Jo Marshall

👻 AND THE WINNERS ARE... 🎃 One sec! Before we get to the winners, we've got some folks who need to be thanked: Graphics creators: We've been doing this graphics things for a few years now, and every year I'm blown away by the astounding creativity from each corner of the fleet. All the time and love that goes into these contests year on year truly make it a fabulous time to get together and do something fun, creative, and chucking us all into a web of spooky unity! Judges: One member of each ship participating in the contest carefully reviewed all of the entries and come up with our winners. Huge thanks to them for taking the time to participate in that! Ship staff: It's easy to forget that our ship staff have to do a lot of pushing, cajoling, helping, and facilitation to make this contest a success! And this year, many members of your ship staff were part of a long and detailed discussion about how to improve this contest, so thanks to them for sticking it out through that process. ALL OF OUR MEMBERS: We sincerely appreciate your participation every year in this game that helps build our fleet fellowship! Please refer to the rules above to learn more about the two categories we judge: Design and Originality, and how the final scores are modified by the number of people participating. So now... . . . . . . . . . . Who won? First, honourable mentions through the season this time! Having just launched, the Ronin couldn't participate this year, so their first dive will be next year! Astraeus were wanted for crimes against... crimes! Approach with caution! That hair! Those eyes! Legit needs to be a mission now. Absolutely amazing work all round! Loved every single entry this year and it looks like the Judges had a hard time, too! All the votes are in, the maths is done, and the calculator is put away from next year. And so, the winners are: Remember that both winning crews can add the "Winner" badge, while anyone who created avatars can add that respective badge, as well. Thank you again for another fun contest, and congratulations to the winners!

Ever thought the universe of Star Trek was all phaser battles and philosophical ponderings? Well, occasionally it tosses in some eerie tales from the crypt keeper. As we get closer to the chills of Halloween, let's navigate those episodes where Starfleet's bold journeys felt more like spooky detours. The iconic TOS episode "The Tholian Web" kicks things off. Captain Kirk has gone missing, and now there are eerie doppelgangers aboard? Here, Captain Kirk's haunting apparitions create a spectral atmosphere after his mysterious disappearance in an alternate dimension. With the Enterprise trapped in the mesmerizing snare of the Tholians, one can't help but feel an impending sense of dread. And, let's face it, a ghost Captain Kirk really gives the Enterprise a haunted mansion vibe! But, if you thought things got weird there, Star Trek: The Next Generation’s "Schisms" takes the eerie cake. Alien abductions? Check. Creepy examination tables? Double-check. While it's a tad unsettling, it does make you wonder if the Enterprise crew might have benefited from a space neighbourhood watch program. As the crew grapples with memory lapses and the disturbing realization of being abducted and studied by aliens, the episode masterfully constructs a chilling environment where the known universe's boundaries seem to blur. Our voyage takes a terrifying detour with Star Trek: Enterprise's "Impulse". The discovery of a Vulcan ship with its crew transformed into violent, mindless beings serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers lurking in space's uncharted territories. Imagine visiting a ship only to find its Vulcan crew has gone full-on zombie mode. If there ever was a "turn the spaceship around" moment, this was it! But, as if to remind us that not all that's unsettling is necessarily tangible, Star Trek: Voyager presents "The Haunting of Deck Twelve". Our ghostly bard Neelix's recounting of an electromagnetic lifeform's eerie presence aboard the ship merges the essence of a classic ghost tale with the limitless enigma of space, making us question the very nature of the stories that echo through the galaxy's corridors. Ancient mariners would nod in approval. Lastly, but definitely not least, the abandoned setting of "Empok Nor" in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9) eerily resonates with themes from classic horror narratives. As the crew finds themselves hunted in a desolate Cardassian station, the sense of claustrophobic terror reaches its zenith, culminating our trek through Star Trek's darker episodes. It's all fun and games until the lights go out. From spooky spectres to zombified Vulcans, Star Trek's brilliance lies in its diverse storytelling, sometimes making us marvel at space's beauty and at other times making us apprehensive of its unpredictable abyss. Join in the fun, cast your vote for the most unsettling-yet-quirky episode, and remember - in space, no one can hear you scream... Or can they? 🌌🎃🖖

"I never thought it would end this way, gunned down by Santa Claus."

This thread is for each member of the crew to check in with their new avatar on their profile. For a check-in to count, each crew member must include a funny quote, quip, or greeting (i.e.- "Trick or treat!") that matches the character or theme. The more people you have checked-in, the higher your overall score! Please read these instructions very carefully – missing any step may disqualify your crew! Participants must be checked-in to this thread by Monday, October 23 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Avatars must remain in their costumed forms until at least Tuesday, October 31 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Do not post anything except check-ins here – no other discussion or joking around, please! Players can only check in ONCE per contest. If you're playing two characters on two different ships, you have to decide which ship you want to participate with. Your participation will not count against your second ship. We'll discount the other ship's roster to account for your participation on this ship. If you have crew members who cannot access the forum due to accessibility issues, the CO must notify FltAdml. Wolf. The second post in this thread must contain the following: A clear and direct announcement of the ship's theme. Confirmation that your crew followed the "Halloween Avatar Contest avatars uploading process" exactly – use the "Section 3. Check your work" checklist to ensure you've not violated any rules. Here's an example:

This thread is for each member of the crew to check in with their new avatar on their profile. For a check-in to count, each crew member must include a funny quote, quip, or greeting (i.e.- "Trick or treat!") that matches the character or theme. The more people you have checked-in, the higher your overall score! Please read these instructions very carefully – missing any step may disqualify your crew! Participants must be checked-in to this thread by Monday, October 23 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Avatars must remain in their costumed forms until at least Tuesday, October 31 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Do not post anything except check-ins here – no other discussion or joking around, please! Players can only check in ONCE per contest. If you're playing two characters on two different ships, you have to decide which ship you want to participate with. Your participation will not count against your second ship. We'll discount the other ship's roster to account for your participation on this ship. If you have crew members who cannot access the forum due to accessibility issues, the CO must notify FltAdml. Wolf. The second post in this thread must contain the following: A clear and direct announcement of the ship's theme. Confirmation that your crew followed the "Halloween Avatar Contest avatars uploading process" exactly – use the "Section 3. Check your work" checklist to ensure you've not violated any rules. Here's an example:

This thread is for each member of the crew to check in with their new avatar on their profile. For a check-in to count, each crew member must include a funny quote, quip, or greeting (i.e.- "Trick or treat!") that matches the character or theme. The more people you have checked-in, the higher your overall score! Please read these instructions very carefully – missing any step may disqualify your crew! Participants must be checked-in to this thread by Monday, October 23 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Avatars must remain in their costumed forms until at least Tuesday, October 31 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Do not post anything except check-ins here – no other discussion or joking around, please! Players can only check in ONCE per contest. If you're playing two characters on two different ships, you have to decide which ship you want to participate with. Your participation will not count against your second ship. We'll discount the other ship's roster to account for your participation on this ship. If you have crew members who cannot access the forum due to accessibility issues, the CO must notify FltAdml. Wolf. The second post in this thread must contain the following: A clear and direct announcement of the ship's theme. Confirmation that your crew followed the "Halloween Avatar Contest avatars uploading process" exactly – use the "Section 3. Check your work" checklist to ensure you've not violated any rules. Here's an example:

This thread is for each member of the crew to check in with their new avatar on their profile. For a check-in to count, each crew member must include a funny quote, quip, or greeting (i.e.- "Trick or treat!") that matches the character or theme. The more people you have checked-in, the higher your overall score! Please read these instructions very carefully – missing any step may disqualify your crew! Participants must be checked-in to this thread by Monday, October 23 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Avatars must remain in their costumed forms until at least Tuesday, October 31 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Do not post anything except check-ins here – no other discussion or joking around, please! Players can only check in ONCE per contest. If you're playing two characters on two different ships, you have to decide which ship you want to participate with. Your participation will not count against your second ship. We'll discount the other ship's roster to account for your participation on this ship. If you have crew members who cannot access the forum due to accessibility issues, the CO must notify FltAdml. Wolf. The second post in this thread must contain the following: A clear and direct announcement of the ship's theme. Confirmation that your crew followed the "Halloween Avatar Contest avatars uploading process" exactly – use the "Section 3. Check your work" checklist to ensure you've not violated any rules. Here's an example:

This thread is for each member of the crew to check in with their new avatar on their profile. For a check-in to count, each crew member must include a funny quote, quip, or greeting (i.e.- "Trick or treat!") that matches the character or theme. The more people you have checked-in, the higher your overall score! Please read these instructions very carefully – missing any step may disqualify your crew! Participants must be checked-in to this thread by Monday, October 23 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Avatars must remain in their costumed forms until at least Tuesday, October 31 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Do not post anything except check-ins here – no other discussion or joking around, please! Players can only check in ONCE per contest. If you're playing two characters on two different ships, you have to decide which ship you want to participate with. Your participation will not count against your second ship. We'll discount the other ship's roster to account for your participation on this ship. If you have crew members who cannot access the forum due to accessibility issues, the CO must notify FltAdml. Wolf. The second post in this thread must contain the following: A clear and direct announcement of the ship's theme. Confirmation that your crew followed the "Halloween Avatar Contest avatars uploading process" exactly – use the "Section 3. Check your work" checklist to ensure you've not violated any rules. Here's an example:

This thread is for each member of the crew to check in with their new avatar on their profile. For a check-in to count, each crew member must include a funny quote, quip, or greeting (i.e.- "Trick or treat!") that matches the character or theme. The more people you have checked-in, the higher your overall score! Please read these instructions very carefully – missing any step may disqualify your crew! Participants must be checked-in to this thread by Monday, October 23 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Avatars must remain in their costumed forms until at least Tuesday, October 31 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Do not post anything except check-ins here – no other discussion or joking around, please! Players can only check in ONCE per contest. If you're playing two characters on two different ships, you have to decide which ship you want to participate with. Your participation will not count against your second ship. We'll discount the other ship's roster to account for your participation on this ship. If you have crew members who cannot access the forum due to accessibility issues, the CO must notify FltAdml. Wolf. The second post in this thread must contain the following: A clear and direct announcement of the ship's theme. Confirmation that your crew followed the "Halloween Avatar Contest avatars uploading process" exactly – use the "Section 3. Check your work" checklist to ensure you've not violated any rules. Here's an example:

This thread is for each member of the crew to check in with their new avatar on their profile. For a check-in to count, each crew member must include a funny quote, quip, or greeting (i.e.- "Trick or treat!") that matches the character or theme. The more people you have checked-in, the higher your overall score! Please read these instructions very carefully – missing any step may disqualify your crew! Participants must be checked-in to this thread by Monday, October 23 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Avatars must remain in their costumed forms until at least Tuesday, October 31 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Do not post anything except check-ins here – no other discussion or joking around, please! Players can only check in ONCE per contest. If you're playing two characters on two different ships, you have to decide which ship you want to participate with. Your participation will not count against your second ship. We'll discount the other ship's roster to account for your participation on this ship. If you have crew members who cannot access the forum due to accessibility issues, the CO must notify FltAdml. Wolf. The second post in this thread must contain the following: A clear and direct announcement of the ship's theme. Confirmation that your crew followed the "Halloween Avatar Contest avatars uploading process" exactly – use the "Section 3. Check your work" checklist to ensure you've not violated any rules. Here's an example:

