Introduction:

Well pilots, after several years and a year of contemplation, waiting for the right moment, I am delighted to say the Shazam has decided to host an Elite Squadron Competition!  The object of this competition is simple but the road to get there will require initiative, activity, and most importantly, teamwork.  Diversification is imperative both at a squadron level and an individual level.  The squadron that wins will be the one that can perform well in the four activity catergories of writing, gaming, creativity, and website design.  The top individual pilots need to be able to perform well in writing, gaming, and creativity.  Concentration only brings some reward.  Those who want to call themselves elite must show that they are well-rounded and suited to any task the Imperial Navy may ask of them.  Are you ready for the challenge?  The time has come to make your preparations, let the countdown to the ESC begin!

Overview:

The Elite Squadron competition will run from Wednesday June 28th until Wednesday July 26th.  During this month, pilots will compete in a variety of activities at the frequency of their choosing with the goal of making their squadron elite and themselves the top pilot in VEN.  Scoring is determined by a rating out of 100 and is designed so that everyone's activity effects everyone else's.  In other words, it is a battle of wits, will, determination, and coordination in order to bring your squadron to the top.  Activity over the entire month is key; those who cannot keep the momentum will not hold on forever.  The squadron that can best organize to maximize output through teamwork will win.

For the purposes of neutrality and fairness, I will be the official scorer, administrator, and judge of the ESC.  Shazam will be leading Nazgul Squadron in this competition while I am stepping out of the squadron to perform this role.  All activity is to be reported to me ([email protected]) in the required manner as defined below by each category.  I have designed an intricate scoring system that will allow me to quickly input activity and generate new ratings.  Scores will be updated on a daily basis in another thread as I was unable to figure out how to link the spreadsheet to a website in order to produce live results.  If there are any disputes, please e-mail them to me or leave me a message on IRC.  For the first few days of the competition, I will be out of town but please send me all activity and disputes and I will deal with all of it as soon as I get back and release the first scores on July 6th with daily updates each day after.

Squadron ratings are comprised of scaled scores in four different areas which will be outlined below:

Disclaimer: The important numbers to remember are the weighted percentages of each category.  Within each category there is mention of points.  These points are meaningless outside the specific category.  For example, scoring 100 points in gaming is only used to give a rating for gaming and will have no bearing on any other part of the competition.  I state this because everyone's gaming and creativty points will be staggeringly higher than writing given the way the system works.  However points are only used to calculate ratings for that specific category of the competition.  Overall, each category is only worth a certain percentage of your total rating and as a result, points don't mean anything in that regard.  As you read the rules I hope that this will become clear.

Writing (35%):

The writing part of the competition is worth 35% of your squadron's overall rating and is the highest weighted category.  Writiers be wary, maximizing your 35% here will not give you a win if you neglect the other areas.  There are three ways in which you can score points in writing.

1. Squadron stories - every squadron will be given a mission at the start of the ESC.  All missions will be multifaceted with a number of objectives in order to ensure that they last the competition.  Every post on the squadron story provides that squadron with two (2) points in the writing category.  Posts must have a minimum length of 500 words (I will check posts I think are short and will edit in a message stating that it will not be counted if it is under the length).  Pure filler is not allowed, posts must advance the plot or your individual character's development in some fashion.  The same person may post twice in a row if twelve hours have passed between posts.

2. Individual stories - when stories stall due to squadron inactivity on the squadron story, pilots may also write individual stories that build upon their characters.  These story posts are worth one (1) point in the writing category.  The minimum length for these posts is 1000 words and they must build and develop your individual character.  Character building is something many enjoy and want to do but cannot in a squadron story setting as much as they want to.  Therefore, we have created this category in order to reward those who go above and beyond their squadron writing duties (this is not to be done inplace of squadron posting) and build upon their characters.  In order to write an indivudal story, create a thread in the Navy Storynet that says "ESC - Pilot's Name Individual Stories".  All individual stories for that pilot must be put in this thread only.  If you want to write more than one story then please put the title of the story in the next post but keep it in the same thread.  This will allow for easier record keeping.

