The U.S.S. Pioneer completed its five-year mission in uproarious fashion. Now meet the GM and players who pushed the limits of Star Trek Adventures storytelling to create a life-changing epic to span the ages. Get good advice on forming great bonds with your players, utilizing Discord to make for a top-notch gaming experience, and learn how a good gaming group can launch your writing career! Guest stars: Aaron Pollyea, Al Spader, Josh Allen, and Troy Mepyans.

From Coworkers to Family: How the USS Pioneer Crew Created an Epic Star Trek Adventures Campaign

The Star Trek Adventures RPG is celebrating its fifth year, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of Star Trek. To commemorate this milestone, a recent podcast brought together the cast of the USS Pioneer, a group that just wrapped up a five-plus year campaign. This blog post delves into the secrets of their success and offers insights for other groups looking to embark on long-term Star Trek Adventures.

Meet the Crew

The podcast featured a stellar lineup of talent, all deeply involved in the Star Trek Adventures universe and beyond:

Setting the Stage: The USS Pioneer's Mission

The USS Pioneer's campaign was based out of the Shackleton Expanse, venturing 13.7 million light years away to the Centaurus galaxy. Their adventures have been chronicled on Continuing Missions, with many stories adapted into novellas.

Defining Moments: From Crew to Family

When asked about a defining moment, the crew unanimously agreed it was their transformation from coworkers to a close-knit family. This bond transcended the game, with members supporting each other's careers, personal lives, and families. This real-life connection was then woven back into the story, enriching the narrative.

Aha Moments: Character Growth and Unexpected Twists

The players shared several "aha" moments that shaped their characters and the campaign:

The Power of Play-by-Post on Discord

The USS Pioneer campaign was run online via Discord, which presented both challenges and unique advantages:

Lessons in Storytelling and Collaboration

The Pioneer campaign provided valuable lessons in storytelling, collaborative writing, and improvisation:

Gratitude and Lasting Bonds

The podcast concluded with expressions of gratitude and reflections on the enduring friendships forged through the USS Pioneer campaign. The players appreciated the opportunity to grow as role-players and as people, and the shared experience created a bond that continues to this day.

The Legacy of the USS Pioneer

The USS Pioneer campaign stands as a testament to the power of collaborative storytelling, character-driven narratives, and the enduring appeal of Star Trek. Its legacy continues to inspire new players and writers in the Star Trek Adventures community. As Al Spader so eloquently put it, "Captain, Pioneer is all around you."