This thread is for each member of the crew to check in with their new avatar on their profile. For a check-in to count, each crew member must include a funny quote, quip, or greeting (i.e.- "Trick or treat!") that matches the character or theme. The more people you have checked-in, the higher your overall score! Please read these instructions very carefully – missing any step may disqualify your crew! Participants must be checked-in to this thread by Monday, October 23 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Avatars must remain in their costumed forms until at least Tuesday, October 31 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Do not post anything except check-ins here – no other discussion or joking around, please! Players can only check in ONCE per contest. If you're playing two characters on two different ships, you have to decide which ship you want to participate with. Your participation will not count against your second ship. We'll discount the other ship's roster to account for your participation on this ship. If you have crew members who cannot access the forum due to accessibility issues, the CO must notify FltAdml. Wolf. The second post in this thread must contain the following: A clear and direct announcement of the ship's theme. Confirmation that your crew followed the "Halloween Avatar Contest avatars uploading process" exactly – use the "Section 3. Check your work" checklist to ensure you've not violated any rules. Here's an example:

This thread is for each member of the crew to check in with their new avatar on their profile. For a check-in to count, each crew member must include a funny quote, quip, or greeting (i.e.- "Trick or treat!") that matches the character or theme. The more people you have checked-in, the higher your overall score! Please read these instructions very carefully – missing any step may disqualify your crew! Participants must be checked-in to this thread by Monday, October 23 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Avatars must remain in their costumed forms until at least Tuesday, October 31 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Do not post anything except check-ins here – no other discussion or joking around, please! Players can only check in ONCE per contest. If you're playing two characters on two different ships, you have to decide which ship you want to participate with. Your participation will not count against your second ship. We'll discount the other ship's roster to account for your participation on this ship. If you have crew members who cannot access the forum due to accessibility issues, the CO must notify FltAdml. Wolf. The second post in this thread must contain the following: A clear and direct announcement of the ship's theme. Confirmation that your crew followed the "Halloween Avatar Contest avatars uploading process" exactly – use the "Section 3. Check your work" checklist to ensure you've not violated any rules. Here's an example:

This thread is for each member of the crew to check in with their new avatar on their profile. For a check-in to count, each crew member must include a funny quote, quip, or greeting (i.e.- "Trick or treat!") that matches the character or theme. The more people you have checked-in, the higher your overall score! Please read these instructions very carefully – missing any step may disqualify your crew! Participants must be checked-in to this thread by Monday, October 23 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Avatars must remain in their costumed forms until at least Tuesday, October 31 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Do not post anything except check-ins here – no other discussion or joking around, please! Players can only check in ONCE per contest. If you're playing two characters on two different ships, you have to decide which ship you want to participate with. Your participation will not count against your second ship. We'll discount the other ship's roster to account for your participation on this ship. If you have crew members who cannot access the forum due to accessibility issues, the CO must notify FltAdml. Wolf. The second post in this thread must contain the following: A clear and direct announcement of the ship's theme. Confirmation that your crew followed the "Halloween Avatar Contest avatars uploading process" exactly – use the "Section 3. Check your work" checklist to ensure you've not violated any rules. Here's an example:

Join our 13th Annual Halloween Avatar Contest! Here's the quick-and-spooky: Each crew chooses a theme – like "Nightmare Before Christmas," or "Mugshots," or "Sesame Street" – then, each person on the crew is assigned a character and changes their forum avatar to an image of that character. A panel of judges (one person from each ship) helps decide the winners! HOW TO ENTER THE COMPETITION Each crew must pick a theme. (You should already have an OOC email thread about it!) For a member of the crew to be considered part of the team, they must: change their avatar here on the forums check in to crew's official thread in this forum (more on that below) with a funny quote, quip, or greeting. (i.e.- "Trick or treat!"). Please keep any other extraneous posts out of this thread as it will be used to count the ship's participants. Regarding check-in threads: The second post in the check-in thread must an announcement of the ship's theme AND confirm that all rules have been followed. Participants must be checked-in to their ship's thread in this forum by Monday, October 23rd at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Avatars must remain in their costumed forms until at least Tuesday, October 31st at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Each crew entering the contest must upload their avatars to the wiki following this tutorial to the letter. Please follow each instructions closely and exactly – your crew will be disqualified if you do not follow the instructions! JUDGING CATEGORIES OF SCORING We've made changes to judging as of the 2021 contest: There are now two winning crews – one each in Originality and Design. Originality of Theme category: Judging in this category is looking for new, fun, creative, inventive, and imaginative ideas. Is this something exciting, adventurous, and inspired? Or has it been done before? Does your theme have unique style and substance? A winning crew will think outside of the box when deciding on their theme and avatar concepts, with a fresh and new approach to the challenge. Important note on eligibility: Crews may not choose a theme that simply mirrors a Starfleet crew we've seen onscreen or in beta canon with your characters faces subbed in – so no "SB118 Ops as the Enterprise crew," for example. You are welcome, however, to create a theme where your characters are drawn in the style of a Design quality of avatars: For this category, we're looking for the technique in the design and how it comes together. How hard was it to create the avatars, and how good is the execution? Did the crew a theme where they had to do a lot of work to create the avatars? If names are present on the avatar, how readable are they? How do the avatars look – is it easy to discern what the characters look like when they appear on the forum? Check out past entrants and winners for inspiration and ideas of what wins here. Important note on design: Avatar designers should ensure that the avatars, as they appear on each person's check-in post, works best. Many ships create a "unified graphic" with all the characters on it, and then just slice that up. But this often leaves text unreadable once each person puts the avatar onto their profile. So focus more on making the avatar appear correctly on the forums. Keep in mind that the unified graphic is not judged or required, so while it's a bit of fun to bring all the avatars together and show the theme, don't assume that unified graphic will win you the contest! Number of crew members checked in: This is a multiplier to the previous two qualifications that discounts your overall score. For example, if the official crew roster (maintained by the ship CO and FO) says there are 12 crew members, but only 5 people are checked-in to the thread, then your multiplier is 42%. This can easily drop you out of first place! JUDGES PANEL We'll ask each ship to send a volunteer – they can't be the ship's CO, and they must not have a character on more than one ship. Each judge will rank every ship's entry on the originality and design quality per above. Judges will not be able to rank their own ship in the first position. We'll use Ranked Choice Voting to determine the winner for each category. Once we have the scores for each of the two categories, we'll multiply by the number of crew members checked in, per above. The crew with the highest score in each category will be announced as the winners. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How do I change my avatar? A detailed tutorial is found here. What's the deal with the funny quote, quip, or greeting required on the check-in thread? It could be a quote from the character you're using, or something funny that you just make up on the fly. But make it good -- ask your teammates for help if you need inspiration! Can my team use a theme that's previously been used? Yes, as long as you use new images. Where do we get avatar images if none of us on my team are good at graphics? Check out the graphics request forum. Ask nicely for best results! Do the avatars have to look like the characters? No. How is participation counted? What about secondaries and disabled members? The number of possible participants will be pulled from the official ship roster (maintained by CO and FO) on Monday, October 23. We will discount properly marked secondaries and any members who are disabled and cannot access the forums, as per the CO of the ship. When will winners be announced? As close to the last day of October as possible. What do the winners get? Everyone from the winning crews gets the Winner badge. What if I have other questions? Head to Discord and ask them in "🎃pre-halloween" channel.

