Writing debriefs is not very complicated but requires a certain flair of descriptions. I started writing debriefs from the beginning and compiled them into a story-like format. This format became my flight journal. It chronicles my career in the TC from when I originally entered the Academy. I used this as the basis for missions I created and the way I look upon missions. I based my debriefs off the "Farlander Papers" from the original X-wing simulator. I located it specifically from the "Official Guide for X-wing" which covered the first three TOD's. That story method of describing missions and how to get through them is what I have aspired to achieve and this is what this course is trying to convey. Take a look at the following descriptions of the same flight:

Description #1:
I flew in a T/I and blasted the fighters that were attacking the ISD Grey Wolf. The fighters were destroyed and the mission was over.

Description #2:
I flew in an Interceptor. I set my lasers to increasing (as normal) and immediately hunted the first set of Y-wings I found. They were still a ways off and so I blind shot at a couple of A-wings in passing while I called for cover. The Y-wings were nearly in range and had already started tracking with torpedoes. I maintained my speed and prepared for the inevitable launching of the warheads. I just got into range when they dropped their first wave. I had to break up that formation before they fired again. I swooped in behind them and blasted away at my primary target. As it turned away, I set my flight on the retreating fighter and switched to the next one. I disintegrated it and hunted for the third. Watching carefully, I saw the next wave drop in. I set upon them as soon as I got track and tore them apart. I continued the ambushing until the Y's were depleted. At that, I went after the harassing A-wings (always dropping missiles at us). I had to call for help when I lost all my wingmen. Damned if I couldn't get them. 3 to 1 odds and unshielded. Not a good prospect. I dumped my lasers and flew hard and fast towards the GreyWolf hoping to avoid the missiles if they started chasing. Luckily, I got in range of the GreyWolf and she made short work of the A's. Once they popped, the mission was complete and I breathed a sigh of relief. I entered the hangar with my hull red and most of my instruments smashed.

Of the two descriptions, which brought the battle to life? Which one seemed to be dry and boring? Which description would make you want to fly this mission if you saw it on the review? Most likely your answers would be second, first, and second. This is where you can excel as a mission designer. If the battle or mission is exciting and has a writable story line, then the battle's rating will be better. Therefore, being able to write debriefs with strong convictions like this, is essential to writing good battles. And everyone wants good battles. The hardest part of writing a debrief is remembering what you have done. That is where the flight recorder comes into play. Review your flight recorder after every mission and write out notes for later. You can also use this time to follow another vessel on its attack run, defensive fire, or even to see what the battle looks like from a distance. Dogfighting has a new perspective when viewed from a central point.

In TIE Fighter and X-wing Alliance, you can put your own messages into the mission. Use these messages to tell the story while in flight. These messages can be from your own test flights of the mission reflecting your thoughts while in mission. If you can write a debrief, the messages in the game are more flowing and bring the excitement up. They set the mood you want for that point in the mission. Imagine flying my battle TC-175 (Escape from Coruscant) without the messages. The first message brings in the basic routine patrol chatter. When the Y's drop in, it is a calm order. When the B's drop in, it starts to rise in panic. Then the call for help goes out. With 20 fighters against 4 (5 to 1 odds), that would make anyone call for help (especially in a Gun boat). Without the messages, it would be boring and a simple dogfight. With the messages, it brings the personality into the picture. Using a testing debrief, you can add in other messages into your own creations and bring the fight to life much better than the same-old-same-old.

Additionally, writing debriefs allows you to write good or better reviews for the battles and mission you do fly. And the better you write debriefs, the better you are able to assist someone else who is having troubles (when coupled with the flight film). Generally, debriefs need to reflect the character and the mission all at the same time.

Now that I have shown the merits of a good debrief, just how the hell do you actually write one? What goes into one? A simple rule of thumb is this: What were you thinking and doing? Simple as that. How to put it into words is the tricky part. That requires a good vocabulary and a common frame of reference. If you have to, review your films again and again. Each time you watch, you may notice something you did not notice. Use the films to help you write the debriefing report. If you know the technical terms for the maneuvers, use them (and remember to explain them for the layman who may read it later). Reread the above descriptions.

Now that you have reread the descriptions, think about your own flying style. How would you describe it? When you fly, what do you think about? What do you notice? What do you actually do by reflex and what do you have to think about to do? All of these are factors in writing a good debrief. All of this is for just the mission you have flown. Now comes the hard part: Battle continuity!

When writing a debrief for an entire battle, keep in mind that there are 2 parts to each mission: the pre-mission briefing, and the post mission debrief. Writing on the pre-mission briefing is simple. All you do is write the general thoughts on the briefing for the mission you are about to do. Include your interactions with other pilots if you can and the ideas you have about armaments. Then go into the mission itself and complete it with a debrief as usual. Before you go into the next mission, write something about what you did right after returning. What is the condition of your fighter? Did you get smashed up? Are you in the infirmary? Did you think the mission was a waste of time? This is where you get to bring your character to life. And that is the key to writing battle debriefs.

Now that you are armed with the essential tools for writing debriefs for both the mission and the battle, it is time to start writing. To take the test, you will need to fly a battle and write a debrief for it. When you are ready, take the test.

Credits:
Created by Talons Pryde