Mind your FAQs...

[Darkthorne]

Here you'll hopefully find the answers to most of the questions you may have. If not please feel free to post a new thread in the Q and A section.

The FAQ's

Top Ten on Getting Started

1. What the H E double hockey sticks is this place!?

Well, I'm glad you asked, and thanks for the hockey reference. This is the message and information center for a chat based roleplaying game called Star Trek: Archangel. Here you will find most everything to get you started and keep you in the loop. It is also a place to kick back and hang out with the players, leave a message, find out about special events etc etc. Basically it does what most boards do.

2. Whoa, that's pretty cool!!

I know right!! but this isn't a question..

3. So is this like TNG, DS9 or [ Insert your favorite Trek installment here] ?

Though this room is based within the star trek genre and makes use of particulars of it's timeline it is in a sense it's own NEW installment of the trek realm. Set on a sovereign class-explorer named the USS Archangel and with a still fresh after taste of war with the romulans our trepidatious crew once again finds themselves readjusting to the "normalicy" of exploration and the ever present underlying edge of diplomacy. There is mystery abound,  action, knee jerk personal drama's!!! All the most mind capturing, enthralling aspects of RP!!!! Excited as I am?? GOOD!


4. Great, thanks...but..what is this roleplaying thing you speak of?

Well, to quote the lovely folks at roleplay.org

Role Play, simply defined, is acting. Acting, as a character that you either create or pick from a spectrum of pre-created characters. In some settings you determine vital characteristics of your character, in others, it is predetermined. You set your mind into this character, and play it out by improvising the characters' moves.

For more information please take a few moments to browse http://www.roleplay.org/articles/rpg-intro/

If you have any further questions after reading this feel free to ask.

5. I've looked it over and I'm interested in checking this place out..where do I begin.

I would suggest skimming over the board and thenpopping into the room when there is rp in session. Take a gander as to what goes on, people's roleplaying styles, characters, rps in the works and then see if you are still interested in taking part.


6. I am in absolutely AWE!! I mean it..there are no words..where do I sign up?

I know..we get that a lot. Basically the process is easy. Familiarize yourself with the board, rules and what is currently going on in the room. Then it's up to you to decide what kind of character you want to play. Male or Female. Age. Species.

Simply fill out the Character Template : http://forums.roleplayoasis.com/Archangel/index.php?topic=15.msg16#msg16

and submit it under the Character Submission section here : http://forums.roleplayoasis.com/Archangel/index.php?board=8.0

*please note, at this time we do not accept non trek species. As well there are some limitation to those playable and those believable as starfleet officers.

7. Done and Done. Now what?

Now you just wait for one of our lovely admin to approve or amend your sheet and assign you rank and placement. In the meantime you will need some coding and if you like, an Av.

8. How long does it usually take for a sheet to be approved?

It varies depending on the sheet itself, if any changes need to be made and the availability of an admin member.

9. How do I do coding, what is an AV and how do I go about getting these?

Codes are basically the html that you use to identify yourself in the roleplay room. They generally consist of your rank, name, ship and the name of the room and chat site. However they can also include ghost tags, Avatars, rank bars, quote or song lyrics. Really it's up to you. Here is a standard set, feel free to use them as a template or personalize them.

<center><img src=insert av url here align=left></img><br><br><font color=515650 font face=verdana size=3>Rank And Name</font><br><font color=F6F0E4 font face=verdana size=2><i> U.S.S. Archangel NCC-73901 </i></font><br><img src="rank bar url"></img><br><font color=876437 font face=verdana size=1>callsign or other nickname </font><br><font color=876437 font face=verdana size=2>| Department assignment..aka medical, security, whatever officer..etc|</font><br><font color=D3D3D3 font face=verdana size=1><i>"quote, lyrics, or flight wing motto"</i></font><br><font color=696969 font face=verdana size=1>Star Trek : Archangel - RPO</font><br><br><font color=876437 font face=verdana  size=2>

Now as to the Av part. Avatars as a picture representation of your character which you have probably seen are standard in most roleplaying rooms. If you would like to include one in your coding you can either make your own or request one from someone else. To request you have several options. 
Ask around in general or visit a design board.

(addition) the rank pips... there is a set of rank pips further  down the FAQ feel free to use these for your codes.