From one of our intrepid cadets today

Nomination Badges I'm delighted to present the badges for this year's award ceremony! See below for the full badge list. If you believe you should have earned the badge but are not listed, contact your CO. Learn more about badges and how to display them on your wiki pages here. And don't forget: The full ceremony has been posted on the wiki now, as with all previous ceremonies. Awards Chairperson Presented to a staff member that has held the position of Awards Chairperson for an Awards Ceremony. If more than one staff member holds the title or is appointed an assistant or deputy, all receive the badge. Jo Marshall, USS Gorkon Tomas Falt, Denali Station Awards Committee Member Presented to any staff member that participates in the yearly Awards Committee to select Duty Post and Special Awards. Kalianna Nicholotti Wil Ukinix, Amity Serala, USS Astraeus Etan Iljor, USS 'Oumuamua Quinn Reynolds, USS Gorkon Alora DeVeau, StarBase 118 Ops Awards Ceremony Nominator (Standard) A player must submit at least 1 nomination for a fellow player during an awards ceremony, in any category. This badge can be earned multiple times but is only awarded once per year. A player earning an elite or legendary badge will not also earn the lower levels in the same year. Awards Ceremony Nominator (Elite) A player must submit at least 5 nominations for fellow players in any category. This badge can be earned multiple times, but is only awarded once per year. A player earning an elite or legendary badge will not also earn the lower levels in the same year. Awards Ceremony Nominator (Legendary) A player must submit at least 10 nominations for players on more than 2 vessels in any category. This badge can be earned multiple times, but is only awarded once per year. A player earning an elite or legendary badge will not also earn the lower levels in the same year.

