XFRPG FAQ 1 of 2.

FAQ:
_________________________________________________________________

1 - Introduction
1.1 - How to Use this FAQ
1.2 - Other Resources

2 - Life at Station X
2.1 - BIO
2.1.1 - Basic BIOs
2.1.2 - A Sample BIO

2.2 - Posting
2.2.1 - Mailing Lists
2.2.2 - Subject Lines
2.2.3 - Dates
2.2.4 - NRPGs
2.2.5 - Signing Off

2.3 - Preparing for Life after Training
2.3.1 - Shaping the BIO
2.3.2 - Reporting to the Training Director
2.3.3 - Write Well

3 - Commonly Used Jargon
3.1 - Ranks in XFRPG
3.2 - Common Abbreviations

4 - Styleguide
4.1 - Re-active vs. Hyper-active
4.2 - Solitary vs. Inter-active
4.3 - Plot-driven vs. Character-driven

5 - In Closing...

________________________________________________________________

1 Introduction

Welcome to XFRPG!

This FAQ was originally prepared by Lawrence VanVactor-Lee, for his Holodeck students in the Starfleet RPG and has been modified to accommodate X-Files RPG. This is a Beginners FAQ for incoming agents into XFRPG.

To enter XFRPG, post to the newsgroup alt.shared-reality.x-files with the subject header PERSONEL OFFICE or send email to Sydnie MacElroy [graffinya@earthlink.net]. In this message, briefly state your real name and the name of your character.

Example:

*Personel Office
*
*Hi, my name is John Johnson and I will be playing the character Tim
*McDonald.
*

After that is sent out you will receive an email message asking for a character BIO, or Biography (as explained later).

Once your BIO has been okayed by Head Director Jill Flansburg [vasaris@az.com], then you may enter the world of the X-Files Role Playing Game (XFRPG). IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU DO NOT GO ON UNLESS YOUR BIO HAS BEEN OKAYED.

Upon entering XFRPG, the Training Director will assign you to a Class Room and watch your progress there. Your Class Room instructor will assist you there and answer any questions. However, if for some reason you cannot contact your instructor or he or she is unable to help you with something, don't hesitate to contact (interim) Training Director Bishop [graffinya@earthlink.net].

Your Class Room Instructor's job is to get you ready for your first posting. This is the place to make mistakes, ask a lot of questions, and have fun. Remember the part about 'fun'.

A BIO for your character must be submitted for approval before you begin formal training at Station X. BIOs are discussed below. If you need additional help in writing a BIO, your classroom director will be glad to help.

1.1 HOW TO USE THIS FAQ

This FAQ is designed in order of importance. The most detailed, practical information is up front and the more theoretical, ponderous material is tucked safely in the back. When first reading this FAQ, study this section and section 2 (Life at Station X) carefully. You might want to scan section 3 (Commonly Used Jargon). Section 4 (Styleguide) is optional and mostly reflects the musings of the author. You can save that for later.

1.2 OTHER RESOURCES

Of course there is the alt.shared-reality.x-files newsgroup itself. You should check that out, if you haven't already. Another great place for ideas and examples of writing techniques is the alt.shared-reality.sf-and-fantasy newsgroup. sf-and-fantasy is one of our sister interactive-literature RPG clubs: World Weavers. There are also unit archives available to you at: [http://geocities.datacellar.net/Area51/Chamber/5911] and [http://www.fortunecity.com/roswell/jodrell/75].

__________________________________________________________

2. Life at Station X

Station X is a XFRPG training facility. Nobody knows, or tells, the whereabouts of this building. It is a Top Secret training institute just for the X-Files Division. By now you should have already posted your arrival at Station X, reported to the Training Director, and been assigned to a Class Room for instruction. If you have missed one of these steps, stop reading this and let your instructor or the Training Director know now because something has gone dreadfully wrong.

2.1 BIO

Your BIO (biographical data) is your friend. Your character's BIO tells other people what you think your character is like and it is a record of your career in XFRPG. When your character joins a Unit, your BIO is the first thing they will want to see. It's a resume and a character sheet all wrapped up in one. Keep your BIO handy and update it periodically.