10. I have all of the above and have been approved. What's happens now.

Now you dawn your new character and enter the room. Usually new characters find it easiest to transfer onto the ship. So your first roleplay tends to be your character arriving or being picked up from somewhere depending on what is in play at the moment. Again depending on the story you can also be a survivor of something, or rescued etc etc. Check with one of the Admin for further information on this. Also feel free to play as if you are already an existing memeber of the crew. Any further questions on this feel free to ask.

Welcome Aboard!

[Darkthorne]

Whats with all the violet? I think its burning my retinas

They didn't have teal...and it makes me happy. Er the violet not the burning of retinas. But fine, Ill change to something else.

What is the current time frame?

This is the dawning of the age of aquarius..the age of aquuuuar..er....no...uh..this is the first day of the rest of your life...no...

It's 2390. For specific stardate see the stardate clock on the room entry page.

I don't know much about the star trek genre, can I still play here?

Of course, to tell you the truth I didn't have a vast knowledge of trek when I started and even now I don't profess to be any sort of expert. Here at STA we aren't stifled by strictly adhearing to what is layed out in the genre. Thats not to say they aren't the basis of our room its just that since not every detail is covered in the vast world of trek we have had to take a few liberties. This is roleplay after all and what fun would it be if we limited every little thing.

However we do stick to the information the lovely trek guru's have given us, as well as the brain trusts of others such as ourselves on loan from their own rp sites. So do look into our Newbie Resource section. There you'll find info on most things trek. Everything else you can more than likely pick up in the room. Checking out a few star trek episodes and even battlestar galactica or most other space type shows can help to as well as stimulate the rp muscle and most of all....when in doubt...ask.

Is that why there is all the battlestar and stargate stuff kicking around..I thought this was a star trek room?

This is primarily a star trek room but yes..we do make certain reference to other space and scifi references. Why you may ask? Well..we happen to think its fun and we love the genre. Also, as I explained in the answer to the previous question the information we have on trek only covers so much. Also roleplay thrives on creativity and ingenuity. Thus we make certain allowences and deviations from Trekcorrectness.

Par Example: As youll notice we have used the bsg vipers as the basis for our fighter crafts. This is mostly because they suited our purpose and because..well..they are sleek and sexy. MROW! Now if you would like to take the time to digitally create a more trek correct craft for use in our avs by all means. Until then. Will keep using our viper models.

I'm not really into playing a starfleet officer..what else do you got for me?

That's a very good question and any good rp needs support characters. Currently the rp takes place post war time...why not play a mercenary, or maquis...how about a Nelix type character, or a refugee. Or come up with your own twist..maybe an rp to go with it. Were you marooned on a planet...was it for bad behavior? We love creativity, the only thing we ask is that you come up with a proposal and talk to one of the admins. Preferably Manda or Paul. You can also PM it to us or post it in the RP idea's section. Also feel free to ask about possible other characters you can play...one of the admin might actually already have something they need a player for.

I have an idea for a cool rp what can I do with it?

You have several options here. Post it in the RP idea's section or again talk to one of the admins. Generally we love rp ideas but there is always an underlying goal and storyline going on. Please keep this in mind when coming up with rps...it'll need to fit with current events or have a plausible reason for happening, changing events etc. We do however understand that sometimes random occurences just happen. This is half the fun, so be creative, have fun with it and we'll have fun with it too.

Do you do crossovers with other rooms?

That...depends on the room. Please see an admin if you are interested in collaborating on an rp.

And finally where are all the Vampires, werewolves, superheros and or other type dark characters.

Im assuming in a room that allows Vampires, Werewolves, superheros and other dark type characters. This is a Star Trek room..

If you have any other questions as Ive overstated..feel free to ask or post em up in the Q&A section. Thanks for stoppin in.
 

(Credit to six for the great faq)

[Darkthorne]

