Most of you now should know what Specialties are. Some of you are just joining us, and probably are unaware of how they work, so I'm going to post a little information on how they work. For those of you that do know: bear with me, cause some things are changing: and you should know about the changes.

Theoretically, when you are placed in Drill you are classified as a regular stormtrooper, with VERY basic skills. Once you get out of Drill, as you know: you're placed in a squad. At this time, you begin some specific training based on your personal desires for training, the squad you're in, and what's available. Lately, we've been a bit lax on the selection of specialties: but that will soon change. Squad Leaders will be submitting to me a list of specialties they would like in their ideal sqad. I will look over it and make suggestions to it (if necessary) and will do my best to accomodate you as troopers choose their specialty. You may request to change this list as your squad needs change, just send an e-mail to me explaining why the change needs to occur.

Troopers who wish to begin the specialty program, need to contact me: and I will make arrangements to meet with them one-on-one either on AIM, MSN, or IRC. I will then get an idea from them of what they'd like to do as a character. As you all know, this is nothing new. From there, I'll take the gathered information and compare it to the list of specialties submitted by the SL, and see what fields are available to choose from. If none of the fields would please the trooper, I'll look into making an exception for the trooper, or finding a squad that would be more suitable for their specialty needs if they are intrested. If neither of these options work, I will try to help the trooper select a second specialty choice. I will ALWAYS try and honor the first choice if possible. I'm going to tell you now: Specialties are either being revamped or are already revamped, and the program is different now (which is the reason for my post). DO NOT send your troopers to the specialty website, this will just make my job more difficult when I have to explain what's changed to every recruit. Instead, direct them to me

From here, as you all know: the trooper will recieve a specialty roster. It will be sent to the trooper, as well as their commanding officers. This is not limited to the squad level. The trooper's Squad Leader, Assistant Squad Leader, Platoon Commander, and Platoon Adjutant will recieve a copy. EVERYONE is responsible for maintaining the sheets. It's simple, you write in the day they are assigned the story; then write in the day of completion.

NOTE: The day of completion is the same day as the day of assignment.

On top of that, as the trooper gets promoted, transfers squads, changes specialties, goes awol, retires, or whatever: there is an enlistment history that is below the tracking form. You may use this to track this information.

On the specialty roster you'll note there are now specialty levels to be gained. There are a different number of levels for each specialty, but they all work the same. They're basically for the squad stories you write, but you could use them in your specialty stories I suppose. When you enter whatever specialty field, you start off with basic skills. This means you can do stuff, but you're not all that great at doing it. As you go through, you'll gain proficiency in your skills, and as indicated on the roster: gain specific skills. Some skills can also be upgraded to another skill once you reach the propper levels.

NOTE: Regaurdless of specialty, you all will be required to handle a blaster as needed. The specialty skills are for things other than blaster fire that will help your squads in the stories.

To give you an example of skills. On level 2 of the Combat Engineer roster, you gain the skill to create hasty barricades and blast shelters. This will come in handy for your squads when you would like to seal off your base or some other area on the platnet. You won't be able to do this with the greatest of ease, and they won't be that strong: but it'll be better than nothing. When you get to level 4, on top of any skills that you've gained for completeing the level, your barricade skill gets upgraded so that they are stronger. You still have the ability to create the weak ones if the rescources aren't available, but if possible: you are able to create stronger ones. That is just one example of the many skills you can gain througout the specialties.

That just about covers how we set you up with specialties. Most people want to know about the format of them. I ask at the very least you make the story 2 pages long in word. No special spacing or big font. Just 2 pages size 12. Some of you like to write, and that's terriffic! I do ask that your stories are no longer than 5 pages long though. This is because I have to read each of these stories over when you finish them. Once you type them up, post them on the comnet. If you want, write me an e-mail saying that you finished. I'll get to it as soon as I can. When I have read the story, I'll grade it on a pass or fail basis. If you fail, don't worry: I'm not going to make you do it over. I'll help you fix the mistakes you have made, so you understand not to do them again. When you have corrected your mistakes: you pass. DO NOT begin the next story, until you recieve the word that you passed. This usually doesn't take much time, but if you do fail: you need to go back and fix your mistakes. This takes away from the thought process of concentrating only on your story.

NOTE: When posting stories, you do not have to read all the posts before yours. These are individual stories, and are simply grouped together by squad for the purpose of organization. Just make sure you post under the squad you're in and put a label on them like this.

Wilderness Survival
Scout Training

When you pass a story, I will award you equipment out of the Specialty account. It will be transferred to your personal possessions list, and may be used in any of your stories if you wish. Your first story will result in a useful item, but not something tremendous: and will increase in value and usefulness as you progress. When the entire program is completed, you will recieve a promotion for your hard work on top of your equipment and any other rewards your SL, PC, or higher feel are necessary. This does not remove you from being promoted during your program, it just means that there's something to look forward to. At this point you are to select a new specialty and begin that program. It is possible to be specialized in all fields, but that isn't exactly a common thing (it's highly encouraged though ) Some fields can be upgraded, to an advanced specialties. Like Combat Engineer can upgrade to Scout or Sharpshooter.