2.1.1 Basic BIOs

No two BIOs are exactly alike. Like many things in XFRPG, they aren't regulated. This allows for much creativity on the part of the player (that's you). Some basic information, however, should be contained in every BIO:

* character name
* physical description
* age
* education
* race
* current assignment
* current position

Just that would make for a pretty boring BIO, however. Some additional information might include:

* traditions
* beliefs
* siblings
* quirks
* place of birth
* spouse
* ambitions
* children
* annoyances
* parents
* hobbies
* service number
* religion
* psychological profile
* letters of recommendation
* disciplinary record
* honors bestowed

Also, you should indicate any limitations on your character that other writers should know about. You can also indicate information that the player should know but that characters would not know, by making a classified section of your BIO.

A good suggestion, if you are having difficulties, is to look at other BIOs. They are often found on the newsgroup, or you can access a whole slew of them on the XFRPG Web Page [http://geocities.datacellar.net/Area51/Chamber/5911/xfrpg.html].

2.1.2 A Sample BIO - (former) Training Director Carolyn Fenig

------------------------------------------------------------------------

--

FBI INFORMATION NETWORK

/Please wait......... Access code verified

/Subject: Carolyn Fenig
/Rank: D-3
/Position: Training Director
/Record:

1984 - Graduated Quantico, joined a Field Office in Memphis.

1986 - Transferred to Violent Crimes Division based in Washington D.C.
Promoted to Special Agent Level 2

1988 - Promoted to Special Agent Level 3 following successful capture of a rapist she profiled.

1989 - Promoted to Special Agent Level 4

1991 - Shot in the shoulder whilst apprehending a murder suspect. Took three months leave, and eventually returned to duty, with the proviso that she could be transferred to X-Files Division. Permission granted, and six months later she was promoted once more to Special Agent Level 5.

1993 - Promoted to Director Level 1
Had to give up active duty following another on-duty shooting, this time in the leg. Transferred to office duty which she calls "desk prison".

1995 - Promoted to Director Level 2

1996 - Promoted to Training Director, Level 3, X-Files division.

PHYSIOLOGICAL
-------------

- Sex: Female
- Age: 43
- Race: Caucasian
- Eyes: Green
- Hair: Brown, shoulder length
- Height: Tall
- Weight: Plump
- Complexion: Pale.
- Distinguishing marks or scars: Hairline scar along left eyebrow from training accident at Quantico.

SOCIOLOGICAL
------------

- Marital Status: Single
- Education: Degree level
- Sports: Used to do long distance running, Quantico champion 1500m runner 1984
- Skills: Observation skills, degree in psychology.

BACKGROUND
----------
Carolyn Fenig has worked hard to reach the heights she has in the Bureau. She entered the Quantico programme in 1984 after finishing her Psychology Degree partly as an act of rebellion against her parents who expected her to become a counsellor and partly because she craved the excitement and unpredictability of a job in the FBI. She soon found however that there were negative aspects to this career, and built up a cynical facade to try and deal with some of the more horrific things she saw. This cynical facade makes it difficult for others to interact with her, and she is renowned for being a particularly hard agent to find a partner for, having gotten through eight in three years before being assigned to work with Johnathon Perrer, whom she worked very closely with before being injured and transferred to more office based work.

PERSONALITY
----------- Training Director Fenig has changed immensely since her return to more desk-based duties. She is frustrated at the fact she cannot be outside working herself and is instead teaching others. She can seem sarcastic, cynical and often downright rude, although she tries to keep a veneer of civility. She is quick to point out the faults in others, but is equally good at seeing her own faults. She prides herself on being fair if nothing else, and if she offers even a small amount of praise then this is a cause for celebration.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

---

Keep in mind that this, though a good style, is not the only way to make BIOs. You can be imaginative and use a style more suited to your needs. Just remember to have enough information for other players to use when writing for your character in their own posts.

In addition to the comments above, you should be aware that there are some limitations that you should follow in creating your character. These are not meant to limit you in your play, but to provide game balance (to keep any one character from overwhelming all others). Long experience has taught us the importance of these limitations.

See FAQ #2 about more specific details of character creation.

