04-16-2026, 09:24 AM
== Cadet Qab'ataar, thank you for your entrance post! You did a great job using the formatting discussed! It was great to read a bit about what you were feeling now. I think it’s time to move on to our next lesson. Remember, as we proceed through the lessons, keep using the formatting.
Lesson two: Plots, GM Input, Character Hijacking, and New Content:
We have two types of plots here on Federation Space: the main plot and subplots.
Main plots affect the entire ship and are directed by a Game Moderator (GM).
Subplots are an underlying story that’s being told within the main plot. A subplot can be run by any player who has received approval by the ship’s CO (or FO).
An example of the difference between the two: The main plot is about the ship falling under attack, whereas a subplot would be a character dealing with an on-ship pregnancy or maybe trying to write the next great holonovel.
GMs:
Game Moderators (GMs) guide the ships’ missions along. Every ship has a mission, of which only the GMs of a ship know the mission details.
Your job is to write what your character sees and what their reaction is. The GM will provide any unknowns about the plot. This input will have significance to the direction of the mission. This is why characters should keep posts open ended on anything that might affect the mission’s direction or outcome. As your character performs an action, such as performing a diagnostic scan, leave the result of the scan unknown. The GM will explain what the outcome of the action is.
When you need GM input on something, for example results of a diagnostic scan, one only has to make a request at the end of the post. The request can look like:
== GM Input, please. ==
Or it can also be a more specific request, such as:
== GM Input: Result of the diagnostic, please. ==
Take a look around at the active ships on Federation Space to see characters ask for GM input.
Character Hijacking:
The next element we’re going to cover is character usage. Unless you have permission from the player, you cannot post any speech, thoughts or movements for another character (PRC or NRC) that isn’t yours, unless the character has already done so in game. This is called character hijacking and is not permitted on Fed Space. Some players might not mind, but even minor things such as a nod of the head or a shrug of the shoulders can be considered hijacking.
For example, if you wrote in your next post that Captain Maddie Allen suddenly appeared and started dancing the Hokey Pokey, you would have hijacked another character.
Character Movement on Ships:
I’m sure you have noticed a ship has multiple threads on it for various locations that a player can post, such as the bridge, sickbay, and security offices. Oftentimes while on a mission players travel throughout the ship to accomplish their orders. To help follow the plot when a player is transitioning from one thread to another, they should make a notation at the end their post like this: >> Sickbay >> The arrows and location found at the bottom of a post tells readers where this character will post next.
When the player makes their next post, the player should make a notation at the beginning of their post like this: << Bridge << The arrows and location found at the top of a post indicate that is where a player has just come from.
Finding New Content:
I would like to mention the ‘view new content’ feature on the top right of our forum page. This tab is a quick and handy way to see who has posted since your previous visit to Federation Space.
With all of that, I think it’s time for more writing! In your next post, continue practicing your use of the formatting you learned in lesson one and ask for GM input. I will be acting as your GM.
If you need any help or would like more clarification on something, ask me! ==
The holodeck doors slid open and Maddie’s next exam was underway. “Cadet Qab’ataar,” she said, softly and welcoming. “Right on time. Good.” She took a few steps toward him, not looming, just to meet him where he stood.
“I’ve been catching up, reading your Academy file. But files only tell me who you were before you stepped onto this deck. I’m want to know who you’re becoming.” Maddie gave a gentle smile. “Before we begin your examination, I want to hear something directly from you.” She paused. Then her voice because more serious for a moment as she asked, “Why did you choose science? I don’t want the Academy’s answer…Not something you’ve heard from instructors. I want your answer.”
Maddie listened to the cadet’s answer, giving him a positive nod. “Good. Thank you for your thoughtful answer.” She tapped for a moment on her PADD as she continued. “I think it's a great day for a final exam. What do you say we get this formality done so you can move on to graduation?”
The grid dissolved into a compact research dome filled with soft green light, bioluminescent plants, and a gentle mist. A workstation blinked quietly and a habitat chamber hummed.
“This is the Eden‑3 Microbiome Pod. A stable, self‑contained ecosystem. It’s designed to be predictable.”
She gestured toward the habitat chamber as its lights flickered in an odd, uneven rhythm. There was one figure already inside, a young human ensign, who at the moment was frozen, waiting for the simulation to begin.