Welcome to Day Three of the Annual Awards Ceremony 2023! The Staff awards exclusively honor members who have achieved the rank of Commander or higher. Just like last year, we consulted the fleet's first officers to gather input and determine the nominees for each staff award. Their recommendations are instrumental in helping the EC (Executive Committee) decide the deserving recipients for each accolade. We deeply appreciate their valuable feedback and guidance, as they significantly contribute to the success of our staff awards. These awards are a celebration of the remarkable efforts made by our community members who consistently go above and beyond to create an exceptional experience for everyone involved. Behind the scenes, there is a substantial amount of work involved in keeping our community thriving, and these individuals play a pivotal role in making it all happen. Honor of the Admiralty Awarded to Staff Members who have served for a minimum of five years in a multitude of disciplines. From facilitating our task forces, engaging with the Captains Council, and leading with the utmost dedication, these writers volunteer their time, effort, and skill to building our game and community and have comprehensively earned the respect and loyalty of members. This is the highest award that can be conferred upon a StarBase 118 PBEM RPG staff member under the rank of Rear Admiral. Oddas Aria, Denali Station Presented by Tristan Wolf Before we even dig into all the things that Oddas Aria (Nick) does – and has accomplished – in his tenure with the fleet, it's worth putting a spotlight on the major project spearheaded and managed by Nick that deserves applause: the Sim Tracker. This singular piece of technology has had an indelible impact on our staff's ability to track our simming statistics and see what we need to know quickly. If you can believe it, even up through a couple years ago we were forced to count stats by hand in any case where we wanted to know how often someone was simming! Oh yes, Yahoo and Google at various times had some stats displays that made this easier, but nothing like what Nick created for us, which crunches the numbers, shows us trends, and just makes it a breeze to understand what we need to focus on in managing the pace of simming our ships (one of the most important things ship staff key an eye on). For that alone, we owe Nick huge thanks and show our gratitude for the time he spent, the knowledge he gained and shared with us, and his ongoing maintenance and improvement efforts to provide what the fleet and staff need. After making that tool a reality, Nick re-launched our Sim Archive, giving us an easy way to view all the sims that have been submitted going back nearly to the launch of our game in the mid-1990s! This was a feat of considerable proportions that required a significant amount of work from Nick, pulling together massive databases of sims and making them easy to navigate, all while commanding his own ship and launch other projects. It's an incredible gift to the fleet that get this tool back, from it having gone offline a few years ago due to technical issues. The ability to scan our history going back decades, see how far we've come, and reference all those well-worn stories is a huge contribution. Beyond making life easier for ship staff, Nick's also been a creative force, trying out new ideas and taking chances on unexpected projects. Before launching his previous ship, the USS Juneau, he organized a unique "side quest" for testing the new vessel where members of the fleet could join – out of the flow of the normal story – as participants. And since then, he's launched another fun event called the Denali Invitational, where characters from across the fleet can sim as part of a space race. Nick's efforts to go beyond our day-to-day routines make the game better. Nick has also been a reliable and diligent member of the Executive Council, acting as the Captain At Large – even extending his term to assist when finding a replacement was challenging. And as a Deputy Commandant on the Training Team, he's helped to lighten the load, a significant and important contribution to a sometimes grueling training schedule. As a staff member, he's responsive, approachable, helpful, kind, and creative. He's made our game more fun and easy for staff members, leaving a mark worth celebrating on our history. He has definitely earned this recognition. Thank you for everything you've brought to us, and shared with us. And congratulations on this honor, Nick! Staff Member of the Year Award Awarded to Staff Members who have contributed tirelessly to the organization through any number of Out of Character channels, while maintaining excellence in simming on their vessel. This is an award granted to any staff member, regardless of rank. Addison MacKenzie, USS Artemis Presented by Roshanara Rahman Matt, the player behind Addison MacKenzie, has steadily taken on more responsibilities since first becoming a fleet staff member, and his dedication to these duties have ensured the timely and smooth operation of our organization. Like an orchestra conductor, Matt deftly coordinates the various moving pieces of the Captains Council in his role as its magistrate to see that votes happen, discussions are fruitful, and that ultimately action is taken on the issues that need to be addressed. In the academy, he has served as a class CO well beyond his requirements and has additionally taken on the responsibilities of an academy statistician, ensuring records are properly maintained. He also leads the Community History Team and is a ready presence on the fleet’s Discord, serving as an ambassador to new and prospective members. Earlier this year, he began his captaincy practical, taking command of the USS Artemis, and his passion for teaching and ensuring a fun creative environment for all is readily evident in the mentoring and feedback he gives to his crew just as he does to his cadets. It has been a privilege to see Matt’s growth in StarBase 118 since he was first assigned under my command four years ago. He has never lost his trademark sense of humor as he continues to tackle each new role he’s begun, and his own simming remains one of the fleet’s best, a fine example for any player to follow. I have no doubt that he will continue to be a pillar of the community in all that he does. Congratulations and thank you, Matt, for all that you do for the fleet! Strange Medallion Awarded to First Officers in the fleet who are consistently dependable, perform above the call of duty in their position, and excel not only in simming, but also in their dedicated Out of Character activities. Those awarded are regarded as leaders who excel in their facilitation of their crew, raising the bar and lifting up simmers to the podium. Named after Commander Sally Strange, widely known as one of the most creative and dedicated First Officers in the fleet's early years. Karrod Niac, USS Arrow Presented by Randal Shayne The USS Arrow has existed as a player ship under my command for just over three years, and I doubt I will ever stop learning new and innovative strategies to ensure the success of a simming crew. Certainly I can thank many of my former mentors and captains for imparting almost three decades of combined wisdom to me, but when it comes to being an effective captain in all the ways that can’t simply be taught, it costs me nothing to admit that I have learned the most from my first officer, Commander Karrod Niac. Brian came aboard at a time of great stress for the ship. I was struggling to reach even bare minimum obligations, and it was hurting my crew. Brian came aboard, and with him came an almost divine wind. All at once, Brian’s impressive experience and willingness to get his hands dirty simultaneously allowed me to tackle the challenges Arrow was facing, and brought a renewed spirit to our creative exploits. He has supported me in my weak areas, and has demonstrated an unsurpassed example for junior officers to learn from. I say unreservedly that Arrow is still in commission because of his abilities and dedication. I do not believe Brian could be more deserving of the Strange Medallion, an award given to those first officers that bring out the best in their ships and crews. The writers who have the future privilege of calling Brian captain will be fortunate indeed. Well done, Commander, and thank you again. Chief’s Citation Awarded to essential Staff Members whose determined work has benefitted the group In Character, and/or Out Of Character, even while their primary service was not as the Commanding Officer of a simming installation. Inspired by the non-commissioned and enlisted personnel who are the backbone of any starship but were rarely recognized in Star Trek lore in favor of the officers. Serala, Denali Station Presented by Oddas Aria Serala, Jim, is a player that this award is meant for. A player with his hand in everything from the Image Collective, to running the monthly chats, to not just writing on multiple ships, but serving on their staffs in mentoring and command capacities. Jim is always willing to lend a hand, lift those around him, and make the game a better place for all of us. He has been a “has been a consistent, reliable, and highly proficient player and staff member ever since I've met him”, as one nomination put it, a sentiment I echo as I began my own command. There have been many situations I know I would not have weathered as successfully if not for Jim by my side. Not only is Jim a player who helps out with crews and ship on a regular basis, he assists with the Academy program, both volunteering to participate in classes and behind the scenes as a statistician. Both jobs important, both ensuring Cadets get the information they need, and Captains know how to support the new Ensigns boarding their ships for the first time. It is fitting this award is the Chief’s Citation, the Chiefs in our world often go overlooked, but are critical to the success of our endeavors. Jim’s work is critical, and we owe him this award, and many other accolades. Congratulations, Jim, it is my honor to present you the Chief’s Citation. The Sarek Star Awarded to Commanding Officers who show great diplomatic ability in working with members and staff, related to conduct Out of Character. Organisation, collaboration, mentorship, and ultimately making our game tick can be challenges in every respect, but those Staff Members awarded with this have a clear ability to walk those lines. Mei'konda, USS Astraeus Presented by Ossa V’Airu It is with great pleasure that I bestow the prestigious Sarek Star upon Aaron, the remarkable writer behind Captain Mei'konda. Aaron's exceptional diplomatic skills and ability to foster positive relationships within the community make him a deserving recipient of this esteemed award. Just ask anyone on the Captains Council, and I’m sure they’ll be able to point you to one of Aaron’s thoughtful, polite posts. Whether he’s starting a new thread regarding a topic he thinks we ought to discuss, or adding his own reflective thoughts to an ongoing thread, Aaron’s presence is unmistakable. During his current tenure as a CO, previously of the USS Chin'toka and now the USS Astraeus, Aaron has consistently demonstrated a remarkable talent for connecting with his crew members and providing guidance with a gentle and steady hand. His leadership style is characterized by fairness, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to understanding others' perspectives. Aaron's exceptional ability to listen attentively and seek mutually beneficial solutions showcases his diplomatic prowess, whether engaging with new players or seasoned veterans. His approachable nature and genuine concern for the well-being of others create an environment of trust and respect. Aaron's leadership is an inspiration to all who serve under him, and his dedication to diplomacy and community-building truly sets him apart. Congratulations, Aaron, on this well-deserved recognition of your outstanding diplomatic abilities and your invaluable contributions to the success of the 118 community. Your exemplary leadership and mentorship are deeply appreciated and admired by all! James T. Kirk Cross Awarded to Commanding Officers who command their ship with honor and dedication, and help to provide a creative atmosphere which fosters outstanding simming. Not only do they lead by significant and exceptional example, but they engineer their vessels to be inspirational and creative powerhouses for all who sim on board. Addison MacKenzie, USS Artemis Presented by Ossa V’Airu I’m absolutely delighted to present the distinguished James T. Kirk Cross to Matt, the talented writer behind Commander Addison MacKenzie, commanding officer of the USS Artemis-A. Matt's exceptional potential and unwavering energy in his role as a new COmake him a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious award. Even well before he officially assumed command, Matt demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities and an innate ability to connect with his crew both in-character and out-of-character – he’s been doing it for years, back as far as the time we both spent on the Veritas! He has earned the respect and admiration of many within the fleet, not only for his rise to command but also for his ability to lead with fairness and empathy. Matt's warm and welcoming presence, in every venue but especially on Discord and on the Artemis lists, creates an environment of camaraderie and enjoyment for his fellow simmers. His command style balances authority with respect, inspiring those around him to excel and pushing them to become better writers. Matt's dedication to storytelling and his commitment to creating engaging missions and plots have elevated the simming experience on the Artemis, captivating the imaginations of his crew and fostering a sense of excitement and adventure. Through his portrayal of Commander MacKenzie, Matt embodies the essence of a true commanding officer. Addison's unwavering dedication, sharp intellect, and bold decision-making mirror the qualities of James T. Kirk, in a way that fully and completely exemplifies this award. Matt's ability to meet challenges head on with unwavering courage and determination exemplifies the spirit of this award. His remarkable potential and tireless commitment to his role as a CO make him an exceptional leader and a shining example within the 118 community. Congratulations, Matt, on this well-deserved recognition of your outstanding command abilities and your invaluable contributions to the success of our fleet. Your dedication, leadership, and energy are deeply appreciated and admired by everyone! Christopher Pike Pendant Awarded to Commanding Officers who command their ship with honor and dedication, and help to provide a creative atmosphere which fosters outstanding simming. Not only do they lead by significant and exceptional example, but they engineer their vessels to be inspirational and creative powerhouses for all who sim on board. Randal Shayne, USS Arrow Presented by Quinn Reynolds We award the Pike Pendant to those captains who’ve truly come into their own as stewards of their ship and crew. It’s been a huge pleasure to watch Quinn, the writer behind Randal Shayne, grow and develop throughout his captaincy, striving for the best and learning from the challenges.Three years in command — a fantastic milestone by itself — and here we are, in a well-earned celebration for the leader he’s become! It’s clear from the nominations that his crew look up to him as a dedicated captain who leads by example, a “guiding light” as one of his nominators described him. He’s created a welcoming environment where ideas can flourish, his writers are encouraged to explore their characters, they can develop their shared universe, and everyone has a place in their story. He’s a person whose mentorship and guidance is respected, valued, and appreciated. In the words of one nominator, “ I genuinely don't think I would have stuck around as long as I have (or as long as I plan to) without Quinn as my CO and mentor along the way.” High praise! So not only congratulations, but thank you so much, Quinn, for the time and effort you give to your crew and the fleet, and for the joy you’ve brought so many. Please join us in congratulating these members of the staff!

