Welcome to the U.S.S. Elysium!
USS ELYSIUM - NCC 89000
"We know what we are, but know not what we may be" - William Shakespeare
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Commodore Phoenix Lalor and Captain Gary Taylor
The USS Elysium is the first vessel of her class and one of Obsidian Fleet’s most distinguished, award-winning simulations. Continuously active since 2017 under her current Commanding Officer, Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson, the Elysium carries a proud legacy of rich storytelling and dedicated writers. Set in the late 24th century within a DS9/Voyager-era alternate timeline, the sim explores diplomacy, discovery, and deep character development in the in-game year 2398. Writers of all experience levels—both newcomers and seasoned role-players—are welcomed into a collaborative and supportive creative environment.
At the heart of the Elysium experience is cooperative storytelling. Every player develops their own character, shaping their personal arc within a dynamic shared universe. Working alongside Executive Officer Captain Gary Taylor, Commodore Lalor-Richardson leads the Elysium as a beacon of diplomacy, scientific advancement, and humanitarian aid on the Federation frontier. Outfitted with cutting-edge Starfleet technology, full holographic capability, and an integrated shipboard AI, the vessel provides a rich backdrop for stories that span political intrigue, exploration, crisis response, and the personal journeys of its crew.
Beyond its mission profile, the Elysium also serves as one of four mobile branches of Starfleet Academy, offering cadets hands-on training aboard a fully operational starship under official Academy oversight. This unique blend of seasoned officers, ambitious specialists, and eager cadets creates a vibrant narrative ecosystem filled with mentorship, growth, and departmental collaboration. For those seeking an immersive Star Trek experience grounded in creativity, character development, and community spirit, the USS Elysium offers a welcoming home—and countless stories waiting to be written.
We, here on the USS Elysium, encourage you to join us on our journey. We are a family, and families stick together.
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Latest News Items
» USS ELYSIUM ANNOUNCEMENT -New Character Management Policy & NPC Review
Posted on Mon Jun 15th, 2026 @ 8:39am by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson in Sim Announcement
# USS ELYSIUM ANNOUNCEMENT
## New Character Management Policy & NPC Review
Greetings Everyone,
Over the past several weeks there have been a number of discussions regarding the role of Player Characters (PCs), Non-Player Characters (NPCs), and how we can best ensure that USS Elysium continues to provide meaningful opportunities for all members to participate in our stories.
The Command Team has listened carefully to the feedback received, reviewed our current character manifest, and considered how we can best support both creativity and player engagement moving forward.
As a result, we are pleased to announce the introduction of a new **Player Character (PC), Player Playable Character (PPC), and NPC Management Policy**, which will take effect following the completion of the current NPC Review.
---
# Why Are We Making This Change?
USS Elysium has grown significantly over the years.
We currently have eighteen active Player Characters and over one hundred NPCs on the manifest. While NPCs have helped us tell some incredible stories and build a rich universe, it has become clear that we need a clearer framework to ensure that Player Characters remain at the heart of the simulation.
This policy is not intended to remove creativity or discourage the use of NPCs.
Instead, it is designed to:
* Keep Player Characters as the primary focus of storytelling.
* Provide clear guidance on NPC usage.
* Introduce a formal Player Playable Character (PPC) system.
* Encourage wider player participation in major storylines.
* Create a more sustainable character structure for the future.
* Reduce character bloat while preserving existing stories and character development.
---
What Is Changing?
Player Characters (PCs)
Player Characters remain the primary focus of USS Elysium and will continue to receive priority in storylines, positions, and opportunities.
Player Characters will always take precedence over PPCs and NPCs.
---
## Player Playable Characters (PPCs)
We are introducing a new character classification called the **Player Playable Character (PPC).**
A PPC is a secondary character approved for regular participation in storylines and missions.
PPCs provide additional storytelling opportunities while ensuring that Player Characters remain the primary focus of the simulation.
### PPC Eligibility
Players may apply for:
* One (1) PPC, subject to Command Team approval.
To be eligible for a PPC, members must demonstrate consistent activity and participation within the simulation.
### Additional PPC Approval
A second PPC may be requested only after:
* Maintaining an active PPC for a minimum of twelve (12) consecutive months.
* Demonstrating consistent participation and engagement during that period.
* Remaining compliant with the Character Management Policy and Narrative Impact Rule.
* Receiving approval from the Command Team.
