N8-Toe

And toil you shall 1: She feels positively about the High Priest, having heard stories of their missionary work with the commoners in the southlands, something that appeals to her, a commoner. As well holds a very positive view of their humanitarian work they’ve organized. She supported them for High Priest. As per the developments of the church… mixed. She’s concerned about the rise of Si’akh, but is positive about the mending strength of the Sk’akh church. With the deadlock being mended, and a new moderate high priest at the wheel. She’s cautiously optimistic. 2: She sees the current state of the hegemony in the physical sense, terrible. The wasteland expands, fish and food are a finite resource, and while Hephestus pumps in money for more aquaculture, she’s unsure if it'll be enough to stave off famine. Politically She has a respect for the Hegemon, their ability to bring an end to the civil war, and their commitment during the assembly to try and terraform and fix Moghes, instead of bailing to Ouerea. They think he’s doing near the best they can with the deck the hegemony has. 3: Not great at first. They’re having to learn fast how to fit in, but they are taking too it, seeing it as almost a challenge to learn to navigate the social world of aliens with tact. While she’s a commoner, she tries to emulate a noblewomen so see’s it important to maintaining that to learn fast.

I'm going to reiterate what others said. the whole "The XO doesn't take acting command, but makes a head (who can be an alien!) acting captain" makes no sense. Again why have this XO with the same requirements as Captain, educated in matters on the ship, plop one of the rando heads into the hot seat? Also I dont get this idea that the HoS should be acting captain in a security emergency, CE during major damage. I play head alot, I play HoS, I play CE, i play CMO. I really, really do not want to be acting captain during an emergency when I'm busy. XO is the natural fit for acting captain as the XO is on the bridge, and minding the greater situation with less subordinates of their own. If I'm juggling a hostage situation as HoS, or a massive fire/breach as CE. I dont have time to manage the other issues that come with captainship.

What is the reasoning for the XO not assuming command if the captain is incapacitated? That feels weird they're supposed to be the captains right hand man, and given similar trust, but expected to not step up and take command should the captain be out. I agree with Dream is over complicates.