Welcome to day one of the annual Awards Ceremony! We’re very excited to present the General Awards The General (Ship) Awards have been distributed by each captain to their respective crew members. As per tradition, this year's winners, just like in previous years, were selected by the commanding officers of the fleet. In situations where the commanding officer was also nominated, the first officer took on the responsibility of making the final decision. The nominations were submitted by you, offering you an opportunity to observe the accomplishments of other ships and discover who received each award. The Order of Starfleet Merit and Achievement First Class (TOSMA) The Order of Starfleet Merit and Achievement First Class is awarded to members who show great dedication in their behavior and simming abilities. A candidate for TOSMA gives strong, solid ideas to the storyline and character development on a regular basis. They also take the time to edit and proofread their sims to guarantee that their writing is of high quality. T'Ama, USS Constitution-B Serala, USS Astraeus Hiro Jones, USS Artemis-A Sasus Raimor, Denali Station Robin Hopper, Amity Outpost Avander Promontory, USS Oumuamua Nolen Hobart, USS Arrow Alora DeVeau, StarBase 118 Ops Doz Finch, USS Gorkon The Genesis Award The Most Improved Simmer Award. Awarded to officers who show conspicuous effort in notably improving their simming skills. Toxin Arlill, USS Oumuamua Atan T'Seva, USS Constitution-B Noa T'Nessa Levinson, USS Astraeus Jovenan, USS Artemis-A Alex Forsyth, Denali Station Rebecca Iko, Amity Outpost Obsius Sill-con, StarBase 118 Ops Scotty Cross Awarded to an officer who shows extreme creativity while solving a plot dilemma or in character plot twist. Freck, Denali Station Cade Foster, USS Constitution-B Wyatt Ral, USS Astraeus Connor Dewitt, USS Arrow Gnaxac, USS Gorkon Neelix Award Awarded to officers who go above and beyond the call of duty by displaying additional, Out of Character commitment. This includes assisting fellow officers in need of simming assistance, facilitating Out of Character discussions with the crew, maintaining wiki articles, and more. Jack Kessler, USS Oumuamua Neshala, Denali Station Shedet, USS Constitution-B Serala, USS Astraeus Gabriel Osuna, USS Artemis-A Wil Ukinix, Amity Outpost Quentin Collins, USS Arrow Aine Sherlock, StarBase 118 Ops Tahna Meru, USS Gorkon Nebula Bar Awarded to a simmer who has demonstrated great imagination in creating or expanding upon planets, stars, stellar phenomena, and other physical environments and settings, such that these settings create a convincing, descriptive, realistic environment that inspires other simmers or improves the flow of a given plot. Dekas, Denali Station Jovenan, USS Artemis-A Ash MacKenna, USS Arrow Laudean Commendation Awarded to those who have shown great creativity in many facets of species creation or expansion, including physiological, psychological, cultural, social, and more, and their creativity will inspire their fellow simmers. The Laudean Commendation can cover many aspects of species development, such as expansion of the species on the wiki and documenting their history, but should primarily be based in In Character simming. Charles Tyber, USS Oumuamua Cade Foster, USS Constitution-B 101 & 000, USS Astraeus Hiro Jones, USS Artemis-A Kettick, Denali Station Ikaia Wong, Amity Outpost Quinn Reynolds, USS Gorkon Seesh, USS Arrow Silver Palm Awarded to individuals who are renowned to offer that spark to a plot when it is lagging, or to consistently bring fun or a touch of humour to the sim, while keeping such sims current and realistic. They constantly raise their crew's morale in a variety of methods, including Out of Character. Kettick, Denali Station Lystra, USS Constitution-B Vedic Koleth, USS Artemis-A Nathan Richards, Amity Outpost V’Len Kel, USS Oumuamua Talia Ohnari, USS Arrow Solaris McLaren, StarBase 118 Ops Vylaa zh'Tisav, USS Gorkon Sheathed Sword Awarded to individuals who choose to inflict mental and/or physical suffering on their character, then dig into the following feelings and decisions in a realistic manner. The term is derived from a passage in a Robert Jordan novel in which a warrior must be prepared to 'sheath the sword' in their own body, i.e. incur a painful wound to attain one's objective (in this case, more realistic simming) rather than a genuine aim of the character. Tomas Falt, Denali Station Lystra, USS Constitution-B Nathan Richards, Amity Outpost V’Len Kel, USS Oumuamua R'Ariel, USS Arrow Aine Sherlock, StarBase 118 Ops Bryce Tagren-Quinn, USS Gorkon B-Plot Award Awarded to simmers who, despite the demands of the core storyline, illustrate a substantial portion of the character's life. Their sims convey the journey of their character while bringing their fellow crew members along for the ride, allowing for collaboration and making their world feel as though their fellow writers are a part of it. Tahna Meru, USS Gorkon Jack Kessler, USS Oumuamua Jacin Ayemet, USS Arrow Gogigobo Fairhug, Denali Station Azura Ada, USS Constitution-B Esa Kiax, USS Astraeus Ikaia Wong, Amity Outpost The Russ Bar Awarded to a writer who possesses exceptional grasp of Trek mythology. Named after Tim Russ, the actor who portrayed Tuvok on Star Trek: Voyager and was a huge Star Trek fan before landing the part. Avander Promontory, USS Oumuamua Cade Foster, USS Constitution-B Rivi Vataix, Amity Outpost Connor Dewitt, USS Arrow Ayiana Sevo, USS Gorkon Pathfinder Award Awarded to individuals who have taken great care in mentoring other members during their early stages of simming and beyond. They are great communicators who continuously find ways to motivate and inspire their mentees. Kammus Corelli, USS Oumuamua Tomas Falt, Denali Station Shedet, USS Constitution-B Yogan Yalu, USS Artemis-A Robin Hopper, Amity Outpost Ash MacKenna, USS Arrow Khan Award Awarded to a simmer who thoughtfully develops a three-dimensional villain over the course of a mission or more. They create well-rounded and grounded villains, who may be mustache twirling murderous maniacs, or the hero of their own story. A superb villain should be a formidable and deserving foe to your heroes. They should neither be so weak that they are easily defeated, nor should they be so powerful that they can only be defeated by chance. Gogigobo Fairhug, Denali Station Mei'konda, USS Astraeus Wil Ukinix, Amity Outpost Nolen Hobart, USS Arrow Doz Finch, USS Gorkon Q Award Awarded to a simmer who keeps their team guessing with unexpected, clever plot twists throughout the year. Though they may be sudden, unexpected, and even dramatic changes in direction, the twists must be realistic and sensible. The twists should never happen in such a way that people feel misled, fooled, or embarrassed. Great narrative twists always increase, not decrease, other simmer’s participation in the story. Jalana Rajel, USS Constitution-B Lansa Cheveyo-Arma, USS Astraeus Talos Dakora, USS Artemis-A Cassian Iovianus, Amity Outpost Nolen Hobart, USS Arrow Quinn Reynolds, USS Gorkon O'Brien Award Awarded to individuals with the rank of Lieutenant or Lieutenant Commander who assist the ship's command staff by mentoring crew, arranging missions, updating the wiki, and performing other activities critical to the successful operation of our sims. These officers serve as the backbone of their ships and stations, assisting in making simming enjoyable for everyone on board. Named after one of Trek's most devoted and tenacious support personnel. Dekas, Denali Station Azura Ada, USS Constitution-B Noa T'Nessa Levinson, USS Astraeus John Carter, Amity Outpost Nestira Aristren, StarBase 118 Ops Samira Neathler, USS Gorkon Quentin Collins, USS Arrow Vega Award Awarded to individuals who bring the worlds of their crews to life with art, videos, and all kinds of artistic endeavours. Named for one of the Federation's earliest colonies. Kimberly Stapledon, USS Constitution-B Cadfael Peters, USS Astraeus Artinus Serinus, USS Arrow Combs Cross Awarded to individuals who bring their ships to life with well-rounded PNPCs, enhancing plots and character development, without detracting from the main story and characters of the sim. They add depth and colour to the universe, and make the journey the experience. Named for Jeffrey Combs, guest star of a thousand faces. Gogigobo Fairhug, Denali Station Laria Herren, USS Constitution-B Toryn Raga, USS Astraeus Hiro Jones, USS Artemis-A Wil Ukinix, Amity Outpost Peri Katsim, USS Oumuamua Karrod Niac, USS Arrow Nestira Aristren, StarBase 118 Ops Jocelyn Marshall, USS Gorkon Please join us in congratulating these talented players!

