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.
22 Dec 2024, 3:52pm
"Oh!" Maul exclaimed, relieved at the realization of just who exactly the mysterious stranger was. "Lamb's holiday courier." He said aloud to wash away any confusion Vasil or Willow may have had about the strangers sudden arrival as he placed his thumb on the pad to accept this years gift.

"Thank you. I hope finding me was not too troublesome." Maul spoke a little louder and very clearly in hopes that the auto-translator wouldn't struggle. "Have a happy holiday." He finished the exchange with a slight bow of his head.

With that sorted and Kuo out of earshot, he turned back to Vasil and Willow.

"Don't know where she finds her couriers but they're some damn good trackers. Last year was the first time one failed to find me." He could feel himself going wildly off topic but quickly wrestled his thoughts into submission and redirected them to something mildly off topic. "Anyway, kinda sucks though. Makes me wish I'd spent a bit of time learning the language when I was back on Hondo, could have given him a proper thanks instead of doing so through that ancient auto-translate tech."

"Right." He stood and began sliding his backpack straps on. "Vasil, I can meet you wherever you'd like in a day or so. Shouldn't take me too long to sort us out some quality firepower."
22 Dec 2024, 5:32pm
"Lambs send holiday couriers after you every year?" Asked Willow in confusion. "So like, when you said you'd quit drugs, did you mean all the drugs?"

That was the problem with space and being way from your family. You forgot things like Birthdays and the holiday season. Willow was a bit jealous that Maul had some one in his life that would go to extremes to send him a card.

Maybe it would be a good idea to fly home before she left to say hi to her mom and dad.

"So er, yeah. Are we going to meet before we leave, or we just going to meet out there?"
22 Dec 2024, 6:34pm
"If one failed to find you last year, shouldn't you be getting two presents this year? That seems fair." It was not until that moment Vasil realized exactly how close the holiday was. Sure, many places had decorations, but he'd not paid much attention to them or the approaching holiday.

"I plan on leaving from Mackenzie Relay in Cemiess two days from now," he said to Maul. He realized that would be Christmas eve, but it did not matter to him. The Vasilescu family at this point had become a business, searching for Creamy would help the business, and business had to be conducted no matter what day it was.

"I'll have ship storage arranged for you on Mackenzie through ERS, so you should have no problem with Imperial Customs asking about guns or cargo." Vasil finished his drink and stood. "With luck, we'll be at the target site sometime in the next four or five days and have everything ready by the time you arrive, Willow."


Last edit: 22 Dec 2024, 6:45pm
23 Dec 2024, 5:48am
Willow Thorn"Lambs send holiday couriers after you every year?" Asked Willow in confusion. "So like, when you said you'd quit drugs, did you mean all the drugs?"


"Yeah, it was weird the first few years but now it's just sorta expected and kinda normal. Well somewhat normal at least coming from Lamb."

Maul smiled as he started to think about all the shenanigans he and Lambast had found themselves in in the past but then it dawned on him, Willow had misunderstood what he said.

"Oh I'm referring to my friend Lambast Mercy, not like fluffy little lambs. Quite the opposite actually. She's kinda the closest thing I got to having any family left at this point. Saved my life more times than I'd like to admit. Should probably send her a thank you message or something."

Vasil's business focused attitude pulled Maul from any further thoughts of a potential holiday bursting with close friends and relaxation. Yes, there was so much to be done before meeting him at Mackenzie Relay station. After all, there were credits to be made and with a dash of luck, an heir to be saved. Indeed, Christmas was approaching fast but some preparation was in order if they were to accurately search a planet so desolate, so vast. Alas, one could only hope that the heir Goodness had not yet succumbed to defeat by the heat and mournfully passed.
25 Dec 2024, 10:09pm
Going to spend Christmas with her family was a good idea. They fussed over her for a bit, but after a few drinks they were back to normal; treating Willow like the littlest sister although she was one of the middle children. On the pulse side, being the wayward child that had returned after a difficult departure, Willow was given fist choice when it came to the meat, so the teasing was a small price to pay for a mom cooked, home made meal.

When Willow told them about her current job she got some prime advice for desert searches and beach combing from her dad and her oldest brothers helped her sort out what she'd need for camping out on a hot planet in case the worst happened. It was unlikely with two ships supporting them, but you never knew and there were going to be thousands of light years away from a rescue party.

With a shopping list to fill, and a few days jumping to go, Willow wanted to set off when Angel Station went into night cycle, but Oak and Birch over rode her pad clearance because she was too drunk to fly. Having those guys treating her that way pissed her off, but it felt good to be reminded how nice it was to have people that would look out for you no matter what. Arguing with Oak or Birch was like trying to persuade a wall to become a door just because you asked nicely, so Willow gave up and went to bed.

A few more hours wouldn't make much difference. Besides, there would be left overs to take if she gave mom time to pack them.
26 Dec 2024, 3:07am
After finishing ship prep and filing an open flight plan with 'stellar cartography' as the purpose, the Always Lost departed Mackenzie Relay in Cemiess. The only departure hiccup was the ten minutes spent convincing the ship’s COVAS to accept Maul as a crew member and allow him full ship access.

Jefferson would acknowledge the command, only to say a minute or two later, “Maul Montresor cannot be a registered crewmember. Tier 1 ship access revoked.” The third time it happened, Vasil finally asked Jefferson why. “I do not like Maul Montresor’s face,” said Jefferson.

Not liking someone’s face was Jefferson’s response whenever it failed to get a readable facial recognition scan for registration. Usually, it was because of cyber eyes. Non-organic eyes, even if they looked natural, apparently freaked out Jefferson. Half closing or shading the eyes allowed for a scan and crew registration.

