Creating a Character
From USS Andronicus: System X
In the USS Andronicus application, you will be prompted to provide certain types of information regarding your character. The below information should help you when you are deciding how to create your character, especially if this is your first one. If your application is accepted and you are admitted into the USS Andronicus, your character's biography will consist primarily of the information you provide in the application. If you would like examples of other players' biographies to reference, take a look at the [biographies] page.
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Wow, this is overwhelming. Where do I start?
Creating a character is the first step, and a very vital step, in joining a site like the USS Andronicus. Creating a good initial character will require research, planning, and a good deal of time; but it is also fun. If for some reason you feel that the character you’ve created isn’t what you were going for, you don’t need to worry or start over. The beauty of role playing is that your character can change and develop—and inevitably will—as he runs his course. Keep reading and you will be guided through most of the steps of creating your own character.
Name
Your character needs a means of identification. Most species in Star Trek use names. Whether you use just one name or both a first and last name should depend on the race you choose for your character. For example, Humans and Betazoids use both first and last names, Vulcans, Romulans, Ferengi, and others, have only one name, while Klingons have one name and additionally identify themselves as the daughter or son of their father (or sometimes the name of their House). An unrealistic name in an application is grounds for immediate dismissal from the USS Andronicus. The most important thing to remember is that your character’s name needs to complement his race. Klingons named Suzie, Vulcans named Gronk, and Changelings named Superfly are, at best, unacceptable.
Species
Almost any species is an acceptable choice for the USS Andronicus. The species you choose should be a species that interests you. By stereotype, Klingons are warriors, Ferengi are tradesmen, Vulcans are scientists, and Betazoids are annoying (oops, did I say that?). However, if you really want to branch out, break away from the stereotypes. Klingons can be doctors too, can’t they? Vulcans can be comedians, right? Well, maybe not. Still, choose a species that interests you or your character may become boring and writing for him will not come easily.
There are very few restrictions in this area, but a few do exist. The Borg, the Q, the Orgonians, and other omnipotent or super powerful beings may not be used. The administration of the USS Andronicus reserves the right to refuse any player the privilege of using these species and any other it deems inappropriate.
Gender
Select your character’s sex. Clearly your character needs to be male or female. Some species have more than two sexes. If you choose one of these species, and an alternative sex, you will need to select “other” in the drop down box.
Age and Date of Birth
Decide how old your character will be when you begin to play. The age of your character needs to correspond with the current year—2700. Therefore, if your character is to be twenty-four years old when you start to play, the year old his birth, should you choose to list it, is 2676.
Place of Birth
Most people in the world of Star Trek are born on their parents’ home planet. Some families who travel constantly or are assigned military posts for from home may have children on distant worlds. This is an important part of your character’s history so think it through and be as general or specific as you would like.
Description of Appearance
Under the “appearance” category of the application, you will find a large text box for you to type in your character’s description. Why do you need to do that if you’ve already filled out all the above physical statistic, you ask? Well, this gives you the opportunity to tell other players specifics about how your own character looks in your own special way. The more information the better, although you are not required to fill out this option.
Personality Type
A personality is a difficult thing to label, but that never stopped anyone from trying. If you don’t want to fill this out, you don’t have to; however it may be helpful both to you and the reader. Back in the day, Doctor Hippocrates developed his theory of the “four humors,” from which stemmed an entire branch of psychology aimed at studying human emotions and personalities. Four primary temperaments were identified:
In the application, you will be given the option to select a primary personality type and a secondary personality type. For more information on each personality type, simply click and read the handy Wikipedia articles.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Decide what your character is good at, and what he is not so good at. This could include professional strengths and weaknesses, personal strengths and weaknesses, social strengths and weaknesses, even spiritual strengths and weaknesses. The amount of detail you would like to provide is up to you; however, be forewarned that a character listed as being good at everything under the sun will most likely be dismissed from consideration—no one is good at everything, and everyone has weaknesses. Provide a balance for a realistic and enjoyable character.
Ambitions
Tell about your character’s “bucket list.” What does he want to do or accomplish in his life time? What are his goals, his fantasies, his desires? Does he want to command a starship, or learn how to play the drums, or even travel to another galaxy? No man can limit the imagination of a dreamer no matter how unrealistic his goals may be.
Hobbies and Interests
What does your character enjoy doing? If your character is a doctor and does not enjoy science, he is probably an unhappy man (or woman, as the case may be). Not much more needs be said.
Languages
What languages can your character speak? Naturally, he can speak in his native tongue. Be careful how many languages you list—there are extremely smart people in the galaxy, but not everyone speaks thirty languages.
Family
What is your character’s family history? Decide who his parents were, whether or not he had siblings, aunts or uncles, spouses or children. Family is a vital key to developing your character’s background.
History
Provide a brief (or not so brief) history of your character. Some players choose to account for the day of their character’s birth and track his progress throughout childhood, his first job, graduating from Starfleet Academy, and all of his various assignments. Many players even incorporate the exact dates their character graduated from high school, was promoted to lieutenant commander, or received a medal of commendation. If you want to really define your character and tell everyone who he is and where he came from, this is the place to do it. Please, please, please write in coherent sentences. There is a minimum limit of 100 words—that’s right, you have to fill this out.
Service Record
Provide Starfleet’s service record for your character. This is optional. If you want to fill this out but are unsure how to proceed, take a look at other characters’ biographies or even contact someone whose service record you think looks good.
