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  • antonine3258antonine3258 Member Posts: 2,391 Arc User
    Thank you for everything Kestrel. Good luck to the future.
    Fate - protects fools, small children, and ships named Enterprise Will Riker

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  • nacsa76nacsa76 Member Posts: 2 Arc User
    Good Luck Kestrel, Frost! You will be missed :(
  • khamseenairkhamseenair Member Posts: 2,640 Bug Hunter
    edited July 2015
    I'll miss them both. Kestrel may have gotten some stick over the years for some of her stories, but I have always enjoyed them. And as for Frost, he's the only dev I've ever actually seen provide confirmation and feedback in the bug report threads... That's going to be missed greatly. Sad days.
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  • daveynydaveyny Member Posts: 8,227 Arc User
    edited July 2015
    So long, Farwell...
    https://youtu.be/Qy9_lfjQopU

    You Will Be Missed...
    :(
    STO Member since February 2009.
    I Was A Trekkie Before It Was Cool ... Sept. 8th, 1966 ... Not To Mention Before Most Folks Around Here Were Born!
    Forever a STO Veteran-Minion
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  • theanothernametheanothername Member Posts: 1,511 Arc User
    Thats a bummer. If you follow this thread Kestrel: Thank you! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the entertaining stories I had the privilege to play. And a very big thank you for picking up the smoldering pieces a certain movie maker left of the Romulans, after he thought he had a "kewl" idea, and forging them into something new & awesome.
  • gradiigradii Member Posts: 2,824 Arc User
    edited July 2015
    -nevermind- might have misunderstood

    "He shall be my finest warrior, this generic man who was forced upon me.
    Like a badass I shall make him look, and in the furnace of war I shall forge him.
    he shall be of iron will and steely sinew.
    In great armour I shall clad him and with the mightiest weapons he shall be armed.
    He will be untouched by plague or disease; no sickness shall blight him.
    He shall have such tactics, strategies and machines that no foe will best him in battle.
    He is my answer to cryptic logic, he is the Defender of my Romulan Crew.
    He is Tovan Khev... and he shall know no fear."
  • protogothprotogoth Member Posts: 2,369 Arc User
    tuskin67 wrote: »
    To quell the rumours before they starts



    She wasn't layed off.

    Hopefully she also didn't make the decision based on the sometimes overly harsh criticisms of players.
  • coupaholiccoupaholic Member Posts: 2,188 Arc User
    protogoth wrote: »
    tuskin67 wrote: »
    To quell the rumours before they starts



    She wasn't layed off.

    Hopefully she also didn't make the decision based on the sometimes overly harsh criticisms of players.

    I'm sure she didn't.

    On to bigger and better things.​​
  • kitsunesnoutkitsunesnout Member Posts: 1,210 Arc User
    Yeah, I hope it's not because of the harsh criticisms. Even I have had my share critical opinions on the story to make at times, but in the grand scheme of things I know nothing is perfect for any writer and it's overall been a very interesting plot throughout the game that makes you wonder what's next all the time and leads to much interesting speculation!

    Perhaps the story has already been completely fleshed out to the end well in advance and that job is done? Quite some time ago we heard even season 11's plot had been pretty much concrete and complete, and it's quite a while before that even comes still! It's really not hard to imagine that one could write ahead for 2 or 3 seasons if really good at it. And that IS simply called having proper planning so I hope that's the case! Good work!
  • phyrexianherophyrexianhero Member Posts: 768 Arc User
    Best wishes!​​
    Playing since January 2010. STOwiki administrator. Accolade hunter.
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  • jcswwjcsww Member Posts: 6,819 Arc User
    edited July 2015
    I enjoyed a lot of the earlier writings in STO more so than the new stuff we have now. The missions felt so much more Trek and had caveats that really were nice to see. The Devidian FE series and the two missions involving the Guardian of Forever are my favorites! If it wasn't for these missions and the early writings, including the original STF stories, a lot of players felt this game has the longevity to be successful. Thank you for your contributions to STO and all the best in your new ventures!
  • royalsovereignroyalsovereign Member Posts: 1,344 Arc User
    Open Skies and Mnhei'sahe to you.
    "You Iconians just hung a vacancy sign on your asses and my foot's looking for a room!"
    --Red Annorax
  • crysystemscrysystems Member Posts: 13 Arc User
    May the Great Bird of the Galaxy watch over you Kestral, you will be missed. :'(
  • hawku001xhawku001x Member Posts: 10,764 Arc User
    Good luck and they're not gonna hold you down no more; no they're not gonna change your mind.
  • danny3421danny3421 Member Posts: 32 Arc User
    It's a shame to see you go, but goodluck ;)
  • shpoksshpoks Member Posts: 6,967 Arc User
    uh huh, so who fills that void now?
    e1im wrote: »
    Any info on who the new writer is going to be?

    Roberto Orci...

    *runs away and hides*
    :D:p:s

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  • e1ime1im Member Posts: 63 Arc User
    shpoks wrote: »
    uh huh, so who fills that void now?
    e1im wrote: »
    Any info on who the new writer is going to be?