Approval of a second PPC is not automatic and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The PPC system is intended to recognise long-term commitment and character development. It is not designed to provide additional senior staff positions, but rather to reward active participation while maintaining Player Characters as the primary focus of USS Elysium.
### PPC Restrictions
PPCs:
* May participate in missions and ongoing storylines.
* May hold regular positions within departments.
* May not occupy Senior Staff positions.
* Must yield positions if a Player Character wishes to fill that role.
* Are subject to Command Team approval.
---
NPC Classifications
NPCs will now be organised into the following categories:
Core NPC
Regularly used supporting characters who contribute to ongoing stories.
Story NPC
Characters actively involved in a current storyline, mission, investigation, diplomatic event, academy plot, or similar narrative.
Family NPC
Civilian family members and personal connections used primarily for character development.
Shared / Admin NPC
Characters belonging to the simulation rather than individual players.
Inactive NPC
Characters no longer actively contributing to stories. - these will be either removed by the Player or placed as a new position INACTIVE NPC on Galaxy Station until they are removed.
---
Character Limits
To provide greater consistency across the simulation, the following limits will apply:
| Character Type | Limit |
| ------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Player Character (PC) | 1 |
| Player Playable Character (PPC) | 1 initially, up to 2 after 12 months of demonstrated activity and Command Team approval |
| Core NPC | Up to 3 |
| Story NPC | Up to 5 |
| Family NPC (Civilian Rank Only) | Unlimited |
| Shared/Admin NPC | Does Not Count Towards Limits |
| Inactive NPC | Does Not Count Towards Limits |
Family NPCs
Family NPCs are exempt from numerical limits provided they:
* Hold civilian status.
* Primarily support character development and personal stories.
* Are not used to circumvent NPC limits.
* Do not regularly occupy mission-critical, command, or departmental roles.
---
Shared Crew Pool
We will be expanding the use of Shared Crew and Admin NPCs.
These characters belong to the simulation rather than individual players and can be used by multiple members when required.
Examples include:
* Security Officers
* Engineers
* Medical Staff
* Operations Personnel
* Marines
* Diplomatic Representatives
* Mission Contacts
The goal is to reduce the need for duplicate NPCs while maintaining the flexibility needed to support storytelling.
---
Narrative Impact Rule
One of the most significant additions to the new policy is the Narrative Impact Rule.
This rule exists to ensure that major storylines remain collaborative experiences and that no individual player unintentionally dominates a storyline through the use of multiple significant characters.
Unless approved by the Command Team:
> A player may only have one major character actively participating in a primary storyline at any given time.
For the purposes of this rule, a major character includes:
* Player Characters
* Player Playable Characters
* NPCs occupying significant story-driving roles
This does not prevent NPCs from appearing in stories. Rather, it ensures that major events continue to create opportunities for as many players as possible.
---
PC First Principle
Before introducing a new NPC or PPC into a significant role, players should consider:
> "Can an existing Player Character fulfil this role?"
Where practical, Player Characters should be given priority for major story participation.
NPCs and PPCs should support stories rather than replace opportunities for active players.
---
NPC Review June 2026
The NPC Review currently underway will help us classify our existing character roster and determine how best to implement the new policy.
Players are asked to complete the NPC Review Spreadsheet and classify their characters accordingly.
The purpose of the review is to:
* Identify active characters.
* Identify inactive characters.
* Establish Core NPC rosters.
* Identify suitable Shared Crew candidates.
* Determine PPC eligibility.
* Ensure the manifest accurately reflects the current state of the simulation.
---
Transition Period June 2026-September 2026
The Command Team recognizes that many members have developed extensive character rosters over a number of years.
As such, existing NPCs will be grandfathered during the review process and members will be provided with a transition period to bring their rosters into compliance with the new policy.
No active storyline will be interrupted as a result of this transition.
Characters currently involved in active stories will be permitted to complete those stories naturally before any changes are implemented. However they need to be seen to be wrapped up or the storyline will be ended by the Command Team.
---
Moving Forward
USS Elysium has always thrived because of its members, their creativity, and their willingness to tell stories together.
The purpose of this policy is not to limit creativity.
Rather, it is intended to ensure that our stories remain collaborative, engaging, and centred on the Player Characters who form the heart of the simulation while still allowing NPCs and PPCs to enrich the universe around them.
Thank you to everyone who provided feedback, suggestions, and constructive discussion throughout this process.
The Command Team looks forward to working with all of you as we begin this next chapter for USS Elysium.