Starfleet Flag Officer Ranks

Fleet Admiral		Fleet Admiral is the highest rank in Starfleet. Fleet Admirals have many years of distinguished service and an impeccable record. There are only 6 Fleet Admirals: the Judge Advocate General, the Chief in Command, the Commander Starfleet, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Director of the Corps of Engineers and the Fleet Commander.
Admiral		Admiral is the highest normal rank in Starfleet. Admirals have impeccable service records and decades of service. Flag Officers of Admiral rank are in command of all main divisions Starfleet with the exceptions listed above for Fleet Admirals. There are also 8 sector Admirals who are responsible for operations in their specific area, such as the Romulan Neutral Zone or Home Sector.
Vice Admiral		Vice Admirals are Flag Officers who have a specific mandate, such as a subsection of a Division, or an area of space. Vice Admirals also command task forces. Most Armadas and Task Forces are assigned to Vice Admirals
Rear Admiral		Rear Admirals are Flag Officers responsible for a limited and specific area for a limited time. Rear Admirals are usually promoted to Vice Admiral within two years. Rear Admirals may command major Starbases, Shipyards, Starfleet Bases on major worlds, or similar duties.
Commodore		Commodore is the most junior flag officer rank of Starfleet, under the admiralty, but senior to a captain. Commodores command groups of ships, as opposed to captains commanding single ships or units.   This could be thought of as a higher rank than captain, although it does not possess a permanent position in the rank hierarchy (a captain could also be directly promoted to the next highest rank, without spending time at a Commodore captain posting).   The rank of Commodore was used by Starfleet until at least the 2270's, when it was superseded.   As of the rank revision of 2385, it has been reinstated.

Line Officer Ranks

Rank	Command	Medical/Science	Engineering/Operations
Captain				Captains are the most senior of line officers. Captains most often command Starships or Starbases of medium to large size. Captains may also command planetary outposts or serve as division heads for the Starfleet Bases on major worlds.
Commander				Commanders are senior line officers. Commanders usually serve as the Executive Officer, Operations Officer, or Security Chief onboard a starship. Commanders may command small starships of under 100 crewmen, but this is rare. Commanders may also command small Starbases or minor outposts. Taking the Bridge Officer's Test is the only way for a science or medical officer to be promoted to Commander, pending completion of the other requirements
Lieutenant Commander				Lieutenant Commanders are senior line officers. Lieutenant Commanders usually serve as department heads aboard starship or on large Starbases. Lieutenant Commanders may be the executive officers on starships with a crew of less than 250, but usually Commanders fill that role.
Lieutenant				Lieutenants are the most common Commissioned Officers. Lieutenants can perform almost any Officer duty on a starship, save for being the Commanding or Executive Officer. In some cases Lieutenants can even be department heads, especially on smaller starships.
Lieutenant jg.				Lieutenants Junior Grade are junior Commissioned Officers. Lieutenants Junior Grade may be the Medical Officer or Science Officer on a mid to large space station, or man a Bridge Station. Officers typically spend around 2 years as a Lieutenant Junior Grade.
Ensign				Ensigns are the most junior of Commissioned Officers. Ensigns often serve as Flight Controller aboard starships, or Operations Officer on small Starships. Ensigns can also serve in relief or assistant capacities to most other positions aboard ship. It is rare, but not unheard of, for a Cadet at Starfleet Academy to be granted a temporary Commission of Ensign. This is only done in cases of truly outstanding grades. Officers typically spend around 3 years as an Ensign.

Enlisted ranks

Rank	Medical/Science	Engineering/Operations
Master Chief Petty Officer			The highest ranking in the enlisted branch, the Master Chief has served with distinction for many years. A handful of master chiefs serve within Starfleet, all acknowledged leaders in their fields and commanding the respect of those beneath them. Such NCOs oversee important departments and can enjoy treatment almost like that of a distinguished officer.
Senior Chief Petty Officer			Much like the Chief Petty Officer, the Senior Chief oversees departments of large numbers of enlisted personnel. Senior chief petty officers are few in number, have served in Starfleet for a long time, and are experts in their field. A senior chief could be viewed as the enlisted equivalent of a commander.
Chief Petty Officer			The Chief Petty Officers (CPO) oversees large groups of petty officers and departments underneath him. These NCOs typically have many years of service (usually over 15) and a wealth of experience in their field. When one becomes "chief" he garners a measure of respect for his accomplishments and proficiency. CPOs are sought out for their knowledge and experience. A Chief Petty Officer can command a major engineering or services department on a Starship or Starbase. Examples include the Transporter Chief of a Starship or the Chief of Operations of a Starbase.
Petty Officer (1st Class)			There are three ranks of Petty Officer: third, second and first Class. A petty officer should not be confused with a commissioned officer in Starfleet, such as a Lieutenant or a Warrant Officer. The term petty officer still refers to an enlisted person. They are promoted from crewmen to 3rd Class, then 2nd, and then 1st.
Petty Officer (2nd Class)
Petty Officer (3rd Class)			Petty officers are referred to as non-commissioned officers, or NCOs, because they frequently oversee several enlisted crewmen in their departments, and are trained to do so. Most petty officers report to a Chief Petty Officer or sometimes a commissioned officer. A petty officer undergoes more rigorous training, or has risen from the enlisted ranks to his current position.

