{"id":1573,"date":"2026-01-01T21:18:09","date_gmt":"2026-01-01T21:18:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.rpgquartermaster.net\/?page_id=1573"},"modified":"2026-01-01T21:26:13","modified_gmt":"2026-01-01T21:26:13","slug":"strange-new-awards","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blog.rpgquartermaster.net\/?page_id=1573","title":{"rendered":"Strange New Awards"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Strange New Awards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Strange New Awards (Yes, a play on ST: Strange New Worlds<\/em>!) system is one built primarily for collaborative writing simulations. The triangular image design is inspired by the Star Trek Original series triangular ribbon devices worn on the uniforms, and the costume production design of the prequal Disco uniforms, ostensibly from a redesign of the same era as ToS.

Although the forms are inspired by the Kirk\/ Pike era of Star Trek, the main body of these awards are to recognize the writer\/ player for OOC activity and for story writing. As such, these wouldn’t be worn in character. They can be awarded for civilian character writing or villains just as well as they might be given for writing good officers.

The award system itself should be broadly worded so that it can apply outside of the Star Trek writing fandom, and so other gaming systems are welcome to use and adapt these images and award descriptions too.

Different systems can be mixed and matched form and you can use the medals and ribbons ala carte or as an exclusive stand alone program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If using the Strange New Awards Program in part or in whole, or an adaptation of the system, please attribute this site, RPGQuartermaster.net and link to this site so that others might also adapt the system for their own games: Sharing is caring! These are for non-commercial use only and not to be sold, repackaged, or redistributed. <\/strong>

All elements used within the image design were either original from the Quartermaster or else sourced from creative commons.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

SNA: Player Service<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Captain’s Merit<\/em><\/strong>
An award specifically granted by the GM for any reason the GM sees fit, usually pertaining to simming contributions OOC such as playing a key activity role, showing exemplary attitude or any other singular occasion the GM finds should be distinguished. Reasons to be cited.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Community Engagement Ribbon<\/strong><\/em>
This player shows continued presence in the RPG community, building out-of-character camaraderie and welcoming and engaging others. The player is available and approachable and makes the game a delight overall. (OOC only: Sim, Fleet, or Inter-organization community activity)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Kindness Ribbon<\/strong><\/em><\/strong><\/em>
More subtle than other notable acts, kindness is no less commendable. Often displayed through befriending others, being a good listener, offering encouragement, reaching out to strangers, or other quiet but honorable actions, acts of kindness deserve recognition, even if the kind heart is likely to demur. (OOC)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Volunteer Award<\/strong><\/em>
For the player who makes a significant personal gift of time and effort to lend a hand to the sim’s command staff, to volunteer to the simming community, or contribute to the development of resources. (OOC)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Personal Development Award<\/strong><\/em>
This award will be given to the player who shows personal growth or self improvement OOC. This might be demonstrated in increased participation, writing or storytelling mechanics, building collaborative community, or branching out of the player’s comfort zone into new themes or character types.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Nomination Commendation<\/strong><\/em>
To enter on the sim\u2019s record unelected nominations of our players who were entered for awards and contests at the fleet or inter-fleet community level.

Often people take the time to write glowing nominations to submit outside of the sim for consideration for awards in the extended simming community. But not all contenders are selected as awardees, making it important to feature our nominees!

Entries here should be made after the contest or award winners are announced and the nomination is known to be unelected. Include the title of the award being nominated for and the month and year of the nomination.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Meritorious Newcomer Award<\/strong><\/em>
This award will be given to the newcomer who puts in the most effort to be a valuable addition to the game, right from the start.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Muse Award<\/em><\/strong>
To be awarded to a player who is noted for positively inspiring others by sparking ideas or leading discussion which energizes others to contribute. (OOC) <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

SNA: Gameplay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gameplay category includes Writing Awards & Simming Recognitions <\/strong>for In Game activity, but not really held by the character in-story! This makes them technically OOC awards, as they are for the writer or simmer\u2019s participation, effort, and skill<\/strong>, generally associated with a certain character or characters the simmer is contributing as. Classically these might have been referred to as IC Awards, as they were for IC writing and simming efforts. Older systems used to mix awards for in-character actions and writing\/ simming activity, but the new system breaks this out differently.

