DeadLantern

Any word on integrating it?

Definitely expand on the other kingdoms that survived the contact war. Right now, an Unathi can come from a lot of diverse places--Dominia, Ourea, one of the colonies, from the Hegemon, from the vestiges of the Traditional Coalition, or a Wastelander faction. But, if you want to play an Unathi involved in the Feudal system on Moghes, you could only go to the Queendom or the Hegemony (or a place subjugated by the hegemony). The lore page on the kingdoms that survived is a little sad. First, it says "kingdoms", and there is only one kingdom, and it is not even a kingdom, it is a Queendom. More should be added for increased RP opportunities. How are these kingdoms different culturally from the Hegemon? How did they survive? What is their relationship to the Wasteland, the Hegemon, the other smaller kingdoms, or the aliens? I would be very happy to expand and add more kingdoms that survived. I will probably add 2-3 new culturally different kingdoms that occupy Moghes. Plotting an arc on station seems very very very fun to me. I would need to plan it out weeks/months before and invest some time into it, but that would be absolutely lovely. I have no idea what type of arc I would do, but considering the Skrell arc just ended and the Tajara one is coming, it would make sense to also have an Unathi arc on station. Also, planning a series of events and writing them would be great. My main focus is to move the Unathi species forward, instead of retconning or changing. I want the Unathi to feel alive, and I want current events to reflect that. I like it when the political/religious/whatever sphere is instable and constantly changing. That instability is reflected on station, mostly. The series events do not necessarily require bloodshed or death. A peaceful but interesting set of events on the side would be great as well.

I personally haven't noticed a trend.

I have had some run-ins with administration before. I have been banned once, unless I am forgetting something that happened years ago. My only ban happened a some months ago, and it was due to my Diona play; I was ignoring Pain RP, and I see this clearly now. This is a problem related to my Diona play, and I now know how to accurately represent that species. If you are wondering what I did, I disposal'd myself on the bet of some mercs who said I would not survive. I did survive and reformed my Gestalt, but I did not consider how painful going into disposals and getting crushed would be. I would never do that with humans or Unathi or any other race, and now I know not to do it with Diona. Recently, I have been warned on my Vaurca play. That is specific to my Vaurca play, and I do not think it has any bearing on any other species. I have noticed I tend to play "alien" species very over the top, and I have been trying to tone that down recently. The only extremely alien creatures on the Aurora are Vaurca and Diona, and I can relate to the RP of Unathi and other species well enough. Other than that, my notes are interspersed and not that serious. There is one note however, that relates to my Unathi play. It is ten months old at this point. I accidentally joined as a Security Officer instead of a Priest when playing an old old Si'akh priest. I decided to play Sec officer anyway and preach as if I was a priest and do Security stuff as well. In the moment, I thought I was enhancing roleplay--now, with hindsight, I see that it is absolutely dumb. I should have cryoed, and I definitely won't do anything like that again. I believe that is all the outstanding stuff, and I don't think I forgot to mention anything else.

I think you overestimate how powerful Unathi are, and underestimate how much force you need to rip off a limb (a normal, fully-attached healthy limb)

Good, thank you for answering my questions! Sepma feels a lot more realized in this world now. I support this application.

What you have currently is fine. But I would like some more meat to the application, especially relating to the whole world of Unathi lore. What religion does Sepma follow? Opinions on the other religions? Religion is a giant part of Unathi lore. What is his opinion of the Contact War? What does he think about the Hegemony's supremacy over the Coalition, even when they used alien tactics and technology? Did he think the use of Nuclear Weapons was justified? Where does Sepma think the nukes came from? He has seen a lot of his brothers die fighting an unfair war. Is he willing to be an honorable warrior even when the other side is not? Was the use of nuclear weapons honorable? You do not have to answer every single one of these questions, but right now, you don't talk much about any other side of Unathi lore. The only thing relating your character to Unathi lore is the Contact War and the mention of Katchapracts, and of course the Traditionalists/Hegemony. This is not necessarily bad, as what you have written down right now is all well and fine, but the whitelist app is done to prove your proficiency in the lore. Right now, I do not really see a whole lot of lore. Right now, I am neutral, and eager to see how Sepma thinks of the world around him.

Since writing was not available to most Tajara, no time signatures were used. Instead, there was an estimated time of completion, and a player should finish around that time. Most songs were implied 6/8 or 12/8. Since most Tajara music is for dancing, most of it is in 6/8 or 12/8. Of course, other time signatures could be used, especially in modern times. Most modern Tajara music nowadays will have western time signatures.