NOTE: Pay close attention to the requirements of Advanced Specialties. Some require you to be in a special squad to accept that specialty.

The first question I always get asked are: where can I have my specialties take place? I leave the answer upto you. I've seen many great scenarios for specialties, and I see new ones everyday. The most common choice is the academy. There's many ways you can go about this. Some have their Squad Leader or Platoon Commander send them off at the beginning of their story, and return to the barracks at night. Some just start off in the academy. I've seen some other instances too. One trooper used a simulator all the time. Some troopers combined the sim with the academy. There was only one who actually trainined with their squad leader and he taught them their specialties.

Remember, whatever scenario you end up choosing: your squad does not accompany you on training. You are allowed to have your Commanding Officer briefly enter the story, but that is it. You are also allowed to create and NPC for your stories to suit your needs. Some people choose to give specific names to their classmates and instructors at the academy, others have them be nameless and mentioned briefly. Your specialty stories should have a consistant flow to them. A good way to do this, is reflect a bit on the previous story at the beginning of your new post.

I'm going to shine the spotlight on one of our Squad Leaders for a moment. Senior Sergeant Kairo has shown how a perfect storyline can flow. His classmates interact with him, and his professors change only when they need to. Every classmate has their own personality, as does every professor. This is an excellent use of NPCs, because an NPC should be treated like its one of our members you're writing about. They are characters in your story, just remember to keep the focus on you. These stories are about you, and are a great chance for character development. Give your character a personality, and some traits: use them as you would. You might not get as much of a chance to do this in your squad stories.

Another commonly-raised question is the information on the topics. I will admit that these are not the easiest topics to write on, but we're trying to help you get used to how we write our stories. If you're having trouble, you can use previous specialty stories for inspiration. Go through the squad stories until you find one with the story you're looking for. Each story is labeled at the top for easy reference. Remember though, you're using the story for inspiration: not to copy. I read all the past stories, and am able to pick out someone else's work. You will not be able to get this past me, and I will make you re-do your story. If you're still having trouble, try either contacting the author of the post you read, myself, or any of your commanding officers that you think could help. On rare occasions, come see me: and I'll try to waive the course for you. Keep in mind, I don't do this often: and the circumstances need to be pretty extrordinary for me to waive a story.

NOTE: When waiving stories, I reserve the right to have you either come back to it before completion of the program, or find another topic.

That just about covers it. I hope this helps you as a guide for writing stories. I do need a few things from you though:

-New members: if you do not have a specialty and are in a squad, contact me to get started.

-Existing member: if you have an old version of the specialty sheet, and do not have one with levels on it, contact me to get the updated version.

-Squad Leaders- complete a list of specialties you would like in your ideal squad and send them to me. This list can include advanced specialites, because the troopers have to work their way there. I'd also like you to make a list of the specialties for your squad. You don't have to send this to me, it's for your records.

That's all I need. I will ask you to bear with me if your specialty is not revamped yet. I can think of one person who is waiting on that, and his specialty is almost finished. The other 4 speicialties that are not done: nobody is currently taking. Hopefully, they will be finished before someone takes it up. I'd like to thank Raziel and Angel for their hard work helping me out with this, and all of you: for making this program as successful as it has been. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. My e-mail address is linked above, and you can always catch me on IRC.
 
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Major Rizzit BlackHeart
Wildcard Platoon Commander
Phoenix Company Commander
Army of the Vast Empire
PC/MAJ
Rizzit/1CMP/1PLT/COMP/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE[OPE][OTH][EW1][RCoD][CRoM][CoH][OPA][SoA][SoS][SCP]
TRN/AC Rizzit/Trainee 2/Training Sect/VEDJ/VE
Everything expressed truly from your heart and soul is as pure as gold in the minds of anyone who listens!"--Rizzit

Riz, that was very long, and tiring to read, but it did answer alot of my questions. *Cough* Riz-VACATION! *Cough*
 
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Private First Class Jakireth Cadrimos
Army of the Vast Empire
TRP/PFC Trooper/3SQD/1PLT/1CMP/1RGT/1BAT//VEA/VE[LoR]

"Courage and bravery are your two primary weapons on the battlefield, without them, it is difficult and sometimes impossible to prevail"-Jakireth Cadrimos

Yeah I would like to set up my specialty too
 
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Private First Class Zar Mulix
TRP/PFC Zar Mulix/3SQD/1PLT/1COM/1RGT/1BAT/VEA/VE [LoR]

"When the big man jumps, the world shakes in terror"- Zar Mulix
"Experience does not exist, nor does it have value, for it is just a word used to describe our past errors."

Thing is I don't know what specialty yet so I shoud probably decide on one before i contact rizzit
 
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Private First Class Zar Mulix
TRP/PFC Zar Mulix/3SQD/1PLT/1COM/1RGT/1BAT/VEA/VE [LoR]

"When the big man jumps, the world shakes in terror"- Zar Mulix
"Experience does not exist, nor does it have value, for it is just a word used to describe our past errors."