BYOND Ckey: (Your BYOND ckey): n8_toe Discord username: (Your Discord username) n8_toe Character names: (Names of the characters you play most commonly). There’s a big list. And it changes around currently “in rotation” Malika Hirron Nash Slater Za’Akaix’Slyp Zo’ra Czeck Mayfly Cezary Polaski Ta’Akaix’Agraz’Shua Zo’ra Species you are applying to play: (The species name): Unathi ------------------------------ General Whitelist Requirements What colour do you plan on making your first alien character?: (IPCs exempt) Razir Moss Have you read the lore pages for the species you wish to be whitelisted for?: I have, I also owe whoever wrote the unathi lore timeline a space beer Please provide well articulated answers to the following questions in a paragraph format. One paragraph minimum per question. Why do you wish to play this species?: I mean they’re cool, if I’m being honest. They’re alien, different in culture and biology with fascinating lore leaning more into space opera. I see alot of amazing Unathi characters on ship and want to try my hand at being part of that story. Also so I can eat mice whole to freak out the humans on ship. What makes role-playing this species different than role-playing a human?: Their biology is massively different from that of a human. From a biological stance Unathi are cold blooded and more sluggish in regular movement, So no lingering out in the snow. Behavior wise the gap is larger. Unathi stare at objects and people of interest, perhaps maybe abit too intensely for others. Body language is much, much different to that of a human and takes advantage of their non human features. Tail thumping on the ground being one, showing intense emotion either positive or negative, and may be accompanied by other displays such as rattling in the throat. Beyond the physical is the cultural and behavioral, a species whose society is stuck in the crossroads of tradition and change, adherence to ancient spirituality and societal roles while grappling with the galactic stage and how the two fit together. ------------------------------ Character Application Character Name: Alrik Izli Write a backstory for your character. This may include their origin, education, personality and how they arrived to the SCCV Horizon. (2 paragraphs minimum) Hatched in the waning years of the contact war to two fishermen in Teht, within the Southlands. Part of a minor clan traditionally connected to the Fishing League. Their childhood was filled with the strife of the war, and its indirect horrors brought to the regions. Teht being spared direct nuclear bombardment, but the destruction of Oket bringing refugees to the city, bringing further demand for food the League couldn’t always satisfy. Their families proximity to food production meant they never felt the hunger pains common to Moghes during and after the war. But grew up acutely aware of the suffering around them, doing what they could to assist their clan from a young age. Their earliest memories being around docks or fisheries, accompanying their parents work, being schooled in what little downtime there was between the many voyages, long hours in a vain attempt to see all fed. Memories interspersed with ones they try to forget, of refugees wasting away from radiation exposure, air raid sirens, and the sight of thousands of fish dead, belly up in the waters of the south from waters contaminated by fallout. The capitulation of the coalition coming around their 10th birthday, though this did little to stem the flow of refugees, or the desperation to feed hungry, displaced masses scarred from war or slow the demand of their clan’s work. Their escape was immersing themselves in books and stories of spies. Pulp novels they could scrounge up, Imagining a life as a cunning, tactful spymaster in between unloading crates of fish and mending nets. Often seen sitting on a cleat at dock, snout in a book waiting for the trawlers to return. Conflict brings crisis, and crisis brings crime. Breaking from their families traditions as fishermen and sailors, She took an apprenticeship with a local investigator working with the Teht city watch. In doing so undergoing the transcendence of the Sublime Barrier, with a Sk’akh Priest, being declared a healer after their fast and meditation. The transition to such a career, with it very much not being what books of thrilling fiction made it out to be, was rough. But she persevered through it, completing her apprenticeship and working freelance on her own. Making just enough to keep food in her bowl, pay her old master, and contribute back her obligation to her clan. Her work put her in contact with Aliens from off world. Investigating theft of Corporate property, or actions against the growing number of Hephestus sites. Creating a healthy working relationship eventually leading them to make inroads with Dagamuir Freewater Private Forces, and as business began to dry up. From a mix of growing instability, and Hephestus’s purchase of the fighters lodge. She took a contract with them for their investigations division, Not to mention the pay they could remit to their struggling clan. How has the recent events of the Orion Spur impacted your character? Events such as the Phoron Scarcity, the Solarian Collapse or even the Invasions of Biesel for interstellar-wide affairs, while region-specific events such as the Peacekeeper Mandate, The Titan Rises or even Cold Dawn may impact your character. (1 paragraph minimum) The Phoron scarcity is a stranglehold on their home. The war destroyed much of Moghes’ food production, while the scarcity makes the import of food economically infeasible. Hephestus’s rapid growth in the Hegemony has also been a change in their life. From the major investment they have put in the guild her clan members almost all serve, to the dominance of Hephestus in the economy and as a client of private security and spy services before its purchase of the fighters lodge. Wherever she looks she sees its weight being thrown around, and more and more of her home under its banner. How does your character view the megacorporation they work for? (1 paragraph minimum) With mixed emotions. They dislike the lack of tradition, and lets call it “loose” way of seeing the warrior's code they have. Let alone the greater PMCG. But the money is good, more consistent than freelance work, and She’s still enamored with the romanticized view of the work of a spy, and sees this route as the way to stay in that dream and goal. Not to mention the good pay Lightning Round What religion does your character follow: They are a devout follower of the Sk’akh faith. They are firm in their beliefs, something which has given them some pause in their work in Human space. Such as needing some “coaching” on how to work with synthetics, and keep her belief in their lack of a soul to herself. How does your character view Hephestus: With resignation primarily. Moghes is in tatters after the war, and its economy was on a downward spiral. Hephestus is, or atleast promises it is, a relief from this. A way to pull out of this nosedive on a dying planet still simmering in the cinders of the apocalypse. But this comes with its control and power. Something she realizes she just has to accept, as to fight the influence of Hephestus and aliens on Moghes would be to fight the tide itself.