I get your reasoning for her choice to run away for her clan. Yes, Ansiba clan only recruits the smartest of Unathi. I am sorry for implying that only Unathi in "smart professions" get into Ansiba. I concur that there must be some sort of aptitude test or trial Aut'akh put people through to test their various skills. I do not have a problem with Lossha being recruited into Ansiba while being an innkeeper's wife; I do have a problem when you don't mention her smartness in the application. Keeping in one's desires are hard, and female Unathi are not expected to do things relating to social-science or anything outside of caring for a family. Did she repress those desires to learn and teach? Or did she try anyway, and fail, and become jaded as a result of it? Sorry if I worded it incorrectly, but what I want is a statement on why she is smart enough to be in Ansiba as well as her dealings with this aptitude while she was married. Perhaps she did it in secret, or she wrote her fantasies in a diary, something to indicate possible smartness. Your last paragraph is true. The Hegemon's influence only extends so far into the Wasteland, and it would make sense that many things are different. Anyway, as I said earlier, this application is fine. If I were writing it though, I would add a little more in her conversion to Th'akh to Aut'akh. Not because it is needed or anything, but because I would the exact conversion (decentralized, relatively lax tenets to centralized, dominating tenets) to be interesting. How she grappled with doubts of her faith, how she eventually began to believe, etc.

Hi, cool app. However, I see some various things that'd I like questioning. First, you say the husband and the customer get into a fight--now, if it was straight up murder, it is still a crime. The other Unathi could be punished, and as a Widow you could have gained sympathy from others, enough to stay with your clan and people. Possibly even remarry. However, if it was an honorable duel, then there is probably not much one can do, and it is interesting to see how a significant other deals with a loss they had absolutely no answer to. That grief is ardous to overcome, and it makes sense that one would search for answrs anywhere, even to heretics. Also, your character is part of the Ansiba tribe. But how? Ansiba only recruit the smartest people to become Ansiba. I was expecting someone who deals with food to become Kethresh. You don't really give an explanation on why they are Ansiba. An explanation would be nice. Other than that, it is a character with a good backstory which makes sense. It does not deal with much Unathi politics or ideas, but that makes sense, as you are strictly applying for Autakh, so I can accept the lack of that part of the application.

Ckey/BYOND Username: DeadLantern Why are you interested in applying for a Unathi Deputy position?: When I first came to Aurora station, I had my Unathi application up within a week of joining. Of course, it got denied, but this is proof enough that I like this species! A lot! Unathi lore has always been consistent in its updates, and has had very little missteps compared to other species. For some time, I enjoyed Vaurcae the most, then it went to IPCs, then it went to Tajara, but Unathi have always had a special place in my heart, just because I liked their lore so much. I like them, and I have always liked them. They are my rock, in a way. So why am I applying for an Unathi deputy position? Because I like the species, that's why, and I would be honored to see my ideas fall under this great species. What will you want to focus on if we take you on? Why?: I am flexible when it comes to writing about topics. Often times, I have trouble thinking of what to write about. I like it when I am told there is something someone wants to write in, and I can write it in without constructing an entire idea by myself. I think Unathi lore is in a pretty good place, and there is nothing to rewrite. There are some things that are sparse in Unathi lore, most notably Flora/Fauna on both Ourea and Moghes. Cuisine is also lacking, and that can be improved upon. What is Unathi lore to you? What niche does it fill for our setting?: Lizardmen have been a staple of any SS13 server, though their lore was always reduced to "religious and warrior fanatics that kill kill kill". Aurora lore is good in that it is not purely this--Yes, there is a strict warrior code, and there are some religious fanatics. But it is not unga bunga style, and it is done with subtlety. The niche the Unathi fill is not that of big strong warrior, but a species chained so strongly to their traditions and beliefs. Extremely devoted individuals to their God and tenets. And, of course, there are people within the Unathi race that do not fit that kind of Sinta, which creates even more conflict. The niche that Unathi provide is that they are a wholly different species that is often times in conflict with the values and morals of aliens, and even their own kind. Sort of a fish-out-of-water-but-is-determined-to-live-as-if-they-were-in-water vibe. Do you have examples of past commitments for creative works? (Hosting or playing in a DnD setting or otherwise proving you can devote time to the position): I am currently a DM for a party, and have been for about a month and a half. I do hate Kobolds, however, and this may or may not effect the reception to this post. Other than that, I do not have any public creative commitments to any RP server/projects, and never had any. Sometimes our community can be very aggressive in response to lore developments; can you feel easily defeated by hostility towards your work? It depends. All communities seem to have a knack of using hyperbole when describing things they dislike. A good example of this is Dominian lore--I certainly recognize it has problems, but people are very hostile to Dominia for its problems. I do not think I am easily defeated by hostility, but I know that hostility comes from a place where someone wants something changed, and I will very much take this into account. Additional Comments: I do know that I am quite green when it comes to this sort of thing. The way I see it, I either do not upload this app and do not get accepted, or upload it and have a chance at being accepted. So, I chose the latter. I will not be offended if you point this out or any other flaws I may have. I am also not a fanatic in Unathi lore, meaning I don't play Unathi exclusively, nor do I talk about it that often. I do forget things from the wiki sometimes. But, I earnestly like Unathi lore and would love to help add to it. By the way, I play Guwandi'resh.

