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Frequently Asked Questions

"The best moments in reading are when you come across something - a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things - which you thought special and particular to you. Now here it is, set down by someone else, a person you never met... And it is as if a hand has come out and taken yours." [The History Boys, a play by Alan Bennett]

Prospective Players:

What is TeslaStation?

In Character: Tesla is a Stardock Class class station located in Sector_21808. It's primary purpose is to be very cool, very geeky, and very sciencey with a lot of James Bond type toys and things.

Out of Character: It's a play by SMS sim set in a Star Trek universe. Our backdrop is science, but we all know that Star Trek isn't always real science fiction... it's just good fun. What we really are is a giant Space Opera in an oversized station. We like subplots, personal plots, and a major meta-plot we can all dig our teeth into. We write. That's what we like to do. And we're a fu-whilst-still-being-mature community that likes to write together.

How do you SIM?

You pretend you are in the Star Trek universe and how life would be. You take on an avatar or persona and write as that sentient being would see what he or she sees around them. We contribute to the main storylines while also building our own to enhance the community. We are collaborative storytellers.

How about the time I spend?

We would like you to post a minimum of once a week. That could mean at least an hour or more if you are collaborating with someone else. At the very least, you will be reading posts as well as writing them so we estimate 3-5 hours a week for a baseline figure. Consider the time you're about to commit to before you submit an application. Do you have the time to dedicate to the SIM?

How do I Join?

Joining:

A writing sample is required. We are looking for active mature adult players with a strong sense of story. Grammar and spelling are considered a courtesy (please use spell check and reread your sample). Emphasis and weight are, however, to the quality of the content. Chiefly, we seek creative storytellers who are looking to grow their stories with other strong and respectful writers. Details about your sample will be mailed to you shortly after you click JOIN. If you do not see an open position, contact the Tesla Station Manager with your story idea.

Here are the basic steps:

• Create your own original character. For more information on how to do that, go here: Bio Guide and work on this on your own computer in a file you will be able to maintain. Creating your character should not take 10 minutes. What is your story and how will your character bring that story to life?
• You will also need to submit a sample post in your application. This is to show us your character's motivations and actions. It will also to give us an idea of your level of writing. For more information, go here: Posting Guide
• Submit your application (character bio and sample post) here: Join
• Don't forget to proofread and spellcheck! Send your stuff to a friend to read and critique as often we don't catch our own grammar mistakes.

How old do I have to be to join?

You need to be at least 18 years of age in order to apply to Tesla. This is because we desire the freedom to write unhindered. It will allow us to delve into adult themes, if we feel like it.

Are there any species not allowed on Tesla?

Yes, there are. You can find them listed here: Bio/Character_Creation#Disallowed_Races_on_Tesla

Can I play a character from a Star Trek show or movie?

No. Nor can you refer to having known one or being related to one in your bio. This is about being creative, come on, show us your stuff!

What rank types are there?

Starfleet Ranks structure is set up as commissioned and non-commissioned officers. You may choose between the two or play a civilian.

What rank will I start at?

Hrmmm...that depends:

• What character/rank type did you select (see above question)?
  • If you pick officer then it is likely you will not have the rank above Lt JG to begin unless you are a department head. Doctors always start with Lt JG or above as the lowest rank one can serve in Starfleet as a medico is Lt JG.
  • If you pick enlisted, up to Petty Officer 1st Class although Department Heads will usually start at Petty Officer 1st Class or Chief Petty Officer
• Your character's experience
• The ranks of those already on the SIM in comparison to your character
• It's likely that your own experience may play a factor in this.

What happens after I submit my application?

• The Commanding Officer, XO and 2XO receive a copy of the application
• Assistant Apps go to the Department Head (DH) as well for approval. DH apps go to all other DH's for review and feedback.
• Once feedback is in, the Commanding Officer will respond to you and one of three outcomes could happen:
  • Your application is turned down
  • Changes are sent back for you to review and implement
  • Accepted to TeslaStation
• Once accepted, you will be expected to introduce your character immediately. Contact the CO for the best way to do this.
• The Commanding Officer will provide you with an account for our wikisite. If you applied via the wikisite the CO or XO will set you up with your SMS account.
• You will join the OOC Google Group. Once you join, a thread of welcome will greet you.

What is a SubSim?

A subsim is a sim that operates within a sim. It runs via the main site as part of it but also can run independently. For the most part, our SubSIMs run their own plot arcs in cooperation with the main plot arc. An example of this is: USS Swiftsure

What is this Guest Policy?

The purpose of the Guest Writer policy is to encourage good writer’s to participate in Tesla who, due to real life circumstances, can’t commit to the time to be a full member. Guest Writers are by invite only and must be writing an NPC that is involved in one of the other player’s plots. At this time, there is no plan for including “walk-in’s” in this policy.

• 1. As a Guest Writer on Tesla you will adhere to the same 18+ content restrictions as regular members (See FAQ)

• 2. Your characters will be considered NPC’s and it is the responsibility of the regular member to post up an NPC character sheet on the Wiki

• 3. You will have no participation requirement (minimum or maximum)

• 4. The regular Tesla member is responsible for the guest writer’s content in the posts

But what if...

If you have a question that isn't on our FAQs then please send it through to us here: Contact us

Current Players:

How do I get promoted?

This is an event which will usually happen to fill an in character need. For example if you move into a Department Head position this could also be coupled with a rank promotion. Other instances are made on a case by case basis, too many people of the same rank, there is a rank gap that needs to be filled, or perhaps your character's career calls for it. There is no real set criteria, it just happens.

