Super Hero Syndrome
Super Hero Syndrome (SHS) also known as James Bond Syndrome, is where a character, vessel or storyline transcends the reasonably believable in a way which is inconsistent with the canon parameters and often destructive to the enjoyment of others. SHS has been a large problem in internet role playing for years and contrary to myth it is found as much in experienced 'senior players' as often as younger inexperienced players. It is discussed at length in the Character Biography Creation Guide in the context of writing a character biography.
The following are a list of examples of SHS which may commonly occur:
- A character manifests advanced knowledge or skills which have no basis in his/her experience or background.
- A character 'saves the day' single handedly, alone and in an unexpected manner, perhaps James Bond style.
- A character appears to have super-human strength, fitness or inexplicable resistance to certain weapons.
- A character is universally admired or liked for no established reason.
- A character has possessions which are inconsistent with canon or the environment (for example a mobile telephone or samurai sword).
- A character displays knowledge of which he/she would not be aware (for example a Medical Officer would be unlikely to know the Commodore's tactical plans).
Consider a CONN Officer. He or she would be able to pilot starships, runabouts and other small craft. He or she would be able to engage in tactical planning and lead away missions. He or she may have some technical knowledge of propulsion and able to perform rudimentary command tasks on the birdge. It would be assumed he/she has a base-line of competencies, for example, use of a tricorder, first aid, knowledge of first contact procedures, survival training, use of a hand phaser etc. However, he or she would be unlikely to be able to perform complex surgery, engage in sophisticated computer programming or necessarily be a natural born leader.
It is acknowledged that the TV series had a number of exceptionally talented regular characters, for example Data and Dr Bashir. These characters are not, however, infected with SHS as their skills and talents are specifically recognised as exceptional in the series and are written into the character backgrounds and histories. It is likely that Spectre has a number of very talented individuals, but it is unlikely to have a genetically modified human or a Soong-type android. As a rule of thumb: if the character, event, item, skill or trick would not be believable as part of Star Trek is it not believable in game.
SHS is often first presented in the choice of species in character biographies. Therefore there are strict rules about what species can and cannot be played within the USS Pacifica, these are specified in the Biography Creation Guide. SHS is not tolerated on the USS Pacifica and all players ought to avoid it. Those in doubt as to whether specific storyline ideas are acceptable are welcome to contact the Commanding Officer.
