"n 1: the act of simulating 2: a theoretical account based on a similarity between the model and the phenomena that are to be explained; "it was a computer simulation of problem solving" [syn: analogy] 3: a representation of something (sometimes on a smaller scale) [syn: model] 4: the act of pretending [syn: pretense, pretence, pretending, feigning]"

On the USS Galaxy Email Simulation, we expand on this to incorporate common role-playing games into the concept. If you've ever played Dungeons and Dragons either through tabletop playing or any roleplaying PC or console games such as Baldur's Gate, Elite Force, Rainbow Six, etc, then you've already grasped the concept.

Essentially, you the writer, take on a role that you've created within the Star Trek universe we've created here, and stake a claim within this environment. We write together as a group, following along the GamesMaster's plot that s/he establishes at the onset of each 'mission', or campaign. We could even call it a chapter, if you will. We typically call them Episodes here (we also have Seasons), as we like to align ourselves with the fact that each writer here is the 'Star of the Show', or cast member, and some members get spotlighted more than others, as evidenced by the 5 television series, but all get to shine.

The missions are wide-open, but they do have some limits, which we will get into as we go along. Until then, keep reading!

The USS Galaxy Simulation is a role playing game that is played via Internet e-mail. It is a cooperative story telling effort, where each participant (player) creates and controls one of the characters in the story. This Player Character (PC) then acts and lives in the game world environment. In this case, the setting is the 24th century in the Star Trek universe. The environment is set during and borrows heavily from, the Post-Nemesis novel timeline. In fact, anything referenced from the novels is perfectly acceptable here. The USS Galaxy Timeline is stacked with information. It isn't required to be fluently familiar with the last few years of novels produced, but if you read - or have read - the Recommended Reading list, you'll become more familiar with events people allude to, such as the Trill Commission no longer joining hosts to Symbionts.

If you are familiar with role playing games, then you understand the processes involved in creating a character for a game. In a traditional role playing game, there are sets of rules that govern what abilities and characteristics your character possesses. In the USS Galaxy Simulation, your character biography serves this purpose. It will explain key points about your character so that the other players can visualize and interact with you correctly when they write their parts of the story. In a way, this simplifies the process, as you do not need to read complicated role playing manuals to figure out how to create your character. You simply have to put pen to paper, and let your imagination paint a picture of who you will be in the Star Trek universe on board the USS Galaxy.

In the USS Galaxy Simulation, you are not limited by hard coded rules from a fixed role playing system. You are left open to your imagination, and the confines of the Star Trek universe. Keep that in mind as you create a character. Think of what is real and possible in the Star Trek universe and what is not.

You should read through all of the Crew Bios on the website to familiarize yourself with the other characters that you will be interacting with. It is also a great way to get ideas on how to write a biography. It is a good idea to read through the last several Data Logs to get a feel for the style, and frequency of the other players posting into the game. That way you can get familiar with the characters (stars) of the Simulation, and also come up to speed on the current story line.

Though not required, it is recommended that you have access to some sort of web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Opera, etc). The USS Galaxy website is the central database depository for all of the Simulation information and will be a valuable reference 'bible' in your writings. With it you will have instant access to everyone's character biographies, the current e-mail addresses of all of the players, and a complete record of all the previous stories and posts throughout the Simulation.