Crewman 1st Class			Similar to a Crewmen 2nd Class, these crewmen are given slightly more responsibility and are more knowledgeable in their fields. Crewmen do not oversee any other enlisted personnel and report to petty officers above them. They are enlisted personnel who usually have between 2 and 4 years of experience. Crewmen 1st Class generally serve as Medical Technicians or Engineering Technicians. Promotion to Petty Officer 3rd Class upon re-enlistment is common, but not guaranteed.
Crewman 2nd Class			These crewmen can also be referred to as "Specialist". The crewman is overseen by petty officers and has limited duties, usually seeing to a specific system or area of function. Crewmen 2nd Class are enlisted personnel with typically less than 2 years of service. Promotion to Crewman 1st Class after 18 months of service is routine.
Crewman 3rd Class			The lowest rank of the enlisted personnel is Crewman 3rd Class. Upon enlisting in Starfleet all enlisted personnel hold this rank.

[Darkthorne]

Starfleet Marine Ranks
(note this is a work in progress)

Field Marshal		Field Marshal is the highest rank in the Corps. Field Marshal has many years of distinguished service and an impeccable record. There are only 6 Fleet Admirals: the Judge Advocate General, the Chief in Command, the Commander Starfleet, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Director of the Corps of Engineers and the Fleet Commander.
General		General (O-10) is the highest level of General Officer. This is the highest ranking Officer in the Starfleet Marine Corps.
Lieutenant General		Lieutenant General (O-9) is the third level of General Officer.
Major General		Major General (O-8) is the second level of General Officer.
Brigadier General		Brigadier General (O-7) is the first level of General Officer.

Line Officer Ranks

Colonel		Colonel (O-6) is the highest ranking Field Grade Officer.
Lieutenant Colonel		Lieutenant Colonel (O-5) is a Field Grade Officer.
Major		Major (O-4) is the first Field Grade Officer.
Captain		Captain (O-3) is the highest level Company Grade Officer.
1st Lieutenant		1st Lieutenant (O-2) is considered a Company Grade Officer and is one rank above 2nd Lieutenant.
2nd Lieutenant		Second Lieutenant (O-1) is considered a Company Grade Officer and is the lowest ranking officer rank.

Enlisted ranks

Rank
Sergeant Major		Sergeants Major (E-9) are the highest ranking enlisted Marines and are commanders' senior advisers for enlisted matters.
Master Sergeant/ First Sergeant		At the E-8 level, the SFMC has two positions at the same pay grade. Whether a marine is a master sergeant (MSGT) or a first sergeant (FSGT) depends on the person's job.
Gunnery Sergeant		As a Gunnery Sergeant (E-7), the leadership responsibilities of a marine increase even more. This responsibility is given formal recognition by use of the term noncommissioned officer (NCO).
Staff Sergeant		TAs a Staff Sergeant (E-6), the leadership responsibilities of a marine increase even more. This responsibility is given formal recognition by use of the term noncommissioned officer (NCO).
Sergeant		As a Sergeant (E-5), the leadership responsibilities of a marine increase even more. This responsibility is given formal recognition by use of the term noncommissioned officer (NCO).
Corporal/ Specialist		As a Corporal (E-4), the leadership responsibilities of a marine significantly increases. This responsibility is given formal recognition by use of the term noncommissioned officer (NCO).

Lance Corporal		As with other service members in pay grades E-1 through E-3, Lance Corporals (E-3) are usually either in some kind of training status or on their initial assignment. The training includes the basic training phase where recruits are immersed in military culture and values and are taught the core skills required by their service component. Basic training is followed by a specialized or advanced training phase that provides recruits with a specific area of expertise or concentration.
Private First Class		As with other service members in pay grades E-1 through E-3, Private First Classes (E-2) are usually either in some kind of training status or on their initial assignment. The training includes the basic training phase where recruits are immersed in military culture and values and are taught the core skills required by their service component. Basic training is followed by a specialized or advanced training phase that provides recruits with a specific area of expertise or concentration.
Private		As with other service members in pay grades E-1 through E-3, Privates (E-1) are usually either in some kind of training status or on their initial assignment. The training includes the basic training phase where recruits are immersed in military culture and values and are taught the core skills required by their service component. Basic training is followed by a specialized or advanced training phase that provides recruits with a specific area of expertise or concentration.