Other ways to recognise achievement on Tesla include awards for writing and time served, as well as recognition and added responsibilities (running missions / subplots, offered position advancement)

What is the chain of command?

You're kidding me, right? The chain of command is used to reprimand bad officers... No wait.

The chain of command works in two ways on Tesla:

In character it is the level of authority or seniority. At the top is Command, below them are the Department Heads and then the Crew. Orders are handed down from the top to be carried out by those below, if there are any issues then those issues travel up the chain of command. If you are a civilian, you will respect mah authoratay! This is a military base, keep that in mind.

Out of character on Tesla, we command staffers are here to help you. If you need help, someone to bounce ideas off of, a writing partner, a pat on the back, or anything at all, then your Department Head and / or the Command Staff are there to make sure you get what you need in order to be a happy and contributing member of Tesla. Let us know before it becomes a problem and we'll see what can be done about it. We hate to lose people if they haven't communicated their needs to us. It's also your responsibility to tell us what will engage you in the SIM.

When are awards handed out?

Usually the end of every mission arc.

How long are mission arcs?

We aim for them to run for approximately 2 - 3 months.

Can I nominate someone for an award?

Yes, you can. If you feel that someone is deserving of an award then you can send a PM (through SMS) to the Commanding Officer. Tell them who you are nominating and what for. List of awards and information regarding them can be found here: Awards

I have a problem with a crewmember, what do I do?

This is rare on Tesla because we are supposed to be mature adults. If you are unable to resolve the problem between you then please either approach your Department Head or the Command Staff. If it happens to be the Commanding Officer then you probably need to talk to the XO to see if she's gone off her rocker and is having a menopausal episode.

Can I harm/kill another player's character?

Killing, not really and if you do, it's best to bring the Commanding Officer in on the plans. We're not ones to enjoy "surprises" like that.

Harming, well, that is something you and the other player will have to agree to. Then you will also need to tell the CO so that she doesn't go ballistic thinking you've violated one of the Ten Rules

I've got nothing to do...

Seriously? On Tesla? Have you read any posts in your department? What's going on in the overarching meta-arc that you might need to respond to. Departmental arc? Are there orders you need to fulfill? Personal arc? But honestly, if you really are feeling left out, put up a hand and we'll be happy to figure something out with you.

How do I take a leave of absence or resign from Tesla?

For leaves of absence please post in SMS and put your character on LOA. It's also required to send a note out on the OOC Google Mail list. That will tell the CO and XO immediately. Please, in the explanation, include an anticipated return date. If it will be a particularly long leave then please contact the CO. If at all possible, as in the case of a vacation, we ask that you give us due notice. This is very important as it helps us to plan around your absence. For resignations, contact the CO directly.

What does 18+ mean?

May contain violence, offensive language, non-explicit sexual references, nudity, drug use, horrific themes and antisocial behavior. Must be over 18 to participate in this SIM.

What sort of rules should I follow?

Overall Conduct: Regardless of our age limit, posting language must, at all times, be proper and polite and respectful of other Tesla members. Exercise good judgment about what is acceptable. Under no circumstances will pornographic or gratuitously violent material be allowed. If in doubt, a player should err on the side of caution.

What does this mean to me?

• No penetration! Nein! No graphic descriptions of sexual acts. Period. No graphic violence -- I don't want an up close on someone's head plus brains and further details. Frankly I'm squeamish. If you don't see it in an R movie then you don't play it here. i.e. Sex is portrayed but you don't see the close ups of genitalia or actors coming in direct contact with said parts. We aren't writing porn, a little erotica is fine. Anais Nin? Yes. Hustler Forum? No. Try to avoid being cheesy unless you're going for the laugh. Implied and suggestive content is acceptable within a storyline. After all, your CO's nickname was once Bubbles...

AND

• If you think it's ok but aren't really 100% -- come to me. PM me, IRC me, find me. We'll discuss any edits if needed. I don't want to have to edit it after the fact. This sim means a lot to me and I don't want to lose members over this small item. We're all adults, you know what should and should not be "public" even with a warning.

• What seems like a long time ago, this is what I wrote to our former Fleet Command when requesting our increase. This will give you a specific idea of why I went for this rating and what quality I expect.

We want a SIM that will allow us to explore themes of a mature nature and complexity. Death, Abortion, Rape, The Definition of Life, Raising family, Sexuality, The darker nature of "humanity", thematic horror--these are not black and white or for the inexperienced-a depth of understanding is required. My crew and I would like to explore difficult situations that a mature mind will be comfortable with discussing. We want to feel free to explore more adult themes without fear of recrimination or offending others.

The overarching storyline for Galileo (our original SIM) is about surveying an area of space heretofore uncatalogued. The true mission of Starfleet: seeking out new life in peace is integral to our mindset. Because of that mission, I feel there will very likely come storylines of a horrific, sexual, or violent nature as we encounter situations that are unknown. I still prefer that all crew use discretion and maturity in these Role Plays. I don't believe that profanity is a useful tool so while I am asking for an 18+ rating I will be asking the crew to limit profanity to extreme situations and to still behave like Starfleet officers on duty.

• Lastly, warn a body! Have a disclaimer at the top of your post so that those who don't really feel like reading it, don't have to.

Can I blow Tesla up?

No. We've been over this before. Not unless you have permission from the Commanding Officer. You'd know if you did. You don't.