View Awards - Calliope Zahn
Out Of Character Awards
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Mission One - Emergence Awarded 06 Mar 2021 @ 7:23pm Nominated by Captain Corvus DeHavilland |
For participation in M1 - Emergence. First Officer. |
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Diversity Ribbon Awarded 11 Mar 2021 @ 10:22am Nominated by Lieutenant Theodore Winslow |
People normally write Orion's in a certain way and there is no moving from that way. Calliope rips up that rule book and eats it for breakfast showing the struggles of a character who is pretty much destroying themselves for the greater good. I have never met a character done in such a way that I feel I could just hug her up and tell her everything would be alright in the end. The post Ghostly Comforts is a post that will stay with me for a very long time. |
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Medal of Character I Awarded 11 Mar 2021 @ 3:37pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
Ribbon of Merit for both the growing sub plot between CO. and XO., before they started out on the same page and were friends but as time went on looking below the surface and as their respective roles came to the fore the differences appeared, what's expected of a CO. and what's expected of an XO. regardless of friendship. An enjoyable read to see where this goes. (nominated by Strazz) |
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Obsidian Fleet Spotlight Awarded 13 Mar 2021 @ 12:49pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
Ghostly Comforts It’s rare to find a post written by a single player that truly stands-out. In a Fleet of sims, almost all writing is done by two writers with their characters sharing the scene. This Post Spotlight highlights a posting equivalent of a solliloquay; a single writer with a single character – musing to themselves over the stresses of work and relationship while exploring the quarters of a man she has never met. A man killed in action over a year ago. She plays backgammon with him. Shares a drink with him. Calliope’s writer takes the reader on a journey through the different emotions she is feeling in a unique way, taking her time to set the scene and play the thought process out as a conversation between her and her own mental image of what this man might have been. The result is a melancholy but beautiful character piece well worth reading even without the full background context and leaves the reader wanting more. |
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Mission Two - Sanctuary Awarded 19 Mar 2022 @ 10:44am Nominated by Captain Corvus DeHavilland |
For participating in our second mission: Sanctuary. |
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Obsidian Fleet's Silver Star Awarded 22 Mar 2022 @ 9:17pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
Calliope’s arc since OC started has been incredibly well thought-out and written. Nikki puts so much passion and excitement into her writing, and isn’t afraid to draw in others to help her creative process. Calliope’s storyline follows a great path: settling into a leadership role on OC, struggling to make sure everything is brought online again, managing her relationship with her husband, to then all come crashing down due to an ongoing medical issue and trying to emotionally rebuild as well as physically. Obviously, the arc isn’t finished (she’s been relieved of duty) but knowing where this is headed I’m excited and interested to see her journey continue. I’m genuinely honoured that I get to play a bit-part in that story; it’s made me think long and hard about my own character’s state of mind and his reaction to it; certainly, I’ve had to work hard to keep up! (Awarded, OF Day July 2021) |
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Nomination Commendation Awarded 27 Mar 2022 @ 12:18pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
When it comes to Executive Officer’s, Nikki sets the bar. Not to be satisfied with just leading the crew in-character, she single-handedly shepherds the players out of character, develop’s subplot lines to weave beneath the main story (to its compliment), and leads the posting counts. She sets the example for the other players, and for the CO as well. There have been times during our tenure when the game has stalled. When players across the board have hit walls in their own simming life that leaves them without the will/drive to post. Nikki steps into that void and finds a way to breathe life into those players and to the game. During these times when many games fail, I can say with confidence that this game hasn’t because of Nikki’s intervention and dedication. (Nomination for Calliope Zahn to XO of the Year 2021) |
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Obsidian Fleet Spotlight Awarded 27 Mar 2022 @ 12:51pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
http://command.obsidianfleet.net/index.php/sim/viewpost/183 "Under a Rock: Whack-a-Mole" After sifting through officer reports surrounding the events of the Battle for OC (The battle that featured as the Climax of OC’s First Mission, “Emergence”), out-of-favor Commander Calliope Zahn downplays medical advice to rest and recover, and instead arranges for a fellow adventurous soul and hot-shot pilot, Commander Bruce Kensforth, to help her investigate something fishy in the outer reaches of the Loki system. They get way more than they bargained for (although, arguably what Kensforth wished for) and it all culminates in this exciting chase scene. This post is fast and it’s fun! What more could anyone ask? If you want to follow the 4 post set, start with this one and follow to the end of the series. Under a Rock: The All Clear |
