Application Guide
Created by Captain María Zavala on Sun Jun 16th, 2024 @ 11:56pm
The purpose of this guide is to provide an overview of what is expected from applications submitted to the simulation. Anyone who is planning on joining the USS Carina should read through as there are several things you’ll need to take note of in order to create a good application that will earn you a strong place aboard the sim.
The Basics
Fill in the boxes. Character applications form the basis of the character’s biography page as well as a player’s user profile. We have tried to simplify these forms as much as possible so as to give players the most freedom in coming up with (and sharing) information relevant to their character. You do not need to have everything about your character figured out ahead of time, but the more you share here, the more others have to work with as they get to know both you and your character.
Note: if you have any concerns regarding your personal information, contact the commanding officer.
Be creative. A role-playing simulation is about cooperative storytelling. What you put into your application has an impact on how others will understand your character. Whether you’re aiming for something more familiar or looking to branch out into something entirely new, we are willing to work with you on it. We love it when folks bring a variety of ideas, experiences, and abilities to our shared storytelling.
History & Personality
Two of the things most often looked for in any character application are history and personality. They tend to make up the core of most biographies and can tell us a lot about where a character comes from (as well as where they’re going).
Some folks think this means that you have to have it all figured out before you get started, but that’s not always the case. Think about what we knew of any of the great characters of Trek when they first appeared on our screens – nothing. It was only by journeying with them (through episodes, films, interviews, conventions, and fan-writings like our own) that we’ve come to know them better, and have seen their stories expand.
The same is true of the characters we are creating here. Yes, anything you can give us up front is going to help a lot, not only in seeing your application accepted but also in how you and the rest of the team use that biography to tell your character’s story (as part of the whole). And also, just because you don’t know every twist and turn yet doesn’t mean there isn’t something there for us to start with.
Visit the Biography Guide for more information about writing character biographies.
Diversity
There are many ways we can show diversity through our characters, both in terms of who they are as well as how they interact with the world (and the people) around them. While it is not required for our character applications to be “diverse”, we do strongly encourage folks to consider what unique story they might have to share that would help us to expand the story of the Carina (and of Star Trek more broadly). After all, creative diversity enriches the writing and the experience of everyone.
Questions about how to incorporate diversity into your character’s biography or whether a particular character you have would contribute to the overall diversity of the simulation should be discussed with the commanding officer.
Player Experience
We know players come to us with a variety of simming experience, ranging anywhere from years (or decades) to this being their first ever encounter with the genre (and all levels in-between). Knowing your experience will help the commanding officer better understand how to approach reviewing your application and discussing it with you. It won’t directly impact whether your application is accepted.
Timing
The commanding officer will try to reply to all applications within forty-eight (48) hours of the application being received. If they are unable to review the application in that timeframe, they will notify you of the reason (e.g. wanting a second opinion, extenuating circumstances, etc.).
Replied With a "No"
If your application has been rejected, please don’t be disheartened. It is extremely rare that any application will be flat-out refused. The commanding officer will always give you an explanation as to what they felt was missing and what you could do to improve. They will even help you work on improving it if you want them to.
Any player can always re-apply with an improved application (unless otherwise specified).
Replied With a "Yes"
Congratulations and welcome to the sim! In your acceptance email, you will receive additional details you’ll need to know including the status of the current mission. This is meant to ensure a smooth transition (without disturbing the storyline) as you introduce your character and begin writing.
Follow-Up
Questions, comments, and concerns are always welcomed and should be directed to a member of the sim command staff via private message or mail.
See also:
Source: Adapted from the “Application Guide” of the USS Highlander. Used with permission.
The Basics
Fill in the boxes. Character applications form the basis of the character’s biography page as well as a player’s user profile. We have tried to simplify these forms as much as possible so as to give players the most freedom in coming up with (and sharing) information relevant to their character. You do not need to have everything about your character figured out ahead of time, but the more you share here, the more others have to work with as they get to know both you and your character.
Note: if you have any concerns regarding your personal information, contact the commanding officer.
Be creative. A role-playing simulation is about cooperative storytelling. What you put into your application has an impact on how others will understand your character. Whether you’re aiming for something more familiar or looking to branch out into something entirely new, we are willing to work with you on it. We love it when folks bring a variety of ideas, experiences, and abilities to our shared storytelling.
History & Personality
Two of the things most often looked for in any character application are history and personality. They tend to make up the core of most biographies and can tell us a lot about where a character comes from (as well as where they’re going).
Some folks think this means that you have to have it all figured out before you get started, but that’s not always the case. Think about what we knew of any of the great characters of Trek when they first appeared on our screens – nothing. It was only by journeying with them (through episodes, films, interviews, conventions, and fan-writings like our own) that we’ve come to know them better, and have seen their stories expand.
The same is true of the characters we are creating here. Yes, anything you can give us up front is going to help a lot, not only in seeing your application accepted but also in how you and the rest of the team use that biography to tell your character’s story (as part of the whole). And also, just because you don’t know every twist and turn yet doesn’t mean there isn’t something there for us to start with.
Visit the Biography Guide for more information about writing character biographies.
Diversity
There are many ways we can show diversity through our characters, both in terms of who they are as well as how they interact with the world (and the people) around them. While it is not required for our character applications to be “diverse”, we do strongly encourage folks to consider what unique story they might have to share that would help us to expand the story of the Carina (and of Star Trek more broadly). After all, creative diversity enriches the writing and the experience of everyone.
Questions about how to incorporate diversity into your character’s biography or whether a particular character you have would contribute to the overall diversity of the simulation should be discussed with the commanding officer.
Player Experience
We know players come to us with a variety of simming experience, ranging anywhere from years (or decades) to this being their first ever encounter with the genre (and all levels in-between). Knowing your experience will help the commanding officer better understand how to approach reviewing your application and discussing it with you. It won’t directly impact whether your application is accepted.
Timing
The commanding officer will try to reply to all applications within forty-eight (48) hours of the application being received. If they are unable to review the application in that timeframe, they will notify you of the reason (e.g. wanting a second opinion, extenuating circumstances, etc.).
Replied With a "No"
If your application has been rejected, please don’t be disheartened. It is extremely rare that any application will be flat-out refused. The commanding officer will always give you an explanation as to what they felt was missing and what you could do to improve. They will even help you work on improving it if you want them to.
Any player can always re-apply with an improved application (unless otherwise specified).
Replied With a "Yes"
Congratulations and welcome to the sim! In your acceptance email, you will receive additional details you’ll need to know including the status of the current mission. This is meant to ensure a smooth transition (without disturbing the storyline) as you introduce your character and begin writing.
Follow-Up
Questions, comments, and concerns are always welcomed and should be directed to a member of the sim command staff via private message or mail.
See also:
- Biography Guide
- Character Introduction
Source: Adapted from the “Application Guide” of the USS Highlander. Used with permission.
Updated: 06/16/2024
Categories: Character Development