Musical Companion

Position Description

Imagine you're a lowly sort of cargo ship, you don't have much of a reputation, but you and your crew need the work (who doesn't these days?). The only way some of the better ports, with the better paying customers, are going to let you in is if you have someone on board who can verify, without even saying anything, that your ship is Okay, it's not dodgy, and in fact, this ship and it's crew can be trusted.

This is what a Musical Companion does.

Only play the clarinet? That's okay! Can thump out twenty tunes on a washboard while blowing the mouth organ from a shoulder holder? We'll have you on board! Got the personality that's smaller than a pin head, but able to move the thick-shelled crowds with your saddest rendition of The Sound Of Music? It's okay, we still want you on board. Musical knowledge is a must, open-mindedness even more so, and it's okay if you've got a musician's giant ego, that's nearly expected. You are, after all, the ship's prized Musical Companion, cheering hearts, moving moods, and entertaining the low and middle classes by the droves.

Staves Of Musical Success First of all, you need to have rhythm, like that old song, I got rhythm. You gotta be able to sing that song and mean it. Then, you need to be able to actually carry the tune without bursting anyone's ear drums, causing anyone to call for medical assistance because it sounded like someone was dying, or without having a mad mob dog-pile you into silence. Generally speaking, because of the coveted position of a Musical Companion, the individuals would have attended a music school of some high order, learning from only the best (or the second or third best), honing their skills not only for future trade, but simply for the exercise of being better musicians. Being versed in more than one genre of music will always help your career, and understanding why some people don't believe the bagpipes go well with the bongo drums might, as well. When in doubt, play simple tunes, or upsetting and moving songs. Get in touch with the song within your soul, and you'll be fine.

Where to Play

Content...(Bulleted list of sim types. e.g. Starfleet Vessel, Starfleet Research Facility, Starbase, Cruise Liner, Center of Government, Civilian Station, Private Military Ship, etc.)

Character Development Ideas

Content...(Several sections detailing good character development ideas for a civilian character in any of several different scenarios. Includes post examples to spark creativity.)

Other Resources

• Musical Companions of Old Earth's 21st Century

Content...(Several links with short descriptions that give the player help playing a civilian character in general as well as playing in this specific position)

Civilian Corps Director

Clarence William Thompson is the current Civilian Corps Director. You can contact him here.