Greetings and welcome to the 2023 (2400) Fleetwide Awards Ceremony! Welcome, welcome to StarBase 118's biggest week of the year! And let me tell you, it's been quite a while since we had a week this exciting. It's like the Super Bowl of our community, but with less tackling and more typing. We've got two wonderfully British hosts adding a touch of glamour and excitement to the festivities. They're so British, they can have a full-blown conversation about the weather in the middle of a crisis. Crumpets, tea, and all. There are five categories of awards: General Awards (which some ships have already given to their crews!), Duty Post, Special Awards, and Staff Awards, which recognise players of all ranks for a variety of accomplishments. We also reward membership lengths of one, three, five, ten, fifteen, and even twenty-five years in the member Length of Service Awards! A tremendous number of simmers among us have been around for such a long time, they remember the days when dial-up internet was considered high-speed. As the facilitators this year, we just have to give a big shout-out to all the amazing folks who took the time to submit nominations. Reading through all the kind ways we appreciate one another's contributions was like diving into a treasure trove of awesomeness. It's mind-blowing to see how you all lift each other up, spinning those incredible narratives and showing the world what our community is made of. As we embark on our thirtieth year, and our community is growing and evolving, we want to send a big thank you to our fearless leader, Fleet Admiral Tristan Wolf. This guy is the definition of a hero. He's always there, ready to lend a helping hand, no matter if it's a massive crunch or a tiny hiccup. Leadership in spades. To our Executive Council, Captain's Council, and all the amazing souls leading our taskforces, we can't thank you enough. Your boundless enthusiasm and leadership make sure that we all have a blast, in a safe, creative, and fun environment. So, here's a virtual high-five to each and every one of you. Your presence, your efforts, and your contributions make our community the vibrant and exciting place it is. Keep being awesome, keep shining bright, and let's make this year the best one yet! Now let's raise a virtual glass and toast to StarBase 118's 29th Anniversary. Cheers, and may the warp speed be with you! — Em (Jo Marshall) and Tom (Tomas Falt)