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Obsidian Fleet's Golden Padd Awarded 27 Mar 2022 @ 1:11pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
Golden Padd: "Golden Pumpkin" Award for best short Halloween story Oct '21 https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hopkRoajrY7tiEC8jXemQ0N-TYFjTbp-_mer4f4t8-E/edit |
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The Red Heart of Romance Awarded 01 Oct 2022 @ 10:06am Nominated by Chief Deputy Marshal: Ridge Steiner - FMS |
For How the Heart Works: A short but and tender post, Calliope laying in the arms of her true-love and husband, musing on their relationship, her life and their future. Excedent piece of romantic writing! |
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Characterization: backstory Awarded 02 Nov 2022 @ 5:14pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
To recognize the "Cold Comfort" backstory thread featuring HaiRoa and Zahn fending off Breen Raiders. (nominated by Spiral) |
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The Chorus Medal Awarded 04 Dec 2022 @ 9:23pm Nominated by Chief Deputy Marshal: Ridge Steiner - FMS |
Nikki has an ever growing stable of diverse and cleverly thought-out NPCs, from junior officers trying to find their feet on a dangerous mission; steady, reliable experienced NCOs, a teenage hacker; a woman fleeing her past; a family of Romulan refugees and numerous Obsidian natives. |
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Sim Feature Post Awarded 10 Dec 2022 @ 7:07pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
For "The Heart Daughters" From the POV of a child who is struggling with being an outsider on a new world as she encounters another girl, an orphan who offers to share a moment of friendship. (A Nov '22 Feature Post) |
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Sim Feature Post Awarded 05 Jan 2023 @ 6:15pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
In recognition of the post 'On your Toes' (12 Dec) as the best post for December '22. I really enjoyed reading it and it demonstrate what a great mission post can be. (Nominated by Spiral) |
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Obsidian Fleet Spotlight Awarded 05 Apr 2023 @ 6:53pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
Post Spotlight Camp Sunrise: Just One More Day featuring Maj Porter Wallace and CPO Ibis Xeri http://command.obsidianfleet.net/index.php/sim/viewpost/505 For its remarkable description of a community that tries to survive in a harsh environment, with all the humiliations and challenges that this represents. “Just One More Day” is a gripping post that describes the patient resilience of its protagonists, and yet this is not a grim read. There are touches of hope and humour, giving signs that Ibis, Wallace and all those they care for might indeed survive many more days. (Nominated by Spiral) |
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Obsidian Fleet Spotlight Awarded 05 Apr 2023 @ 6:56pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
Ibn Sharjar: The Sky at Night http://command.obsidianfleet.net/index.php/sim/viewpost/493 This post is a culmination of so many pieces of lore including the original novel source (Vulcan’s Forge) featuring the planet after which our Fleet was named (Obsidian), fleet reference material, established posts for our sim, connections to the GM’s mission background, and OOC collaborative work— all forming into a narrative witnessed by Polar’s character, Ibn Sharjar, as he journeys into some of the least known regions of the desert and learns of things the UFP has not uncovered in a century of working with the natives from the city of Kalara or with those that come to the clinic or outreach centers. Unlike Starfleet’s official channels, Ibn Sharjar trades directly with the tribes people in the farthest reaches and, as he gains their trust, is invited to some of their firesides and now to one of their sacred rituals, where the children are trained in the Stations of the retelling of their history, a Watch they keep of the past, present and future. While most other tribes shun outsiders from the stars, or treat them with distrust or indifference, this one, though fiercely hated by the other tribes for their heresies, still looks to the stars for the restoration that is to come. And as Ibn Sharjar listens to their story, we, the readers, are treated to a deep history of the Planet Obsidian and the oldest surviving account of the people who came to call the barely hospitable planet home, many thousands of years ago. |
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Supportive Contributor Badge Awarded 05 Apr 2023 @ 7:07pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
When she suggested that we bring back two characters who we hadn’t written in a decade, I originally chuckled. I’m glad she persevered with convincing me it was a good idea. The collaboration on “Camp Sunrise” was one of the best experiences I’ve had in simming and that’s mostly because Nikki is so easy to work with. (Nomination by David) |
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Sim Feature Post Awarded 25 Apr 2023 @ 9:22pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
For "Ride-Along: The Hard Way" This is a post in the action genre, but it takes its time to also be funny and smart. Sikan manages to guide but ultimately play the cool observer as the situation unfolds. Tann takes on a teaching role, but takes the wheel and proves his own high level of skill. This post, and the series it is part of, demonstrates that competence is more than just pips on your collar and suggests this particular set of characters might develop into something more than the chain of command alone can account for. |