Yes, Kairo is correct. Please come to see me to decide your specialties, and don't go to the site and decide on your own. That site is outdated and should not be worked off of. I prefer to deal with you one-on-one to discuss this. Once again, there is a link to my e-mail addy at the top of this thread. Please use it if you need to contact me.
 
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Major Rizzit BlackHeart
Wildcard Platoon Commander
Phoenix Company Commander
Army of the Vast Empire
PC/MAJ
Rizzit/1CMP/1PLT/COMP/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE[OPE][OTH][EW1][RCoD][CRoM][CoH][OPA][SoA][SoS][SCP]
TRN/AC Rizzit/Trainee 2/Training Sect/VEDJ/VE
Everything expressed truly from your heart and soul is as pure as gold in the minds of anyone who listens!"--Rizzit

Hey, I was wondering if I could get a sheet about being a combat engineer. If I am not mistaken in order to be a sharpshooter you must be either a combat engineer or heavy weapons first and have all their skills....and am curious what skills that gives me at the moment.
 
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Colonel TJ
Dark Dragoons Squad
TRP/COL TJ/2SQD/2PLT/1COM/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE
{CDSx2}{ES}{CM GW}{LoCx7}{MSM}[IOC]
Sith Guardian TJ

"Conquer fear, and you will conquer death."
"Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it."
"History will be kind to me for I intend to write it."
*Joined December, 1999*

I asked for it like two years ago...now would certainly be a good time to do that
 
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Major Rizzit BlackHeart
Wildcard Platoon Commander
Phoenix Company Commander
Army of the Vast Empire
PC/MAJ
Rizzit/1CMP/1PLT/COMP/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE[OPE][OTH][EW1][RCoD][CRoM][CoH][OPA][SoA][SoS][SCP]
TRN/AC Rizzit/Trainee 2/Training Sect/VEDJ/VE
Everything expressed truly from your heart and soul is as pure as gold in the minds of anyone who listens!"--Rizzit

jak!! havent seen you for a while. You got promoted goood job. Well anyway riz I would like the comvbat engineer sheets then i think. I think you sent me them alrready but something went wrong if you can send it again thatwould be helpful thanx. Was gojg to put this in an email but im already here.
 
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Private First Class Zar Mulix
TRP/PFC Zar Mulix/3SQD/1PLT/1COM/1RGT/1BAT/VEA/VE [LoR]

"When the big man jumps, the world shakes in terror"- Zar Mulix
"Experience does not exist, nor does it have value, for it is just a word used to describe our past errors."
"Tough guys wear pink"-

jak didn't get promoted
 
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Lance Corporal Yillis
-=Lancer Squad=- -=ASL=- -=Moonbeam=-
ASL/LCPL Yillis/2SQD/2PLT/1COM/1RGT/1BAT/VEA/VE/Tadath [LoR] [WM]

I've tried emailing you but it comes back as undeliverable.  I am trying to get a specialty for Wraith Squad.  Just ask my Squad Ldr what he needs and I can do that specialty.  Thanks
 
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TRP/PFC Rommel/4SQD/1PLT/1COMP/1BAT/1RGT/VEA

Rizzit is on Away status.
And i believe he hardly able to touch his mailbox at the moment

in the mean time, contact Raziel or me if you have any problem.
 
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Commander of Development
Master of Thorns (self-proclaimed)
Platoon Commander of Storm Platoon
1nd Lieutenant Dez
PL/1LT Dez/Storm/Phoenix/Dragon/Osiris/VEA[EW2][IG]
Email|web
-Goals are dreams with deadline-
(do i still have space for another positions ? yes i DO!)

Rizzit
I never got that email you were going to send me.

You should, I just sent it the other night.
 
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TRP/PFC Rommel/4SQD/1PLT/1COMP/1BAT/1RGT/VEA

"Soldiers train for war, everything else is BS"

At the moment, no. This is not to say we don't look them over. I'll be in touch with you shortly on the rest of those notes soon though. Thanks for noticing that.
 
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Major Rizzit BlackHeart
Wildcard Platoon Commander
Phoenix Company Commander
Army of the Vast Empire
PC/MAJ
Rizzit/1PLT/1COMP/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE[OPE][OTH][EW1][RCoD][CRoM][CoH][OPA][SoA][SoS][SCP]
Everything expressed truly from your heart and soul is as pure as gold in the minds of anyone who listens!"--Rizzit

Ya Rizz i'm still waiting for that scout sheet that you were going to send me.
 
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Senior Seargent JR Iron Horse Squad

SSGT/JR/1SQD/1PLT/COMP/1BAT/1RGT/VEA/VE [LoR]
"And the battles just begun. There's many lost but tell me who has won." -> U2

Yea thanks Rizz this does help alot
 
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NightStalkers
TRP/PFC Leon/3SQD/2PLT/1 Bat/1 RGT/VEA/VE