Type (e.g. Planet, Faction, System): Musical System Describe this proposal in a single sentence (12 word maximum): A proposal to add a music system that Tajara abide by and instruments to accompany it, as well as explaining human diffusion How will this be reflected on-station? Tajara may like/dislike certain song types, instruments may be added (or not), better reflect a different aspect of Tajara culture Does this faction/etc do anything not achieved by what already exists? No Why should this be given to lore developers rather than remain player created lore? Alb said he would be fine with more Taj music lore, as well as some others in the community Do you understand that if this is submitted, you are signing it away to the lore team, and that it's possible that it will change over time in ways that you may not forsee? Yes Long Description: First, we should go over the actual musical system Tajara adhere to. This will use a lot of musical terms. Tajaran music is modally-based, with there being 8 modes in total. A scale can be constructed from each Mode, which is the arpeggio of the mode. To simplify, there are a total of four notes in one modal scale. Two are octave, and there are two in between. Microtones between the two notes in between are used frequently, which would sound very odd to human ears. This is done because Tajara perceive music as “sadder” with the more flat a pitch is, and “happier” with the sharper a pitch is. Notes are relative to the notes that come before it. Even if a low note is played, if it is juxtaposed with a lower note before or after it, it will be perceived as happy. Depending on the mood of a song, a Tajara player may tune their instrument lower, to make the song sadder; the opposite is also true. A common tradition is to let the weather decide the tuning of an instrument--Cold weather naturally makes an instrument flatter, ergo colder weathers will make songs sadder. And indeed, one may notice that if each note is perceived relative to the notes that come before it, there will *always* be a happy and sad part integral to the song. This is on purpose, as it reflects the duality in sadness/happiness which is also found in S’rendarr and Messa. Some Tajara may also liken Dissonances to Raskara. Also, it is true that just because a note is “sadder”, it won’t inspire tears. Sadness is a wide emotion, as with happiness. It depends on the context of the song and the Mode to determine the exact emotion. As stated before, there are Eight modes. Though it is not stated outright, they are intertwined with the Gods of the Ma’ta’ke Pantheon. These are the Modes listed in order: Mrazur, Manur, Rrauor, Surour, Kaoel, Draeol, Aauol, Deor. They respectively represent these Gods’ values and desires, or even the God itself: Mata’ke, Marryam, Rredouane, Shumalia, Kraszar, Dhrarmela, Azubarre, and The Dead Gods. To those less musically inclined, one may refer to the Modes by the name of the God itself. An example of a song using this Tajaran System: A song based on the Modes of Rrauor and Aauol, or Rredouane and Azubarre. The song itself seems to symbolize the relationship between luck and love. First, a theme is presented in the Mode of Rrauor; the mood is usually ascending (aka happy), and it is tuned higher than normal to show the exciting-ness of luck and flirting. The Second movement modulates to the Mode of Auol; It is first dreamy and slow, ascending softly, but there are dissonances sprinkled within and it begins to descend. This represents how love can quickly turn to misery, especially if it is spurned by luck. Folk Instruments: P'rrama (literally, eight-string): If one were to think of a folk instrument of China, they would think of a Mandolin. The American South, the Banjo. When one thinks of a folk instrument of Adhomai, they think of the P'rrama. This is an instrument that has maintained its status among Tajara, even with human diffusion. It is usually plucked, but a special type of bow can be used to bow with the instrument. The holes on the bottom change the octave of the notes that are played, thus extending the range of the instrument. Each String starts on the first note of one of the eight modes for easy playing. It is used both solo and with other instruments, human or Tajaran. It is a common staple among Village folk and city folk--To be blunt, it is universal. Humans can play it, but the octave range is disabled due to a lack of a tail. As well as this, the strings are much thicker to accommodate stubby Tajara hands. Makkra Baq (literally, Instrument of Das’nrra): This instrument does hail from the island of Das’nrra, but it has long been a staple of Tajara everywhere, since at least the times of the Holy Empire. One plucks the strings, creating a meek and Harpsichord-like sound. It is almost always used in a solo/duet setting, as it’s small voice can easily be overshadowed by other instruments. In spite of this, it maintains quite a folky sound, and it is more common in rural areas than in cities. This can be partly because of the popularity of human