Just wanted to make you all aware of some changes to the Argo Character and Story Policy that we've implemented today.
First up, is an addition to the Story Arc Constraints section. A bullet point has been added which is designed to protect the Trek setting we know and love from potentially harmful story elements:
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- FAR REACHING PLOTS carry the danger of influencing the state of the galaxy, and should be vetted with an admin before being implemented. The Federation is perceived as a generally good organization, so NPC-Starfleet misconduct, corruption, conspiracies, or anything else that would have a strong impact on the way other characters view the universe must be handled with care.
Next, you'll notice that an additional constraint case has been added, which deals with Civilian characters in Argo. I've included it here for reference. Please also note, while you are more than welcome to have your existing characters adhere to the added restrictions, those that have already been accepted into Argo are exempt from this policy.
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Spoiler: CIVILIAN CONSTRAINTSShow
For the purposes of this policy, all characters that are not members of Starfleet or the Romulan Republic Navy are considered civilians. These characters are divided into three categories, each with its own set of constraints. Civilian characters must also adhere to all relevant points listed under Character Constraints.
TRUE CIVILIANS
This category of civilians is for characters whose occupations don't involve working on a starship or getting involved with conflict. This includes business owners, civilian employees of the starbase, family members, children, ambassadors, etc. Starfleet makes a concerted effort to keep them safe when danger arises, in addition to taking steps to actively prevent them from being placed in dangerous situations in the first place.
To better reflect Starfleet's unwillingness to place these civilians in harm's way, characters placed in this category will be excluded from plots and events that have a reasonable IC expectation of danger, as well as any that would be considered classified. Additionally, on the starbase, they will be ICly restricted to 'public' areas, or those areas that they have been given clearance to enter/use. Because of these restrictions, these characters may have difficulty remaining involved with 'official' plotlines. To counteract this and ensure that everyone is reasonably able to participate with the fleet, players who understand the restrictions and still want to have a true civilian character are strongly encouraged to have a more conventional alt available.
CIVILIAN NON-COMBATANTS
With a slightly broader definition than true civilians, non-combatants refer to any other civilian that Starfleet would not intentionally send into a combat situation. This includes traders (and smugglers), merchants, independent vessel operators, non-Starfleet crew of Federation vessels, or any other civilian that makes frequent use of spacetravel. These characters would also be protected by Starfleet at every opportunity, and would not be intentionally included in dangerous events. However, they are far more likely find themselves in the midst of such situations for various reasons. Additionally, since these characters are mostly not affiliated with Starfleet (or sometimes even the Federation), their players will be largely required to create their own RP opportunities.
This group also, will be excluded from plots and events that have a any reasonable IC expectation of danger, unless they are being specifically escorted or protected by Starfleet personnel. They will also be excluded from any plot or event that would be considered classified. When on the starbase, they will be considered restricted to those areas that are 'public' or they have been granted access to. While it is still possible for these characters to remain involved in most/all events, it is significantly more difficult than for others. For that reason, characters applying to this category are strongly encouraged to have a more conventional character as well, to avoid being unable to participate due to IC limitations.
CIVILIAN COMBATANTS (CONTRACTED)
This category includes ALL characters that are combat-oriented while not being a member of either Starfleet or the Republic Navy. This includes representatives of other governments, ships/officers from other military organizations, mercenaries, privateers, etc. These characters, for whatever reason, have been contracted or otherwise authorized to participate in combat or dangerous operations. These personnel have received some form of military training, or have otherwise proven themselves to be capable of defending themselves. Be it for duty or monetary gain, these characters have entered into an agreement in which they perform a specific function for the fleet and are bound to follow the orders of its leadership.
This is a problematic group, especially in the hands of less experienced RPers or GMs. The appeal of these characters, often, is that they're unique in some way, and different from the 'normal' Starfleet-type. Unfortunately, if everyone tries to play an unconventional character, then we risk that becoming the norm.
To combat that and other concerns, this group will also have a number of restrictions placed upon it. Characters in this category are admitted on a case-by-case basis only. Applications (both main and alt apps) may be rejected for any reason, including but not limited to: inadequate explanation for affiliation with Argo, lack of backstory, insufficient player experience, or a proportionally high number of existing characters in this category relative to fleet size.
For characters that are approved, prior to invitation into the fleet, players will need to define the terms of their character's contract or service. This contract can be negotiated or modified ICly as appropriate, but IC consequences for violations will occur. Any plots or events that are considered classified will remain unavailable to these characters, as will non-public areas of the starbase to which they have not been specifically granted access.
