Bravo Fleet
User:CrimsonTacit/Sandbox/RPG Policy

User:CrimsonTacit/Sandbox/RPG Policy

From Bravo Fleet

Roleplaying games (RPGs) are an activity offered by the fleet where a group of members comes together on a regular basis to tell the story of a single ship or base together as a crew. Generally, each member controls a character or set of characters and they work together to either roleplay through a scenario or to proceed through a set plot, though there are many variations on these themes.

RPGs are standing groups of members run by a Game Manager that write together collaboratively to either roleplay out a story or to construct a narrative together with an agreed-upon set of plot points. These groups have more infrastructure than collaborative fiction, which can include an external website and a Discord server. They are meant to be used by groups of six or more people, where writing together on the forums would be unwieldy.

Section 1 - General RPG Policies

All RPGs are administered through the Operations Office, which offers games set within the fleet’s shared canon in 2399, games set before or after 2399 but still in our shared canon, and games set in other realities or in non-Star Trek universes. Each game is free to decide where it wants to be set and what kinds of stories it wants to tell within the boundaries of its proposal and fleet canon.

  1. RPGs are standing groups of members run by a Game Manager that write together collaboratively to either roleplay out a story or to construct a narrative together with an agreed-upon set of plot points. These groups have more infrastructure than collaborative fiction, which can include an external website and a Discord server. They are meant to be used by groups of six or more people, where writing together on the forums (/through the built-in writing functions of the BFMS) would be unwieldy.
    1. Members interested in writing with smaller, more informal groups may do so with their avatar ships. Consult the Lore Policy for more information on avatar ships.
  2. There are two kinds of RPGs: custom RPGs and pre-built RPGs, each with its own set of game manager requirements and its own application process.

Section 1.1 - RPG Age Restrictions & Ratings

  1. Bravo Fleet uses the RPG Rating System to define appropriate content based on three metrics: Language, Sex, and Violence. RPGs should not use the MPAA rating system (G, PG, etc.).
  2. Each RPG must list a rating of each metric on a scale of 0-2.
  3. Game Managers are allowed to designate their own rating up to Language: 2, Sex: 2, and Violence: 2 (16+ age rating).
  4. No RPG may inappropriately depict acts of sex, assault, or violence. Appropriate content is determined by Bravo Fleet Command.
  5. No RPG may have a rating in any category above 2.
  6. Game Managers may not admit players who are younger than 16 for any RPG with a two in any category.
  7. If a game breaks any of the restrictions outlined in this section, Bravo Fleet Command reserves the right to remove the Game Manager and suspend Fleet hosting.

Section 1.2 - Activity Classifications

There are four activity classifications for games in Bravo Fleet, which refer to the administrative classifications in place related to the number of members writing on a game, its activity, and the status of its GM, active, provisional, inactive, and open:

  1. An active game:
    1. Has a game manager in good standing as defined in section 4.2.3;
    2. Has been in the fleet for at least one (1) month;
    3. Has at least two members (including the GM); and
    4. Adheres to its activity plan and proposal.
  2. A provisional game:
    1. Has a game manager in good standing as defined in section 4.2.3; and
    2. Has been in the fleet less than one (1) month; or
    3. Is a pre-built RPG still within its first mission or its first two (2) months of activity under a new game manager, whichever is later.
  3. An inactive game is defined as:
    1. Has a game manager in good standing as defined in section 4.2.3; and
    2. Is on hiatus, but has communicated a plan to the Operations staff to return to active status within an agreed-upon timeframe.
  4. An open game is defined as:
    1. A game that is open for applications from members interested in becoming game managers.

Section 1.3 - RPG Formats

Currently, Bravo Fleet offers RPGs in two formats: individual websites using the Nova platform, and open collaborative fiction groups writing directly through the Bravo Fleet Management System. The requirements for running both kinds of RPGs are the same, both in terms of eligibility and ongoing conduct.

Section 1.4 - RPG Infrastructure (Websites & Discord servers)

  1. The infrastructure (website and Discord server) used by an RPG are property of Bravo Fleet and will be turned over to a new GM (per policies elsewhere in this document) to provide for continuity of the game, should a GM resign or be removed.
  2. Unless an RPG existed within Bravo Fleet before April 25th, 2020, its website must be hosted directly on the Bravo Fleet server and is subject to all of the appropriate Bravo Fleet Internet Office policies on web hosting.
  3. If an RPG uses a non-BFMS website, a member of Bravo Fleet Operations staff must have administrative access to said website. RPGs should not use a second or supplemental website (such as a Wiki or a forum) without permission of the Operations Office.
  4. All RPGs must have a member of Bravo Fleet Operations staff on their Discord server, should they use one. This staff member should have access to all areas the crew has access to.

