Block gone... New game setting coming...

Who's still interested? Especially knowing it will be set in my Ultimate Star Trek universe...

At this rate looking like space station in the Jentris Cooridor between the Romulans and Gorns. That can change, it is only the first idea.

I was thinking it would probably be best for the players to all be Starfleet, but then again there may be room for other types as well. No Romulans or Gorns though. These must remain a mystery.

I am ready to hear ideas and engage in discussion.

Oh and for those who are of the "Once bitten, twice shy" opinion, I totally understand and you can always join in later :)

Okay so who's up?

I am interested.

Any idea what crew positions you want/need filled? That could help me come up with an idea for a character.

Well I want to get a feel for the setting before I start worrying about the rest of it. You know, sort of lay the carpet before moving the chesterfield in :)

The Jentris Cooridor was only one idea pitched by Sea Tyger on ICQ.

There are other ideas. One was a station down between the Kzin and the Klingons.

Possibilities... need discussion :)

This is completely off the top of my head, so take it with a grain of salt. ;)

Looking at your map I think the Jentris Corridor is pretty "narrow", while that may be a good thing to focus the adventures on the (losely) neighboring Gorn and Romulans it could just as well narrow ;) your possibilities. A station sandwiched between two hostile powers would (IMO at least) necessitate a focus on more military and defense oriented adventures and characters.

If you set the station between Gorn and Tholians or Tholians and Tzenkethi, it would open more opportunities to turn the station into a staging ground for exploration beyond the UFP borders (i.e. the Outer Rim or Typhon Expanse).
One advantage in that would be that you could have an easier time using a more "mixed" crew than only Starfleet officers or at least use more non-Starfleet NPCs.
Placing some races of your own design would also be easier in a setting that has just more open space, not claimed by any of the major powers.

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Originally posted by Lancer
This is completely off the top of my head, so take it with a grain of salt. ;)

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Will do ;)

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Looking at your map I think the Jentris Corridor is pretty "narrow", while that may be a good thing to focus the adventures on the (losely) neighboring Gorn and Romulans it could just as well narrow ;) your possibilities. A station sandwiched between two hostile powers would (IMO at least) necessitate a focus on more military and defense oriented adventures and characters.

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Agreed, it does seem as though the locale would call for a more military style game and a more Starfleet style establishment. Sea Tyger and I were both discussing this and I compared the idea of having a Starfleet built trading station the same as the Army building a mall.

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If you set the station between Gorn and Tholians or Tholians and Tzenkethi, it would open more opportunities to turn the station into a staging ground for exploration beyond the UFP borders (i.e. the Outer Rim or Typhon Expanse).

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LOL! I see your idea. Not sure I want to delve into the Tholians just yet though ;) As for the Tzenkethi area, I am running a game for the LGT on ICQ set in the Ferengi Sector (the otherside of the Tzenkethi) so it would feel like I was going over familier ground. Maybe too much so. I would like this game to have its' own unique setting and feel.

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One advantage in that would be that you could have an easier time using a more "mixed" crew than only Starfleet officers or at least use more non-Starfleet NPCs.

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Certainly something I want to achieve, but in the end I would prefer the lion's-share of the players be Starfleet.

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Placing some races of your own design would also be easier in a setting that has just more open space, not claimed by any of the major powers.

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Good point, plus I could liberally steal races from other sci-fi shows and shove them in. There is wisdom in your words grasshopper ;)

Still doesn't forment a location for me, but does give me more things to think about.

So I would say the Tholian/Gorn are would be a no go for me, the Gorn/Romulan one is about 50%. Kzin/Klingons also 50%.

Nothing set in stone, but Lancer does make good points about what things could help make the game even better.

Exploration of a large area.

Not too military.

Room for non-Starfleeters.

what would be the mode of gaming? chat, msgbrd, email?

I am not Aslan, but from what he had told me it would be a froum game, most likely based here.

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Originally posted by Lancer
I am not Aslan...

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But he plays me on TV! :)

Yes it would be a forum game and not an IRC or PBEM game (though I would love to do an IRC game again).

So yes, here on the forums would be the game.

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Originally posted by AslanC
But he plays me on TV! :)

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Sure, but he doesn't really have your charisma on the small screen. :p ;) :D

Captain Matthew Elias Grimm, reporting as ordered!

Okay here is the idea.

In 2219 the New Frontier Development Company purchased a Kepler-Type station and located it just outside of Federation space, near the Rimward and Leeward border of Romulan space. With the Cestus 3 colony allready in place, the NFDC felt this area would be the next colonial "boom" area.

Securing the rights to provide colonial and starship support from the Strafleet colonial Operations Command, everything was coming up roses for the NFDC.

