Commendation Protocol

Commendation Protocol

Field Recognition and Leadership Merit System
Classified Directive Reference: Heimdahl / S.C.P. Registry 07-B

Opening Scene

The piercing note of a bosun's whistle echoes through the corridor as personnel gather in a makeshift assembly bay. The ship’s lighting shifts subtly, and the holographic partitions flicker into a formal display of the Starfleet Delta. Ensign Lorren lowers the whistle as three engineering crew stand to attention before their department head.

Chief Engineer T’Ren steps forward, eyes precise, expression reserved.

“It is with great honor that I formally recognize the actions of these officers. During the incident in the uncharted Nebula 87-G, their initiative, coordination, and technical brilliance prevented a cascade failure that would have destabilized the warp core mid-separation. Their actions were not only effective—they were exemplary.”

With practiced formality, T’Ren steps down the line, affixing a small field citation to each uniform. A nod, brief and respectful, marks each presentation.

Once complete, she turns and assumes position at the head of the group.

Commander Elannis, the ship’s Executive Officer, steps forward.

“Chief, your officers shine. Not just because of what they did—but because you gave them the space to become exceptional. Starfleet recognizes that. And so do I.”

“On behalf of Admiral Halliday and command authority, I award you a Leadership Commendation—for excellence not only in your duties, but in your capacity to raise others to greatness.”

The assembled officers offer the traditional single clap—firm, unified, and carrying more weight than any standing ovation.

Commendation System

A hybrid recognition mechanic for STA campaigns emphasizing moral excellence, daring action, and leadership development.

Purpose

The Commendation Protocol exists to recognize character-defining moments. Unlike abstract experience systems, this mechanic rewards impact—moments of risk, resolve, and restraint in the field. Commendations are always earned, never automatic.

Award Conditions (In-Play Criteria)

A Commendation is awarded to a Main or Supporting character who performs one of the following:

• Hard Task: Any task that requires a total of 5+ successes and meets one of the following narrative conditions:
• Failure would dramatically alter the mission outcome.
• Attempt involved risk of death or permanent consequence.
• Circumstances required innovation, sacrifice, or violated safe protocol.
• Outstanding Action: Any cinematic, brilliant, or self-sacrificial act that shifts the balance of the scene.
• Nebula Star: Posthumous or near-death survival only.
• Gravitas Cross: Enduring crippling physical/mental trauma to complete an action.
• Silver Pulse: Battlefield-level impact via creativity, leadership, or instinct.
• Aurora Ribbon: Interposing oneself for others—physically, politically, or emotionally.
• Heart of Starfleet: Choosing the harder path to uphold Federation ethics—preserving life, defusing violence, or acting from compassion when tactical advantage could have been prioritized.
• Unity Beacon (Commendation of Shared Destiny)
• Infinite Reach (Commendation of Ethical Extension)
• The Selar Mark (Commendation of Moral Reversal)
• Compassion Cross (Medal of Emotional Integrity)

Awarding Process:

• The GM identifies a qualifying moment.
• A command-ranked player character (CO, XO, or Department Head) issues the commendation in-character at an appropriate time (immediately or in a later debrief).
• The player character earns 1 Commendation Point (CP).

Leadership Recognition

When a CO/XO or Department Head issues commendations to their crew, they themselves may be recognized for effective leadership.

• For every three commendations a CO/XO or PC Department Head awards to others, they receive 1 Leadership Commendation (identical in function to standard CPs).
• This is awarded on behalf of the team’s excellence under their guidance—not as personal glory, but as command merit.

"We are what we enable in others." — Starfleet Command Leadership Primer, Vol. IV

Commendation Point (CP) Uses

Commendation Points may be spent between missions (with GM approval) to influence the campaign world.

Uses include:

Note: A department that collectively earns multiple commendations may temporarily gain a narrative Trait (e.g., “Tactically Honed”, “Cohesive Response Team”).

Canon Notes

• All commendations are logged under Heimdahl Registry S.C.P. Index.
• Recognitions are visible to Admiral Victoria Halliday – Starfleet Intelligence and select figures within the star fleet clearance structure.

Summary

In a crew where everyone watches the edges of the mission—this system reminds them to also see each other.