instruments in cities. Mah Kii (literally, War Horn): The Mah Kii is an ancient instrument, once commonly used by medieval-period Tajara. Instead of a snare or a flute-like in human wars, this would accompany soldiers and knights in their battles for morale. It goes by many local names, and it has a sort of divine and religious connotation with the instrument. The Holy Village will probably greet new arrivals with this horn, and when walking the path of Messa, one may even hear this instrument. It has fallen out of use drastically as warfare has changed. Rhazar’Hrujmagh caravans still use this instrument to start raids or battles on targets, and some have even attempted to incorporate these instruments into Electro-Swing bands. However, due to its short range and its connotation with the heavens, it is not used often. Dyneech Mro (literally, rhythm drum): This instrument evolved from the fact that there was no rhythm defining instrument other than the drums. Thus, the Dyneech Mro was born. It is essentially a larger P’rrama, without the octave holes. There are only five strings, but the lowest string has a string extension which can be used using an extra peg. All Modes can be played on this instrument. It is not a solo instrument, and a bow has rarely been used with it. It exists purely to compliment other instruments, and it does that job well. It has a twangy timbre that sets itself apart from the P’rrama, but it is low enough to not be the focal point of a song. However, a common motif in Tajaran music is to have a “Mro Solo”, where the Dyneech Mro is played by itself. It usually consists of extremely fast notes in a repetitious fashion. This motif is still present in Tajaran music today. Various Drums and Snares: The drum has been a staple of Tajara-kind for their entire presence on Adhomai. They come in many forms, some bearing resemblance to human types. Often times, they will accompany a solo Makkra Baq or P'rrama. They are quite easily incorporated into Tajaran-Human music, so they are still quite popular. Drumsticks made from the bones of animals are most commonly used to create a large sound, or a hand may be used. They are also the only instrument to be played during a Tajaran Play. Experimental plays may use human instruments or even choirs for music, but these are but experiments. For a traditional Tajaran play, it will almost always be accompanied by a steady drumbeat or heavy snares. The Tajaran Voice: A side effect of the artificial breeding done on Tajara has resulted in the races of the Tajara to have different possible ranges and timbres on their voice. Zhan’Khazan are most usually a Bass-Baritone voice. Hharar are Tenor-Alto, and M’sai/Njarir are almost always Soprano. The Tajara voice is the most universal Tajara instrument, and due to traditional schooling, many children have at least basic singing skills, though this is fading away in the cities. They can be played solo, or with any manner of instruments. If one were going to a fancy dinner party, or some troops needed morale support, you would find a singer or singers singing away. Singers are by far more popular than any instrument player. Tajaran “Band”: During a political or religious ceremony, it is customary to have a Band play. On holidays or any other political/military/fancy event, a band is usually hired. However, a Tajaran band is different than a human band. The band usually consists of any number of singers, 1-2 P’rrama (1 bowed, 1 plucked), 1 Dyneech Mro, and some assorted drums and snares and cymbals. This staple of Tajaran music has seen little modification, even with the advent of human diffusion. During Religious ceremonies or holidays, a Mah Kii may also be used sparingly. Human Diffusion: By far, the most popular form of Tajaran music today is “Electro Swing”, as some call it. Popular in the Orion Spur and most Adhominian cities, it’s reputation can not be downplayed. But how did it come about? When humans first made contact with Tajara, musical ideas were exchanged quite quickly. Adhominian cities have seen quite the mark-up in human-based songs and instruments (discounting harmony/melody/modes, which remains purely Tajaran). Bloodstorm is a popular band subscribing to this style--using Human and Tajaran instruments to display Tajaran themes that attempt to harken back to the roots of Tajara. Electro Swing is different, in that it represents a genre of music that is wholly syncretic, and can be enjoyed by Man or Tajara. Tajaran composers found Atonal jazz to be quite appealing in their human discovery and integrated this style of music with human synthesizers and traditional Tajaran instruments. Both Tajaran and Human conventions of Modes, keys, themes, etc can be followed or not followed, which results in an incredibly unique sound that can be enjoyed by both races. Human diffusion on Tajaran music has been incredibly impactful, with some human instruments seeing use on Tajara (though most of them are stringed). Additional Notes: I am willing to add more folk instruments if they are needed.