None of the Gameplay awards would be held by a character, all of them would be the honor of the simmer.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Constellation Prize <\/em><\/strong>
This ribbon is available for a constellation of various small but noteworthy story or in character actions, to be detailed in the award description.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Bronze Quill Medal<\/em><\/strong>
For creativity in a single idea, single post or small thread (less than five). It recognizes a writers development of imaginative new ideas, fantastical settings, enchanting original cultures, clever twists, or surprising solutions in the story line.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Silver Quill Medal <\/em><\/strong>
For the creation of a significant story thread (3-15 posts) or serial creative idea and\/or theme, a recognition of a writer\u2019s ability to craft creative scenes with themes, characters, and\/or situations that develop or interconnect across a stretch of posts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Gold Quill Medal<\/strong>
For the exemplary creation and commitment to a detailed serial thread (more than 10 posts) or serial creative idea and\/or theme that appears consistently over the course of time. It can connect with or affect the main mission or be a solo or small group effort aside from other plot or story development. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Wordsmith Medal for Personification<\/em><\/strong>
This award is to celebrate a writer\u2019s well-executed character across a significant time. Maintaining such a unique voice or particular set of qualities takes more of “getting into character” than the average portrayal. Can be for both PCs and NPCs. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Wordsmith Medal for Narrative Voice<\/strong>
For those who excel at crafting the voice of a post. This skill is an important element in writing. Through careful word selection or syntax, the writer has provided a rhythm to a story or expressed an emotion that created a strong response in the reader. Sample post(s) required.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Wordsmith Medal for Descriptive Writing <\/em><\/strong>
This recognition is to be bestowed on writing that makes details shine, beyond just being wordy. It could be the details have payoffs or serve as revelation in the story, rewarding attentive readers. Or the detail could be word paintings that set memorable scenes or serve an important role in mood setting. Specific references to post(s) featuring the particular details being rewarded are required.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Memento of Backstory <\/em><\/strong>
This recognizes a player for detailed attention given to the illumination of the history of a character, bringing to light the scenarios that make the character what they are today, for better or for worse. Can be awarded for anything from information revealed in the main timeline to entire story threads.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Master Worldbuilder Medal<\/strong>
For efforts exceeding a well designed backdrop in a few posts or colorful singular arrangements. This award recognizes the marriage of planning and storytelling: world crafting merged within story which goes beyond just exposition. True master worldbuilding involves things such as geography, flora and fauna, arts and culture, history, myths, politics, faiths, key figures and events, and much more. The Master Worldbuilder serves as a guide, inviting readers to walk through and experience places we can only visit in the Worldbuilder\u2019s imagination as it is shared with us.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Introspective Star  <\/em><\/strong>
An introspective award, particularly for solo written work illustrating or developing the inner life of a character (include example posts in nomination)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Technical Excellence Cross <\/em><\/strong>
To be awarded for writing that highlights technical descriptions and nuance, especially within a particular field or study. Though it can be fictionalized and not necessarily applicable in the real world, the work awarded should lend credibility within the story and not dodge the scene by glossing over or handwaving the technical aspects. This can include but is not limited to- technobabble, medical procedure, flight maneuvers, legal proceedings, theoretical conceptualizations, philosophy, statecraft and much more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Diversity Ribbon<\/em><\/strong>
In the interest of diversity, this award is granted to individuals who have done an exemplary job writing and developing their non-human characters. This award can also be used to commend contributions that support other diversity factors, including race, gender identity, ethnicity, and more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Medal of Character I <\/strong><\/em>
Awarded for moments of notable character development.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Medal of Character II <\/strong><\/em>
Awarded for the development of a character, particularly work on a character arc. Through interactions with others and their experiences, the author has deftly grown the character from who they were.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

The Chorus Medal<\/strong><\/em>
Awarded to writers who craft NPCs that have major supporting roles or who become as important as the PCs, equally critical to the great storytelling on the sim.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Supportive Contributor Badge<\/strong><\/em>
For the joint poster who makes a great companion or even the soloist who works with the hooks of other writers. These writers know how to take a ball and run with it or throw a momentous story pass.

A supportive writer takes cues inside of the collaborative work and makes those opportunities flourish with their own imaginative contributions, ultimately leaving the whole greater than its parts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Sim Feature Post<\/strong><\/em>
This award is to recognize posts made in the spirit of holidays, specific genres, strong mood pieces, and other themes that may be named in the award description. These should be creatively unique, quality posts that make good reading and good use of the theme at hand. While they may be part of a bigger story, they should make good stand alone reads, out of the context of the sim.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n

Limited Issue Award<\/strong><\/em>
This Award is really a category of award, for the purpose of cataloging uniquely titled recognitions which are specially issued on a one time or limited issue basis. Please include the title of the award and any additional information in the citation which would be included in an award description. If entered retroactively, include the date issued.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

STAY TUNED! More to be added soon, and the system will expand!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Strange New Awards The Strange New Awards (Yes, a play on ST: Strange New Worlds!) system is one built primarily for collaborative writing simulations. The triangular image design is inspired by the Star Trek Original series triangular ribbon devices worn on the uniforms, and the costume production design of the prequal Disco uniforms, ostensibly from … Continue reading Strange New Awards<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":820,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1573","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.rpgquartermaster.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1573","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.rpgquartermaster.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.rpgquartermaster.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.rpgquartermaster.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.rpgquartermaster.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1573"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/blog.rpgquartermaster.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1573\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1621,"href":"https:\/\/blog.rpgquartermaster.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1573\/revisions\/1621"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.rpgquartermaster.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/820"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.rpgquartermaster.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1573"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}