Respectfully,
**The USS Elysium Command Team**
» NPC Review - URGENT ACTION BY PLAYERS
Posted on Thu Jun 11th, 2026 @ 9:42am by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson in Sim Announcement
Hello Everyone,
Over the past several weeks there has been considerable discussion regarding the role of NPCs within USS Elysium, how they contribute to our stories, and how we can ensure that player characters remain at the centre of the simulation.
As a result of these discussions, the Command Team has decided to conduct a review of our current NPC Manifest.
This review is not intended to remove NPCs arbitrarily, disrupt existing storylines, or invalidate the work and creativity that players have invested in their characters. NPCs remain an important part of the Elysium universe and continue to play a valuable role in supporting stories, developing player characters, and helping to bring our shared setting to life.
The purpose of this review is to gain a clear understanding of our current NPC population, identify which characters are actively contributing to the simulation, and determine whether any improvements can be made to our NPC structure moving forward.
To assist with this process, a Google Spreadsheet has been created and is available at the link below:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pZ1Tt9nXux2slaPLcFvZKC17awJR1VVS_qGgLoznhZo/edit?usp=sharing
For each NPC you own, please classify them into the most appropriate category:
**Category A – Core NPC**
Actively used and important to ongoing stories.
**Category B – Story NPC**
Currently involved in an active storyline, mission, or plot.
**Category C – Background NPC**
Occasionally used to support scenes, departments, or world-building.
**Category D – Inactive NPC**
Not used within the last six months - not actively used.
**Category E – Family NPC**
Family members and personal connections that primarily exist to support character development.
**Category F – Shared / Admin / Setting NPC**
Administrative, mission, adversary, or setting-based characters that support the wider simulation.
At this stage, no NPCs are being removed and no active storylines will be affected.
Once the review has been completed, the Command Team will:
• Identify inactive NPCs that may be suitable for retirement.
• Identify NPCs that could be transferred to a shared crew or setting pool.
• Review overall NPC numbers and usage.
• Consider any future adjustments to NPC guidelines.
• Ensure that player characters remain the primary focus of major storylines and simulation-wide events.
Any NPC currently involved in an active storyline will remain available for that storyline to conclude naturally. No active character will be retired or reassigned without discussion.
We ask that all players complete their NPC classifications by 20.06.2026.
Once the review is complete, the results will be shared with the membership and any proposed changes will be discussed before implementation.
Thank you to everyone who has provided feedback, suggestions, and constructive discussion. The goal of this review is not to limit creativity, but to ensure that USS Elysium continues to provide meaningful opportunities for all players to participate, contribute, and tell great stories together.
If you have any questions, concerns, or require clarification on how to classify an NPC, please contact a member of the Command Team.
Regards,
The USS Elysium Command Team
» NPC Creation Freeze
Posted on Thu Jun 11th, 2026 @ 8:54am by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson in General News
Effective immediately, no new Starfleet, Marine, Cadet, or Civilian NPCs may be created without CO approval until the NPC review is complete.
Regards
Jillian
» Award - Elysium Silver Cross
Posted on Tue Jun 2nd, 2026 @ 9:04am by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson in General News
Civilian Teevs Dosivi - ELYSIUM SILVER CROSS - by Commander Rin- Seconded by Commodore Lalor-Richardson
Alex has run an entire mission with consistency, humor, engagement and more. The number of JP he must be running at the same time is insane. He makes sure everyone is included in various aspects of the plot. He has somehow managed to convince people to only post on the Mission Days stated, a feat never before witnessed on the Elysium. The plot moves steadily forward while giving people room to write their own stories. There are so many other awards I considered recommending him for, so this one seems most appropriate. I suspect Alex is a wizard. It's the only explanation.
» Time Served - Congratulations all!
Posted on Tue Jun 2nd, 2026 @ 9:03am by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson in General News
Anna Esquivias - 2 Years
J'airesh Mora-Heath - 3 years
Samuel Woolheater - 4 years
S'hib - 7 years
Azhul Naxea - 7 years
Latest Mission Posts
» Lunch With Vanei
Mission: Season 6: Episode 7: Crossroads of Destiny
Posted on Mon Jun 15th, 2026 @ 10:19pm by Lieutenant Commander N'vok Holv & Legate Andrinn Orin & Lieutenant Anna Esquivias & Lonian Royal Sovereignty
As the luncheon commenced, people grabbed food and groups naturally began to form. Their guards melted into the background, silently staying out of the way as they kept eyes on their respective delegates. Vanei brought her plate, which had deliberately sized samples of various food items that interested her, to…
» VANERI N’MIEV BEDIA (Bedia Convention)
Mission: Season 6: Episode 7: Crossroads of Destiny
Posted on Sat Jun 13th, 2026 @ 8:02pm by Lonian Royal Sovereignty
Translation to FEDERATION STANDARD: complete.
