General Rules

• The USS Phoenix does not accept players under the age of 15. Some posts may contain strong language, sexual encounters or vivid descriptions of a sexual or violent nature. (If you are over 15 and this may offend you, please inform the Commanding Officer).
• Be flexible, when you're SIMMing as anything can happen and have fun.
• Be creative and realistic as creativity is key, creative posts give life to your character.
• Pay attention to detail. Keep up with what others write in their posts, there might be a twist or a story line your character itches to get involved with.
• For every action there is a reaction. If you put your head in the warp core, chances are you're dead. Be consistent, that way others know what to expect of you.
• Stay involved - your player might not always be the center of attention but that doesn't mean your character can't do anything. It is a ALWAYS something to do. If you find yourself struggling with what to do; check the writing suggestion areas in the wiki or contact the Command Team as we have been doing this a while and can help with most anything.
• Players are expected to read all posts and be aware of what is currently going on in the story. If you are confused or don’t know where your character fits in then speak to a member of the Command Team. Going silent and sitting things out repeatedly or for prolonged periods may result in your removal from the sim.
• Respect goes along way on board the Phoenix, not just for the Chain of Command but for every player. Remember the Golden Rule; treat others the way you want to be treated - with respect. (The only except to this is if any character on character disrespect is required for the plot, and would be pre-arranged OOCly)
• If you have a disagreement with another crew member, the Commanding Officer (CO) will act as mediator and will have the final say in the matter.
• If you as crew member have an issue or needs clarification, politely PM or Email the Commanding Officer.
• The CO can do what he/she deems in the best interest of the sim – meaning the CO (and only the CO) can write for an unresponsive player or even change the mission's ending at any time. It is the COs sole right to start or end a mission. No layer should try to interfere substantially with the story line such as finishing the mission early. Please speak to your CO/XO if you have an idea that would substantially change the plot.
• We are very open to sub-plots. If you feel your intended sub-plot might interfere with the running of the mission please contact the CO/XO before beginning it – we might find your idea to be just the plot twist we’ve been looking for!
• Much of the color and drama of any sim is generated by “off-duty” interaction of the crew. Everyone has real life experiences, or even aspirations, that can be called upon for recreational, non-mission related posts and these posts are HIGHLY encouraged.
• Characters: - must be original and have a full biography created by their players; it is also preferred that your character have an avatar (contact the CO for assistance if needed.
  - They must not copy canon Star Trek characters.
  - No “Mary Sue” or other “Super” characters.
• Develop your character - Make sure you use traits about your character in your posts. Don't write a BIO and then play your character completely different. It is for the Command Team to determine the final acceptability of any character information.
• The CO reserves the right to amend the Rules and guidelines without warning if the change is in the best interest of the simulation.

Posting Rules

• In order to be a member of Phoenix you will be expected to have a decent level of writing ability and a good understanding of the English Language. Words are powerful. Use them carefully, and write so others understand what you're doing.
• One line posts and those that do nothing to advance character or plot are not allowed. Like all writing a post requires a beginning, a middle and an end to make sense.
• All posts and communications must written in English (US or UK) and must use proper use of spelling, grammar, punctuation and also of Star Trek technology. Netspeak in posts or communication is not acceptable.
• A minimum post count of at least TWO posts per month is required under Fleet rules. This may be a joint post, a solo post, or a personal log. All players are encouraged to post as often as is possible…minimums are boring and makes for a slow sim. Department Heads are expected to set the example for their sections and exceed these basic requirements.
• Joint post tags should be answered in a timely fashion, within 48 hours. If you are unable to respond within that period, please have the courtesy to notify your co-authors – there are few things more annoying than waiting on someone to update a JP for weeks on end. Failure to tag on-time without notification may result in a strike.
• Any player who continually fails to respond to tags in joint posts in a timely manner may be removed from the game.
• All posts must adhere to the simulation timeline and appropriate use of ‘Timestamps’ is required. More on this later.
• Post length – All players should attempt to engage other players with their writing. A solo post should be around 500 a minimum of words in length. A JP should be a minimum of 800 words in length (Where applicable). This is not a rigid minimum but is representative of the length most writers need to develop plot or character in a meaningful way.
• Joint posts should show a contribution from each writer involved. In other words no joint posts where one or two players do the bulk of the work and the other players’ contributions amount to little or nothing. Any player who is tagged in a joint post but contributes nothing will have their name removed from that post when it is finished.
• If your solo or Joint Post (JP) is long (+ 1500/2000 words or larger than 3 pages in a Word doc) it’s a good idea to split it into more manageable chunks of 1000-2000 words. This is easier for other players to read as multiple parts with the added bonus that it increases your post count.
• Never: - Write for another character; make assumptions about their background, or their reactions. If you require the input or use of another player character you MUST ask that player for a JP. If they refuse (rare) then find another player to JP with or use an NPC.
  -Assume or write another character’s reaction in a JP. If you are writing a JP with another PC or NPC and the character does not react the way your character wants them too - hard chips – it’s up to the player to keep their reactions in character, not to react the way your character hopes they will. If you do require a specific reaction use your own NPC or ask the command team to write a suitable NPC
  - Associate your character with that back story without the prior written permission of the player. Our players put in time and effort to create unique and original backgrounds for their characters and have first and last call over how their creations are used. If you do this and are asked to amend what you have written you must comply.