I'm going to voice a concern on this. So I've been playing SS13 for nearing a decade, and Aurora on and off for 7ish? not sure anymore years Part of the concern I'd have, is a few long running characters almost becoming "celebrities" in lore. So and So was a hero on Adhomai, Konyang, Biesel, names in the paper! face on TV! a hero across the spur.. and then imagining someone else looking at their character who was just "some guy". I think we should look for ways to give recognition or reward characters and players for their actions in events. But I don;t think I ever want to see a player characters name on the wiki. I would find it demoralizing to feel like I am a background character to the story and game and there is a group of "main characters". and If I was a new player I'd find it also off putting to see "well I'm just Atmostech/sec officer/doctor whatshisface. but my co worker is the hero of Kongyang, it said so on the wiki". which this may make me slightly hypocritical. I've always maintained when making a character and backstory their "finest hour" should happen in game. Their moment of triumph or agony should happen in game. But with years on years on years of cannon arcs we run into, well... New characters from old players, and new characters from new players now having to stand up to someone who's canonically fought across the spur, or who's done great world altering heroic deeds. And well, we will have new characters. People decide to try new ones, new people come, people get alien whitelists, or just people want to play a different job. We will always have a new cast of characters, and that is not a bad thing, nor should the fact the names on the manifest is new discourage anyone from joining But coming back to "how do we recognize players/characters". I think we should keep "if you die in an event, your toast" rule. As I think it does regulate behavior some, and really gives weight to the risks taken in events. I do 100% believe without that rule people would be more "out there" in risk. But I think those that die in cannon events should have their char name mentioned or memorialized. I dont think there is risk of any sort of "meta celebrity" status if they are dead, and gives a payoff and recognition to the character and player. But I don't think people should be put by name on the wiki or lore articles for success. Lets use Kongyang for example, who gets mentioned by name? the guy who destroyed the the transmitter? well if I was the one helping them but got left out, I may be sad or upset. Or I was leading the charge and wounded in the last moment. As well we ask players to be event volunteers. I was one for pretty much the entire Konyang arc, would missing out on that recognition discourage volunteers for that? I'd be abit miffed if I was an actor for the event and everyone but me got a mechanical/in record accolade for it and suddenly my own character is missing a mark on their record everyone else has. I'd be fine with "crewman so and so from the Horizon said this to our reporter". But I'm straight up walking away if I have to read in the wiki how someones character has 12 confirmed kills on three different planets and then I'm on shift with them. I agree with Dream on more mundane events and cannoncity. But I do love the large arcs, I think they're part of what makes Aurora great. But some care is needed. Stepping back, sure it doesn't make sense a single ship and gaggle of 200 odd so and so's are at the middle of everything. but its a game and we need to work around it. I dont think embracing it and having service marks in records, racks of medals on chests, or players on the wiki will help.

Cant say I've had a bad experience with any of their chars, as well their application is really well written and reflective on the role of a command member +1 from me!

would a tacky "crew appreciation plaque" in the D3 garden or chapel be on brand than. Give a spot for characters to RP about their friend who died, but also sorta reinforce the corporation is a souless entity that does not care for their lives. Or is that even drifting too close. Or does having just the chapel already fill that niche of RP venue

yeah I think having just sorta in the "cannon" there's a rec room, a cafeteria, or just very bare bones things I think works. In my head, I usually imagine the habitation deck as just being abit nicer than IRL commercial ships. But I think what is most critical. is that the deck the game takes place on is where anything interesting/of note happens. The time in round should be a characters defining moments. And it shouldn't ever take narrative backseat to out of game RP

yeah I think this will undercut the bridge crew having an automated ferry. if we want another shuttle, why not add one thats on Point verdant that they can fly up to take passengers. but adding an automated shuttle cuts into the Bridge crew's role, as well opens the box to the automating of other shuttles.

I remember the rat hordes, eating food, crashing situations, getting yeeted by turrets, and being a vague backround radiation in some rounds. with that said 100% I want the fuzzy fuckers back

I mean non standard punishment for minor/medium offenses should 100% fully be a thing. Just leaving some room for creativity. Things like being ordered to go clean up the mess, or even for minor things having your punishment being make an apology. More RP involved resolutions than "swipe here to pay the fine in space monopoly money" and if they botch that option given to them or refuse, well just fine/brig I wont lie I am struggling for good alternatives for things such as "Billy killed someone". Because from the characters perspective he's a threat, and generally your not going to give them their tools back. Lobotomy is just grimderp and I really wouldn't want to be as an antag as tbh I'd feel under glass. trackered, chemical implant and unable to directly harm people. I am cornered from not just continuing hostilities, but doing anything but just mindlessly do what im told. I can play a Viax if I want that. idk.. sentenced to join the mining team? its off ship, and worst case if you pick axe someone they just leave you behind. That could be an option

So actual question here. if the offmap is already docked or aboard for non security related things. like I'm Captain and the kataphracts are just in the bar telling war stories, and a security situation occurs that spirals out of control. Do I still need to have a distress beacon launched, if command is in full agreement to ask the kataphracts who are already aboard for help? I ask because it doesn't feel intuitive to launch a beacon for people already aboard.

Fully against this. And I feel goes against the spirit of the RP we want to build. There is no "Cannon captain of the Horizon" and I dislike opening the door to "well you have to be THIS recognizable to have importance in an event".