Time units converted into FEDERATION STANDARD: complete.
CHAPTER I : GENERAL PROVISIONS ON LONIAN-KAVAI ALLIANCES
Implementation of the Convention shall be conducted under the supervision and jurisdiction of the Head of the Fourth House of Defense and Security.
1 DEFINITIONS
(1) The following definitions apply…
» No Diplomatic Faffs: Instructions Unclear
Mission: Season 6: Episode 7: Crossroads of Destiny
Posted on Fri Jun 12th, 2026 @ 6:23am by Lieutenant JG Varinity Atoro & Captain Gary Taylor & Commander Alicia Kelea-Salik & Commander Kyle Reece & Legate Andrinn Orin & Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson & Avalon [ADMIN NPC]
Entering the security suite and knowing Gary and Alicia were close behind her, Varinity wasted no time in approaching a console and getting to work. If the commodore and Commander Reece were being summoned, she better have a damn good explanation ready. Assuming they weren't taken... she shook her head…
» Lunch with Relou
Mission: Season 6: Episode 7: Crossroads of Destiny
Posted on Thu Jun 11th, 2026 @ 8:03am by Commander Rin & Lieutenant Camryn Shepard & Lonian Royal Sovereignty
As the luncheon commenced, people grabbed food and groups naturally began to form. Their guards melted into the background, silently staying out of the way as they kept eyes on their respective delegates. Relou was fascinated by the many food options and made sure to get a small amount of…
» Oh, You Beach!!
Mission: Season 6: Episode 7: Crossroads of Destiny
Posted on Wed Jun 10th, 2026 @ 7:31pm by Lonian Royal Sovereignty & Lieutenant Zac Smithson [Taylor] & Senior Chief Petty Officer Emily Charles {Kelea-Salik} & Gunnery Sergeant Leilani Charles {Kelea-Salik}
Jekasp was a very obvious coastal town. Boats were parked in front of homes, fishing supplies already packed. Several places served various kinds of seafood, and they emphasised that their food was freshly caught. Situated in the background were what the locals called the Spectral Mountains, a range known for…
Latest Personal Logs
» Unintended Consequences
Posted on Sat Apr 25th, 2026 @ 12:35am by Lieutenant Commander Tate Sullivan Ph.D.
Tate had been reviewing the next day’s counseling schedule when she saw Josh’s name and felt her attention catch for just a second longer than it should have. Not dread, exactly. Not even anxiety in the usual sense. Just a familiar, unwelcome tightening somewhere in her chest. His appointment was…
» What a Curious Bunch of Aliens
Posted on Mon Jul 29th, 2024 @ 6:06am by Civilian Teevs Dosivi
"Begin recording, please."
Teevs sat back in the pilot's chair on the Spheia as the vessel's computer initialized a new log recording. "Wow, where to begin," he said, running a hand through his hair. "Kerilia and I are still on the alien ship, the Elysium. They have been incredibly kind…
» Always Look Up At The Stars, Never Down At Your Feet - They May Not Be Firmly On The Ground!
Posted on Thu Jun 6th, 2024 @ 10:58pm by Lieutenant J'airesh Mora-Heath
The ACMO woke outside her lightweight coverlet and shivered involuntarily. She had been dreaming. It had been the most amazing dream. In her dream she had met the most incredible person. She had fallen in love with him much too easily but she had NO regrets whatsoever!
She had dreamed…
» Josefs Personal Log: Vol 1, After the Rescue
Posted on Fri May 17th, 2024 @ 10:58am by Petty Officer 3rd Class Josef Forstinger
Personal Log. I think, thats how you work this thing anyway.
400 years. I've been frozen for fucking 400 years. Not only that, for a bit of that I had serve as some Alien Freaks personal fucking plaything beating in peoples skulls for their entertainment. At first I didn't realize…
» What Just Happened?
Posted on Tue Sep 26th, 2023 @ 8:23am by Captain Gary Taylor
Gary had returned to his and Lia's quarters after leaving the brig and Lia. His mood somber and the quarters seemed to reflect that. It was dark, silent somber.
He was still trying to make sense of what happened. "Computer start personal log of Captain Gary Taylor." The chirped that…