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Sim Feature Post Awarded 25 Apr 2023 @ 11:06pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
For the Post “Change of Plans” As a plot centric post on the Pathfinder mission, this piece carried a lot of important finer detail surrounding the conditions on the planet below, the spotty amount of knowable information, the lack of communications between the ship and the away team and much more. The reader is guided through this detail with the added complication of the personalities and compiled stresses of the various characters on the bridge as they take orders, give orders, and contradict orders. In many ways, Change of Plans helped to organize the multiple threads unfolding at once, while also complicating and increasing the stakes of the story, to great effect for the tension of the reader. A true work of organized chaos. |
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Limited Issue Award Awarded 26 Apr 2023 @ 1:17pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
Simulation Bedrock Award Sep: “From the way she interacts with the crew in the chats (creating these awards for example) to the way she’s eager to write with everyone, has great suggestions for that writing and is the first one to set up a nice planning session to get everyone involved and moving towards the same writing goal. Things just wouldn’t be the same if she wasn’t in the XO’s chair. [...] Every post Nikki touches is a master-class in well written dramatic exposition, character reflection and story telling.” David: “At every turn, Nikki is the definitive simm XO. OOC, She supports the admin of Obsidian Fleet with aplomb, keeping the crew engaged with inventive ideas that both create camaraderie amongst the members IRL crew and stoke our creativity energy. IC, her characters are ever ready to support the crew’s storylines, leading to richer posts that are a joy to read.” Spiral: “I've simmed for many years, and it's the first time I see an XO who is so generous and so completely dedicated to her crew. [...] In addition to this, Nikki writes beautiful posts with characters who have a rich personal life.” Tara: “Seriously, beyond the sheer creativity and engaging personality Nikki brings to her writing, I love the way she creates characters that are unflinchingly ‘human’ - for lack of a better word when it comes to interstellar species. [...] Outside of her characters, Nikki is always supportive. Even when her own life is throwing her curveballs, she manages to sneak in kindness and encouragement by the teaspoonful until it feels like one has had her undivided attention the whole time.” Polar: “Nikki is a dynamo, a rock-solid powerlifter in real life and aboard Obsidian Command. [...] from my first interaction with Nikki I realized she was something special. A writer who brings out the best in others simply by involving them in things. [...] Nikki produces well developed, believable, imaginative and intriguing characters seemingly at the drop of hat. [...] she can have an array of stories and threads all in progress and trip neatly between each one with no drop in quality or enthusiasm. An enthusiasm which is completely and totally infectious, writing with Nikki is addicting, the more you do it, the better it gets and the more you want to write.” Aaron: “Nikki has always been probably the best cheerleader anybody could ask for. She’s always present and ready to offer assistance, and as much as she says I’ve helped her in her writing, she’s helped me in mine. She’s ready to offer thoughts and ideas and there are few people in the world that are better to brainstorm ideas with.” (Awarded March '23 During the "Share the Love" Event ) |
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Bronze Quill Medal Awarded 05 Jun 2023 @ 6:42pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
As npc Lieutenant Sibyl Danzer ("Text Alerts" Post) For the novelty way in which she describes, via text messages, a relationship that is on the verge of breaking. The messages are sent and received whilst going through the daily life of a Starfleet Officer and a Merchant Marine, showing how much they have drifted apart. (nominated by Spiral) |
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Wordsmith Medal for Personification Awarded 05 Jun 2023 @ 6:44pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
CPO Ibis Xeri (npc) For the description of a character who’s a true survivor. Whether Ibis is stranded on a planet, fighting for her existence, or that of her loved ones, or when she is finally ‘rescued’, her despair and doubts are always superseded by her resilience, compassion, and just as importantly, her need to find answers. (nominated by Spiral) |
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Wordsmith Medal for Narrative Voice Awarded 05 Jun 2023 @ 6:46pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
for writing in- "A Shadow Revealed" A compelling jp that describes what happens when a crew meets heroes who, for classified reasons, cannot be allowed to exist in the public eye. This leads to a series of emotions, from bafflement to awe as DeHavilland’s crew realises they are being rescued, but history won’t retain this momentous encounter. (nominated by Spiral) |
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Nomination Commendation Awarded 15 Aug 2023 @ 9:27pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
