(https://last-outpost.net/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FrSxvj7j.png&hash=5ef162af41cbcdd2ff3e186b3e19f10133ed05dc)
"A Guide to Crew Positions"
A guide to the variety of positions in the typical RP.
Written by Klaw
Edited by Academy Faculty
Find the original thread [here (http://www.last-outpost.net/forum/index.php/topic,720.0.html)].
CO - The Commanding Officer
The CO can refer to the ship's Commanding Officer, as well as the plot leader. They don't necessarily have to be the same person (for example, one person can be running the plot, but I could be the ship's CO). In an RP, the CO is typically the commander of the vessel, leading his or her crew on the voyage at hand. The plot CO controls ALL aspects of the plot, and has the freedom to set up their RP strictly, relaxed, and roll with the punches. The plot CO does NOT have to have CO in their title.
XO - The Executive Officer
The Executive Officer is the right hand man of the Commanding Officer. Traditionally, the XO is a mediator between the crew and the commanding officer, bringing issues to the CO, and speaking on behalf of the crew, and vice versa.
CoS - The Chief of Security
The Chief of Security maintains order on the ship, and operates the ship's defenses, while leading the security staff.
ACoS and SEC - Assistant Chief of Security and Security Staff
These serve under the Chief of Security. They are NOT elite commandos, simply the policemen of the ship to keep the peace.
CE - The Chief Engineer
The Chief Engineer is the backbone of every ship and station, in charge of keeping everything technical running smoothly (not just the engine).
ACE and ENG - Assistant Chief Engineer and Engineering Staff
These serve under the Chief Engineer. They help the Chief Engineer maintain, fix, and upgrade ships, stations, and more.
CSO - The Chief Science Officer
The Chief Science Officer is specially trained in various fields of study, from biology to chemistry, physics to zoology. They are the one stop shop for your information needs on planetary conditions, animal life, the power behind a collapsing star, and more.
ACSO and SCI - Assistant Chief Science Officer and Science Staff
These serve under the Chief Science Officer. They help the CSO in being a one stop shop for all your information needs.
CMO - The Chief Medical Officer
The Chief Medical Officer is always looking out for the health and safety of the crew, whether it be a routine check up, or a safety inspection of Engineering. The CMO is also the first place to go when anything ails the health and safety of the crew.
ACMO and MED - The Assistant Chief Medical Officer and Medical Staff
These serve under the Chief Medical Officer. They help the CMO conduct his daily duties maintaining the health and vitality of the crew, as well as triage in emergency situations.
OPS - The Operations Officer
The Operations Officer's job is to monitor and coordinate the day to day routine of the crew. They also serve as a halfway point between science and engineering, serving roles in both department's shoes. They're well rounded officers, the "jacks of all trades". They work closely with the CSO in running sensors.
HELM - The Helmsman
Plain and simple, the helmsman flies the ship masterfully.
Tips for when you're NOT the center of attention:
1. Remember your Position! The CMO, for example, has 400+ lives to take care of, medical reports to file, and more likely than not, Somebody is sick. Find something to do, even if it's just spending a quiet evening with your dog, or getting a drink in the mess hall, or even cooking.
2. You are allowed to introduce side-plots (ie, recalibrating phase enducers, or you're family was killed by a white whale, and we just happen to be hunting one.) Side plots can add elements to the main plot, so long as the side plot does not Hinder the main story. The more subtle the side-story is, the more fluid the whole experience will be.
3. Lastly, Don't go whining to the captain every time someone calls you an idiot (In Character). THIS Takes more away from the RP experience than plot jacking does, if you have a problem with a character in RP, take it to that person, or the XO (or Acting XO)... and if you have a problem with someone Out of Character, PM an Admin.
4. One last thing, Rome wasn't built in a day, and Superman isn't real... the Chief Engineer may have some Tactical Experience, but he isn't John Rambo, One should make their Characters believable, and down to reality... Avoid "Super hero" Characters!