Elite roleplay: Off station

OFF STATION

Your ship, deep space, anything that is not happening inside the Citi Gateway or Ingaba...

General Roleplay Etiquette:

1. Control only the actions of your own character(s). (AKA: God Mode)
This doesn't matter how small the action is, even if it is as simple as scratching their nose or a direct reaction to something else that just happened. This applies to everything from casual conversation to full blown fight scenes. If you'd like someone to do something specific, PM that person, however keep in mind they are completely within their rights to say no. Especially if said action is inappropriate to their character and/or circumstance.

2. Don't brute force your way into another persons RP.
Approaching with a conversation starter is fine, or indeed some other small action. However charging in, guns blazing and disrupting the flow of another person/pair/groups conversation/arc is about as rude as doing so in real life. If something is going on that you'd like to participate in, be subtle about it. Put out a gentle hook for someone to take, but again, be aware that said hook may not be taken. If you fear it was simply unnoticed, PM the person or people it concerns. Or even leave a message in the OOC forums.

3. Good grammar and spelling is preferred.
We're not asking you to be perfect, but please at least demonstrate willingness. no1 iz gna tak u srsly usng txt spk. There's a wide variety of people here, many who speak English as a second, or even third language. There are even some with varying degrees of dyslexia and/or likely other issues that affect spelling/grammar. We accept them all here. However, people who aren't accepted, are those unwilling to accept polite correction. Remember that even a small thing like the placement of a comma, or the wrong use of there/their/they're can completely change the definition of an entire sentence.

4. Accept constructive criticism gracefully and politely.
If someone spots an issue with your writings, they may wish to help you improve that writing. They may do this through PM or even publicly air their thoughts on the OOC forum. If they have taken the time to be polite and explain what is wrong with your writing, the best way to behave is to respond in kind, using the same manner they have approached you with. It means they have taken an active interest in what you have written and wish to see more. Basically, you have a fan!

5. Don't take the actions or opinions of things done IN RP, to be directly relevant to the writers thoughts or opinions.
Basically, if some ones character calls your character a jackass, it doesn't mean the writer thinks you are a jackass. It's a ROLE they are PLAYING. Watch a movie. The argument between the characters isn't an argument between the actors involved. The same applies here.

6. It's not a popularity contest.
Your RP might be bustling with participants. You have 3 people off station in a fire fight, while another 2 are infiltrating the darkest areas of the station, meanwhile a group of 4 others are tracking your movements in an effort to stop you. Good for you, I'm sure it will be a thrilling read! But you know what? Sometimes the absolute BEST work, comes from two RP characters having a simple heart to heart. Both are valid, both are great, but NEITHER is categorically better than the other. Period.


Inara RP Etiquette:

1. Respect the setting and rules of the universe.
Inara is an Elite: Dangerous 3rd Party Tool. The RP Forums are set in the Elite: Dangerous universe. Elite: Dangerous has rules, as any fictional universe does from Lord of the Rings to Star Wars, or Game of Thrones to Star Trek. If you intend to RP within the Elite: Dangerous universe you are bound by the history and rules of that universe. Simply put, this RP forum is bound by the same rules as the game, so if it can't be done in the game, it is not permitted here. This applies to things from a 50Ly Jump Range on a normal, unmodified Sidewinder, to the destruction of entire stations.

2. Respect the characters created by others.
We have a wide variety of characters already here. It's expected that some will be similar, just as it's expected that two characters will be vastly different. Opinions of each persons character will naturally be varied, but all are valid provided they follow the rules of the universe. You are allowed to interact with, or avoid interaction with, any character in the RP forums. But you have no right to belittle others for their creation. You are not an authority figure on writing, nor are you directly affected by another persons imagination. You might not like it, but you MUST respect it.

3. Be caught up on current events before joining in.
You need basic things like character descriptions in order to interact with them. You also need to know what's going on in the surrounding areas. This is simply because the people you are hoping to RP with, might be gearing up to something that you might not want to be part of. Or simply that the most recent post, out of context, could leave a different impression on the goings on than if you gather that context. We don't expect you to read every single post from the beginning of the forums, just enough to get that basic understanding.

