1. Each player on the Vissidar (and in all STSE sims) is generally expected to post at least twice a week. You may want/need to post more often if your character is involved in an especially active storyline. If your character is not at the heart of the action, it is up to you to give him/her something to do. You may write off-duty posts, interact with other characters, or start a small subplot of your own. (Major plots or plot twists should be submitted to the CO in advance for approval.) If you know you will be unable to post during a given time, be sure to let your CO know in advance. (We all understand what it's like to be busy in real life, but if a character disappears without warning for a length of time, it's disruptive to the sim.) Also leave instructions for your character. You may either specify what the character intends to do during that period of time, you may delegate control of the character to another player, or you may simply state that the character may be used as an NPC as needed. If you have notified the CO in advance of your vacation, then your character cannot be killed or seriously injured in your absence (unless for some reason you have specifically requested it). Failure to meet posting requirements may result in removal from the game. If you cannot commit to weekly posting, ask your CO if your character can be given 'recurring' status.
2. You may not kill or seriously injure another player's character without their permission. Doing so may result in removal from the game. At the very least your post will be re-written and/or disregarded.
3. Please refrain from using vulgar or sexually explicit language. We have players of all ages. (If they can't say it in the series, don't say it in the sim.)
4. Be very careful when writing for other players' characters! If you're not sure how they'd react, leave it open for them to respond or ask them in advance. Joint posts are encouraged when appropriate. Anyone who objects to what another player wrote for their character has the right to a revision.
5. Any questions or comments outside the role play should be prefaced with OOC (Out Of Character) or *NRPG* (Non-Role Playing Game). If you begin a post with an OOC or NRPG, then be sure to start the in-character part of the post with IC or RPG.
6. Always include the name of your ship in the subject of your email. Although the Vissidar is currently the only ship in the Obsidian Order division of STSE, any other ships who join us will use our mailing list, and it will be important to distinguish our posts from theirs.
7. Be as creative as you like with the storyline (within reason!). If your character isn't involved in anything, make something happen!
8. Please treat your fellow players with courtesy. Do not insult, harrass, or abuse them. Doing so on the posting list will result in consequences ranging from a reprimand to removal from the game depending on the nature of the offense. If you have a problem with something someone else has written, please try to solve the dispute privately. If this fails, consult the CO. Remember that actions or words IC are not necessarily indicative of feelings OOC -- two characters who fight all the time might be played by best friends IRL, and if a character insults your character, don't take it personally. Remember it's only a game.
9. The most important rule of all... Have fun! If you have any questions, ask your CO.