    Roberto Orci...

    *runs away and hides*
    :D:p:s

    https://youtube.com/watch?v=fisXRmdTR54

  • tacofangstacofangs Member Posts: 2,951 Cryptic Developer
    _\\//


    toiva wrote: »
    What will we become without CrypticFrost? The light in the darkness of bug reports. We are doomed to never find our way from the swamps of buginess.

    His biological and technological distinctiveness has been added to our own. His files have been passed on to another unit.

    But I would really like to know who will continue the story of STO now. How long has he or she been in the team, has he or she worked with Kestrel in the past?

    I don't think we have anyone lined up. Remember, the design team themselves are capable writers as well.
    If you're interested in the position, or know someone who is, you can feel free to apply.

    protogoth wrote: »
    Hopefully she also didn't make the decision based on the sometimes overly harsh criticisms of players.

    No, she got a good gig lined up.
    Only YOU can prevent forum fires!
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  • mustrumridcully0mustrumridcully0 Member Posts: 12,963 Arc User
    tacofangs wrote: »
    I don't think we have anyone lined up. Remember, the design team themselves are capable writers as well.
    [Citation Needed]

    Excuse my sarcasm. But there are really some things that I don't know how exactly to do better (because I am a writer), but as a player feel wrong to me. But I don't know who is responsible for it.
    As a recent example - why T'Mara thinks she must keep fighting to her death and basically steps dying through a portal (whose creation is likely what killed her) for example.

    Unless there is still some Stephen Moffat Doctor Who timey-whimey explanation behind it, it feels wrong and should probably be told differently.

    Or another example:
    Our ranks are not really fully considered for many missions. I know, the featured episodes are now available for anyone above level 10, but eventually, they'll be Level 40+ story content, where every character is admiral/general level. We should be treated as if we had some say in how things get done.

    House of Pegh was good at it (even if some have issues with the story, ultimately that I as Admiral are asked how to handle things and can alter the plan - even if I don't have a choice as player, my character has). Broken Circle was not so great at it.

    Star Trek Online Advancement: You start with lowbie gear, you end with Lobi gear.
  • jcswwjcsww Member Posts: 6,819 Arc User
    tacofangs wrote: »
    _\\//
    But I would really like to know who will continue the story of STO now. How long has he or she been in the team, has he or she worked with Kestrel in the past?

    I don't think we have anyone lined up. Remember, the design team themselves are capable writers as well.
    If you're interested in the position, or know someone who is, you can feel free to apply.

    I hope the good Foundry writers take note of this and apply. There are some excellent writers playing this game that could be a suitable addition to the PWE team at Cryptic.
  • crypticarmsmancrypticarmsman Member Posts: 4,115 Arc User
    I think kestrel did a good job with the STO storyline; an I do hope Cryptic IS getting an actual writer to replace her and not just leaving writing duties to someone like say Captain Geko - but we'll see. It's also said to see Cryptic Frost go; as he was the only QA person even daring to come to the forums and communicate; and I also guess it means Cryptic's STO QA division goes from five down to four people.

    Anyhow, I wish you guys the best and hope you find success in whatever you're moving on to.
    Formerly known as Armsman from June 2008 to June 20, 2012
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    PWE ARC Drone says: "Your STO forum community as you have known it is ended...Display names are irrelevant...Any further sense of community is irrelevant...Resistance is futile...You will be assimilated..."
  • alexsanderitaalexsanderita Member Posts: 214 Arc User
    Thank you for your beautiful stories Kestrel and thank you Frost for your work.

    Good luck to both for their new future.​​
    I still dream from time to time about using the Gateway to doff off-game in spare minutes as we were told
  • tacofangstacofangs Member Posts: 2,951 Cryptic Developer
    Geko is a SYSTEMS designer. While he helps to shape the overall story as the Lead Designer on the project, the individual CONTENT designers, who actually implement missions, and hook up NPCs and such are the ones who would be writing dialog and stories. They actually already do that to an extent. Much of the dialog we do currently is written by that mission's content designer, and then just touched up, and trekkified by Kestrel. We may be missing the latter now, but that doesn't mean we are incapable of telling stories.
    Only YOU can prevent forum fires!
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  • crypticarmsmancrypticarmsman Member Posts: 4,115 Arc User
    tacofangs wrote: »
    Geko is a SYSTEMS designer. While he helps to shape the overall story as the Lead Designer on the project, the individual CONTENT designers, who actually implement missions, and hook up NPCs and such are the ones who would be writing dialog and stories. They actually already do that to an extent. Much of the dialog we do currently is written by that mission's content designer, and then just touched up, and trekkified by Kestrel. We may be missing the latter now, but that doesn't mean we are incapable of telling stories.

    Yes, technically anyone can 'write' - but no everyone can write well, and that touch up 'polish' you seem to dismiss as nice but not essential can have a bigger overall effect than you realize, even if were just talking a Star trek game here. Small bits of writing polish can go a long way depending on the situation, and IMO, Kestral moving on is a BIG loss to the storytelling aspect of STO.

