CONTENTS:

SECTION ONE: What is the USS Independence RPG?
     1.1. What is a "SIM"?
     1.2. What is a "PBeM" SIM?
     1.3. Where did the name USS Independence come from?
     1.4. What Star Trek era and time frame is the USS Independence RPG set in?

SECTION TWO: Joining the USS Independence RPG.
     2.1. What is involved in joining the USS Independence RPG?
          2.1.1. What is the purpose of the Crewmember Application?
            2.1.1.1.  Designing a Character for use on the USS Independence.
          2.1.2 What is the purpose of the Writing Sample?
          2.1.3. What is the purpose of the Character Biography?
          2.1.4. How do I sign onto the mailing list?

SECTION THREE: "The Post"
     3.1. How do I write a post?
          3.1.1. The Subject Line
          3.1.2. The Post Header
          3.1.3. Other special codes
     3.2. What should I NOT put in my posts?
     3.3. What is the differences between the different types of Posts?
     3.4. Is there any time off from the game?

SECTION FOUR: Ranks
     4.1. What effect does the Chain of Command have on the game?
     4.2. How do I refer to others in the game?
     4.3. How can I advance in rank?

SECTION ONE: What is the USS Independence RPG?

The USS Independence is a "Play by Email" Role-Playing Game—often called a "SIM"—set on an imaginary starship set in the Star Trek™ universe.  Players assume the role of a crewmember aboard the starship, playing out the parts much as an actor plays out their parts during the filming of an actual Star Trek episode or motion picture.

The USS Independence has been designated an "Academy" ship of the Deep Space Ten Role-Playing organization.  Its crew is prepared to assist new role-gamers in learning how to play in the, as well as helping experienced role-players hone their skills.

The word "SIM" is short for the term "Simulation."  By using this term to describe the Independence, we are saying that the players who participate in this Role-Playing game are simulating the operation of a Starship within the Star Trek universe.  SIMs, like any other Role-Playing game, can be both "live-action," either by meeting one another face-to-face, or through the use of a chat room, or "extended action," such as "Play by Email" (PBeM) SIMs.

In a Live-Action SIM, a mission can usually be completed through one or two hour-long sessions, since the action happens right then and there, and people have the opportunity to respond immediately to the changing action.  Extended-action SIMs, on the other hand, can take several weeks to finish a single storyline.

"PBeM" is an acronym for the term "Played By Electronic Mail."  In a Played-by-Email Role Playing Game, the players write short story-like segments called "posts" describing their character’s actions in relation to the character’s current activities on board the starship.  These posts, added together, form the plot line of the game’s adventures.  In this, it is much like "chain story" or a "campfire story," where each person adds some to the story and then passes it on to the next.

Unlike Live-Action Role Playing Games, a PBeM game never stops.  This allows for more and stronger character development then a Live-Action game allows, and gives players more time to spend on thinking out how to react to the current situation and elaborating on details.  While Live-Action games are closer to being "real-life," many people are switching to PBeMs because of the greater emphasis on creative writing abilities and character development.

1.3.1.  The USS Independence in United States History:

The First was a continental sloop of 10 guns, under the command of Captain John Young.  In 1777 she was ordered to France, carrying dispatches, and arrived at L’Orent late in September.  She quickly disposed of two prizes before the British could interfere.  On February 15th 1778 John Paul Jones sailed through the France Fleet in Independence and received the second official salute rendered the American Flag in recognition in recognition of American independence.  The following spring Independence was wrecked while attempting Oeracoke Inlet, North Carolina.

(During this period, 8 State vessels were also named Independence, and they ran up an impressive record against British shipping.)

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The second Independence, the United State’s first ship of the line, was a 74 gun vessel, launched in 1814.  She first served as flagship for Commodore Bainbridge’s Mediterranean Squadron.  In 1836 she was redesigned to carry 54 guns, including 8 eight-inch rifles.  In 1847, during the Mexican War, she captured the enemy ship Correo and a launch.  She was converted into a receiving ship for Mare Island in 1857 and continued in this service until she was placed out of commission in 1912.

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The third Independence was a cargo steamer, commissioned in the Naval Overseas Transportation Service in 1918.  She was placed out of commission and returned to the Shipping Board in 1919.