Section 1.5 - RPGs and the Lore Policy

  1. RPGs set inside of our canon must operate within the Lore Policy. The majority of things written about in an RPG would be covered by ‘Member Canon’ but significant developments to lore should be proposed to the Bravo Fleet Loremaster.
    1. RPGs set outside of our canon (in a purely alternative reality or outside of Star Trek) are not beholden to the lore policy.
  2. Major changes (defined as a change that would alter the RPGs niche within the fleet or possibly impact other RPGs) to an RPG’s proposal must be approved by the Bravo Fleet Operations Officer, and if necessary the Bravo Fleet Loremaster
  3. Minor changes to an RPG’s canon (e.g. slight modifications to specifications, custom departments, variations of insignia, and other items that would fall under ‘Member Canon’ under the lore policy) do not require approval if they do not contradict with established lore (e.g. Marines).

Section 1.6 - Changes to Name, Class, or Registry

Changes to vessel/base name, class, or registry must be approved by both the Bravo Fleet Operations Officer and the Bravo Fleet Loremaster. These changes will only be entertained in situations where the change is absolutely necessary to the success of the game.

Section 1.7 - Approving, Rejecting, and Removing Players

A player is defined in this section as any member who wishes to participate in an RPG. Players must be members of Bravo Fleet.

  1. Game Managers have sole authority to approve or reject any application that any member submits to their RPG, for lore reasons, incomplete submission, or otherwise, regardless of their standing in the fleet.
  2. Game managers have sole authority to remove any player from their RPG, for poor conduct, inactivity, writing standards, or otherwise, regardless of their standing in the fleet.
  3. Game managers should not apply in-character punishments for out-of-character actions. Specifically, demoting or killing a character for a player’s lack of activity is inappropriate. In that case, it’s better to just remove the player.
  4. Game managers should not apply in-character rewards for out-of-character actions. Rather than promote a character for a player’s awesome conduct, consider talking to that member’s Task Force Commanding Officer to recommend a merit award.
    1. While some Game Managers have informal OOC awards (post of the month, player of the month, etc.) it’s preferred that GMs help their players get recognized through the official OCS system instead.
  5. If a player applies to an RPG but is not already a member of Bravo Fleet, that player must also join Bravo Fleet as soon as is possible. It is recommended that GMs do not formally approve any players before they have completed this process.

Section 2 - Game Managers

Game Managers are the leaders of Role-playing games, with responsibility for maintaining their RPGs’ infrastructure (website and Discord presence), approving or rejecting applications, determining the course of their RPGs’ stories, and driving activity.

Game Managers may appoint as many Deputy/Assistant Game Managers as they would like, with duties assigned as appropriate. It is not necessary for a DGM/AGM to also hold a senior in-character role to be able to serve in this capacity.

Section 2.1 - Appointment of Game Managers

Game Managers are appointed by the Bravo Fleet Operations Officer, after the completion of a proposal and/or application process, as described in the sections on custom RPGs and pre-built RPGs.

Section 2.2 - Game Manager Responsibilities

While the role of Game Manager is not a staff position, it is a position that has significant responsibilities, given that Game Managers interact frequently with other members. They have a responsibility to be up-to-date on what the fleet is doing and to help newer members integrate, especially if a new member joins their game before joining the fleet itself. Game managers are expected to:

  1. Follow the appropriate lore, operations, and internet office policies while managing their RPG;
  2. promote the fleet's other activities with the members participating in their RPGs, including competitions, campaigns, fiction writing, and video gaming opportunities. At a minimum, this means ensuring that fleet-wide announcements are forwarded to their groups. Active members tend to be more active in all areas of the fleet when they participate widely, which makes our games and our whole community stronger;
  3. ensure that any individuals who join their RPG before formally joining the fleet do so as soon as is practicable;
  4. ensure that the members on their RPG keep an accurate record of their characters positions on their game on the BFMS;
  5. maintain an active dossier within a task force and report their own activity through the BFMS on a regular basis, as to set a good example for those writing in their RPGs;
  6. develop, follow, and update as necessary an activity plan with the Operations Office which explains their goals for posting and recruitment on their RPGs;
  7. participate actively in their own RPGs;
  8. work towards maintaining an active game, as defined in the activity policy; and
  9. remain in regular contact with the Operations Office about the status of their RPGs, at least once per month.