Special abilities also need to be limited. Psionics, if used, must be limited by both physical and cultural limitations. Any character who wantonly reads minds or affects others with psionic powers is subject to severe disciplinary action. Limitations also need to be placed on the use of cybernetics and other special powers and abilities. You will find that it is much more fun to play a character who has to work to overcome problems than it is to play one who is able to solve things with a simple thought. If you do choose to play a character with a special ability such as Psionics or cybernetics, please contact one of the Directors about your ability before you use it.

You must have a strong argument for the Aministration to okay the use of psionics or any other 'difference'. Since such things as Psionics and cybernetics are not as common with X-Files Agents as they are in Starfleet, the abilities would have to be approved by the Administrators. We don't want everyone running around with special powers or what not.

2.2 - POSTING

Posting is what XFRPG is all about. It's where the characters interact, the story is formed, and the fun happens. The creative part is up to you. But there are a few conventions you should be aware of for posting here at Station X and out in the field.

2.2.1 - Mailing Lists

Role playing posts, in which the story occurs, should go to the newsgroup for everyone to read and individually via e-mail to each player aboard your unit. It is usually up to the TL (team leader) aboard whatever Unit you're serving to provide you with a mailing list with the addresses of every player in the Unit. This is frequently listed in the Unit's "Roster."

Pay attention to your mailing list and update it as necessary. Mailing lists change fairly regularly. Often as much as once a week. Probably at least once a month. Your TL is responsible for informing you when a change is necessary.

2.2.2 - Subject Lines

Okay, this is going to sound like a little thing, but it's actually pretty important. In fact, subject lines are one of the things we are required to teach you at Station X and if you do it wrong, your Class Room instructor will tell you. So don't do it wrong, okay?

The subject lines of all posts should always begin with your unit. For now that's STATION X. Other Examples are UNIT ALPHA and UNIT BETA. Note that unit names are always in caps.

If the action takes place in a specific location or plot line, then the identifier for that should be attached with a hyphen "-" between the unit name and the short description. For example, UNIT ALPHA - Car Chase.

There is usually a special **subject header** for Non-roleplaying posts and BIOs. This thread will typically be created by the UD or AD, and usually called, for example, "UNIT BETA - NRPG."

So the basic format is:

UNIT (Location) - (Whatever you want to tag the subject line with).

The specific format guidelines are as follows:

a. General locations are always typed in FULL CAPS. This includes Units, Buildings, Threads and Special Locations like Station X and Hoover's Hollow, a local pub that stands as a meeting point for FBI Agents.

b. Specific locations or threads which follow the Unit's name are typed in Single Caps.

c. Transfers are incidated with arrows, --]

Example: UNIT ALPHA --] UNIT BETA - Agent Johnson's Transfer.

d. (deleted)

e. If a thread appears with an improper format, DO NOT follow-up on it. Place your responses in the CORRECTED subject line, and let the incorrect one die. Don't ignore the post, however. It is still valid.

f. When you are writing a roleplaying post, it is best NOT to simply reply to an exisitng post and leave the header Re: UNIT TITLE - Location. Each roleplaying post should have a unique title, to make them easy to distinguish from NRPG posts. If you have an NRPG comment about an RPG post, add NRPG to the header when you reply.

It's really pretty easy once you get the hang of it. Pay attention to subject lines when you get X-Files posts/mail. It should tell you a lot about what is contained in the post.

2.2.3 Dates

This is one thing that is regulated. Dates are a tool used in the X-Files RPG to keep track of time. In the game we will use dates current in gameplay, but not necessarily the real world. This will be called, Mission Date. The header of the very first post, most probably the briefing on the mission, will be: [DAY 1 - 8:45 A.M. - BRIEFING ROOM #1]. The time and briefing room will vary. This dating system makes clear where your post is in relation to the rest of your group’s postings. If one member goes to DAY 3, but you had a good post for the previous day, simply label your post DAY 2 and write. BE CAREFULL TO STAY WITH THE CONTINUITY OF YOUR TEAMMATES POSTS! This is very important. We wouldn't want two people posting two totally different things happening at the same time with the same people in different situations. Keep up with the team's position. Game time will pass much slower. In my experience it can take a month of role playing time to do a single day in the game.

2.2.4 NRPGs

Often it will be necessary to break out of role playing mode and talk directly to the reader. Whenever this is done, it should be preceded by the letters "NRPG" to distinguish it from the role playing.

