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The USS Dallas uses the Starfleet
ranking system for officers, as established by Star Trek: The Next Generation.
In several Star Trek games and even
in some of the published novels, there are mention of a Starfleet Marine Corps. As a GM and a fan of Star Trek, I have
always found such a concept
to be completely incongruent with Starfleet's established purposes and
therefore do not allow them in the Taskforce 121 scenario.
Promotions
The Dallas is currently using a 'performance
points' system to gauge a character's promotions throughout the game.
Points are awarded to each player on a weekly basis depending on the quality
and quantity of participation that they contribute to the game. The
points are tallied and presented to the players on a bi-weekly basis. Each week
a player can 'earn' a maximum of 5 points.
Following is the breakdown of the weekly
point awards, and the requirements for receiving them:
- 1 Point: 1 filler
post. A filler
post is one that is short, usually no more than several lines or a couple
of paragraphs. It often serves little more than to just meet the
minimum weekly posting requirements or does not include the main player
character.
- 2 Points: 1 full
post. A full
post is one that is in-depth, engaging, or thoughtful. It usually,
but not necessarily, pertains directly to the main plot(s), or to an existing/emerging
sub-plot.
- 3 Points: 1 amazing
post. An amazing post is in-depth, engaging, AND thoughtful. It usually,
but not necessarily, pertains directly to the main plot(s), or to an existing/emerging
sub-plot.
- 5 Points: Simmer of the Month
award. Each month the players of the USS Dllas SIM elect one of their own to receive this reward. These points are EXTRA to the normal weekly count.
- 2 Points: Post of the Month
award. Each month the players if the USS Dllas SIM elect a log from last month that has in some way touched them.
In other words, a post that cannot be forgotten and that is marked in the archives. These points are EXTRA to the normal weekly count.
- 0 Points: No
posts due to an absence from the sim in which either the GM or AGM were
notified/given permission for.
- -2 Points:
1st week of no posts due to an absence NOT granted/agreed upon by
either the GM or AGM.
- -4 Points:
2nd consecutive week of no posts due to an absence NOT granted/agreed
upon by either the GM or AGM.
- -6 Points:
3rd consecutive week of no posts due to an absence NOT granted/agreed
upon by either the GM or AGM.
- Dismissal:
After four consecutive weeks with no attempt to contribute actively within
the sim, and without prior notice of such an extended absence to the GM
or AGM, the GM will arbitrarily decide to withdraw the player and his character
from the Dallas sim. Also, if within an 8 week (2 month) period,
a player is inactive for a total of four or more weeks and shows a decided
lack of effort when the player does contribute within that time span, the
GM reserves the right to arbitrarily withdraw the player and his character
and his player from the Dallas sim.
Promotions Schedule
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0 points |
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To the left is the Promotions schedule
for Officers as based on the above Points system. Each ensign starts at 0 points. Looking at an average player
who receives 2 to 3 points each week and an average mission length of 8 weeks, a character will be promoted to
lieutenant (jg) after 1,5 missions. |
 |
40 points |
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120 points |
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240 points |
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480 points |
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960 points |
=/\= A Final Word =/\=
Promotions are about ability and dedication.
The two go hand in hand the whole way through. It takes a lot to stick
it out and bring a character through the ranks. Sometimes you get lucky
and a character will die or leave and you will be promoted into their slot,
but sometimes not. Sometimes you just have to stick it out. And I promise
you that those who do stick it out earn their promotions. There is nothing
that makes a player prouder than to write that log where you finally get
to put on that second or third pip, be it black or gold. I've even stood
in front of the mirror myself. |