Deep Star 6 (the 6th Deep Star facility NFDC operated) went online in 2219. A crew was hired, supplies were ferried in and contracts were offered for commercial enterprises on the station.

In 2220 the Gorn were met and hostilities errupted. This lead to all colonial operations in the area being suspended. NFDC tried to hold on, but by 2234 with the Cestus 3 massacre, no one wanted to come to Deep Star 6 and NFDC went bankrupt.

In 2240 smugglers and pirates began to use the station, keeping it opeational. Starfleet Intelligence infiltrated the operations of the station, but allowed the Orion Syndicate to eventually take control of it.

During the Genesis War (2255 - 2257) Starfleet Intelligence set up a listening post in the station, to keep an eye on Romulan fleet movements in the area, but were largely unsuccessful due to the prying eyes of the Syndicate.

When, in 2257, the Romulan senate fell to the worker's rebellion (lead by Shinzon), Starfleet realized they were going to need to keep a closer eye on the Romulan situation.

Operation Jentris Eye was drafted and appoved by the UFP Oversight Comittee. The plan called for Deep Star 6 to be cleared of the majority of Syndicate activity (the truely offensive stuff like slavery, arms dealing and contraband sales) and a Starfleet staff to take command. Under the pretense that it was to be used for colonial operations (which it would as well), it would also serve as a listening post for the monitoring of Romulan fleet activities in the Jentris cooridor.

The USS Bannockburn, NCC • 2028 (Northampton Class frigate) under the command of Captain Matthew Elias Grimm draws the straw to be assigned to the station as protector.

From 2258 - 2259 Starfleet Intelligence begins "removing" particular undesribales from the station and upgrading the station and the sensor systems needed to monitor the Romulans (and to some degree the Gorns as well).

In 2260 Starfleet is ready to transfer staff into place.

This is where the game will begin.

Sea Tyger is playing Captain Grimm, which means there is an opening for the station commander.

Beyond that I am open to character suggestions.

Thoughts?

Who is interested?

Who has questions?

Who wants gum?

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Originally posted by AslanC
Operation Jentris Eye was drafted and appoved by the UFP Oversight Comittee. The plan called for Deep Star 6 to be cleared of the majority of Syndicate activity (the truely offensive stuff like slavery, arms dealing and contraband sales)...

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So if I get this right there are still some elements of the Syndicate at work on the station, just not the major players? Why not remove them all?
Any Syndicate operation on the station runs the risk of them coming across some information on Starfleet operations that they could sell to the highest bidder (including the Romulans).

In that case I certainly won't volunteer for the job of Security Chief. :p;)

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Originally posted by Lancer
So if I get this right there are still some elements of the Syndicate at work on the station, just not the major players? Why not remove them all?
Any Syndicate operation on the station runs the risk of them coming across some information on Starfleet operations that they could sell to the highest bidder (including the Romulans).

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Interesting point.

1] They only needed to get rid of the power structure. Since there will still be civilian activity it is best to leave some of the Syndicate there, so they can be watched.

2] Um... cause... um... yeah.

3] I need intrigue? ;)

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In that case I certainly won't volunteer for the job of Security Chief. :p;)

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So then Lancer calls Security. Good good ;)

Anyone else :)

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Originally posted by AslanC
So then Lancer calls Security. Good good ;)

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Hey, not so fast.
I am still thinking about it.

I'd be interested in playing the station commander. What particulars do you need from me? Anything special for char gen? Any special rules for playing the game? etc.

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Originally posted by Sea Tyger
Sure, but he doesn't really have your charisma on the small screen. :p ;) :D

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But the make-up guys still do one heck of a great job making me appear 5" taller and 240 lbs heavier than I am. Under all that padding some of my charisma must get lost, however hard I try. ;):D:p

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Originally posted by GandalfOfBorg
I'd be interested in playing the station commander. What particulars do you need from me? Anything special for char gen? Any special rules for playing the game? etc.

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Aslan, might be a good idea to put up some sort of FAQ for these things, like game system, available species, advancements, off-forum contact details, timeline, etc. etc.

A FAQ may be a way to go. Have to give it some thought ;)

Seriously though, I am seeing who is in right now first, and then I will deal with FAQs and character pitches as such. :)

Okay here's what I see right now.

Sea Tyger - Captain Grimm of the USS Bannockburn

Lancer - Caitian CMO

Gandalfof Borg - Undefined Station Commander.

Anyone else interested?

Okay for the assemblage of a FAQ, what questions should be answered? I mean it does stand for Frequently Asked Questions. ;)

... but my d20 Modern campaign is drying up and D&D/medieval fantasy just doesn't cut it anymore.

I'd be willing to sign up as Security or as Flight Control. Maybe even XO if no one wants it.

