01: New/Potential Players Information

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So if you're reading this you've decided that Obsidian Command might be the place for you. We're a very close-knit community of simmers, many of whom have been together for years - but don't let that intimidate you, instead let that serve as proof that we're serious about the success of this simm. We're always looking for fresh blood and fresh perspective. It's easy to fall into a steady rhythm with a group you're familiar with, so a infusion of new ideas is always a great idea!

Obsidian Command - What we're looking for

- Is a fully developed and interesting character devoid of any meta-gaming or SHS traits. We want realistic, interesting and of course 'flawed' characters who can bring some flavor to the simm in their own individual way.

- Most importantly, the character developed for this simm should be someone who would actually be able to earn a posting on a command ship such as this. Obsidian Command is the Fleet's Core Starbase, so it should be manned by the best and brightest, not the kind of place that the Fleet sends its outcasts and malcontents (though I don't mind if that's the character you really want to play, long as it fits)

We aren't savants, we aren't superhuman expert shots that can take out a full Fleet of Klingon Battle cruisers with one torpedo, a rubberband and a pair of tweezers. We're everyday crew doing everyday jobs. We just happen to do it better than most.

My Application - What to do

There are certain things that we'd like to see in our applicants, not only to show that the person applying has but some significant time and effort into building their character, but to see what kind of character that they're bringing to the simm. Who would this person be? Would they interact well with the other characters? Would it create fun scenarios that really lend towards some creative writing? This is our real first and only chance to see that - your application has to speak volumes in just a few simple words. I'll try to outline some of the categories of the bio and add some notes on what we'd like to see.

Physical Description:
So this would seem to be a pretty simple section, but you'd be surprised how often what you see here is an exact repeat of what's listed in the Height/Weight/Hair/Eyes boxes above it. What ideally I'd like to see here is the details that you can't explain in such broad strokes. How does the character carry themselves? Are they hunched, square-shouldered, duck-footed? Do they have an accent that needs to be outlined? Do they have a speech impediment? Is there a way that they communicate that's overly physical (ie: talks with their hands, can't make eye contact, etc.). Do they have any scars, do they wear glasses (despite modern medicine), do they wear a visor for blindness? Here's your chance to really give that 'human' element to your character.

General Overview:

This is where you'll give us the broad strokes of who your character is. You've told us his/her name, their family and given us a visual image of who they are; now tell us about who they are personality wise. Are they friendly, aloof, cold, mean or some mixture of all of that? Does he/she have any personality quirks, anything about their life/heritage/experience that's outwardly noticeable? What else do we need to know about this character that isn't specifically defined in a box. Please note as well, this is not the section for their history, only their overview in very broad strokes.

Hobbies and Interests:

I know what you're thinking? Really, this section is being covered? Absolutely. Why? Because this is the section that drives what you as a character will be doing outside the main story line. This is what you'll be doing in your quarters, or in the holosuites. It defines who you are beyond the uniform. Just like Riker's poker games, Data's cat, Kal-toh with 7of9, these are the side stories that fill out the rest of the illustration that is your character. Show us more about who they are and give yourself some ammunition for sub-plot posting once you're aboard!

Personal History / Service Record

What I see alot is that people overload the personal history with a gazillion gory details and, effectively, write themselves into a box. They've given so much detail that they've hardly left themselves any room to maneuver via plot posts and sub plots. While it's great to have this information, I suggest you apply it in broad strokes and leave yourself a little wiggle room. To my experience, the best way to really define the experience is the service record. It gives you a chance to really determine where your character has been since joining the Corps (or the Fleet if you're going that angle) and how they ended up where they are now. What major life changes happened? Were there any major events in there that need to be mentioned? This is the chance to develop the professional side of this character and really show why they, above any others, earned their spot on Obsidian Command.

Sample Post:

Obviously, this is always an important part because it shows us how you write and what we can expect from you. So I encourage you to do your best and to really show us your chops. I've given a few prompts but you're welcome to use something of your own design you feel shows us a better example of what you're capable of. Make it interesting if you can, grab our attention. Most importantly, give it some meat and depth. No one wants to read a bunch of one-lining back and forths. Read some of the posts we put out on this simm and use that as a guideline. Remember, our minimum posting standard is 750 words - so do your best to at least meet that.