“Except today, it isn’t... Your task… Something in this biome has changed, and the system can’t identify the cause…” Maddie paused a moment, giving the cadet a chance to survey what was in front of him. “Begin when ready, Cadet.”
== Tag Cadet
==
Lesson two: Plots, GM Input, Character Hijacking, and New Content:
We have two types of plots here on Federation Space: the main plot and subplots.
Main plots affect the entire ship and are directed by a Game Moderator (GM).
Subplots are an underlying story that’s being told within the main plot. A subplot can be run by any player who has received approval by the ship’s CO (or FO).
An example of the difference between the two: The main plot is about the ship falling under attack, whereas a subplot would be a character dealing with an on-ship pregnancy or maybe trying to write the next great holonovel.
GMs:
Game Moderators (GMs) guide the ships’ missions along. Every ship has a mission, of which only the GMs of a ship know the mission details.
Your job is to write what your character sees and what their reaction is. The GM will provide any unknowns about the plot. This input will have significance to the direction of the mission. This is why characters should keep posts open ended on anything that might affect the mission’s direction or outcome. As your character performs an action, such as performing a diagnostic scan, leave the result of the scan unknown. The GM will explain what the outcome of the action is.
When you need GM input on something, for example results of a diagnostic scan, one only has to make a request at the end of the post. The request can look like:
== GM Input, please. ==
Or it can also be a more specific request, such as:
== GM Input: Result of the diagnostic, please. ==
Take a look around at the active ships on Federation Space to see characters ask for GM input.
Character Hijacking:
The next element we’re going to cover is character usage. Unless you have permission from the player, you cannot post any speech, thoughts or movements for another character (PRC or NRC) that isn’t yours, unless the character has already done so in game. This is called character hijacking and is not permitted on Fed Space. Some players might not mind, but even minor things such as a nod of the head or a shrug of the shoulders can be considered hijacking.
For example, if you wrote in your next post that Captain Maddie Allen suddenly appeared and started dancing the Hokey Pokey, you would have hijacked another character.
Character Movement on Ships:
I’m sure you have noticed a ship has multiple threads on it for various locations that a player can post, such as the bridge, sickbay, and security offices. Oftentimes while on a mission players travel throughout the ship to accomplish their orders. To help follow the plot when a player is transitioning from one thread to another, they should make a notation at the end their post like this: >> Sickbay >> The arrows and location found at the bottom of a post tells readers where this character will post next.
When the player makes their next post, the player should make a notation at the beginning of their post like this: << Bridge << The arrows and location found at the top of a post indicate that is where a player has just come from.
Finding New Content:
I would like to mention the ‘view new content’ feature on the top right of our forum page. This tab is a quick and handy way to see who has posted since your previous visit to Federation Space.
With all of that, I think it’s time for more writing! In your next post, continue practicing your use of the formatting you learned in lesson one and ask for GM input. I will be acting as your GM.
If you need any help or would like more clarification on something, ask me! ==
The holodeck doors slid open and Maddie’s next exam was underway. “Cadet Qab’ataar,” she said, softly and welcoming. “Right on time. Good.” She took a few steps toward him, not looming, just to meet him where he stood.
“I’ve been catching up, reading your Academy file. But files only tell me who you were before you stepped onto this deck. I’m want to know who you’re becoming.” Maddie gave a gentle smile. “Before we begin your examination, I want to hear something directly from you.” She paused. Then her voice because more serious for a moment as she asked, “Why did you choose science? I don’t want the Academy’s answer…Not something you’ve heard from instructors. I want your answer.”
Maddie listened to the cadet’s answer, giving him a positive nod. “Good. Thank you for your thoughtful answer.” She tapped for a moment on her PADD as she continued. “I think it's a great day for a final exam. What do you say we get this formality done so you can move on to graduation?”
The grid dissolved into a compact research dome filled with soft green light, bioluminescent plants, and a gentle mist. A workstation blinked quietly and a habitat chamber hummed.
“This is the Eden‑3 Microbiome Pod. A stable, self‑contained ecosystem. It’s designed to be predictable.”
She gestured toward the habitat chamber as its lights flickered in an odd, uneven rhythm. There was one figure already inside, a young human ensign, who at the moment was frozen, waiting for the simulation to begin.
“Except today, it isn’t... Your task… Something in this biome has changed, and the system can’t identify the cause…” Maddie paused a moment, giving the cadet a chance to survey what was in front of him. “Begin when ready, Cadet.”
== Tag Cadet
==