Joint Posts

• Never write for a Playing Character (PC) or owned Non-Playing Character(NPC) in a Joint Post (JP) characters are the property of the players creating them and may not be used without their consent save for moving the plot on in a minor and acceptable manner.
• A Joint Post (JP) between two players is expected to be c. 1000 words long – i.e. at least 500 words per character. Please complete your JP BEFORE posting.
• When replying to tags when you’re writing a JP please be descriptive; give your fellow writer(s) something to work with – if your replies are all single lines it’s not fair on the other player(s).
• Never change text written by a player (except for minor typographical errors i.e.; spelling/grammar).

Activity and Leave of Absence

• Regular logging into your account will be expected, as this system logs all your activity on site. As a MINIMUM we require that you visit the site at least once a week. If logging in is too arduous for you then we politely suggest you go elsewhere. Failure to login for a month or more will lead to being removed without notice.
• All players are considered active unless stated otherwise. Any player who is not able to write/log-in for more than seven days is required to request a Leave of Absence (LOA) or Extended Leave of Absence (ELOA).
• Once you have completed your Probation Period (PP) if you are unable to post you may request a Leave of Absence (LOA) or Extended Leave of Absence (ELOA).
• An LOA relieves you from posting for ONE CALENDAR MONTH from the date of request e.g if you request LOA on 15th June then you are expected to start posting again or request an ELOA by the 15th July.
• An ELOA relieves you from posting for THREE CALENDAR MONTHS from the date of request.
• You may not request LOA more than once in any period of three consecutive months. If you think you need longer please request ELOA. You are still welcome to post on LOA or ELOA if you find you had more time than you thought.
• If you will be unable to participate for longer we prefer to retire your character until you have more time. This allows us to recruit active players. You will always be welcome to return and in your previous role/rank if the position is still available.
• Any active player who does not log into the website and participate for a period of three (3) consecutive weeks will be considered AWOL and after the 4th week of inactivity will be removed from the sim.

New Player Rules

• ALL new players are accepted on a probationary basis. This Probation Period lasts 30 days from the acceptance. During this period your posts will be moderated.
• Upon joining the Phoenix you are expected to log on and make your initial post within SEVEN days of acceptance – this shouldn’t be too arduous as your sample post can be used as your introduction (unless you wish to write a new one). Failure to do this will result in your immediate removal from the sim.
• As it’s a ‘getting to know us’ period your introduction post is the only one you MUST post in your initial month of membership. To pass probation you must make the minimum tally of two posts in your first full calendar month. This is easily accomplished with your reporting aboard post with the CO (if a Department Head), Department Head, or by checking in with sickbay and can easily be exceeded by posting with anyone else you may “run into”.
• Depending on quality of posts/application you may receive posting advice from the Commanding Officer or Executive Officer.
• Regardless of your simming experience the Commanding Officer may require you to attend the Academy. This short course will help you understand how things are done within the Fleet.
• You may not request LOA or ELOA until you have passed probation. If you know you cannot post in your first calendar month then we would prefer if you delay your application until you have time – this is for the players – we’re always keen to meet a new face and there is nothing more disheartening than reading a luscious bio then seeing the character go on an immediate LOA.
• If you have met the requirements, your probationary period ends: - 30 days after your acceptance.
  - Once you have begun your Academy course (if required and subject to instructor availability), and:
  - On meeting the basic two post per month posting requirement in your first full month of membership. One of these posts should be a JP with your Department Head if you have a Starfleet Character (see below).
  - If you do not meet the above requirements during your 30 days your character may be removed from the sim.
  