Posts almost always end with an NRPG section for general statements, questions, and clarification. Here you can request for other players to follow up on parts of the post or explain parts that might seem obscure. Unit Directors will often use NRPG sections to give instructions to players, so pay special attention to it.

It is best to place all NRPG comments at the end of your post, rather than breaking up the post by placing them in the middle of the post. NRPG comments in the middle of the post tend to be distracting and sometimes annoying. There is no reason that you cannot refer to a specific place in the post when making your comments at the end.

2.2.5 Signing Off

When ending a post, always give your name, your email address, and your character's name to identify the writer. This may seem superfluous, and perhaps it is, but, hey, it's a good way to end.

The following format is suggested:

Some Nicety,
Your name,
Character Name
Billet, Location, Registry
Organizational Unit
[email address]

Some players develop elaborate sigs (signatures) which contain all of their characters and positions as well as some spiffy saying or thought. This is up to you, of course.

2.3 PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER Station X

Station X gives the new player the opportunity to sit back and prepare with his or her Class Room instructor for a career in X-Files. The most important phrase to remember once you graduate from Station X to the field is "TRUST NO ONE"

2.3.1 Shaping the BIO

As was said before, your BIO is your friend. A good BIO is important to have before leaving Station X. Use your instructor as a resource and look at other BIOs located in the archive. You will, however, have the chance to improve and update your BIO before you leave training. Say your character just doesn't seem to work for some reason, now is the time to change it. Your BIO will also be looked over by one of the Head Administrators to make sure everything is all right and ready to go.

2.3.2 Reporting to the Training Director

When you have graduated from Station X, you will be told to report back to the Training Director. When you do so, include your revised BIO. The Training Director will then send you to Head Director Jill Flansburg. Head Director Flansburg will then review your BIO and send you to the appropriate Team Leader. There you will be assigned to a unit in need of your expertise and given a mission.

2.3.3 Write Well

Seems obvious, doesn't it? Writing well includes both technical and creative aspects. In addition to the things already discussed here, there are a few other technical aspects you should be aware of.

1. Most people will have trouble reading your posts if the lines are longer than 80 characters. Please be sure that you keep line lengths to a maximum of 80 characters.

2. Control characters are always a problem. Avoid using them. DOS machines use a carriage-return(^M) - line-feed(^J) sequence. You will need to make sure that you do the proper conversion to get rid of the extraneous ^M. Other problems that often crop up is the use the wrong type of quotes. Whatever you use to write your post in, be sure to convert the document to standard ASCII text before you send it.

3. Posts are always easier to read if you leave a blank line between each paragraph. Please remember to do so. You can't imagine how much difference it makes.

4. Also, it is better to write in third person than first person. There are times when first person is appropriate, such as in log entries, but, in general, your posts should be written in third person.

__________________________________________________________

3. Commonly Used Jargon

This section is just to show you some commonly used words or phrases in the X-Files world.

3.1 Ranks in XFRPG

Director positions are made up of the Administrative Staff of XFRPG.

ADMINISTRATION:

Director-5 : X-Files Division Head Director, Jill Flansburg
Director-4 : X-Files Division Asst Head Director,
Director-3 : X-Files Division Director, Smith [NPC-Non Player Character]
Director-2 : X-Files Division Training Director
Director-1 : X-Files Unit Director

TRAINERS:

Trainer, Nicolette Bishop
Trainer, Richard Corrigan

The Special Agent ranks are the ranks in which you earn by hard work on the posting and gameplay side.

Special Agent-5 : The highest rank to obtain, usually Team Leader
Special Agent-4
Special Agent-3
Special Agent-2
Special Agent-1 : This is the rank everyone starts with, freshly out of training

These ranks cover two areas: the position and authority of your character in the X-Files, and the position/authority of your player in the club. In gameplay, a character of higher rank should be looked to for leadership by characters of lesser rank in general. However, remember that each character in an X-Files team fills a specific role. A character may have a lower rank, but still be looked to for leadership if s/he has unique skills for the situation.

As a player of higher rank, you can take more responsibility for the direction the story takes and instruction of the new players assigned to your group. This responsibility can, however, be abused. Holding a higher rank does not give you the right to boss around players of lower rank.