Are you drawing from one crew for the ship (USS Bannockburn), Station DS6, or both?

Human, Vulcan and Trill are my fav species.

Looking forward to a FAQ/Info sheet.

Okay here comes the FAQ.

What system will Deep Star 6 be run using? DS6 ill be run using the CODA system from Decipher. Also I will use the ESO rules provided by Killer Whale and possible other expansion generated by the membership of these boards.[/i]

How will advancements be decided? 1 for every year of regular service, 2 for every year of wartime service and 1 for every 2 years of civilian service.

How will characters be approved? You must present to me, via Private Message your idea for a character. I may say no or request changes. the more flexible a player the more flexible I will be :D

How will dice rolling be decided? I will trust you. You can roll for yourselves. Ultimately we are all adults and cheating is childish. though if I find someone never fails and always rolls well, I may change my mind. For now though, the honour system.

What is the setting again? Just click on the banner below and you will be taken to the Ultimate Star Trek site. I highly recommend that everyone read the Timeline. It is vital that you understand this universe you are in. DO NOT take your existing knowledge of Trek as enough. You will find there are differences. For example, replicators make food cubes. Transporters cannot beam people directly to sick bay, or onto the bridge of another ship. Most TNG+ tech is not really there. Think TOS and TOS Movies for the best way to go. Any questions should be directed to me.

Will the crew be from the Bannockburn or DS6? The crew will be from DS6 mostly, if someone really really wants to make a character from the Bannockburn, I won't say no. But it had better be a good idea ;)

What species are available for play? Again this is a more TOS feel, so I would like to keep it as human as possible. That doesn't mean aliens are out, just means ask first and I may say no. For the msot part aliens are as presented in the rules, though some have changes. For example Betazoids are only empaths, not telepaths. In fact there are no telepathic races, the closest is the Vulcan Mind Meld. Deltans are not ALL bald or great navigators. I jsut can't swallow that one. Beyond those ask and I shall answer. :)

How do I pitch/make my character? Contact me via PM and we shall talk more there.

Any other questions? Please ask them and I shall answer them :)

Wow. I read through the timeline on your site. All the major events are there, but really scrambled around. Playing in this universe, although not difficult, will be interesting.

BTW, where can I find more about the "ESO rules"?

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Originally posted by AslanC
Any other questions? Please ask them and I shall answer them :)

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Just one (for now): Do you want us to use the "pick" method for attribute generation?

Oh yes, good one Lancer.

Absoleutly use the "pick method" for stats :)

Here are a few more of those pesky little questions. ;)

(1) Do we have to buy renown with our advancements, will you hand out some points based on our characters backgrounds, a mix of both, something else entirely?

(2) Any restrictions on professional abilities, edges, skills, etc. from the "Starfleet Operations Manual"?

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Originally posted by Lancer
Here are a few more of those pesky little questions. ;)

(1) Do we have to buy renown with our advancements, will you hand out some points based on our characters backgrounds, a mix of both, something else entirely?

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Buy it. I give you nothing... nothing! ;) Okay maybe 1 reknown for every 2 years of fleet service :)

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(2) Any restrictions on professional abilities, edges, skills, etc. from the "Starfleet Operations Manual"?

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None come to mind. Are there any you think should be restricted?

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Originally posted by AslanC
None come to mind. Are there any you think should be restricted?

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No, just curious if you had found anything there you didn't like. It's been ages since I last read my Coda books, so nothing specific comes to my mind right now.

So the quick update is...

Lancer = Station CMO = Confirmed
Sea Tyger = USS Bannockburn CO = Confirmed
Prompt Critical = Station Security? Flight Control? = Unconfirmed
GandalfOfBorg = Station Commander = Unconfirmed

Anyone else?

Now here's a thought. With only 4 players, not much for a station game, should we consider instead setting it on a ship? Opinions wanted.

Just feeling it out :)

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Originally posted by AslanC
Anyone else?

Now here's a thought. With only 4 players, not much for a station game, should we consider instead setting it on a ship? Opinions wanted.

Just feeling it out :)

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Weeeell, I'm tempted. Probably wouldn't take too much work to modify the character I put together for your first forum game attempt; a bit of retrofitting for the new timeline & alternate history, but otherwise she'd fit in as a fresh XO/recent ex-flight control officer.

I'd have to caveat this with the fact that I wouldn't/can't devote an excessive amount of time to checking the forum & posting, and I'm in a bit of a limbo at work (waiting for a contract award) and might get loaned out to another site for a month or so, complicating my schedule. But assuming this isn't too much of a problem, I'll test the waters again.:D

And while I'm more or less indifferent to it, my character would very much like a ship posting rather than a station posting, but then she has very little say in the matter.

