Q; The game uses the Last Unicorn Games ICON rules. How does this work in relation to the Play by Email?

A: The game itself is set around the ICON rules, it is a loosely run game owing more to freeform than dice. The characters are created and advanced, using the ICON system, to allow players get a feeling of their characters capabilities, and skills are only quoted in dire circumstances, while the game deals more with the roleplaying aspect than the rules.

For example, if your security officer was trying to fire upon an enemy starship you would finish your post with a quote of the relevant skills to show the characters expertese. ie: <Intellect 2, Ships Systems (Tactical) (4)> In tabletop terms this means that you would role 2D6 and add 4 to the totals in the hope that one of them would score high enough to beat the target number.

Q; How do Courage points work?

A; Courage can be used similarly to its use in the tabletop game. It functions almost as a 'get out of Jail Free' card. If there is an action that your character is required to succeed at to survive or save the day, simply quote that you are leaning on the reserves of your characters courage and I can take that into account. Remember that courage only 'refresh' between games, and while the Venture intends to be episodic in nature there may be sub-plots running through episodes so keep an eye on your courage ratings and try not to leave yourself short when they really count.

If your character uses an alternate system to courage points, such as the Romulan Glory presented in the Way of D'era, please let me know. In this case Klingon honour can be dealt with in a very similar manner to Glory, and Cardassian Vesala and Joined Trill Symbiont Points are being written at this time.

Q; Are there any posting restrictions I need to know about?

A: Yes there are a couple of posting restrictions used in the DS10 game.  Firstly is in the format.   Some symbols are used to signify specific actions such as talking, thinking and using communications.  These are;

=/\= For Character Communications

~ I think this! ~ : For character thoughts.

"I say this!" : For characters talking.

Also politeness for the other players and respect for the chain of command should be observed.  The USS Venture game is unclassified, but we hope to provide a mature gaming environment, however please remember that Star Trek is a family show and we would ask that you try to keep that in mind when writing your posts.  Language and graphic violence should be aimed as if it were for the TV series.

If two players post contradicting posts at similar times precidence goes to the post that was sent first on the emails time index, in the unlikely event that both were sent at exactly the same time I will decide which counts as GM. This bears no relevance on posts that do not conflict.

Q; When during the TV shows, is the game set?

A: The game is set after the events of the Dominion war, after the end of Deep Space 9 series 7. It is therefore concurrent with series 6 and 7 of Voyager, which is still 'out there'.

Q; I can create a character according to the rules in the Core Game books, but are there any supplements or in house rules I need for character creation?

A: I have most of the rulebooks and supplements produced by Last Unicorn Games are available.  If you have an idea for a character we can at least access most of the rules concerning that chaaracter.  As a point of respect, we do ask that, should you have created something special, such as a new template, species or the like, that you submit that to us first so that we can judge it suitable for the game. 

Mixed species characters should also be cleared prior to play. In most cases there will be no problem, but my decision is final on whether the Jem'Hadar/Vulcan mixed species made it into Starfleet. (The quoted example would be denied)

I will have a section devoted to new roleplaying resources for the ICON system Star Trek, so if you wish to submit anything, we will gladly put it on the internet for you. However it should be noted that a fair amount of material exists already and in most cases, the rule you want is out there.

Q; Are there any restrictions on character creation.

A: Yes, but very basic ones. My own personal philosophy is of a scientific fleet based Starfleet, and so, in my game universe, there are no Starfleet Marines, such a military organisation does not, nor will it exist in this universe. Its equivalent is Starfleet Security and the planetary based Rapid Response Teams.

Q; I notice that there is a difference in the points spent to create a characters rank between the Core game books and the Players guide. Which should I use?

A; We use the points system used In the players guide to determine a characters rank. The points break down like this.

Note: Other forms of rank also exist, from Religious to diplomatic rank, as well as the ranks of other species navies. These can be found in greater detail in the DS9 Core Rulebook.

Q; Can I buy future promotion with experience points?

A: No, all future promotions will be handled by the GM/s of the game, distributed out as warranted for actions by the character. The same is said on similar advantages such as department head, and Renown. No experience points are required for these advances, the movement in rank considered a freebie…

Q; What Species can I choose to play?

A; The USS Venture is a Federation Operation. So ideally any military characters should be from Starfleet and by default Federation races. As for species, any and all known federation species are allowed, although any of the unknown federation species can be used by an imaginative player, as long as they are run by the GM first. Other more ingenius characters will be required to be cleared by myself before play.

Civilians are also allowed, and even welcomed, although they will need to be cleared by a GM before play as they may not always fit in.

Q: Can I choose to purchase certain Disadvantages during the game and gain their points for advancement along with experience.

A: If you wish to gain more points alongside any XP, this is fine, depending on the Disadvantage.  We do not recommend this as a regular course of action, and any extra points gained this way will need to be passed through the Moderator first.  We do ask that you try to bring any disadvantages in to the game into your characters development prior to the disadvantage being added to your character.  In some cases this can help to advance the character as they grow and advance, they may also find new weaknesses.

Be aware that in these situations, you will only gain the exact amount of points for the disadvantage, just like in Character creation, but if buying off a disadvantage with XP it will cost 4X the points cost.   This too must be roleplayed, you cannot simply buy off your arachnophobia, the disadvantage must be faced and lowered gradually both in purchasing back and in game play.

Q: What is the points expenditure for experience?

A: Experience can be spent on the following formula, as found in both the TNG or DS9 corebook.

Q: I Have a question and the answer just isnt here?  How do I find out the answer?

A: Please feel free to email Me if you have any queries. gamemaster@ussventure.com