USS ELYSIUM ANNOUNCEMENT -New Character Management Policy & NPC Review
Posted on Mon Jun 15th, 2026 @ 8:39am by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson
# 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.
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# 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.
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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.
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## 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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**
Category: Sim Announcement
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