NOTES
TRUE CIVILIANS
This category of civilians is for characters whose occupations don't involve working on a starship or getting involved with conflict. This includes business owners, civilian employees of the starbase, family members, children, ambassadors, etc. Starfleet makes a concerted effort to keep them safe when danger arises, in addition to taking steps to actively prevent them from being placed in dangerous situations in the first place.
To better reflect Starfleet's unwillingness to place these civilians in harm's way, characters placed in this category will be excluded from plots and events that have a reasonable IC expectation of danger, as well as any that would be considered classified. Additionally, on the starbase, they will be ICly restricted to 'public' areas, or those areas that they have been given clearance to enter/use. Because of these restrictions, these characters may have difficulty remaining involved with 'official' plotlines. To counteract this and ensure that everyone is reasonably able to participate with the fleet, players who understand the restrictions and still want to have a true civilian character are strongly encouraged to have a more conventional alt available.
CIVILIAN NON-COMBATANTS
With a slightly broader definition than true civilians, non-combatants refer to any other civilian that Starfleet would not intentionally send into a combat situation. This includes traders (and smugglers), merchants, independent vessel operators, non-Starfleet crew of Federation vessels, or any other civilian that makes frequent use of spacetravel. These characters would also be protected by Starfleet at every opportunity, and would not be intentionally included in dangerous events. However, they are far more likely find themselves in the midst of such situations for various reasons. Additionally, since these characters are mostly not affiliated with Starfleet (or sometimes even the Federation), their players will be largely required to create their own RP opportunities.
This group also, will be excluded from plots and events that have a any reasonable IC expectation of danger, unless they are being specifically escorted or protected by Starfleet personnel. They will also be excluded from any plot or event that would be considered classified. When on the starbase, they will be considered restricted to those areas that are 'public' or they have been granted access to. While it is still possible for these characters to remain involved in most/all events, it is significantly more difficult than for others. For that reason, characters applying to this category are strongly encouraged to have a more conventional character as well, to avoid being unable to participate due to IC limitations.
CIVILIAN COMBATANTS (CONTRACTED)
This category includes ALL characters that are combat-oriented while not being a member of either Starfleet or the Republic Navy. This includes representatives of other governments, ships/officers from other military organizations, mercenaries, privateers, etc. These characters, for whatever reason, have been contracted or otherwise authorized to participate in combat or dangerous operations. These personnel have received some form of military training, or have otherwise proven themselves to be capable of defending themselves. Be it for duty or monetary gain, these characters have entered into an agreement in which they perform a specific function for the fleet and are bound to follow the orders of its leadership.
This is a problematic group, especially in the hands of less experienced RPers or GMs. The appeal of these characters, often, is that they're unique in some way, and different from the 'normal' Starfleet-type. Unfortunately, if everyone tries to play an unconventional character, then we risk that becoming the norm.
To combat that and other concerns, this group will also have a number of restrictions placed upon it. Characters in this category are admitted on a case-by-case basis only. Applications (both main and alt apps) may be rejected for any reason, including but not limited to: inadequate explanation for affiliation with Argo, lack of backstory, insufficient player experience, or a proportionally high number of existing characters in this category relative to fleet size.
For characters that are approved, prior to invitation into the fleet, players will need to define the terms of their character's contract or service. This contract can be negotiated or modified ICly as appropriate, but IC consequences for violations will occur. Any plots or events that are considered classified will remain unavailable to these characters, as will non-public areas of the starbase to which they have not been specifically granted access.
NOTES
- The Application and Alt Application processes have not changed. When you apply with a civilian character, an Admin will work with you to determine which category it falls into and make sure that you understand the limitation and restrictions.
- IC restrictions are IC only. You are free to have your character violate them, but choosing to do so may have IC consequences up to and including departure from the fleet or imprisonment. If you're not sure about the consequences of a particular action, we recommend you talk to an Admin first.
- An "ICly reasonable expectation of danger" in reference above to the expected content of a plot or mission is dependent ONLY on the perspective of the characters involved. For example, if the mission is a scientific survey, and you OOCly know that the team will be ambushed, you may still be able to bring your civilian or non-combatant, since the characters are not ICly expecting any danger. Any disagreements on this point are left to the discretion of the GM or Fleet Admin.
- Whether or not a plot or event is considered classified (and therefore excludes civilians) is left to the discretion of the GM. If there is any question, speak with an Admin for clarification.
If you have any questions about these, or any other fleet policies, please don't hesitate to post here or come talk to an admin. Thanks for reading!
- Argo Admin Team