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The Fourth Independence was the first of several aircraft carriers.

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The Fifth Independence, CVA-62, was the fifth ship in the United States Navy’s history to bear the name Independence.  Commissioned in January of 1959, and remaining in service until September, 1998.  The vessel played a large role in the Iraq crisis prior to being decommissioned.

The Independence follows the timeline set in the latest Star Trek motion pictures and syndicated television series.  The Independence follows the timeline developed by the members of the Deep Space Ten role playing organization, following the series finale of Star Trek: Deep Space Ten.

The current year is 2376.

SECTION TWO: Joining the USS Independence RPG.

2.1. What is involved in joining the USS Independence RPG?

There is five basic steps to joining the USS Independence RPG:
1) Completing and sending a Crewmember Application.
2) Writing and sending a Writing Sample (sample post).
3) Creating a Character Biography.
4) Signing onto the Mailing List
5) Welcome aboard!

The first thing that is required of any persons wishing to become a member of the USS Independence RPG is to fill out a crewmember application.  The Application provides the Game Master (GM) with demographic information about yourself, as well as information about what type of character you wish to play and your amount of experience in the PBeM environment.

It is important that you fill out this information to the best of your ability, since this information gives both the Game Master (GM) and the Trainers information about who you are, and what writing level you should be able to achieve.

If your Internet browser or Internet Connection is not able to support FORMS, or you prefer an alternate means of applying, you can request a text based application by emailing IndyApp@ussfirestorm.org with the subject line "Request Independence Text Application."  A text based application will be sent as soon as possible.

It may take up to seven days to process your application.  If you do not receive a response after seven days, please contact IndyHelp@ussfirestorm.org or dcc55@hotmail.com for assistance.

The second part of the application requests for you to describe the character you wish to play.  It is important that you make the character both realistic and fun to play.  Many people try to create new, unusual characters with special powers and large weaknesses; but these types of characters often get dull after playing them for an extended amount of time.  While the crew of the Independence won’t prevent anyone from playing these types of character, we recommend against it.

Because they offset the environment and make things less enjoyable for other players, Borg, "Q"s, and species that are considered "enemies of the Federation" are not allowed as Player Characters.  Nor can any character use the name, nor be related to in any way, characters from the Star Trek television series or motion pictures.

If you choose to play a species that is not considered a "canon" Star Trek species (a species that has not appeared on any Star Trek episode or motion picture), you will be required to complete a species profile describing the appearance, society, and abilities of your created species before being allowed to bring the character into the game.

After your application is received, you may be requested to submit a writing sample to the "Senior Staff" of the Independence.  This writing sample will give the "Academy Trainers" a basic idea of your abilities as both a writer and a role-player prior to your induction into the game.

You will be given a topic by the ranking member within the position you apply for (or any superior officer, if a ranking member is not available) relating to the position you apply for.  Your application will be placed on hold until the Writing Sample is received.

Not all Ranking Officers within the departments may request this sample; it is left to the said officer’s preferences as to whether or not the Sample is required.

The Character Biography serves as a "Character Sheet," describing your characters skills and abilities, past experiences, and demographic information about the character.  This serves as a guide as to what your character can and cannot do; since few people can do everything.  It also serves as a guide for other members of the USS Independence RPG if they choose to include you in one of their Posts.

You will be given the URL to the Biography Template after your application is approved.  You can use whatever means of HTML editing you are most comfortable with: Microsoft Front Page Express, Netscape Composer, Microsoft Word, Notepad, etc.  If you are unfamiliar with HTML, please see the Recruitment Officer for assistance.

Please take your time when creating your character biography, and be as elaborate as possible.  The more information you provide, the more fun your character can become!

After your application has been approved, and you are instructed to do so by the recruitment officer, you may subscribe to the mailing list.  The recruitment officer will provide instructions on joining the list, or you will be added by the mailing list manager.

Please keep the content of messages sent to the mailing list related to the game; other means of sending out non-game information will be noted when made available.

Mailing-list access is a privilege, abuse of this privilege will result in your removal from the list and from the game.

