So let's talk potential new Trek RPG

[jayphailey]

meow? beep-beep?

[RichMerk]

I think we should do an Airplane rpg.

[jayphailey]

"They're coming in on Instruments!"

(rolls on perform skill)

Jay ~Meow!~

[jayphailey]

Damnit. Now I'll be humming that music as I head back to bed.

"Dah dahdahdah.. dah dah dah DAAAAAHHHH dahdah daaaahhh!"

Jay ~Meow!~

[JM1776]

I propose this concept for an ongoing campaign:

Star Trek: Distant Realm

Synopsis: Employing a convenient one-way speed-of-plot device, Starfleet sends a caravan of ships to the far side of Federation space, some 5,000-plus light years from Earth (and, thus, all that we Trekkies customarily see portrayed in the various series). This flotilla's primary mission: To create closer relationships between the UFP and those planets in this region that have joined the Federation (in all likelihood on an associate, auxiliary and/or provisionary basis), yet have not until now had the opportunity to interact profitably with other members. This will be facilitated by a variety of means: Construction of a powerful starbase, along with a series of space stations, near the task force's egression point; establishment of permanent colonies on viable worlds within the new sphere of influence; render of aid and assistance to both current and prospective Federation members in the vicinity. Once the various settlements and outposts have been well-established, starships not permanently assigned to the sector will begin the decade-long journey back to the Federation core worlds, fulfilling the Starfleet mandate to boldly go as they do.

The floor is open to questions.

[jayphailey]

Who are the characters, and what will they be doing?

An entire floatilla of ships?

Will the PCs all be on a single ship?

How does that work?

[JM1776]

Who are the characters, and what will they be doing?

This is not meant to be dismissive or harsh, so take it as intended: For the nonce, you need concern yourself only with your own character and what he'll be doing.

An entire floatilla of ships?

Yes. Screeners, escorts, colony vessels, transports, bulk carriers, fighters and capital starships, all of which are necessary to establish a strong presence in a sector devoid of all but a nominal Starfleet presence.

Will the PCs all be on a single ship?

That depends on the character concepts presented to me privately.

How does that work?

That's up to your GM, I'd say.

[jayphailey]

The target is a little vauge.

I don't know what I am aiming at.

I'll wing a few shots and you can give me some ranging replies and I'll know more.

Jay ~meow!~

[TimPendragon]

I don't think it's quite as vague as Jay seems to think, but some guidelines for characters might be helpful. Are we filling out senior officer posts on a starship? If so, a list of "Open positions" might be in order. Most people would know to stay away from the "Half-Q-half-Changeling-ex-Borg superhero" characters, but without some guidelines and groundrules, half the people could be vying for Captain or XO. Give us a place to start, please.

[JM1776]

I'm assuming you're all adults with previous role-playing experience, and operating under the assumption that any character appropriate to such a venture—Starfleet officer, diplomat, aspiring colonist, stowaway, freighter captain—should be acceptable. It's my job to weave a believable storyline that brings the various characters together, or alternately keeps them entertained even whilst on their own.

You're not "aiming," Jay. You're coming up with a concept that somehow fits into the established rudimentary framework. We'll insert them smoothly, rest assured.

Anyone interested in initiating a conversation about their character may PM or email me.

[RichMerk]

One of the biggest problems we had in my old Pandora game was that the characters the players came up with were too different from each other. They had absolutely no rational excuse to all be on the same missions, so it was impossible to come up with something everyone could participate in. Of course, that perceived problem might be averted by a GM more clever than me.

[JM1776]

I'll make suggestions, assume good will and desire for an enjoyable experience in the participants, and become a jerk if and when necessary. That last is a step you'd not take, Rich ... and I have the added advantage of knowing most everyone looking to play for quite some time.

We'll work it out.

[JM1776]

Well, so much for working it out.

My wife, upon learning that I'd planned to GM an online RPG, has recommended I not do so, citing a lack of time to devote in light of other more important commitments, both literary and financial.

Time was I would have given it a try ... but no longer.

I've only had two people actually approach me with character concepts, so we're not so far along in the process that I need to feel particularly guilty.

Still, I offer my apologies for nearly committing myself and now withdrawing.

[jayphailey]

I am bummed. The circumstances are understandable.

But I are still bummed.

Jay ~Meow!~

[TimPendragon]

As much as it sucks that this isn't working out as you'd hoped, Joe, I think we all understand that real life obligations have to take precedence. It's so easy to overextend oneself with these things, so... good call on backing off, I think.

Regarding the potential game, there may be someone else interested in GMing. If that happens, would you consider playing? Assuming that such participation wouldn't result in a similar overextension, of course.