    It remains to be seen if you have, or can find someone to maintain it at the level its been, but again, time will tell.

    (And yes, there have been a few real 'stinkers' under her watch, but honestly, that's true of any Star Trek related TV or feature film series from 1966 to today. Just shows that Kestrel was able to deliver stories and plots of similar caliber to what had been done for TV/Film with Star Trek - IMO.)
    Formerly known as Armsman from June 2008 to June 20, 2012
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    PWE ARC Drone says: "Your STO forum community as you have known it is ended...Display names are irrelevant...Any further sense of community is irrelevant...Resistance is futile...You will be assimilated..."
  • stobg2015stobg2015 Member Posts: 800 Arc User
    tacofangs wrote: »
    Geko is a SYSTEMS designer. While he helps to shape the overall story as the Lead Designer on the project, the individual CONTENT designers, who actually implement missions, and hook up NPCs and such are the ones who would be writing dialog and stories. They actually already do that to an extent. Much of the dialog we do currently is written by that mission's content designer, and then just touched up, and trekkified by Kestrel. We may be missing the latter now, but that doesn't mean we are incapable of telling stories.

    Yes, but who will now be in charge of the plotting of the overall storyline? Who's going to insure that all of the missions enjoy a certain amount of continuity? Who's going to tell the content designers that their dialogue stinks?

    In short, you have writers. Who's the new editor-in-chief with Kestrel leaving?

    Back on topic...

    Kestrel, you have done a fine job for STO over the years and have done well within the limitations you had to work under. Best of luck in your new opportunity. Live long, and prosper.
    (The Guy Formerly And Still Known As Bluegeek)
  • leviathan99#2867 leviathan99 Member Posts: 7,747 Arc User
    edited July 2015
    tacofangs wrote: »
    Geko is a SYSTEMS designer. While he helps to shape the overall story as the Lead Designer on the project, the individual CONTENT designers, who actually implement missions, and hook up NPCs and such are the ones who would be writing dialog and stories. They actually already do that to an extent. Much of the dialog we do currently is written by that mission's content designer, and then just touched up, and trekkified by Kestrel. We may be missing the latter now, but that doesn't mean we are incapable of telling stories.

    I think the thing people miss sometimes is how much the gears all turn one another. It's easy to imagine yourself as the writer who runs everything.

    But outside of some very recent television and a bit of stuff back in the 50s and 60s with Desi Arnez and Rod Serling, it's not how things work.

    It's a collaborative process, I imagine. There are maps you are dying to make. There are systems Geko wants to make because they're good for the financial or mechanical health of the game. The lead writer hopefully gets some input but the story has to be written around those things.

    And it was almost always that way with Trek. When Denise Crosby or Jeffrey Hunter left, they had to write around that.

    In TNG's pilot, they had extra budget that had to be spent on main engineering's set or it wouldn't have the money to get built based on later episodes' lower budgets. So they wrote Riker randomly stumbling into main engineering. Ideally, when the craftsmanship is top notch, nobody questions it. But I'll take that clunky scene with Riker because of what it did for Geordi and Data's characters later. You would never get that amazing scene of Lore in main engineering, you wouldn't get Barclay's workplace drama... at least not on the same level. And that set inspired many of the great scenes in First Contact and Voyager. Had TNG never built a warpcore set, I'm not sure First Contact or Voyager would have either. But it became an iconic place to stage action.

    Some of my early mentorship as a writer came from a guy who worked on the TV show Maverick in the 50s. He gave me his old scripts to review. His job was largely restaging action. If they had a train rented for a week, he'd rewrite Sunset Strip and Maverick episodes to take place on that train.

    I think that's legitimate, even noble, work. It's not always perfect but when it's good, it makes everything else better as a result.
  • jheinigjheinig Member Posts: 364 Cryptic Developer
    The tools of literacy are available to most everyone in the information age, but this has the paradoxical effect of devaluing them -- that is, people assume that because anyone can write, that anyone can write well. The latter is a skill that takes work, of course. This is why skilled writers are important in game development.
  • gavinrunebladegavinruneblade Member Posts: 3,894 Arc User
    Frost, thanks for all your patience and hard work verifying bugs. I do hope you find a good place to go next.

    Kestrel, thank you for all the great stories. I'm glad to hear you have a new job lined up. I sincerely hope that months and years down the road you still find it as shiny as it looks today.
  • protogothprotogoth Member Posts: 2,369 Arc User
    tacofangs wrote: »
    _\\//
    protogoth wrote: »
    Hopefully she also didn't make the decision based on the sometimes overly harsh criticisms of players.

    No, she got a good gig lined up.

    Good to know, thank you.
  • welcome2earfwelcome2earf Member Posts: 1,746 Arc User
    I'VE GOT FAAAAAAAITH...OF THE HEAAAARTTTT!!!!

    Later Kestrel..I hardly knew ye'

    Frost? Great...now who is going to check for bugs in a respectful manner?
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