3. Different-character stories - Shazam will build upon this in his followup post so I will refer you to that for a description of this.  I will give you simply the guidelines here.  Individual posts must have a minimum length of 750 words and will count for one (1) point each.

Gaming (25%):

Gaming is the second largest component of your overall squadron's ranking and as a result is important as well.  Given the fact that most navy-oriented games aren't owned by the majority of the navy nor indeed played by the majority of the navy, we have made two arrangements to accomodate this.  First, all Star Wars platforms will be allowed in this section (they are listed below) and second, free, non-Star Wars platforms are also being considered for those who are unable to play games online due to not owning them or due to the fact that they have a poor internet connection.  Star Wars and non-Star Wars games are graded different and have different rules so please read below and take note.  One final note, it is strongly encouraged that you play your matches against members of other squadrons and that when you play team games, you are on the same side of your squadronmates.  However, given the fact that it can be difficult at times to arrange games outside your squadron, internal squadron games will be accepted.  Please note that the spirit of the competition is squadron vs. squadron so I hope that all will try to follow the spirit whenever possible.

1. Star Wars Platforms - these games can be played as a 1v1 or in even teams.  Pilots are responsible for arranging their games and arranging for one person to take a screenshot of the final result and e-mail it, with the results written out in the message as well, to me.  Results without a screenshot will not be counted.  For games, you earn points for playing and addition points for winning.  For Star Wars platforms, all players will earn two (2) points with the winner (or in case of a team) winners receiving two (2) additional points for a total of four (4) points.  Please read below to get the list of platforms and the required settings for each.

X-Wing Alliance
-Matches are to be set to 10 minutes
-Free for all or teams is acceptable

X-Wing vs. Tie Fighter
-Matches are to be set to 10 minutes
-Free for all or teams is acceptable

Rebellion
-Small galaxy
-HQ victory or standard is to be determined by the players

Galactic Battlegrounds
-Any setting
-Free for all or teams is acceptable

Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast
-For all types of games, any force and weapon setting is acceptable and to be determined by the players
-1v1 dueling is to be set to 5 kills
-For duels games with more than 2 players, 10 kills is to be the setting
-Free for all games are to be set to 10 kills
-2v2 games are to be set to 20 kills, 3v3 to 30, etc.
-Capture the flag is to be set to 5 caps or 15 minutes

Jedi Knight III: Jedi Academy
-Same settings as Jedi Knight II

Battlefront
-Any settings

Empire at War
-Any settings

2. Non-Star Wars Platforms - Non-Star Wars platforms are being supported for reasons mentionned above.  Due to the nature of some of these games, the rules surrounding them are different in order to prevent pilots from playing many short pool games and gain an unfair advantage over those playing the Star Wars platforms.  In order to level the table, some games are set as the best two out of three.  In addition, participation in these games awards the pilot one (1) gaming point with a second gaming point going to the winner for a maximum total of two (2) points.  Please read the requirements for each of the following games.  Remember that screenshots are required and that for games that are best two out of three, screenshots of each match played in that set are required.  A game report lacking a screenshot will not count.

Yahoo Pool
-Best 2 out of 3

Candystand 8-Ball
-Best 2 out of 3

Candystand Straight Pool
-Best 2 out of 3

Yahoo/Zone Chess
-Best 1 out of 1

Candystand Bowling
-Best 2 out of 3

If you wish to add a game to this list, please e-mail me and I will consider it.

Creativity (20%):

Creativity is comprised of two parts and subdivided further in one case but all of the points available in all of these parts are pooled together into this category called creativity.  Therefore in this case, diversification is not required as despite the divisions, they are all part of one category.  All creative works will be evaluated based upon the effort put in.  Not everyone is an artist or a musician but those who put in the effort and try will get rewarded.  I will judge all submissions (which are to be given by e-mail) and I will reply with a grade and relevant comments when necessary.  In the case of a hand-drawn graphic, a scan of it is to be submitted while the file is to be submitted of a graphic and a recording of any musical submissions.  Judgements are final although if you feel you have been greviously wrong I will take appeals into consideration should it be a legitimate complaint.  I am not an artist and would probably fail art school so do not panic.  I am not a harsh judge of art but I am of effort.  The effort you put in will be reflected in your mark.  Effort makes up 80-90% of your overall grade.