Golden PADD for best character storyline Calliope Zahn – Obsidian Command (nominated, unelected) Nikki joined this game as XO, bringing along a fellow player to be in her IC-XO. Initially, when Nikki (Commander Zahn) came aboard, her character found herself in a situation that cost her the XO job (IC only of course). That caused a chain reaction of beautiful posting and character progression. However, during that time, the player writing for her husband chose to leave the game. Now, normally in these situations, you end up in a conundrum that often sees both players leave the game. Instead, Nikki chose to take a different route, neither removing the character from the game nor simply pretending that the character husband didn’t exist. She chose to take the long road and create a situation that sees their marriage falling apart (with the former players permission of course to continue to write his character with the goal of writing him out of the game). What’s come out of it is a beautiful tapestry and love, life and the realities of marriage. |
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Nomination Commendation Awarded 15 Aug 2023 @ 9:31pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
Golden Padd for Outstanding Player Nikki (nominated, unelected) Obsidian Command Nikki is a dynamo, a rock-solid powerlifter for a player and writer on OC. She keeps the crew engaged with inventive ideas that both create camaraderie amongst the members IRL crew and stoke our creativity energy. She is something special. A writer who brings out the best in others simply by involving them in things. Nikki produces well developed, believable, imaginative and intriguing characters seemingly at the drop of hat. I am in awe of her creative abilities! she can have an array of stories and threads all in progress and trip neatly between each one with no drop in quality or enthusiasm. An enthusiasm which is completely and totally infectious, writing with Nikki is addicting, the more you do it, the better it gets and the more you want to write. Nikki is a tireless XO and all round supporter, producing so many writing opportunities for others. |
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Nomination Commendation Awarded 15 Aug 2023 @ 9:34pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
Golden Padd for Outstanding Post Nikki & David (nominated, unelected) “Castles in the Sand” http://command.obsidianfleet.net/index.php/sim/viewpost/616 (solo) They played the two remaining survivors of the Starfleet ship USS Sunrise. The ship was attacked by an ongoing antagonist of our game and the survivors sent to this world (Korin) to work as slaves for the mining operation on the planet. Over the course of time, the survivors of the Sunrise died off of various things leaving Wallace and Xeri alone with two children to care for. They’ve been trying to survive and keep the family together. The USS Pathfinder (Obsidian Command’s Garrison Vessel) has through the course of the story rescued them from this planet and is taking them home. Back to Federation space. |
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Obsidian Fleet's Bronze Star Awarded 29 Aug 2023 @ 7:41am Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
For setting the standard as a leader, writer and creative mind behind the story not only for the main plot, but for countless subplots and other character development items. As First Officer, constantly pushing the envelope of ideas with all the crew, and following through with those ideas by leading the post counters herself. A well-deserved award. (Submitted by Sepandiyar. system re-issued, originally recognized March '21) |
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Mission Three - Into the Deep Awarded 06 Sep 2023 @ 12:35pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
For writing during Mission Three: Into the Deep |
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Service Marker - 3 years Awarded 07 Sep 2023 @ 6:14pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
Recognition of three years membership on Obsidian Command |
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Wordsmith Medal for Narrative Voice Awarded 08 Sep 2023 @ 10:22pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
“Three Tests (Two Fails, One Pass)” and “The Impass” For the description of a sumptuous setting, which is the perfect place for a fantastic meal, but on this occasion it turns into a grand opportunity to develop a breakup. Step by step, we see Calliope Zahn’s and Lance Quinn’s marriage disintegrate. It is done through a series of misunderstandings, little jabs and the realisation that a polite relationship is no relationship at all. Those two posts are both amusing and a bit scary, as they show what can happen when the harmony between a couple is gone. (nominated by Spiral) |
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Wordsmith Medal for Narrative Voice Awarded 09 Oct 2023 @ 3:33pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
“The Past is in the Aft Torpedo Sights” A beautiful post where we follow DeHavilland and Zhan, while they are off duty and meet in a Klingon restaurant. As they speak of Zahn’s recent break-up, we are treated to the vibrant atmosphere that Chef KevaQ imposes around him. We also witness what, surely, must be the most magnificent cake that exists on this side of the galaxy :). |
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Gold Quill Medal Awarded 09 Oct 2023 @ 3:35pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
This is to reward the ongoing series of solo posts (I counted 12 so far) that detail the life, past and present of CPO Ibis Xeri. Whether the scene takes us to the harsh world of Korix, the rediscovery of life within the Federation, a journey to her childhood, or the depiction of her relatives, Ibis remains a vibrant character, and it is always a treat to read a new installment describing her life. |
