Bridge Officers - Precisely how much control do we have?

[mistharm]

Before I started coming to the forums here regularly, I thought Bridge Officers were going to be handled very much like secondary characters - like, every time I unlocked a new BO, I'd make a new 'character' essentially, and that'd be that.

As I've followed the interviews and stuff though... I keep seeing things like "rare" BOs, and them acting kinda like loot. I can appreciate that approach to a point... but it also leaves me kinda worried in a few ways; so I figure maybe it's best to just ask and see if anyone knows the answer -

1) When I get a new BO, including a 'dropped' BO; is it possible for me to, before bringing them aboard, customize them all to heck? Ex: A Vulcan Lt. Commander drops - say I like the stats they have, but really would prefer a completely different race (possibly a custom one) - can I do this? Can I rename them and modify their uniform and such?

2) If I can't heavily modify dropped BOs, am I at least going to be able to make/use generic ones that are wholly editable?

--

To be honest this is one of the biggest features for me as far as ground combat goes; and when ship interiors come online, it'll be rather important then as well. So how much control are we going to have over who our BO's are?

[The_Padre]

Before I started coming to the forums here regularly, I thought Bridge Officers were going to be handled very much like secondary characters - like, every time I unlocked a new BO, I'd make a new 'character' essentially, and that'd be that.

As I've followed the interviews and stuff though... I keep seeing things like "rare" BOs, and them acting kinda like loot. I can appreciate that approach to a point... but it also leaves me kinda worried in a few ways; so I figure maybe it's best to just ask and see if anyone knows the answer -

1) When I get a new BO, including a 'dropped' BO; is it possible for me to, before bringing them aboard, customize them all to heck? Ex: A Vulcan Lt. Commander drops - say I like the stats they have, but really would prefer a completely different race (possibly a custom one) - can I do this? Can I rename them and modify their uniform and such?

2) If I can't heavily modify dropped BOs, am I at least going to be able to make/use generic ones that are wholly editable?

--

To be honest this is one of the biggest features for me as far as ground combat goes; and when ship interiors come online, it'll be rather important then as well. So how much control are we going to have over who our BO's are?

You can get them to train an officer you already have of the appropriate profession. So if its a Tactical Officer with rare skills you can get them to teach your own Tactical Officer those abilities. You're given a choice over what you want to do with them, you could add them to your officer pool, or if you want, you can even pass them over to other players.

In terms of appearance the following was mentioned in this dev chat (http://forums.startrekonline.com/showthread.php?t=22403):

"<G. Cockburn> Does customisation for our bridge crew extend beyond facial features and species, for example, can we alter their uniforms? Can we decide what rank they hold? Can we dictate what position within the crew they hold? For example, could I create; Commander "X", First Officer and Chief Tactical Officer, a hologram with the appearance of the EMH MK1, and have him in a standard Command Red uniform? Could I also create; Master Chief Petty Officer "Y", Security Chief, human female, wearing an all-black version of the standard uniform with militaristic embellishments?

<CrypticZinc> Yes. You'll have control over the appearance, species and uniform for each officer."

[Osias]

What Padre said with a few additions.

When you have a BO train another BO their skills the BO is "Consumed" if i recall correctly.

[RE-Kirk]

What Padre said with a few additions.

When you have a BO train another BO their skills the BO is "Consumed" if i recall correctly.



Is it possible to Create your own ensign level BOs and use them?

The new BO ate Frank!?!?!

[The_Padre]

What Padre said with a few additions.

When you have a BO train another BO their skills the BO is "Consumed" if i recall correctly.



Is it possible to Create your own ensign level BOs and use them?

Yeah, forgot the bit about them being consumables.

[mistharm]

Hmm... so then I can retain (assuming I created them from scratch) my original bridge crew; and use dropped officers as mentors for them, then?

I could understand that. Slightly odd; but I can understand it.

I definitely hope we get to create our own newbie officers from scratch though... creating my own 'cast' is kinda important <,<

[The_Padre]

Hmm... so then I can retain (assuming I created them from scratch) my original bridge crew; and use dropped officers as mentors for them, then?

I could understand that. Slightly odd; but I can understand it.

I definitely hope we get to create our own newbie officers from scratch though... creating my own 'cast' is kinda important <,<

You'll have control over the appearance, species and uniform for each officer.

[Osias]

It's not odd at all. Look at it this way.


Dargon Jel: Captain, You are a Fine officer of this Starfleet and i feel that if i were to join your Crew it would benefit my people greatly. I offer my services as a Tactical officer!

Captain Osias: I really appreciate the offer Dargon but i already have a Crew and you're technically not a member of Starfleet. How about you Teach my Tactical officer that Awesome Torpedo barage skill you know and we'll send you to Starfleet for training, Heck i'll even write you a recommendation letter.

Dargon Jel: This is acceptable to me Captain. It is a shame you will not accept me onto your Crew. Perhaps in time.

Captain Osias *quietly to Tactical officer: Not Likely, His face looks like an Octopus on steroids.

Tactical Officer: HELLZ YES, NEW SKILL FOR ME?

[tenchi314]

Good OP question and some good answers too. I was also getting a little confused on this topic. The fact that my Bridge Officers will eventually become cannibals is also a nice addition. I guess I'll have to Role Play them with British accents now ala Monty Python.