The following are the rules for all creative submissions:

-All work must be original, plagarism will earn a 0 for a grade.  Original work does not mean text placed on top of an already existing picture.  Original work can be made from pieces of existing pictures but it must generate something new.
-Obscenity is not permitted.  VE is a 14A operation, keep it that way.
-For graphics/drawn images, all submissions must fall within the specified themes.
-All submissions must have a title.
-Upon request, the files used to make a computer graphics must be provided in order to determine originality, therefore, keep the components you use until a final grade has been given.
-Submissions that involve the same image with different text or colouring will not be accepted; only the original image submitted will count.
-Components for a squadron website created during the competition can be submitted provided they are a banner, logo, or image of some kind and not simply a functional component such as a menu bar.

1. Graphics/Hand-drawn images - The rules for these submissions are listed above.  Each image is graded out of five (5) points with the grade being the point received in the creativity category for this submission.  Submissions must fit into one of the following themes:

-Avatars
-Character images
-Space combat
-Squadron pride
-Hanger life (both in space and on the ground)
-Website Component
-Ship designs

2. Music - All musical submissions must be recorded and sent to me.  Music is graded out of ten (10) points with a maximum of one (1) entry per pilot and three (3) entries per squadron.  Singing is not required; instrumentals are acceptable (squadron leaders may want to coordinate this).  All entries must be a minimum of three minutes long.  All relevant rules above apply.

Websites (20%):

During the course of the competition, squadrons are encourged to develop new and improved websites.  At the end of the competition, the websites will be graded according to four factors each worth one quarter of the 20% weighting given to this area.  Components for the website must not have been made prior to the competition.  Squadrons that do not make a website will receieve a zero grade for this part of the competition.  This is the one area that does not count for individual scoring; this is a squadron only scored component.  The webites will be based upon the following areas each of which is worth five (5) points for a total of twenty (20) points:

1. Content - what you put on your website in terms of information will be graded in this section.

2. Layout - the overall layout of the website including colour contrasts, looks, and general feel will be graded here.

3. Usability - the ease with which your website can be navigated and information found and extrapolated will be graded here.

4. Graphics - the graphics on your website and the graphical feel will be graded here.

This concludes the overview of the squadron scoring system.  However, during this competition, individual pilots are also rated with prizes (listed below) to be awarded to the top pilots.  Individual pilot ratings are comprised of three components listed below:

Writing (40%):

The writing overview from the squadron section is the applicable overview for this section as well.  Note that in the individual ratings, due to the fact that there are only three components, writing is worth a significant amount.

Gaming (35%):

The gaming section above for squadrons applies here as well.  Please review the rules of submission and guidelines.

Creativity (25%):

The creativity rules above for squadrons apply here as well.

Prizes:

The members of the newly minted elite squadron will each receive the following:

-The right to call themselves elite and the designation as elite
-Prize money of 100,000ics
-The Vast Empire Victory Banner
-All Flight Members will recieve 2,500ics in extra pay per month
-All Flight Leaders will receive 5,000ics in extra pay per month
-The Executive Officer will receive 6,250ics in extra pay per month
-The Squadron Commander will receive 10,000ics in extra pay per month

The top 3 pilots in the competition will also receieve awards for their commitment and activity:

1st Place
-500,000ics in prize money
-The Distinguished Service Medal
-The right to call themselves the navy's top pilot

2nd Place
-250,000ics in prize money
-The Legion of Merit

3rd Place
-100,000ics in prize money
-The Star or Valour

The top pilot in each category that counts for pilot rating will also receieve prizes for their specific abilities in these areas:

1st Place in Writing:
-100,000ics in prize money
-The Victory Cross

1st Place in Gaming:
-100,000ics in prize money
-The Cross of Bravery

1st Place in Creativity:
-100,000ics in prize money
-The Victory Cross

Finally, as an additional competition, there is one more area where pilots can contribute during this competition.  Recruitment is something that is always very important.  We need new and fresh pilots in VEN to compliment our outstanding roster of veteran, talented, and dedicated people.  As a result, there is a recruitment element as well.  Recruitment does not count towards ratings but does count towards a series of prizes.  Recruits must make it through basic training in order to count so those who recruit must take responsibility for ensuring their recruit moves through the initial training process.

1st Place in Recruiting
-100,000ics in prize money
-The Merit Cross

2nd Place in Recruiting
-75,000ics in prize money

3rd Place in Recruiting
-50,000ics in prize money


-----------------------
WAJ/2LT Corran "Arturus" Hargraves/M-SSD Atrus/VE/VEN/(=A=)(=SA=)(=*MA*=)(=JCPA=)(=SCPA=)[MC:1](x2)[SV][BRC][VC:B][LSM][LoC]


"The way of war is a way of deception. When able, feign inability; when deploying troops, appear not to be. When near, appear far; when far, appear near. Lure with bait; strike with chaos. If the enemy is full, be prepared. If strong, avoid him. If he is angry, disconcert him. If he is weak, stir him to pride. If he is relaxed, harry him; if his men are harmonious, split them. Attack where he is unprepared; appear where you are unexpected. This is victory in warfare; it cannot be divulged in advance. Victory belongs to the side that scores most in the temple calculations before battle. Most spells victory; least spells defeat; none, surer defeat. I see it in this way, and the outcome is apparent." -- Sun Tzu

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting." -- Sun Tzu

We kind of wanted musical pieces on that one- perhaps you could coordinate with another member of the squadron? If not, I think we can amend that rule to include lyrics- I'll discuss with Art.  Also- we need to include the portion about recruiting.

Separate Character Story

In light of some past stories the Navy has been involving itself with, we thought we might provide an ending to a few broken ends. We won't reveal the story just yet; however- we can tell you about what you'll need to get into it.  As was mentioned above this will be a part of the writing score for each squadron, so do get into it if you can.

Here's what's happening- every person who signs up will be allowed one character to create. When that person uses this character in the mission they will be able to do anything they want with them throughout the course of the story. That means that if you want to make them totally different then anything or anyone you've ever written about- go for it. They don't have to be socially acceptable or nice or get along with anyone, and they don't have to be overwhelmingly beautiful. Individual posts must have a minimum length of 750 words and will count for one (1) point each. This means that if you decide to kill your character off somewhere in the story you will not lose all those points you gained- only lose the opportunity to continue gaining them.

Now- what is the purpose of such a thing? First off it'll be kind of fun because you'll have complete control over a character without having to worry about future backlash and/or long-term goals. In a more conventional sense, this is simply filler time. So- say you've just posted on your story- you have to wait twelve hours to post again! You are in the writing mood though and you want to keep earning points- this is the way to do it.  After you have posted in here, you will have to wait twelve hours as well.  That's still consecutive points though.  This is not meant to be the cente of the competition by any means- it is only another chance to gain points for your group.

How do we sign up and what do we need?

The sign-up is simple: create your character. Message the bio of your character to Arturus and he will add you to the list. I think there's going to be a website, so expect to see this list as well as updates on that site. You will need to include Name, call sign, height, weight, hair and eye color as well as skin pigment, race and species, and other distinguishing markings in the main column at the top. This is purely for us to see your character in our heads. Below that you will need a basic physical (strength, agility, difficulties) and mental (neurological capacities or indescrepencies, pet peeves, idiosyncrasies and attitude) description. We want to know what your character is like. These don't need to be nearly as detailed as your real characters, but they need to be understandable and usable.  Also, a very short history would be nice so that your character has something to think and feel throughout the course of the story.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns- please consult Art or myself. I will post an example of a bio soon.