3.2 Common Abreviations

XFRPG - X-Files Role Playing Game
UFO - Unidentified Flying Object
X-Files - Unexplained Files of the FBI
SitRep - Situation Report
HD - Head Director
AHD - Assisstant Head Director
TD - Training Director
UD - Unit Director

More to follow next update.....

__________________________________________________________

4. Styleguide

Writing styles and expectations differ across the division. This styleguide is not intended to be the definitive work, but, hopefully, it will provide a useful framework for thinking about group writing. Because this is group writing, not simply writing for the individual, each writer must keep in mind the other writers in the Unit. Consider this the golden rule of posting: Post unto others as you would have them post unto you. [G] In other words, be considerate.

Posting style can be usefully discussed using the following three axes:

1) Re-active vs. Hyper-active
2) Solitary vs. Inter-active
3) Plot-driven vs. Character-driven

In each of these, the aim for is for moderation.

While some posts will, out of necessity, need to be weighted one way or the other on any of the three axes, over the course of play, posts should even out. Persistant imbalance will prove problematic for the writer and unit alike.

4.1 RE-ACTIVE VS. HYPER-ACTIVE

A re-active post is one that simply responds to a post before it, usually in a plain and unimaginative manner. It doesn't develop the plot or the character. It doesn't add to the situation or take anything away. It is simply there - an innocuous piece of prose that says nothing, demands nothing, and leads nowhere.

A hyper-active post, on the other hand, changes everything. In the extreme, a hyper-active post would create new characters, new obstacles, new races, new worlds, new threads, new everything. It doesn't settle for the status-quo, but injects lots of things for people to deal with. These are the posts that every TL dreads because it means sidetracking from the plot in order to deal with all the new developments.

The middle road would be one in which the writer takes what has gone on before and uses it as the foundation on which to add something new and consistent. A good post should develop plot, character, and such, but not at the price of continuity. Plot twists are fine. Plot alterations or detours are problematic.

4.2 SOLITARY VS. INTER-ACTIVE

A solitary post is one which involves only one's character. They touch on no one else in the Unit, except maybe NPC's. They generally are character building pieces, and are fine as such, but, as a rule, they don't develop the plot much.

An inter-active post touches on many player characters in many facets - whether through dialogue or action or both. The writer develops relationships, creates conflict, develops characters, and, very likely, advances the plot. The problem with a post that is too inter-active is that it can involve other people's characters beyond the other writers' comfort zone. If you are unsure how a character might react in a situation, it is better to let the character's player decide than take a chance and be wrong. When writing an inter-active post, don't resolve all the conversations or situations. Leave room for the other writer to respond.

The middle road of these poles would be one in which the writer, while concentrating on his or her character, contacts a few player characters on the way. Note that in this medium the player characters are the featured players and should take precedence in consideration over NPC's. The interaction with the other characters should be in the idiom and style the charcters' players have already set out. The character development that is done should be concerned mainly with the writer's character, and not others.

4.3 PLOT-DRIVEN VS. CHARACTER-DRIVEN

Character-driven posts develop the character to the exclusion of the plot. The plot only serves as a foil against which the character can unfold and become. This leads to some interesting characters, but leads nowhere for the rest of the players.

In a plot-driven post the character is secondary to the story that is being told. The story encompasses the whole of the writing, and little or no attention is given to developing the character through the post. The story, not the character, is developed. The character is simply an observer or conduit for the writer. The problem with this is that it leads to flat, unimaginative characters who stand like paper cut-outs before whatever confronts them.

The middle road is, of course, to develop the plot as well as character. The plot can be developed through the character, or the character can be developed through the plot. Both are possible and equally valid. The idea is that neither the plot nor the character are to remain untouched. Each should change when they come in contact with each other and help the writer write. Indeed, a well-developed character suggests many plot pathways to the observant writer. Likewise, good plot development can't help but impact upon the character who is in the midst of it. In good writing character and plot dance an intricate dance of interdependence.

5. In Closing

In closing, I would like to thank all of you for making this RPG work. Without players it is nothing but a few FAQs and Administrators. If you have any suggestions for the group, or any problems with the group, please don't hesitate to write to Sydnie MacElroy, at [graffinya@earthlink.net]. I appreciate any and all comments.

Back to index