Section 2.3 - Game Manager Good Standing

Game managers must remain in good standing to retain their RPG; failure to maintain good standing will first result in an attempt by the Bravo Fleet Operations Staff to help the GM in question return to good standing before the removal process (defined in section 2.4) begins.

Good standing for game managers is defined as:

  1. Following the policies listed in section 2.2;
  2. Maintaining their RPG’s activity level as listed in section 1.2;
  3. Responding in a reasonable amount of time to Operations staff about matters pertaining to their RPGs, which is defined as within seventy-two (72 hours).

Game managers who lose good standing will be informed by the Bravo Fleet Operations Officer via Discord and via email. They will have thirty days to correct whatever issue has caused them to leave good standing, provided that they respond to the notice of their loss of good standing within one week.

Section 2.4 - Removal of Game Managers

  1. The Bravo Fleet Operations Officer may remove a game manager if they fail to maintain good standing and do not rectify the situation within thirty (30) days of being informed of their loss of good standing.
    1. If a game manager fails to respond within one week of being informed they have lost good standing, they can be removed without an opportunity to return to good standing.
  2. The Bravo Fleet Operations Officer with the approval of the Bravo Fleet Executive Officer may remove a game manager if credible complaints from a game’s players regarding the game manager’s conduct, activity, or ability to run the game are received and substantiated, and mediation between the game manager and the other members on the game is unsuccessful.
  3. Within 24 hours of removing a Game Manager, the Operations Office must inform the crew of the game. The Bravo Fleet Operations Officer may select a new Game Manager at their discretion. If no replacement is selected within seven (7) days after notifying the crew, the Bravo Fleet Operations Officer must close the game.
  4. Notwithstanding the above, the game manager of a pre-built RPG within its provisional period may be removed at the discretion of the Bravo Fleet Operations Officer and Bravo Fleet Executive Officer for not demonstrating progress towards getting their game active or for otherwise violating fleet policies, but as this is meant to be a learning experience, mediation and opportunities to rectify the situation must occur first.

Section 2.5 - Game Manager Cooling-Off Period

To help ensure that resignations are thought through carefully and to help ensure that members stick with their RPG plans, there will be a cooling-off period for members who resign or are removed from their RPG during which they can’t propose a new game or be appointed as a GM to an existing one.

  1. Game Managers who resign from their RPGs are ineligible to propose a new RPG or become a game manager for 90 days.
  2. Game Managers who are removed from their RPGs are ineligible to propose a new RPG or become a game manager for 180 days.

Section 2.6 - Custom RPGs

Custom RPGs are defined as RPGs that members propose formally, with a lore-complaint premise, ideas for several missions, and a plan for recruiting. These RPGs receive hosting from the fleet, but their GMs are responsible for setting up and maintaining the game’s website.

  1. Members must reach the rank of Commander to propose a custom RPG.
  2. Members must submit a formal proposal through the BFMS.
    1. For proposals intending to use Nova, submit to the 'Game Proposals' option.
    2. For proposals intending to use the BFMS directly, submit to the 'Commands' option, selecting 'Open Collaborative.'
    3. For canon 2399 RPGs:
      1. Members must select an existing registry item (i.e. a base or ship that is already in the registry) unless the class has no available names, in which case they may propose a new registry item.
        1. Use of a registry item or the creation of a new one is at the discretion of the Bravo Fleet Loremaster.
        2. Starbases and non-Starfleet ships are examples of concepts where it would be appropriate to ask for an item that’s not already in the registry.
    4. For historical and alternate reality RPGs:
      1. Given that the registry primarily reflects our current 2399 fleet, proposals for historical or alternate reality games must contain a custom registry item, subject to the approval of the Bravo Fleet Loremaster.
      2. Historical RPGs may take place in any time period within Star Trek lore and are considered to be part of the shared canon in use for our 2399 games.
      3. Alternate reality RPGs must take place in a recognized alternate reality (the Mirror Universe, the Kelvinverse, the Anti-Time Future, etc.) seen on-screen or in an alternate reality that is substantially different from our canon in a way that would make it impossible to run in the prime universe.
    5. For non-Star Trek RPGs:
      1. Bravo Fleet offers a limited number of RPGs set outside of Star Trek entirely. Before proposing a game of this type, members should consult with the Bravo Fleet Operations Officer.
  3. Proposals will be reviewed first by the Bravo Fleet Operations Officer, who is evaluating the potential RPG’s niche within the fleet, how it would overlap with other offerings, the recruitment potential, and the feasibility of the game’s use of web resources.
  4. After being evaluated for its operational viability, the proposal will be evaluated second by the Bravo Fleet Loremaster, who will evaluate the proposal for its adherence to the fleet’s established lore and any changes that might need to be addressed, in addition to the suitability of the proposed registry item.
  5. Following concurrence between the Operations Officer and the Loremaster, the Operations Officer will communicate the approval or rejection to the member. Approval may also come with required changes to the proposal. A rejection will explain why the proposal didn’t meet the criteria described above.
  6. By submitting an RPG proposal, all potential Game Managers agree to the following:
    1. You acknowledge that you are applying to run an RPG in Bravo Fleet. If for whatever reason you resign your RPG, Bravo Fleet may, at their discretion, without restriction and without notice to you, reuse the name and registry number of the ship, base, or other entity in use by your RPG in Bravo Fleet. By submitting this application, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to this;
    2. You acknowledge that if you resign/are removed from your RPG for whatever reason, Bravo Fleet may contact the members writing on your RPG about the situation. RPGs cannot be removed from Bravo Fleet;
    3. You acknowledge that if you resign/are removed from your RPG for whatever reason, Bravo Fleet reserves the right to use your RPG’s plot and story; and that your game’s history will remain a part of fleet canon;
    4. You acknowledge that the fleet reserves the right to reuse your Bravo Fleet-hosted website (including all of its content).
    5. You acknowledge that if you resign/are removed from your RPG for whatever reason, Bravo Fleet may repurpose your game as a pre-built RPG, open for any eligible member to apply for.
    6. You acknowledge that any major changes to the premise of your RPG must be approved by the Bravo Fleet Operations Officer, who may request a new proposal. Changes to name, class, or registry must also be approved by the Bravo Fleet Loremaster.
    7. Notwithstanding any of the above, the Bravo Fleet Operations Officer may award an RPG to the AGM or another crew member when a GM resigns or is removed.

Section 2.7 - Pre-Built RPGs

The fleet offers a number of RPGs that have already been provided with a website, Discord server, and general theme for the game, which is tailor-made to fit into a niche within the fleet and which is designed for a novice game manager to be able to pick up and run. These games are mentored by a member of the Operations Office staff, which provides a hands-on learning experience and helps them get off of the ground more quickly.

  1. Members must reach the rank of Lieutenant Commander to apply to run a pre-built RPG.
  2. Pre-Built RPGs are listed on the Roleplaying Games page of the BFMS.
  3. Members must submit an application describing why they want to run an RPG, their prior experience running RPGs, their understanding of the concept, and what support they think they will need from the Operations Staff.
  4. Pre-Built RPG applications are reviewed by the Bravo Fleet Operations Officer, who will then either approve or reject the application.
  5. Pre-Built RPGs are considered provisional for the duration of their first mission or for two months, whichever is longer. During this time, they are actively mentored by a member of the Operations staff, who serves as a secondary game manager to help review applications, offer advice, and manage the website.
  6. If for whatever reason a game manager resigns or is removed during the provisional period, the RPG will be reset to its original configuration and offered again as an open game, if none of the current crew are eligible to take over as the new GM.
  7. Once a pre-built RPG has left the provisional period, it is treated the same way as all other RPGs.
  8. By submitting an application to run a pre-built RPG proposal, all potential Game Managers agree to the following:
    1. You acknowledge that you are applying to run an RPG in Bravo Fleet. If for whatever reason you resign your RPG, Bravo Fleet may, at their discretion, without restriction and without notice to you, reuse the name and registry number of the ship, base, or other entity in use by your RPG in Bravo Fleet. By submitting this application, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to this;
    2. You acknowledge that if you resign/are removed from your RPG for whatever reason, Bravo Fleet may contact the members writing on your RPG about the situation. RPGs cannot be removed from Bravo Fleet;
    3. You acknowledge that if you resign/are removed from your RPG for whatever reason, Bravo Fleet reserves the right to use your RPG’s plot and story; and that your game’s history will remain a part of fleet canon;
    4. You acknowledge that the fleet reserves the right to reuse your Bravo Fleet-hosted website (including all of its content).
    5. You acknowledge that if you resign/are removed from your RPG for whatever reason, Bravo Fleet may repurpose your game as a pre-built RPG, open for any eligible member to apply for.
    6. You acknowledge that any major changes to the premise of your RPG must be approved by the Bravo Fleet Operations Officer, who may request a new proposal. Changes to name, class, or registry must also be approved by the Bravo Fleet Loremaster.
    7. Notwithstanding any of the above, the Bravo Fleet Operations Officer may award an RPG to the AGM or another crew member when a GM resigns or is removed.
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