4. Either subscribe to, or frequently check, the Roleplay: Q&A and OOC forum.
People may be discussing something relevant to you there, or even discussing you directly. Perhaps someone asked what the general consensus on the existence or non-existence of a certain object. Or we're just chatting about random gibberish. Either way, be aware of it and use it. If you're unsure about something, such as how guns would look and or behave, or even the music selection, use the OOC forum to ask. We don't have all of the answers, but the collective knowledge and logic usually allows us to overcome an issue and come to a decision on what should be allowed. Frontier Developments, and even David Braben himself, don't have the answers to every possible question that can be asked.

5. Large Scale events exploding out of nowhere are a complete no go.
We get it. Everyone wants their character to be noticed and for people to be tripping over themselves to interact with them. In some audiences, an introduction involving you blasting in for landing in a fiery wreckage of a ship, before cart wheeling out and sword fighting 35 Ninjas before whisking off with the local celebrity for a glorious night of passion, is in fact, cool. This is not one of those audiences. It is generally considered better to build your character up slowly over time. Eventually, you might even have a legitimate excuse to fight those Ninjas. Maybe even with other RP participants by your side.

6. Perfect characters are boring.
The point of a character arc, is that it is in fact, an arc shape. One who is morally unquestionable, fully kitted out and an infinite fountain of knowledge, cannot go through an arc. Give your character flaws. Be it a tendency towards befriending the wrong people, or a bad knee that frequently gives out at inopportune moments. It gives readers something to latch onto and empathise with. You can give your character exceptional capabilities at something, but it requires balance. She's a damn good pilot with no equal, but can't drive an SRV for peanuts. It can lead to some very interesting moments between characters, be it heartfelt or comedic.


Other Notes:
It should be noted that there can be exceptions to these points. For example, good grammar when a character is speaking is actually rare. Few people in real life actually speak with perfect eloquence after all. Or previously arranged actions during a fight scene, such as someone stumbling back after a punch. What's key to remember is context.

All in all, remember this is purely for fun. We have some seriously talented writers here, and others whose writing history starts and ends at high school. But many are willing to help out in whatever way they can. All it takes is that you ask nicely.

Also keep in mind that many people who RP here, also have logbook stories related to the character, or characters, they portray. If it looks like there's an "in joke" going on that you're unsure of, it's probably in those.

In fact, some users have even gone to the trouble of creating "alts" to RP with. If you read back far enough, it's usually pretty clear who has and hasn't, and which ones are the "alts". It's therefore not unheard of to see the apparent seizing of control of other characters. If you do spot one, point it out in the OOC section. If intervention is needed, it will be sorted quickly and (hopefully) politely.

Most, if not all RP participants here have Logbook stories pertaining to their character(s). These are for the reading pleasure of anyone who wishes to do so. While it can be useful to read them in order to gain a bit of backstory on a character you wish to interact with, it should not be assumed that your character shares that knowledge. Within the E:D Universe, these Logbooks either don't exist, or are private diaries kept by the characters. Either way, without explicit statements to say otherwise from the writer, your interactions should reflect that your character is in the dark about any information you, the writer/reader, have gained from reading the stories.
31 Oct 2020, 6:13pm
31 Oct 2020, 7:19pm
As the automated launch sequence finished, Rex eased the controls gently to steer the ship to the FSD jump point and into supercruise.

His actions were smooth and deliberate, he wanted Descartes to know he was in control of this ship, and knew what he was doing.

He held the ship on line until the time was right and hit the FSD activation key on his console.

As the ship went through witch space he glanced across and that grin reappeared.

"So far so good", he said as he prepared for the jump-off.

Soon he heard the familiar sound that signified the jump-off was approaching and he readied himself

He reduced thrusters to zero and waited for the boom.

The star appeared in front of the ship, and he smartly skirted around it and back into supercruise.

"Next stop, your payday", he sat back.

"Then we can have some fun".
31 Oct 2020, 7:28pm
Descartes smiled.

"Nice start." She said, relaxing a little. "A gift for an old friend, no pay today." Now more interested in the fun.
31 Oct 2020, 11:25pm
Rex looked at the Galmap screen

"How about a stopoff in Lhou Mans once we've finished the drop?", he suggested. "Webb City looks like it could be welcoming to visitors."

He'd never been to the system before, and hopefully neither had she.