• Activity will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis; but the Command Team reserves the right to dismiss crew members who are considered inactive without cause.

NEW PLAYERS – STARFLEET

• New Starfleet characters should check in with their Department Head (DH) for a JP as soon as possible, NOT with the XO or CO unless the DH slot is vacant. In this case either the XO or CO will provide an NPC to play the Department Head.
• Your DH will give your character an initial assignment to help get you started. Note that this JP is one of the requirements for passing your probation period. Take that assignment and show us what you’re worth!
• All new (non-DH) Starfleet characters will start with the rank of Ensign or Ltjg for medical officers - No exceptions – something to remember when creating your character. The reason for this is simple – It encourages activity, posting, crew interaction, and character development in order to EARN promotions and even awards.
• If you apply for a DH position you will begin as an LTjg. Once your probation period is complete (this WILL include completing the Academy if required. That means it may be longer than one calendar month depending on instructor availability) you will be moved into the DH position and promoted to Lieutenant.
• Further promotions will be at the discretion of the Command Team and based on participation.

NEW PLAYERS – CIVILIANS

• The requirements to pass your Probationary Period are the same as for Starfleet characters, only you have more flexibility over your initial JPs. Someone will probably contact you but if you want to get in first, feel free to ask any player for a JP.

Non-Player Characters (NPCs)

• Under OF rules no player may have more than one Player Character (PC) on a sim. If there is an important character you wish to use it is possible to use an NPC.
• During your probationary period we ask that you limit NPCs to family members/love interest – this is to encourage interaction with other players whilst giving you the flexibility to add depth to your solo posts.
• Once you are through probation if you have an NPC who will appear regularly, family or otherwise, you are welcome to create a bio for them. We can add it to the site for you. BEWARE!!! You should be prepared to write your NPC – other players might want to interact with them, not just your playing character.

Awards, Promotions and Demotions

We want to keep our players motivated so there are two ways we give recognition on the Phoenix: Awards, and Promotions. Awards are issued through several methodologies.

Awards:

• Monthly awards are issued based on the monthly reporting requirement of the Fleet. On a monthly basis we invite all of our players to nominate their fellow players for awards. Nominations for monthly Fleet Awards include: Player, Post, and Writer of the Month. (Monthly awards winners are then considered for quarterly and yearly awards)
• Mission awards are awarded at the end of each mission and nomination can be submitted for these awards can be submitted at any time during a mission.
• Time frame/participation awards are awarded based on length of time aboard the sim, the number of posts written, or other participation benchmarks.

Promotions:

Perhaps the most coveted form of recognition is an in character promotion. As in real life these are not doled out on a monthly or on a first come, first served basis. If you are a time server expecting a promotion for being here for three months then we politely recommend you look elsewhere for a sim. Having served in the military myself…Promotions are EARNED, never given.

We do not advise your primary focus be promotion chasing, nor do we appreciate being asked for a promotion. Such a request is guaranteed to put your character at the back of the queue. Through the promotion system we try to reward activity and participation IC and OOC. To achieve this on a relatively transparent basis we combine a post count and a point system. This means that if you consistently post more than the required minimum to advance to the next level your promotion may be accelerated because your point score has elevated you beyond the minimum tier requirement.

We aim to make IC promotions every 4-6 months depending on time available to your CO (it takes a lot of time to tot up the scores and review participation – volunteers?). As such we cannot guarantee a regular promotion schedule, or to promote at the end of each mission. The IC timing of the promotion will be at the CO's discretion. If you post about your promotion prior to it occurring IC you may well be invited to investigate other simming opportunities. IC promotions are dependent on your primary character having no active Strikes.