SECTION THREE: "The Post"

"Posts" are how we play the game.  All they amount to are e-mails written as if you were taking the role of your character in the game.  Every week of a mission, you must write what your character is doing, how
s/he reacts to what other characters are doing, etc. and send it to the mail list as an e-mail.

There are some general guidelines on how to write and what to put in a post.  Some things to consider when writing your posts are:  check your spelling (preferably with a spell checker.  Many newer e-mail applications have this option), try not to contradict what others have already posted, and try to keep with the current pace of the mission (if the ship is under attack, don't write that you are enjoying some mountain climbing in the holodeck).

The Captain reserves the right to omit a post you send that contradicts other posts. This usually won't happen and the Captain will just say the way things should have been and everyone will follow that plan.

It's entirely up to you.  Most people do them as if telling a story in the third person/past tense, just as an author might write a novel.   The only special requirements are listed below.

The subject of any post you send to the mailing list should follow the example below.  It tells a reader at a glance who the post is about, what type of post it is, and when the post was sent.

3.1.2.  The Post Header

The Post header is the first four lines of text other players will read when opening the message.  Like the Subject Line, it tells the reader who wrote the post, what type of post it is, and the stardate it was sent.  The Header, however, also tells the other players what position you play, and where the post takes place.

3.1.3.  Other Special Codes

There are a few other special codes you should use for different events in your posts. Below are a few:

<< LOG ENTRY >>  - Use at the beginning of a log entry in your post.
<< END LOG ENTRY >>  -  Use at the end of a log entry in your post.
<< NRPG >>  -  Use when what you have to say is not "in character".
<< END LOG >> - put at the end of your post to signal that it is finished.

If the post will be continued, replace << END LOG >> with << TO BE CONTINUED  >>.

Though the USS Independence RPG often visits in the "seedier" side of the Star Trek™ universe, foul language will not be permitted in your posts.  Some exceptions are allowed.  They are the words: damn, ass, and hell. Used sparingly, these explicatives are permitted.  If you feel the situation calls for your character to use a more "descriptive" word, please mask it with symbols (E.g.: @#*!)  Even explicitives with 2 letters masked are allowed (E.g.: S**t).

All posts should remain professional in their manner towards other crew members as well.  If you have a personal problem with another crew member, DO NOT use the mission posts to display your displeasure.

The proper channels for this occurrence are through the chain of command, if, at first, direct confrontation with the crew member is unsuccessful. DO NOT use the mailing list to discuss problems between each other. Use the crew member's private e-mail address.  The rest of the crew is not and should not be involved nor concerned with your personal problems with another crew member.

Failure to follow these guidelines will result in your dismissal from the game.

Absolutely!  No one wants to have to play a game all the time!  In between each mission, the crew will have anywhere from one to two weeks off (7 to 14 days). During this time off, it is NOT required to write any posts, but we find that this is a great way to build up the insight into  your character through Shorleave posts.  Duty posts are not required, but some crew members may be on duty and can feel free to write as such if they want.

SECTION FOUR: Ranks

The USS Independence RPG makes use of the full Navy rank spectrum, with the exception of limited duty, or Warrant, officers.  Below is the complete list of achievable ranks aboard the USS Independence.

Commissioned Officers

Non Commissioned Officers

Starfleet Academy Cadets

4.1. What effect does the Chain of Command have on the game?

The Chain off Command comes into effect when posting. For Example: If a Cadet posted something after a Lieutenant, it would have to be in accordance to the Lieutenant's post.  If this is not followed, the lower ranking crew member's post is rescinded and is ignored by all crew members.  The post will not count toward their total for the week.

Do your best to refer to them by rank and name when in duty and use your judgment in other situations.  Respect your superior officers and treat your friends as you would.  If you have a problem with the way another addresses you, contact them and try to work it out.  If that doesn't work, contact the CO or the XO and they will try and work out the problem.

Promotions and Commedations are awarded at the end of every mission, and are based upon a player's performance during the entire mission.  At the end of the mission thread, during "Shoreleave," the Commanding Officer and Executive Officer meet to discuss the performance of the crew, and determine who, if any, should receive a promotion or a medal, based on the content of posts send in by the crew.

USS Independence Regulations: