Permanently Ongoing RP Prompts
PSYCH ASSESSMENT
Interested in having your character's personality profile assessed? Make an appointment with DS13 counseling. Full thread here.
MEDICAL ASSESSMENT
Interested in having your character get a physical? Make an appointment with DS13 Medical. Full thread here.
STARSHIP INSPECTION
Starship commander and want to have your vessel's flight readiness assessed? Get a ship inspection! Full thread here.
3 Likes
The Argo Tabletop Club
Bar trek drying up, but don't feel like going out on a mission? Maybe a board game will be more your speed! The internet has tons of options for making playing board games between characters simple and convenient, so this post will go over some of the more often used ones and the most popular games that are played.
Bar trek drying up, but don't feel like going out on a mission? Maybe a board game will be more your speed! The internet has tons of options for making playing board games between characters simple and convenient, so this post will go over some of the more often used ones and the most popular games that are played.
Spoiler: Show
Board Game Arena
https://en.boardgamearena.com/#!welcome
This website is basically MUST-TRY if you're planning to play any board games at all. Registration is free and they have an insane number of available games to play of all varieties and types, from abstract games (Checkers, Chess, Go, etc.) to the more contemporary strategy/city-building types (Puerto Rico, Carcassonne, Through the Ages, Race for the Galaxy, etc.) If you like board games at all in real life, you should probably be signed up here just as a matter of course.
Some of the games available that Argo players have tried and enjoyed in the past:
Other noteworthy games
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boiteajeux
http://www.boiteajeux.net/
This web portal is pretty horrible and the game status doesn't even update live, so frankly I feel a bit dirty even listing it. However, it is notable for the following game, which cannot be played anywhere else as far as I know.
Dixit ( http://www.boiteajeux.net/jeux/dix/dix_aide_en.php )
Complexity: ♦♦
Duration: ~45m - 1hr
Notes: Dixit is about knowing your fellow players and using your imagination. This is a very fun, very unique game about empathy. Playtime can be fairly variable.
Ironically, because of the horrible interface, this game integrates into RP really well. It's strongly recommended that you emote everytime a card is played as a cue to the other players to refresh.
--
KodeNames
https://ninjabunny.github.io/KodeNames/
A minimalist web portal for the party game Codenames.
2 - 8 Players (recommend 6+)
Complexity: ♦♦
Duration: ~40m
Notes: Great party game when played IRL, but I'm not sure how it'll translate to RP. I've wanted to give this a shot multiple times, just haven't had the chance yet. Primarily involves word association and language/concept skills.
--
Citadels
http://ciudadelas.net/players/login
Solely for the board game Citadels. This website is basically horrible, but it's the only way to play this particular game. While this is a fun game, it may not necessarily be worth the hassle of learning over anything else on BGA. I only discovered it because I really, really had a craving to play this one night.
3 - 8 Players
Complexity: ♦♦♦
Duration: ~40m
Notes: City-building game with significant strategic elements.
https://en.boardgamearena.com/#!welcome
This website is basically MUST-TRY if you're planning to play any board games at all. Registration is free and they have an insane number of available games to play of all varieties and types, from abstract games (Checkers, Chess, Go, etc.) to the more contemporary strategy/city-building types (Puerto Rico, Carcassonne, Through the Ages, Race for the Galaxy, etc.) If you like board games at all in real life, you should probably be signed up here just as a matter of course.
Some of the games available that Argo players have tried and enjoyed in the past:
|
Incan Gold 3 - 8 Players Complexity: ♦ Duration: Very short Notes: A "press your luck" game (i.e. blackjack on steroids). Really good game for large groups. Takenoko 2 - 4 Players Complexity: ♦♦ Duration: ~30m Notes: Panda-themed (not kidding). Good balance of strategy and luck. |
Seasons 2 - 4 Players Complexity: ♦♦♦ Duration: ~30m Notes: Reminiscent of Magic: The Gathering, but in a tightly encapsulated board game form. Has tons of replay value. Strategy-heavy. Libertalia 2 - 6 Players Complexity: ♦♦♦ Duration: ~40m Notes: Pirate-themed. Very high strategy value, lower luck component. |
Other noteworthy games
- Carcassonne (2 - 5, ♦)
- Hanabi (2 - 5, ♦♦, co-op!)
- Love Letter (2 - 5, ♦, need Katriel to start these)
- Tokaido (2 - 5, ♦♦)
- 7 Wonders (2 - 7, ♦♦♦, need Katriel to start these)
- Well-known abstract strategy games: Checkers, Chess, Go, Gomoku, Hex, Reversi/Othello, Kalah/Mancala
- Well-known parlor games: Yahtzee, Backgammon, Hearts
--
boiteajeux
http://www.boiteajeux.net/
This web portal is pretty horrible and the game status doesn't even update live, so frankly I feel a bit dirty even listing it. However, it is notable for the following game, which cannot be played anywhere else as far as I know.
Dixit ( http://www.boiteajeux.net/jeux/dix/dix_aide_en.php )
Complexity: ♦♦
Duration: ~45m - 1hr
Notes: Dixit is about knowing your fellow players and using your imagination. This is a very fun, very unique game about empathy. Playtime can be fairly variable.
Ironically, because of the horrible interface, this game integrates into RP really well. It's strongly recommended that you emote everytime a card is played as a cue to the other players to refresh.
--
KodeNames
https://ninjabunny.github.io/KodeNames/
A minimalist web portal for the party game Codenames.
2 - 8 Players (recommend 6+)
Complexity: ♦♦
Duration: ~40m
Notes: Great party game when played IRL, but I'm not sure how it'll translate to RP. I've wanted to give this a shot multiple times, just haven't had the chance yet. Primarily involves word association and language/concept skills.
--
Citadels
http://ciudadelas.net/players/login
Solely for the board game Citadels. This website is basically horrible, but it's the only way to play this particular game. While this is a fun game, it may not necessarily be worth the hassle of learning over anything else on BGA. I only discovered it because I really, really had a craving to play this one night.
3 - 8 Players
Complexity: ♦♦♦
Duration: ~40m
Notes: City-building game with significant strategic elements.
3 Likes
Texas Hold'em on Bluff Avenue
http://www.bluffave.com/tfargo
For Argo poker nights specifically, we utilize the website Bluff Avenue. Registration is free and required and the website will keep track of your 'earnings' for you, which you are allowed to restock at pretty much any time. The above link goes to Argo's group page; when you sign up, you will want to ask for an invite to the group in order to join the Argo game table.
http://www.bluffave.com/tfargo
For Argo poker nights specifically, we utilize the website Bluff Avenue. Registration is free and required and the website will keep track of your 'earnings' for you, which you are allowed to restock at pretty much any time. The above link goes to Argo's group page; when you sign up, you will want to ask for an invite to the group in order to join the Argo game table.
1 Like
Star Trek Resistance
http://cssdeck.com/labs/full/vbr3u6c1//noframe
Requires at least five players, up to ten players total.
One additional player is required to act as GM. (So minimum 6, max of 11.)
One game lasts roughly an hour, perhaps a little longer, depending on how much arguing you do.
Requires no setup, except by the GM.
http://cssdeck.com/labs/full/vbr3u6c1//noframe
Requires at least five players, up to ten players total.
One additional player is required to act as GM. (So minimum 6, max of 11.)
One game lasts roughly an hour, perhaps a little longer, depending on how much arguing you do.
Requires no setup, except by the GM.
Spoiler: MoreShow
The precursor to this activity was this event, the Kassae V Tactical Incursion. Since then, Katriel has ICly taken the scenario and created a holosimulation of it. Should you choose to enact the game ICly, it would be best to assume you are accessing the simulation via the holodeck, but you should physically use the starbase tactical deck for setting.
You will be literally playing a game that requires bluffing and logical thinking.
OOCly, I have written a tool to help the GM run these games, which is located at the URL above.
It is ONLY the GM that must access the tool for the duration of the game. The intended usage is for the GM to collect input from the players, enter it into the tool, then with each submission, the tool will spit out lines of text for the GM to copy/paste to chat, in the role of computer and/or computer sim actions. The tool is, admittedly, not exceptionally user friendly, but it is as far as I know bug free.
(If you find this fun and you have 5+ friends IRL that might also get a kick out of it, you should totally buy Resistance or its medieval counterpart, Avalon.)
You will be literally playing a game that requires bluffing and logical thinking.
OOCly, I have written a tool to help the GM run these games, which is located at the URL above.
It is ONLY the GM that must access the tool for the duration of the game. The intended usage is for the GM to collect input from the players, enter it into the tool, then with each submission, the tool will spit out lines of text for the GM to copy/paste to chat, in the role of computer and/or computer sim actions. The tool is, admittedly, not exceptionally user friendly, but it is as far as I know bug free.
(If you find this fun and you have 5+ friends IRL that might also get a kick out of it, you should totally buy Resistance or its medieval counterpart, Avalon.)
3 Likes
Velocity
We played around with this in the holodeck today, and came up with some rules that we had some fun with! And it's based on dicerolls, so hilarity ensues!
http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/Velocity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9D2Z93LnN8
Requires at least two players. Can accommodate at least 4, and likely more! No GM required, just assign someone to keep score!
We played around with this in the holodeck today, and came up with some rules that we had some fun with! And it's based on dicerolls, so hilarity ensues!
http://en.memory-alpha.org/wiki/Velocity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9D2Z93LnN8
Requires at least two players. Can accommodate at least 4, and likely more! No GM required, just assign someone to keep score!
Spoiler: How to PlayShow
In the holodeck, players will each receive a holographic standard hand-phaser, set on minimum power, and a floating disc will appear in the center of the room. Each player is allocated a number of Points, in multiples of three. (ie. if you want a longer game, use six points-per-person instead of three.) Each time a player is hit with the disc, he/she loses one point. When you have no points left, you're out of the game. The last person remaining is the winner!
This is a turn-based game, so players may either agree upon or use rolldice to select a turn order. When it is your turn, you are designated the "Shooter."
On each turn:
1. The Shooter selects a Target Player (specified in emote or dialogue)
2. The Shooter fires their phaser at the disc, using /emote Rolldice to produce a result:
3. If the Shooter's roll does not end the turn, the Target Player may attempt to dodge the disc. Target Player rolls dice. If their roll is higher than the original roll, then the disc misses and the turn ends. (Since it isn't possible to roll higher than 100, if the Shooter rolls 100, that's an automatic hit.)
4. If the Target Player is hit by the disc, that player loses a point. If the point lost is the player's last, then he/she is eliminated.
5. The next player in the turn order becomes the Shooter.
This is a turn-based game, so players may either agree upon or use rolldice to select a turn order. When it is your turn, you are designated the "Shooter."
On each turn:
1. The Shooter selects a Target Player (specified in emote or dialogue)
2. The Shooter fires their phaser at the disc, using /emote Rolldice to produce a result:
| Roll of 1: | Shooter misses the disc; End of Turn. |
| Roll of 2-49: | Shooter hits the disc, but it doesn't move towards any player in particular; End of Turn. |
| Roll of 50-100: | Shooter hits the disc, sending it towards the Target Player. |
3. If the Shooter's roll does not end the turn, the Target Player may attempt to dodge the disc. Target Player rolls dice. If their roll is higher than the original roll, then the disc misses and the turn ends. (Since it isn't possible to roll higher than 100, if the Shooter rolls 100, that's an automatic hit.)
4. If the Target Player is hit by the disc, that player loses a point. If the point lost is the player's last, then he/she is eliminated.
5. The next player in the turn order becomes the Shooter.
Spoiler: A Note on ScoringShow
The clip from voyager implies that points are awarded when you hit your opponent. First player to six points wins. However, that presents a few problems when you add more than two players. After toying with it for a bit, we found that a Last-Man-Standing method would probably work best. And it isn't strictly a contradiction with the canon game, because with only two players as seen in Voyager, the scoring works out to be the same. If you prefer awarding points to the person who scores the hit instead, feel free to come up with your own scoring method!
8 Likes
Holodeck Ground Combat Simulation
In-Character PvP Gameplay
Requires at least two players, accommodates up to twenty players total. No GM necessary.
For a nice little change of pace, the in-game PvP can be used as a holodeck combat sim! To avoid OOC gear differences affecting the outcome, we've put together some standards for equipment and abilities that should keep the match balanced. Once everyone has their gear and abilities set up...
Getting started is as simple as can be! Right click on someone then select 'Challenge Player'. From there, you can pick your map, score limit, and invite other players.
You can also agree upon additional rules for the PvP match. Things like 'wave respawn' work fairly well (nobody can respawn until their entire team is dead, and they all respawn at once).
It would also be possible to add RP objectives. For example, attacking/defending certain locations on the map, or escorting/attempting to capture a particular character. The possibilities are pretty much endless, as long as your group agrees upon the rules/objectives OOCly before starting!
In-Character PvP Gameplay
Requires at least two players, accommodates up to twenty players total. No GM necessary.
For a nice little change of pace, the in-game PvP can be used as a holodeck combat sim! To avoid OOC gear differences affecting the outcome, we've put together some standards for equipment and abilities that should keep the match balanced. Once everyone has their gear and abilities set up...
Getting started is as simple as can be! Right click on someone then select 'Challenge Player'. From there, you can pick your map, score limit, and invite other players.
You can also agree upon additional rules for the PvP match. Things like 'wave respawn' work fairly well (nobody can respawn until their entire team is dead, and they all respawn at once).
It would also be possible to add RP objectives. For example, attacking/defending certain locations on the map, or escorting/attempting to capture a particular character. The possibilities are pretty much endless, as long as your group agrees upon the rules/objectives OOCly before starting!
Spoiler: Equipment and AbilitiesShow
Please refer to the table below for balanced restrictions on equipment to use during an IC PvP match. If you've set your gear up properly, you should only be using six abilities during the match:
All of the above items can be purchased for a few hundred EC on ESD or the Romulan Flotilla.
- Primary Attack
- Secondary Attack
- Melee Attack
- Kit Module 1
- Kit Module 2
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
| KIT FRAME | MARK III (white) |
| KIT MODULES | 2x MARK III (white) |
| BODY ARMOR | MARK I (white); any type |
| PERSONAL SHIELD | MARK I (white); any type |
| WEAPON(S) | MARK I (white); any type |
| DEVICE(S) | NONE |
| PERSONAL GROUND TRAITS | Unrestricted |
| GROUND REPUTATION | Unrestricted |
| ACTIVE REPUTATION | DO NOT use during match |
| CAREER ABILITIES | DO NOT use during match |
All of the above items can be purchased for a few hundred EC on ESD or the Romulan Flotilla.
10 Likes
Since that other thread got me thinking about it, here's a place for folks to brainstorm ideas for simple, easy-to-start RP. Feel free to submit your own! Help this list grow, so that it can become a handy reference for anyone who desperately wants to RP but has grown weary of the humdrum of lazing around the bar engaging in idle conversation with passers-by.
- a malfunction in the gravity plating on crew decks has resulted in numerous minor injuries, officers gather in sickbay to await and receive medical treatment
- two (or more!) rivals head to the holodeck to pit their skills against one another in a rousing game of Velocity
- a friend's pet has escaped their quarters, and you've volunteered to help track it down, bumping into some colleagues during your search
- colleagues with similar interests in a scientific field have arranged a trip together to a high-profile conference on said scientific field, being held on planet of choice, hilarity ensues as these colleagues have to endure a long shuttle trip getting acquainted with each others' irritating habits
- is Deck 13, Section 13 -really- a hotspot of paranormal activity? A few intrepid officers with an afternoon to kill set out to discover the truth! Jinkies!
2 Likes
I SHALL POST HERE, and then Nibble people. UM NUM
MORE THINGS! MORE THINGS!
MORE THINGS! MORE THINGS!
- Here's one I commonly use. Some kind of phenomenon appears on sensors and we go to seek it out, be this a race of sentient snails or a giant planet eating turnip.
- More holodeck silliness! We go back in time to cause chaos in a different time period! Perhaps we could duel with Blackbeard on the high seas, or give George Washington a wedgie or something.
- running story missions in character can be fun too, we had a barrel of fun doing this!
- Mirror universe adventures in which we play as our evil doubles, and everyone has an evil mustache
2 Likes
S'Tev and a couple of his crew run regular Martial Arts sessions. They are always public and OOCly set up on the spur of the moment. Feel free to bother me if you fancy joining in and there isn't a session already on-going.