Hopefully it was a little less 'active' than Citi Gateway had been the day before.
01 Nov 2020, 6:35pm
"Delacy Sierra Papa Uniform, welcome to our station, welcome back commander"

"Ah its good to be home" I replied and requested docking.

"Now once I get settled in and have a beer I can find out what this urgent mission is."


[continued in banter for a bit]


Last edit: 02 Nov 2020, 12:57am
01 Nov 2020, 7:15pm
"Sounds good to me. Proper sightseers. This 'cruise won't take long."  She replied, settling back for the ride.

It went smoothly enough, no-one on their tail, no pirates - they were approaching the platform in next to no time. Docking permission was granted, and Raglan let the computer do its job.


"So, you found a proper pilot to land it for you this time Descartes." said a male voice over the comms. "Still running errands for the old man?"


"Stick your butt out the window, I'll land on that she said, ignoring the question.
01 Nov 2020, 10:18pm
Jason wiped tears from his face and eyes. He looked over the Python's instruments. No pings on the sensors for half a million kilometers in every direction. The nearest gravity bodies were even more further out. Anything jumping into the system would have to come a long way to find them. They were safe, at least for now.

Jason set the ship's autopilot to keep them at a gentle cruising speed, unstrapped from the crash couch, and bent to pick up his terminal. He smelled food, fresh food in fact, and slowly made his way back to investigate. Poking his head into the compartment, the tiniest shadow of a smile appeared.

"We're clear to out past the primary star," he said. "We can make the next jump at any time, but it may be a good idea for us all to get some rest. Including, it seems, a bite to eat."

His voice sounded a bit raw to his ears. Probably from the crying. No big deal, though. He could finish this job. He had to.
01 Nov 2020, 11:48pm
Rex laughed at the exchange.

"Friend of yours?" he asked

"If you want to see to the cargo transfer, I'll set us up for the jump to Webb"

He pulled up the nav panel once more and started tapping.

Once he had done what he needed he headed to the galley and fixed himself a hot drink.

As he drank he remembered the last time he'd gone sightseeing, all those months ago. A face came into his mind and he found himself wondering where that face was now, what she was doing.

<Snap out of it Raglan, it was a different time and place. You both moved on>

He came back to now, and heard the sound of the cargo bay opening from outside.

He slowly made his way back to the bridge and waited.
02 Nov 2020, 3:45pm
Descartes voice came over the comms. "Put your boots on," she said. "There's someone I want you to meet."

Nothing went out of, or into, the cargo hold without her overseeing. The rock samples were registered and put into storage for collection later. She  waited for Raglan to push off the steps and land with a loud click as his boots locked on. They were both awkward  at first , out of practice in magboots. They passed through the airlock and negotiated grubby passageways 'till they reached slightly cleaner living quarters. The 'Old Man' was waiting for them.

"Hello girl." He smiled.

She gave him a hug. "Hello boy."

They both laughed at the shared joke, and he led them inside a small but comfortable living space.

"This is the Old Man, she said as he motioned them to sit, "and this is Raglan."

"An academy man!" he said, smiling. "Hello young man."

They drank very strong sweet tea, no milk.  Descartes and the Old man chatted a while, reminiscing, laughing now and then. She tried to include Raglan in the conversation.

"He taught me to fly, illegally young, and made me work my fingers to the bone!"

"I saved you from yourself, and you were paid well."

It was true. He gave her the use of a battered old Eagle, kept her busy with courier runs, and held back ten percent of her income until she was old enough to rent a ship for herself. Too soon they had to leave. No mention was made of the samples. He would sell a little now and then, as required, all legal and above board, not enough to be noticed.

Back on the ship Descartes was more relaxed than before. Diamonds in the hold always posed a little danger, she felt better now they were gone.

.

"OK Raglan. Lets' do it!"


Last edit: 03 Nov 2020, 4:36pm
02 Nov 2020, 7:20pm
Rex sat back as he enjoyed the tea and the conversation.

It was, he mused, the first time he'd really seen Descartes relax.

She clearly trusted the Old Man, and he seemed a very likeable character.

He was slightly sad when the time came to leave, but was ready for the next leg.


Back on the bridge he called in for clearance and, having recieved it, he engaged the ADC.

