Getting started in STQ can seem a bit daunting. Over the next while, we'll be introducing some articles that should make the whole process easier. On the other hand, investing some time in character creation can be enjoyable and will help you create a more interesting character. Here are two very different sample characters, all created using the STQ Character Creation page, for your perusal (you may not play as any of these characters, however).
 
You note that you are aloud to give you characters quirks - advantages in some areas and disadvantages in others. Do not make them TOO different from the average character and make sure not to give them more advantages than disadvantages (for example - See Marel below - she can't kill anyone and is pretty rubbish with a phaser, but is better at Surgery). All "quirks" will be reviewed by an STQ admin when you submit the character and you may be asked to make some alterations.
 
 
Simon Hopkins
 
This is an example of a very basic character, which needs some fleshing out.
 
Simon Hopkins ( a human male) is 22 years old and recently graduated from Starfleet Academy, where he studied Engineering. From a young age, Simon enjoyed messing about with his parent's kitchen appliances and soon developed quite a knack for reverse-engineering. Finding out what made things tick was an obsession of his throughout his childhood and his early teens. When he finished school at the age of 19 the only logical thing to do was to join Starfleet and see the galaxy!
 
Simon's statistics are Integrity 7, Cunning 6, Strength 6. This means he is a fairly dependable Starfleet Officer, who is moderately resourceful. While not overly muscular, engaging in the physical labour of engineering and regular trips to the gym indicate that he is "well developed". Simon stands at 5' 10 1/2".
 
Simon's alignment is "Chaotic Good". He is loud and quick to anger, and no stickler for protocol. Simon is loyal to his friends and will bend or break the rules if he believes one of them is in danger.
 
Simon begins the game with the follow skills:
 
Phaser Skills (Level 1) - Included in his basic Starfleet training
Physics, Maintainence, Construction - These three skills formed Simon's Engineering training.
Literature (Human) - When he isn't fixing something, Simon is usually found reading. His favourite authors are Noam Chomsky and Kim Stanley Robinson.
 

 
Marel
 
This is an example of a well-developed, interesting character.
 
A vulcan female, Marel is 75. After serving as a nurse on Starbase 19 for 20 years, a post opened up in Starfleet and she decided to train to become a doctor. Born to vulcan parents, Marel comes from Daedelus, a small, rural planet in the Lingazi sector. Her tranquil, isolated upbringing lends Marel a unique balance. Her first exposure to the hostility of "civilisation" off her homeworld was a shock to the vulcan, who considers all sentient life sacred.
 
Marel's statistics are Integrity 9, Cunning 8, Strength 4. Marel's morals are very strong and highly important to her. Her mind is generally clear and uncluttered with everyday affairs. This sometimes leads other characters to consider her less intelligent than they, usually a great mistake. Physically, however, Marel is quite underdeveloped, and her frail form stands at 5' 5".
 
Marel's alignment is "Neutral Good". She does not hold grudges and tries to see the good in everyone. Although Marel posesses a high Integrity, Starfleet rules which often seem harsh and vindictive to her are of little consequence. Marel has never taken a sentient life and might not under any conditions, or only if pushed to the extreme.
 
Marel begins with the following skills:
 
Phaser Skills (Level 1) - Marel learnt this skill, however her co-ordination is very poor and she always suffers a +1 modifier on all shots. (In addition, she will only ever fire on "stun", and will always try any alternatives before force). Marel will never upgrade her Phaser Skills to Level 2 or higher.
 
Surgery (Level 2) - Marel, having worked as a nurse, begins the game with Surgery at Level 2. In addition, 20 years experience has supplied Marel with a wealth of practical knowledge and she has the following bonus skill: Advanced Phisiology (Human, Cardassian, Vulcan, Klingon, Bajoran).
 
Basic Phisiology (All basic races) - Marel has a basic grounding in most common humanoid species' phisiology from her work and her Starfleet course.
 
Biology, Microbiology - These skills were learnt on Marel's Starfleet course.