-----------------------
*Flash Was Here...*

CMDR/LtC Shazam/Nazgul 1-1/Phoenix Wing/mSSD Atrus/1VENF/VEN (=A=) (=*SA*=) (=*MA*=) (=*FOCE*=) [LoM] [LSM] [VC:S] [DSM]

NazgulSquadron

Commander of Nazgul Squadron, Phoenix Wing and Training

For the drawings, if we don't have a scanner, will you accept a really good shot of it with a digital camera? Also, what would be considered too gory for the pictures?
 
-----------------------
FM/CPO Than Sion/Kaph 6/Wing 1/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE(=A=)(=*SA*=)
Than Sion, destroyer of all things cute and fluffy!!!

Ok sir, I get what you are saying.  I will send that example over e-mail.
 
-----------------------
FM/CPO Than Sion/Kaph 6/Wing 1/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE(=A=)(=*SA*=)
Than Sion, destroyer of all things cute and fluffy!!!

As a side note regarding recruitment, remember that there are recruitment commendations for recruiiting people that make it through training.

Also, just so everyone knows, prize money will be provided by the VEN, and not by Art or Shaz or nothin', so yeah, whee!
 
-----------------------
Admiral Japheth Cappadocious, Krath Templar
Naval Commander in Chief, Captain of the mSSD Atrus
Headmaster of the Dark Jedi Order Academy
-----------------------
NCC/FAD Japheth Cappadocious/NHC-1/Alpha 1/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE/(=MA=)(=SCPA=)(=FCO=)[BRC][LSM][MC:1][KC:OC][IGCx2][MoHx2]
HM/KT Japheth Cappadocious/DC-3/Krath Order/Elite Griffen Sect/VEDJ/VE/[SoY][EoP]

A couple of notes:

#1 Ship design plans is a new category for graphics

#2 Empire at War will count for gaming

#3 I have created a thread on the storynet for the bios.  Please do not send them to me as I won't be here for week one.
 
-----------------------
WAJ/2LT Corran "Arturus" Hargraves/M-SSD Atrus/VE/VEN/(=A=)(=SA=)(=*MA*=)(=JCPA=)(=SCPA=)[MC:1](x2)[SV][BRC][VC:B][LSM][LoC]


"The way of war is a way of deception. When able, feign inability; when deploying troops, appear not to be. When near, appear far; when far, appear near. Lure with bait; strike with chaos. If the enemy is full, be prepared. If strong, avoid him. If he is angry, disconcert him. If he is weak, stir him to pride. If he is relaxed, harry him; if his men are harmonious, split them. Attack where he is unprepared; appear where you are unexpected. This is victory in warfare; it cannot be divulged in advance. Victory belongs to the side that scores most in the temple calculations before battle. Most spells victory; least spells defeat; none, surer defeat. I see it in this way, and the outcome is apparent." -- Sun Tzu

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting." -- Sun Tzu

No, everything you have submit before the 28th do not count.
 
-----------------------
- Raider Squad -

TRP/PFC Trix/3SQD/1PLT/1COMP/1BAT/Tadath/VEA/VE
'Life is like mail. You sometimes just don't get it'

I would really like to see everyone use #Phoenix_wing during the competition.  This could be a good place to arrange games, etc.  Some friendly chats and rivalries are always good too
 
-----------------------
WAJ/2LT Corran "Arturus" Hargraves/M-SSD Atrus/VE/VEN/(=A=)(=SA=)(=*MA*=)(=JCPA=)(=SCPA=)[MC:1](x2)[SV][BRC][VC:B][LSM][LoC]


"The way of war is a way of deception. When able, feign inability; when deploying troops, appear not to be. When near, appear far; when far, appear near. Lure with bait; strike with chaos. If the enemy is full, be prepared. If strong, avoid him. If he is angry, disconcert him. If he is weak, stir him to pride. If he is relaxed, harry him; if his men are harmonious, split them. Attack where he is unprepared; appear where you are unexpected. This is victory in warfare; it cannot be divulged in advance. Victory belongs to the side that scores most in the temple calculations before battle. Most spells victory; least spells defeat; none, surer defeat. I see it in this way, and the outcome is apparent." -- Sun Tzu

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting." -- Sun Tzu

Send to Art by email right?
 