-Chris Landmark:p

Is there any chance of this becoming a PBEM instead? I'm absolutely horrible about checking message boards, but I'm damned near religious on reading my e-mail.

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Originally posted by Chris Landmark
I'd have to caveat this with the fact that I wouldn't/can't devote an excessive amount of time to checking the forum & posting, and I'm in a bit of a limbo at work (waiting for a contract award) and might get loaned out to another site for a month or so, complicating my schedule. But assuming this isn't too much of a problem, I'll test the waters again.:D

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As I am not overly versed in the running of these types of games, I have no idea how long it will take or what level of comittment is needed. Expect to post once or twice a week I would assume.

As to your character, send me the specifics again. Penelope Cruze as I recall, no?

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Originally posted by TJLanza
Is there any chance of this becoming a PBEM instead? I'm absolutely horrible about checking message boards, but I'm damned near religious on reading my e-mail.

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'Fraid not. I really don't have an interest in running a PBEM. That said I think DanG is still running one, perhaps you should inquire with him abou it. Sorry I'm not of more help than that :(

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Originally posted by AslanC
Now here's a thought. With only 4 players, not much for a station game, should we consider instead setting it on a ship? Opinions wanted.

Just feeling it out :)

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I am more in favor of a station game, but for no real reason. It's just a gut reaction, most likely based on the fact that I have watched a lot of Babylon 5 lately. ;)

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Originally posted by AslanC
So the quick update is...

Lancer = Station CMO = Confirmed
Sea Tyger = USS Bannockburn CO = Confirmed
Prompt Critical = Station Security? Flight Control? = Unconfirmed
GandalfOfBorg = Station Commander = Unconfirmed

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Based on this list, I see that Engineering is not yet claimed either. I dug out a Human Engineer Lieutenant that I will submit to you via PM.

As to Ship or Station, either one will work for my character. Just depends on where you want the scenarios to occur. Will the crew be going to "exotic worlds" or will they encounter mostly social-based events?

Depending on where you place the setting, either is doable. If station-based, give us a ship to fly. If ship-based, give us a station to hang out at.

The problem comes to defining your crew. If ship-based, no need for a station commander. If station-based, no need for a ship's captain.

Only you could really answer this as you are the one picking the scenarios to run.

Say hello to your CMO, Lt.Cmdr. R'rssar:
http://hometown.aol.de/ABodensohn/images/CmdrRrssar.jpg

(Character still needs a little work, but is almost finished and whatever the details will be, this is how she looks.)

Well the way I see it so far is that no one has a big feeling either to station or ship.

I will give this somemore thought and see what strikes me.

Anyone wishes to sway my thinking, now would be the time.

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Originally posted by Lancer
Say hello to your CMO, Lt.Cmdr. R'rssar:

(Character still needs a little work, but is almost finished and whatever the details will be, this is how she looks.)

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Hello. Here Kitty Kitty! :)

Say who is the actress that she is based on? I can't even begin to guess. :)

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Originally posted by AslanC
Well the way I see it so far is that no one has a big feeling either to station or ship.

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Now concerning the "ship vs. station" question, I am more and more in favor of a station-based game.
Working on the background of my character I realized how much better she would be suited for a "character driven" game. While that may just as well happen on a ship, I think it more likely for a station-based game.
OTOH, that all depends on the adventures you want to run, so it may not make any difference either way, but to me it's still true that sation = characters, while ship = action.
I know it doesn't have to be true, but it's how I see things.

Anyone else want to chime in?
If not I am saying station and you'd better prepared to live with it, if you keep silent. :D:p;)

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Originally posted by AslanC
Hello. Here Kitty Kitty! :)

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Be thankfull that I am just going to ignore this.
The next one who makes any stupid "kitty kitty" remarks is going to find out how sharp Caitian claws really are. :rolleyes:

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Say who is the actress that she is based on? I can't even begin to guess. :)

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Guess anyway. :D
First one who guesses the right answer wins an image of his/her character. :)
(Just one guess per person)

Aslan~

I'd be interested in joining, too. I have been GMing too long, need some play of my own, I guess.

My original concept was to be a grease-monkey non-com type Engineer, but Prompt Critical may have beat me to it.


I had a second thought, but I'll probably have to PM you about it. The third was security... perhaps we can combine the two.

10 points if you figure out how we already know each other. heehee

~You want some jelly on that?

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Originally posted by Lancer
Say hello to your CMO, Lt.Cmdr. R'rssar:

(Character still needs a little work, but is almost finished and whatever the details will be, this is how she looks.)

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Y'know, maybe it's just me, but I think you may want to round the face out a little bit...like by replacing some of the cheek fur that give cats that distinctive look.

Given that she's a female, you don't want to make them too pronounced, but a little more of a rounded cheek line might help.

Just my thoughts.