The rest of Christmas Eve and all Christmas Day was spent getting to the target system. Aside from time spent letting the AFMU repair jet cone boost damage to the FSD, and the occasional short nap, Vasil remained in the pilot’s chair the entire time. After three decades of exploration in the Always Lost, coordinating all of the variable jump-fuel-boost-heat elements required for fast travel had become as autonomic as breathing for Vasil.

It also helped that Jefferson had three decades of exploring with Vasil and could predict what Vasil wanted, providing information and performing tasks before Vasil even asked. It was when not actively engaged in exploration-based activity that Jefferson became problematic.

Once in system, Vasil entered a nose-forward high orbit around the target planet. Without being told, Jefferson began preparing probes.

"Well," he said, "It certainly looks like a sand trap."


Last edit: 26 Dec 2024, 4:22am
today, 8:14am
Maul stepped away from the wall mounted terminal from behind Vasil that he'd been inspecting and approached the canopy, stepping up next to Vasil's chair to peer out at the sand planet.

Maul gave a low whistle. "Damn, that's one big litterbox." He glared out a while longer in silence before speaking again. "If our boy's been down there as long as we're figuring...well...I just hope if he's still kicking that he ain't went totally bonkers. That's a level of danger and isolation that no man should ever be forced to endure."

The weight of the situation was growing heavy. Now facing the planet, it seemed like the chances of anyone surviving there were slim. Instead of voicing his concerns or further facing the feelings of empathy, Maul figured it was best to rustle up a way to break the tension.

"A thousand creds say we find giant sand worms." He said jokingly in a monotone voice while still facing down the sand planet.
today, 1:08pm
"Stop doing the gross stuff guys do and make yourself presentable, I'm here" transmitted Willow once she entered the system. The big blue star blasted the Barb's cockpit with brilliant white light followed by a wave of heat.

It took a little while for the cockpit glass and air conditioning to catch up and normalize, so she was glad to put some distance between her ship and the star. Cruising over to the planet Longroad was orbiting, Willow automatically launched surface probes. Vasil would have already gathered all the data she'd need, so now Willow looked like she didn't trust his experience.

"Oh, sorry Vee. It just happens you know? You arrive at an interesting globe and like, probe it, right? Explorers way."

Thinking about what she had just said, Willow couldn't help but feel Maul would be leering like a roughneck. There was no chance he wouldn't bring up globe probing again, but it was out there now. Clearing an imaginary tickle from her throat, Willow forged ahead.

"Yeah, so have you gathered topography from the landing site we were given?" Whats the meteorological conditions and geological stability for our search zone?"


Last edit: 30 Dec 2024, 1:16pm
today, 3:40pm
“Welcome to the party, Willow. Stand by, I’ll send over what we’ve gathered so far.”

Vasil targeted the Bramble, designated it as friendly so Jefferson would not issue constant reminders about how unlikely it was to run across another ship in an uncharted system, and transmitted the data.

“We’ve made a few low orbit passes over the target area to get detailed topographic maps of a fifty kilometers radius from the drop point. Height resolution is not as good as I’d hoped--plus or minus five meters--likely due to varying sand density, but better than standard probe maps.”

“The area looks to be a mixture of dunes and rocky areas. SRVs will be needed for any excursions into the dunes, but landing should not be a problem on the hard surfaces.”

Vasil highlighted the meteorological data. “The bitch is the weather, though. Pressure cells and heat convection can cause high winds and dust storms. A massive low pressure is forming southeast of the target zone and in a few days we’ll probably have a hurricane-sized dust storm to deal with.”

“On the plus side, that should keep the giant worms Maul bets are down there from coming to the surface.”
today, 9:09pm
"Huh, yeah I guess. Like walk with out rhythm, you know? So, I'll be okay, but Ems got swager. Its like, he's worm food the moment he sets foot on the sand. You get ya own buggy dude. Like, nothing personal"

Scrolling the data Willow made a snap judgment on the points that mattered. There was room to move on anything she said now, but there was a lot to be said for a gut feeling about a job like this. When searching for a needle in a haystack, a feeling was as good as any search, till you got your hands on a magnet.

"Alright, I guess we start the ticking clock, huh?"

The conditions down there were already bad. A hurricane blowing superheated sand around would strip the paint off a ship in a matter of hours. God knows what it would do to exposed skin. Willow knew, but that was macabre knowledge she'd keep to hear self.

"So heat and fast moving Silica is the asshole here. Thats like a breeding ground for random electromagnetic interference. Gonna make any scan inaccurate, and mess with geolocation devices on surface. So, safety first okay? We'll have to set up a powerful relay point down there, and then like, have the two ships in low orbit to triangulate that point at all times. When we move out from the orbital relay point, we'll like, daisy chain beacons at regular intervals, right?"

"Thats going to slow us down to no end, but its better then getting lost in a sand storm, you know? So, I'll get to work on making a relay tower, and I'll send the synthesiser patten for a beacon. Make as many as you can guys."

Willow was already thinking about the engineering challenge of constructing a small tower that could be raised in high winds by three people and a droid, when she remembered the basics.

"Oh, guys? While I get to work on the relay, you may as well do a low pass visual check. I take it you know an ever increasing search patten Vee? Like, I guess anything a single man may have been able to make down there is long buried, but you may see something that like, could have been an SOS at some point"

She made it to her work shop before another issuer worried her enough to call Vail and Maul again.

"And Guys, if you land make sure I have logged you location, and if you leave the ship, tether your selves to it... And each other. You got that?"

She wanted to say Do noting till I get there, but guys tended to get all pissy and macho if she tried lines like that.

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