A fabulous runner up entry for the Writing Challenge 2023! Well done, Brian! One of our judges had some dedicated feedback for you:

We had some dedicated feedback for this from one of the judges:

Our winning entry for 2023! Well done! https://wiki.starbase118.net/wiki/index.php?title=File:Badge-_2023_Writing_Challenge_Elite.png

Our judges have spent the last week deliberating through all the entries and finally revealed that the winner of the Writing Challenge 2023 is... Flint Kader, from the USS Artemis-A! @Altemuller's story "The Fifth Ring" is a truly gripping science fiction story, taking readers on a perilous journey through a mysterious planet system. Flint effortlessly captured the sense of unease and tension with skilful storytelling and vivid descriptions, as well as the tangible sense of budding foreboding as the protagonist, Lieutenant Liam Hark, grapples with the phenomena encountered within each ring of Geryon III. Well done, Flint! Our runner-up this year is @Karrod Niac the writer behind the First Officer onboard the USS Arrow! They've nabbed the runner-up badge for their story "The Place Where All Sailors End", an emotionally charged story that follows Geoffrey Teller on a solemn journey, after being imprisoned and losing a year of his life, it shows the struggles with grief and anger. Absolutely heart-breaking. Brilliant work, Brian! For this year, we've also got a special mention for @DrPsyPhi Avander Promontory's entry, "Agent Ouroboros", a clever twist at the end, or was it at the beginning? Either way, it was beautifully done! All the entries for the challenge are fantastic, well-thought-out, and wonderfully written! It's been a pleasure to read them all, and each one deserves a little recognition. Thank you for contributing your pieces, allowing us inside the worlds of your spotlighted characters, and providing us with a taste of what goes on behind the scenes. So, a big thank you to all of you for sharing your awesome pieces and letting us immerse ourselves in these captivating worlds! Thank you again to @Kali Nicholotti provider of the marvellous prompt! The winner, runner-up and judges, are in receipt of one of the following badges! Thank you once more for making this year's challenge so successful and enjoyable! We look forward to seeing even more incredible entries next spring! Please join me in congratulating the winners!

Hey there, fabulous folks! Brace yourselves because Awards Ceremony season is upon us, and it's time to unleash your inner fashionista for the grandest event of the year! Before we kick off the show, we've got a fun little task for everyone. We're encouraging all of you to spice up your forum avatars by dressing them in some seriously fabulous outfits, just like those A-listers rock on the red carpet! Don't worry about going all-out perfection—many players simply find a cool snapshot of their character's actor floating around the web and use that, like so: But if you're looking for something more spiffy, you can also head to the Graphics Requests forum and open a new thread asking for some help from our talented community. Make sure you leave plenty of time for the team there to help get something that works – best to start earlier than later! Once you have an image you like, you can change your forum avatar by following these instructions. Challenge: Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to create the designer name for your avatar's outfit. You can include as much or as little detail as you want. Loaned from the Nova Collection from Betazed? Stolen from the Qo'nos M'ritih museum? Designed by Bajoran protégé Gelys? A showpiece by the Trill artist Pana? Weave a tale around it and it'll be featured in an FNS article.

Whooop! Well done, Torvi! Have a victory taco! 🌮