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The Vulcan Medal of Comedy Awarded 08 Nov 2023 @ 4:02pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
“Woulda Shoulda Coulda” - Moon-Young Chung & Sylvie Hardt - Surrat Gallery This is a post that describes what happens when two women from very different backgrounds meet. It starts with an interesting discussion on art, which is often revealing of the predicament endured by the artist’s homeworld, and gradually moves to humour and sharp repartees from both women. Moon has the last word though, as she found in Ms Hardt a new customer and will be able to design a new wardrobe for her. |
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The Chorus Medal Awarded 02 Jan 2024 @ 7:34pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
For a great post which, on top of describing a ruthless enemy, also serves as a reminder that politics is a complex and nuanced field, and that even in the most dangerous of situations, the deep state is likely to show its face. Reference Post: Testimonies: Parnell & the USS De Grasse |
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Wordsmith Medal for Descriptive Writing Awarded 03 Feb 2024 @ 10:53pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
This is to reward Nikki, a natural storyteller, who has a way of using effective and immersive descriptions to reveal how her characters feel. From angst to hope or joy, the readers discover enjoyable scenes that are like ‘emotionscapes’. |
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Sim Feature Post Awarded 03 Feb 2024 @ 10:55pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
Reverse Housewarming: Scoping Out the Scene - by Nikki Nominated by Spiral - There’s a party and anyone is invited. Almost anyone. |
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Sim Feature Post Awarded 03 Feb 2024 @ 10:56pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
As From Within - by Nikki Nominated by Spiral - Ibis encounters Brek’s newest art installation and it provides her an unexpected self-insight. |
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Sim Feature Post Awarded 03 Feb 2024 @ 10:56pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
Successor’s Dilemma - by Endia and Nikki When LeBlanc goes to move into his new office, he discovers it still occupied by the outgoing Chief Engineer. LeBlanc finds an indifferent reception and the transfer of power goes smoothly enough, but a small detail leads to a not so small misunderstanding, and sows the seeds for the conflict of egos. |
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Limited Issue Award Awarded 04 Mar 2024 @ 5:23pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
Solo Word Pledge Achievement Ribbon February 2024 Awardees: Sep, Nikki, Tara, Sara, Spiral They set themselves goals that weren’t going to be easy, and pulled through in the end! It was an enjoyable challenge to compete against time and our own perceived limitations. |
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Silver Quill Medal Awarded 04 Mar 2024 @ 5:43pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
for a series of posts (A change of plans, Unauthorized Access, Misattributed, Cooler Heads, Almost But Not Quite Over, Honor, Respect, Domain) that portrays a bumpy transition between two Chief Engineers. The dialogues are intense and show that Starfleet officers are not always perfect. |
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Master Worldbuilder Medal Awarded 04 Mar 2024 @ 5:43pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
For the three Old Flames Posts (Accidentally Briefed, Liaisons, P.S.) Those three posts have everything that makes a story memorable: witty dialogues, captivating descriptions where we can feel the heat and dust of Obsidian Planet, and a little dose of mystery and romance. A winning combination :) |
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Limited Issue Award Awarded 04 Mar 2024 @ 5:48pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
Khitomer Awards: Outstanding Player (of the Quarter) Awarded for oct-dec ‘23 Nikki – Obsidian Command Nikki is the Executive Officer of Obsidian Command (Obsidian Fleet). I have been simming for a fair while and it is the first time I see a player with so many qualities. She is not only passionate and dedicated to the game, she also excels at encouraging the crew to write by highlighting what qualities they possess. She is also a fantastic storyteller who portrays her characters to perfection. Whether she writes for Commander Zahn, her main character, lower ranks or even civilians, her attention to detail and ability to create vivid imagery make her stories come alive. Reading her posts is like reading stories from a book, they are that captivating. I always look forward to them and they inspire me to improve my own writing. Beyond Nikki’s unique talent for bringing out the best in her crew, she is also a talented co-leader. She keeps track of the many details that make a mission and those, (more down to earth but equally important for character building), that form the daily life of Obsidian Command’s population. Thanks to her unwavering attention we have a fantastic community. One where every character feels incredibly realistic and valued, no matter their rank. |
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Sim Feature Post Awarded 04 Mar 2024 @ 5:55pm Nominated by Commander Calliope Zahn |
A Capitalist Send Off A touching post where we get to see friendship between a Ferengi ensign in intensive care and a Terran ensign. |