They need to be allowed to pick objectives that they can win. I don't know how well people would take me as an antag doing a sabotage or assassination objective. Sure I could do an announcement giving a heads up "oooh evil mictalin saboteurs" may be aboard. but thats also asking me to softball to security and the crew. if I announce someone may be here to wack the cap... well code blue, sec's armed, captain has armor, and is in the bunker. Can my achievable goal be to kill the captain, sabotage medical or the brig, perhaps rob cargo, mug some crewman, or hold up the bar. As well if it is 1 v 10 situation, and sec is fighting them with lethals they should fully be allowed to go to the boards. hostages, bombs, sabotage, and lethal force the works. I bring up these. because these are things within the ability of an traitor who can be defined as a "A man with a gun and a plan". These do generate RP, and tell a story even if there is not monologues and announcements ahead of time. This creates disruption, it has a goal, I'd have some kind of justification for it.. Maybe I'm sick of the SCC so I wanna knock off the captain, maybe I got gambling debts and need the money so a hostile group is paying me or I'm going to rob the ship. These are "Winnable" objectives. I can measure victory. But now lets be actually honest. My gimmick involves me saying anti corporate things to my co workers, sniding about management on the radio, than when I see the captain in the hall way alone I say "Up yours corpo scum" and blap em with a gun, and run away. Ditch the piece and try and lay low.. Maybe try and get the XO next. Is that.. a good gimmick? or did I take a player out of the round without RP and im going to be talking to an admin. I created RP, the captains dead, there is an investigation, maybe it'll lead to me and I'll make a run for it or a last stand. maybe it wont. I rob cargo with a mask on and change of clothes, I grab the money, I grab the bread, and I run. ditch the disguise, and hide till transfer since sec is searching. Is.. that a good gimmick or did I fail to create RP. The reason I bring this up is again. I think we're lying to ourselves. People where saying "well we need antags who are not trying to carry the round fully". I just gave you some examples, if you where the captain who got blapped by me with your RP buildup being maybe I snark at you once on radio, and me shouting something before killing you. Are you ahelping? IF your the cargo tech who I pistol whip to take your ID, than leg it and lay low for the rest of the round. Are you ahelping me, or at the end of round when your sec and realize I layed low. If we want the offmap to be the antags. are you going to ahelp when you die without warning when the bar is hit by an HE round because command insulted a pirate. The core we need to see here is to fix our culture, we need to be lighter on antags. We need to lower their thresh hold for violence, and we need to punish players who refuse to play along, yes and roleplay, or go out of their way to just shut them down. I fully believe people should eat command bans for dismissing gimmicks or trying to fax them, and regular people should be eating week bans for taunting armed angry men with guns. We also need to remove the fear people have that they're just going to get bwoinked if they antag, or get salted at. I dont play traitor because I've seen people antag banned for what I think was wildly unfair, and I dont want to loose my command whitelist. We can't have our cake and eat it too. If we want antags who carry the round, they need to have gear that lets them enforce that gimmick as well the OOC rules and culture that they should be allowed to If we want antags who act as sorta B and C plots, well we need to accept events that disrupt our rounds may not be as "grand" if we want off map antags. They either have to be able to be a true threat, and initiate hostilities, or they're just NPC's

The thing with off maps is it would require a culture/policy change. As of right now the off maps essentially need the consent of the Horizon to interact with them. and do so on their terms. To have off maps be a more significant source of conflict I believe would require them to be allowed to antagonize or engage the horizon of their own initiative, as well a removal of the leviathan. It would be hard for me as a person on the Tarwa ship to try and extort the Horizon for passage through my turf, or be a trader who got in a dispute with the crew if the crew has a "Screw you I win" button. If the interactions still have to be on the Horizons terms, it neuters it. And we get the issue of people would just, arguably as some do now, treat the offmap people as NPC's. The antagonist model works, because you have to engage with them. You can't turn away from the guy saying "I'm from Mictalin here to make the SCC pay" if the guy has a gun in your face. Command can't tell the man with a bomb "We don't want to play with you". It happens like it or not. If we want to have offmaps be a conflict driver, we suddenly have to be ok with eating an HE shell to the face because we told the angry pirates no, or them nabbing our miners. I think alot of the issue we have is the incongruity with what people want an antag to be, with what an antag is. People seem to want the round to be disrupted... but not their round. They want an antagnosit to shoot, or to heal the victims of. but I feel alot of people are not ok being the one getting killed by the antagonist, or who's workplace gets blown up. I think we need to again as a community take a step back and acknowledge if we have antagonists, on or off ship. They will disrupt the round, and that includes our round. And when we readied up to play the game, we agreed that could happen to us. Heck, I say lower the re spawn timer if your character dies to five minutes. That way your not out of the game, and can keep playing with everyone if you do die