-----------------------
NazgulSquadron

FM/LCRW Atrick25/Nazgul-10/Phoenix Wing/[mSSD Artrus]/1VENF]/VEN/VE (=A=)
~Leading Crewman Atrick25~

Nerds stick together! (Until Football Players storm us, because then we run like the girly men we are!)

Why does Darth Vader want cookies?

is it midnight yet?
 
-----------------------
FM/SCRW Raigen/Aegis 1/Phoenix Wing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE (VC:B)
Supreme White Knight of the Reply
Cadet Second Lieutenant Clary
C/2lt Clary, Model Rocketry Officer, LA932 AFJROTC

ok. i still dont understand the individual story thing. could someone un through it for me
 
-----------------------
FM/SCRW Raigen/Aegis 1/Phoenix Wing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE (VC:B)
Supreme White Knight of the Reply
Cadet Second Lieutenant Clary
C/2lt Clary, Model Rocketry Officer, LA932 AFJROTC

i meant individual character building stories but i figured it out on my own thx
 
-----------------------
FM/SCRW Raigen/Aegis 1/Phoenix Wing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE (VC:B)
Supreme White Knight of the Reply
Cadet Second Lieutenant Clary
C/2lt Clary, Model Rocketry Officer, LA932 AFJROTC

Shaz can you send me the latest version of the scoring program that I sent you?  I think I will be able to do results every few days from here until I get back.
 
-----------------------
WAJ/2LT Corran "Arturus" Hargraves/M-SSD Atrus/VE/VEN/(=A=)(=SA=)(=*MA*=)(=JCPA=)(=SCPA=)[MC:1](x2)[SV][BRC][VC:B][LSM][LoC]


"The way of war is a way of deception. When able, feign inability; when deploying troops, appear not to be. When near, appear far; when far, appear near. Lure with bait; strike with chaos. If the enemy is full, be prepared. If strong, avoid him. If he is angry, disconcert him. If he is weak, stir him to pride. If he is relaxed, harry him; if his men are harmonious, split them. Attack where he is unprepared; appear where you are unexpected. This is victory in warfare; it cannot be divulged in advance. Victory belongs to the side that scores most in the temple calculations before battle. Most spells victory; least spells defeat; none, surer defeat. I see it in this way, and the outcome is apparent." -- Sun Tzu

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting." -- Sun Tzu

Haven't checked yet.  I'll let you know soon.  I am sort of on my vacation, away from my computer, with limited computer access :P
 
-----------------------
WAJ/2LT Corran "Arturus" Hargraves/M-SSD Atrus/VE/VEN/(=A=)(=SA=)(=*MA*=)(=JCPA=)(=SCPA=)[MC:1](x2)[SV][BRC][VC:B][LSM][LoC]


"The way of war is a way of deception. When able, feign inability; when deploying troops, appear not to be. When near, appear far; when far, appear near. Lure with bait; strike with chaos. If the enemy is full, be prepared. If strong, avoid him. If he is angry, disconcert him. If he is weak, stir him to pride. If he is relaxed, harry him; if his men are harmonious, split them. Attack where he is unprepared; appear where you are unexpected. This is victory in warfare; it cannot be divulged in advance. Victory belongs to the side that scores most in the temple calculations before battle. Most spells victory; least spells defeat; none, surer defeat. I see it in this way, and the outcome is apparent." -- Sun Tzu

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting." -- Sun Tzu

so you know...my email is Starstorm12.....i know it suks but ive had it since i was 12 and i dont feel like changing it
 
-----------------------
Raigen vs. Them
---5-----------2---
FM/SCRW Raigen/Aegis 1/Phoenix Wing/mSSD Atrus/DEF/VEN/VE (VC:B)