SIM INFORMATION
FAQ | Contact GM | Join the Crew!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Play-By-Email (PBeM) simming?
Simming by means of PBeM comes about by a combination of two things: 1) the creation of a fictional character and 2) the portrayal of said character in situations and dilemmas engineered by the Game Manager (GM) and/or the crew of a specific simulation. The key to a good sim depends upon the player's ability to develop the character by making him/her more realistic through interaction with the sim environment.
Why do I need a character to sim? Can't I just be myself?
We have all wanted to be a part of Star Trek at one point, and the PBeM process is an excellent way of doing that. The advantages of creating a character instead of 'playing yourself' almost forces you to broaden your horizons and see things that 'you' normally wouldn't see. By putting yourself into your character's shoes gives you the opportunity to journey around in a place where you AREN'T supposed to be yourself.
Okay, Okay. So, what makes one of these 'good' characters?
Anything you want that character to be. Most GMs will have a list of required information that they will want in regards to your character, but this is usually just a minimum amount. This is called your character's BIO. Basically, it's a cheat sheet for who your character is. The BIO will be listed on the sim website for all to see and use as a reference when interacting with your character. Our advice is to make one since they prove to be extremely helpful. We refer back to our own BIOs all of the time.
So, how does all of this work?
Though individual sims may have different methods of approach, every sim follows a basic formula. The GM, or another player in association with the GM, will establish the basics for a mission through conversation with each other, and then an initial post to start the mission. Everyone else will then follow up on that first post. Missions generally take a month or two to complete depending on how fast everyone can post and/or the complexity of the mission.
Are there any important terms I need to know?
- GM - Game Manager
- AGM - Assistant Game Manager
- CO - Commanding Officer
- XO - Executive Officer
- IC - "In Character"
- OOC - "Out of Character"
- RPG - "Role-Playing Game" related material
- NRPG - "Non-Role Playing Game" related material
- Tag(s) - Areas where your character is required/encouraged to respond
- PC - Player Character
- NPC - Non-Player Character
- PNPC - Player-Controled Non-Player Character
Hey, something came up. I'm going to be away for a few days. What should I do?
Let the GM know. Depending on how long you'll be gone, your character may be placed aside, or moved ahead with the storyline with little interaction with the rest of the crew.
What if I'll be gone for a longer period of time?
You MUST let the GM know immediately. It would be possible to turn your character into an NPC while you're away. Or, you can work out a way to temporarily remove your character from the storyline until you return.
Thanks for your help, but I still want to know more!
That's what we're here for. A good way is to read other posts on the mailing before posting yourself so that you may get a good feel for how things work. We're here to help you learn, so never hesitate to ask the Game Manager.
CONTACT THE GAME MASTER
The Commanding Officer/Game Manager of the Starbase 177 is Fleet Admiral Ryan Harper
Any questions or comments in regards to this website should be directed to the Webmaster of the Third Fleet Websites.
JOIN THE CREW!
How to become a Member of the Starbase 177 play-by-email sim:
If you wish to join our crew, please review our OPEN POSITIONS, then log on to the AQSG Join Page to enlist.
CREDITS & LINKS
Credits
INFORMATION, GRAPHICS & OTHER IMAGES
- John Moody - Graphics
- FAdm. John Etling, AQSG - Award Graphics & Information
- Spike's Star Trek Page - Images
- Ex Astris Scientia - Images
- Daystrom Technical Institute and Library - Information & Images
- NCC-1701-D Database - Information
- LCARS Computer Network - Information, Images, and LCARS Font
- JPhasers: The Weapons of Star Trek - Information & Images
- Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Technical Manual - Information
- USS Lightflash - Equipment Information
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
- Thanks to the Alpha Quadrant Simulation Group
- Fleet Admiral Ryan Harper
- Lieutenant Commander Joshua Terrik
- Lieutenant Commander Boq'ta Vadosia
- The crew of Starbase 177 and Third Fleet
Links
AQSG-Related
Credited Links
