the bi-annual crew choice poll.
      • View Profile
      • Awards
    Re: Shadow Fleet Rules
    « Reply #5 on: March 24, 2018, 02:51:02 pm »

    SECTION 5 - MISSIONS

    5.1 - Organization of Missions

    Shadow Fleet runs missions in the "Season #, Episode #" format, with a season typically consisting of ten missions. The commanding officer of the SIMM will usually post a season overview for the next season a few episodes before the end of the current one, thereby allowing the crew to read and comment on the upcoming missions. Each mission generally lasts for 2 weeks, if all players are posting, but some can go on as long as a month.

    This format has been chosen so as to better focus players on a single goal (mission), rather than have people going off and doing separate things. It has been proven to provide a good SIMMing experience for all players and should not be deviated from.


    5.2 - Submitting Mission Ideas

    The SIMM commanding officer, in consultation with the first officer, has the final say on all missions the SIMM conducts. However, input from the crew is greatly appreciated and should be directed to either the first officer or the commanding officer via private message. The commanding officer will then review the idea and get back to you with a decision. If the idea is a good one that involves all of the crew, he will generally assign it a place within the next season list. If it is more of a character-centric mission, he may chose to amend the idea to incorporate more players. If this is the case, don't be offended. It is his job to ensure all players are receiving a posting good experience.

    Species:  Betazoid/Vulcan.
    Being kind to others costs nothing & builds a stronger community.

     

    RPG-D Sci-Fi Avatars RPG Initiative RPGfix RPG Initiative Fodlan Chronicles