Promotions are dependent on your primary character having no active Strikes.
Basic Requirements for Promotion to:

• LIEUTENANT JUNIOR GRADE: Requires consistent, active service that has been beneficial to the SIM's main plot as well as general character development for a minimum of one plot length, following your characters probationary period. Activity, consistency, and the benefit to the SIM will be determined by the CO.

• LIEUTENANT: Requires consistent, active service that has expanded on what is expected of a LtJg by showing a potential readiness for assistant chief or department head status, going above and beyond the minimum expectations. Must be active in this capacity for a minimum of three plot lengths. Again, all aspects of requirements and their fulfillment will be determined by the CO.

• LIEUTENANT COMMANDER: Requires consistent, active service that demonstrates potential command readiness, whether that be by leading a department, leading an away team, picking up the slack and running with it during a plot, or doing anything else that might prove the ability to be a 2nd Officer, XO, or CO at some point in the foreseeable future. Must be active at this capacity for a minimum of five plot lengths. Fulfillment of requirements will be determined by the CO.

• COMMANDER: Requires department head or command staff status. Player must design and execute a plot that he/she has had approved by the CO. Command staff will be at the player/character's disposal during the plot to assist as needed. Design, approval, and execution should total a minimum of 8 weeks in order for the officer to receive this promotion.

• There are of course some exceptions to the scheme:
  • A new Department Head will begin as a Lieutenant Junior Grade and will be promoted to Lieutenant, or the Marine equivalent, on completion of his or her probation.
  • If a Department Head slot becomes available we welcome requests from existing members of the department to move into that role. It is also acceptable for a player from another department to make such a request however priority will be given to players with a character already in the relevant department.
  • At all times the CO retains the right to promote on other grounds.

Demotions

If not on LOA/ELOA and you miss the Tier requirement for three months you will lose one rank. You have the next three month period to up your posting an get your rank back. If you are a DH and your rank drops below that of other player in your department you will lose your DH position.

For character development purposes the Commanding Officer is always happy to arrange in character ‘demotions’ by request.

Strikes

Players on probation are not part of the strike system, Failure to meet probation requirements will result in removal from the sim at the end of or before the end of the probation period as detailed in the NEW PLAYERS section of the rules. Strikes are a disciplinary measure issued as a consequence for breaking the rules.

SINGLE STRIKE ISSUES

For players not on LOA/ELOA who fail to meet OF minimum post requirement of two posts per month will receive one strike per month. At the end of three months if they have three strikes they will be removed from the game. A FIRST activity strike may be removed by meeting minimum post requirement in the following month. This does not apply to accumulated strikes in a posting cycle. If a player with more than one Activity Strikes improves their posting record the Commanding Officer may opt to remove existing strikes at their discretion. All activity strikes will be cleared at the end of a posting cycle i.e. when the CO gets the opportunity to make IC promotions.

TWO STRIKE ISSUES.

Our players put in a lot of time and effort to create unique characters with original backgrounds. Each player has first and last call over how their creations are used. NO PLAYER may write for another character, make assumptions about their background, or their reactions. If you see an interesting and original piece of backstory in another player’s bio UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES may you associate your character with that backstory without the prior written permission of the player. After probation there is little excuse for a player to do either the above. Should you inadvertently make a mistake and another player asks you to amend what you have written, assumed etc you have ONE chance to avoid a double strike. That is to amend what you have written as requested immediately and without fuss. Double strikes are not given lightly – the Commanding Officer will require written evidence from the appealing player that:

• 1) the abuse of character has occurred, and
  2) the request to amend was ignored.

THREE STRIKE ISSUES

We do not tolerate personal abuse...PERIOD – this includes offensive, racist, sexist language used to or about any other player OOC. We expect your OOC communications with other players to be polite and respectful at all times – no one is saying swearing and banter is not allowed, use your common sense. Conflict is allowed between characters IC but should NEVER carry over to real life. If any player experiences such abuse I encourage you to let me know directly along with documentary evidence. If I find ANY player has been personally abusive to/about any other player, they will be removed without warning and the record of their behavior escalated up to Fleet Management.

Questions

If you are in any doubt about the above rules and guidelines questions can be sent to the Commanding Officer here.

Theta Fleet rules

Rules of Theta Fleet can be found here.