Once clear of the station he hit supercruise and headed for the FSD vector.

"Next stop, tourism!", he laughed.
03 Nov 2020, 3:44pm
Jason FrimantleJason wiped tears from his face and eyes. He looked over the Python's instruments. No pings on the sensors for half a million kilometers in every direction. The nearest gravity bodies were even more further out. Anything jumping into the system would have to come a long way to find them. They were safe, at least for now.

Jason set the ship's autopilot to keep them at a gentle cruising speed, unstrapped from the crash couch, and bent to pick up his terminal. He smelled food, fresh food in fact, and slowly made his way back to investigate. Poking his head into the compartment, the tiniest shadow of a smile appeared.

"We're clear to out past the primary star," he said. "We can make the next jump at any time, but it may be a good idea for us all to get some rest. Including, it seems, a bite to eat."

His voice sounded a bit raw to his ears. Probably from the crying. No big deal, though. He could finish this job. He had to.


Nerys turned towards the door: Amata and Jason had arrived at the same time.

Power of the food she thought with an internal smile. Nerys forced herself to look away from Amata's bodysuit, so almost consequentially her eyes examined Jason's face.

Is everything okay? she asked to herself. No, obviously it is not. Her nose implant immediately noticed a high concentration of sodium ions in Jason's breath, evidence of heavy stress.

"Just a simple thing" she replied to Amata. "I am not a chef, but I like to cook. We need to eat, to drink and to rest... doctor's orders. And if someone is not feeling well or needs to talk..." she stopped for a second "...my door is always open."
03 Nov 2020, 4:03pm
Amata looked at Jason, cleary worrying about him. She put a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, you alright? What's going on?"
03 Nov 2020, 4:36pm
He looked between them, then turned his face to one side and wiped at his nose and cheeks. Still moisture. Damn.

"It's just a lot right now. Aisling's father was assassinated, there have been attacks and threats against her people, and the Angels have been hit pretty hard. Some of my friends are dead. I mean... I've known them the longest, and they're the closest thing I had to family. So, knowing I'll never see some of them again..."

He had a seat near the food but didn't reach for it. He felt disconnected from his body's needs. Get them to safety. Finish the job. Get back to the Angels. Fight. He closed his eyes and shook his head, trying to keep himself present.

"Nothing for it now, though, right? I can't go back into the past to change anything I did. Got to stick with what I can do now."
03 Nov 2020, 4:51pm
Descartes headed off the bridge with a carefully aimed nudge towards the door. "Don't jump anywhere 'till I'm back!"


Making for the head, stripping off her jumpsuit and Remlock suit enroute, she emptied her bladder and freshened up, never felt comfortable seeing to bodily functions in zero-g.  A gentle nudge to her cabin, dumped her clothes in the dry-cleaner, and dressed in a casual jump-suit.

"OK, let me buckle up and lets go."  She relaxed.

"Do you ever feel a little overwhelmed by all this empty space Raglan.  Straight lines are not straight,  up and down mean nothing.  Time moves faster or slower, depending on which direction you think you're travelling. And if we jump a thousand lightyears away from, say, Citi Gateway, and then another thousand back, will everyone we left behind still be alive. And since I've made thousands of jumps, can I ever get home??"

She unzipped her  flight suit a little, getting more comfortable.

"And how do we know if any of this is real."


Last edit: 03 Nov 2020, 7:51pm
04 Nov 2020, 12:18am
"Oh it's real, but it can seem unreal sometimes", He said in response, engaging FSD as he spoke

Witch space enveloped the ship once more and he zeroed the thrusters.

"It was overwhelming for the first few jumps but for me now it's just a way of going from point to point. I'll worry more about the existential questions when I've got time"

The ship dropped out into the system and once hed skirted smoothly around the star Rex locked Webb City in as their final destination on the nav panel.

"I'm sure you could go home, but given the temporal anomalies it may no longer feel like home"

They dropped out of 'cruise and once he got docking clearance he activated the ADC.

"Well, that could have gone worse", he smiled at her as he said it.

"Let's go get some relaxation"

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If you are new here, please try to at least partially involve in the ongoing stories and conversations instead of establishing a completely different "arc". You can always turn it to a different story later.