2 Likes
Jogging on a treadmill, or in the holodeck (but I repeat myself, given how the holodeck works) is good exercise but kind of boring. Jogging around the station, alone or with a buddy or two for mutual encouragement, is interesting and social - why, you might run into almost anyone (perhaps literally)!
As noted by various characters in the later series, people in in the 24th (and 25th) century no longer focus on the acquisition of material wealth; "we strive to better ourselves." They do, however, still collect things - items whose value is personal and/or sentimental, based on criteria like rarity/uniqueness, historical significance, past owners, etc etc. Perhaps a PC or NPC becomes aware that a particularly sought-after treasure has recently been (re)discovered or become available, and seeks help in acquiring it. There are sure to be challenges along the way - negotiations, traveling to where the thing is or arranging for its safe delivery, rivals who also want the item (perhaps for very different, and less pure, motives), and even having to acquire other items that the current possessor wants in trade, for their own collection...
"Striving to better ourselves" also includes chasing records - not ancient vinyl, but achievements. Some of these, like "the galaxy's largest sandwich" or "the longest conga line", may seem rather silly and trivial to outsiders... but as the scale of the project grows, and the record starts to seem within reach, it's hard not to get involved.
"Striving to better ourselves" also includes chasing records - not ancient vinyl, but achievements. Some of these, like "the galaxy's largest sandwich" or "the longest conga line", may seem rather silly and trivial to outsiders... but as the scale of the project grows, and the record starts to seem within reach, it's hard not to get involved.
2 Likes
Kids - gotta love 'em, or at least tolerate them. (Locking them in closets or the holodeck is frowned upon, and selling them to Orions is right out.) In this era, families aren't just found on starbases but on many of the larger starships as well, and every captain is expected to be a good role model... just as the children are expected to be on their best behavior around the senior officers. Even well-behaved kids are endlessly curious, however, and may end up innocently asking questions that are very difficult (or just awkward) to answer.
And sometimes, kids can be the "canary in the coal mine" - the first to encounter or notice some bit of strangeness that the adult crew, with their routines and responsibilities, overlook. The trick, on both sides, can be separating childish fantasy from potentially dangerous reality... and convincing the grown-ups of the truth and urgency of the latter. (This sort of plot can be a good excuse to play/be a kid again for a while: less "Rascals", more Super 8 or Stranger Things or "Imaginary Friend".)
As kids get older, they go through changes, some of which aren't very pretty (e.g., Klingon puberty). Last season's adorable moppet can be this season's precocious acting ensign. Again, Starfleet officers are expected to patiently support and encourage the development of the next generation. This is especially true for those with aspirations of attending the Academy, who will require mentors and/or sponsors... and sometimes a sympathetic ear when they don't make it in on their first application (or they do, but their current ___friend doesn't, or whatever).
(EDIT: apologies if these last couple of posts have been less useful for being not as specific or focused on ready-to-go activities.)
And sometimes, kids can be the "canary in the coal mine" - the first to encounter or notice some bit of strangeness that the adult crew, with their routines and responsibilities, overlook. The trick, on both sides, can be separating childish fantasy from potentially dangerous reality... and convincing the grown-ups of the truth and urgency of the latter. (This sort of plot can be a good excuse to play/be a kid again for a while: less "Rascals", more Super 8 or Stranger Things or "Imaginary Friend".)
As kids get older, they go through changes, some of which aren't very pretty (e.g., Klingon puberty). Last season's adorable moppet can be this season's precocious acting ensign. Again, Starfleet officers are expected to patiently support and encourage the development of the next generation. This is especially true for those with aspirations of attending the Academy, who will require mentors and/or sponsors... and sometimes a sympathetic ear when they don't make it in on their first application (or they do, but their current ___friend doesn't, or whatever).
(EDIT: apologies if these last couple of posts have been less useful for being not as specific or focused on ready-to-go activities.)
2 Likes
Holodecks and Hirogen
A board game that can be played with three or more people (two player rules coming soon!). Link to rules and gameboard can be found here.
A board game that can be played with three or more people (two player rules coming soon!). Link to rules and gameboard can be found here.