It should not be cargo that is punished, but the bad players. Can't one just complain about these bad cargo players and ban them from cargo/the server? I don't understand how this is a problem for Cargo itself.

Nevermind

I still think that this could be a neat feature as long as the radius is 1-2 tiles away. Different species or different genders could have a different sound to them, as well.

I understand now. I support this application!

Good job on choosing the best color. So, when the Th'akh shamans made their way into the wasteland, you say they described Aliens and starships as being new things. As your character was born very near the Contact Wars, aliens are a 16 year old concept now. That is the one grievance I have. This backstory is quite good. An Unathi who knows only a modicum of honor, of clans, of gender roles, etc, is a good concept. I don't see any lore issues. It's fine! There is also a minor thing located in "Why you chose to play this species." You say that Unathi have some very backwards ideals on Women and Nationalism, but progressive ideals do exist such as Homosexuality and Transgender-ality. While viewed through human eyes it seems quite progressive/backwards, through a Sinta's eyes it is just normal. Don't fall into a trope of highlighting different opinions due to cultural differences in an attempt to seem "Xeno" while roleplaying on station, as it comes off as fake. Just treat this issues like that is how they are supposed to be, rather than anything else.

Great responses. I happily support this app.

I too love the chaplain role. Roleplaying alien religions is a hobby of mine. Your character is well crafted, and I like that you have incorporated the Queen's lore and brood into your backstory. The individual backstory of each Brood is a very underrated concept and I don't see it too often. I would like some thoughts, though. What does Egz think of the other Vaurcesian religions? From my view, they can be practiced easily in tandem. Does he believe them? Is it fake? And what does he think of Xeno religions? Any comments on ones he finds interesting, or dumb, or actually believable? This is all to see how the character really acts and where is logic lies.

I choose to rescind this app. I don't know if I should just delete it or let it be denied. So I'll leave it here.

You were a highlight in this community

If staff are wondering why I haven't been playing or advertising, it is because that I've become increasingly ill, starting last week.

You can talk about it, it's fine. The ban in question relates more to my roleplay as a Diona rather than my roleplay in general. I've since gotten a better understanding of Diona biology and their ties to the in game mechanics. That is how I improved. However, before and after the incident, I would never do it with a non-Diona character. I just learned that it is still not okay for a diona to do that. It is unlikely to happen again, since I learned from the incident.

BYOND key: Dead Lantern Character names: How long have you been playing on Aurora?: Late 2016 is my first join, but I became active late 2017 Why do you wish to be on the whitelist?: I want to play various command positions. Why did you come to Aurora?: To roleplay Have you read the Aurora wiki on the head roles and qualifications you plan on playing?: Yes Have you received any administrative actions? And how serious were they? I have. I think I have been server banned only once, and that was a month ago or so. It was due to powergaming, and it was serious enough to garner a 3 day ban. Please provide well articulated answers to the following questions in a paragraph each. Give a definition of what you think roleplay is, and should be about: Roleplay is playing a character that is separate to your own real person. People roleplay to have fun experiencing situations that you won't find in large abundance in a normal life. Like all video hames, it is for fun. What do you think the OOC purpose of a Head of Staff is, ingame?: For mechanic-heavy roles such as CE, CMO, etc, they are to have a sort of 'mentor' in game. They teach their craft to people who are not as experienced. As well as this, a Head of Staff in game represents the department itself. The CE is expected to handle AI malfunctions, as a sort of engineering representative. A CMO would perform do all the things medical doctors, surgeons, chemists, etc. They are a microcosm of the department in game. With the RP command roles, it is simply to RP. The only difference is that whitelisted roles usually have much more influence over the round with their RP. A HoP protesting evil sec will go a lot farther than a mere bartender. What do you think the OOC responsibilities of Whitelisted players are to other players, and how would you strive to uphold them?: Whitelisted players should show how one is supposed to play the game: Maintain atmosphere, and provide roleplay opportunities to other characters via their own. They should be the ones creating interesting drama and conversations, and certainly not the one to act power-gamey or break immersion in the world and in the character. Could you give us the gist of what is currently happening in Tau ceti and how it affected your character and their career? Tau Ceti is currently a migration haven for all the outcasts in the universe. The Zo'ra brood, running from a dying planet, inhabits Tau Ceti. Aut'akh heretics, running from certain doom, inhabits Tau Ceti. Dominian prisoners, Sol Refugees, Eridani dregs, etc etc. Biesel is a conglomeration of various cultures, rather than just one culture. I'll choose my new character, Yaros Taj'Akrhan, for the character part of this question. Tau Ceti, for many alien nations, represents a link to humanity and valuable allies. As a result, the PRA would want to bolster PRA opinion rating in Tau Ceti and various other Human/Skrell places to possibly gain friends in high places. A war veteran would be a perfect mouth of the PRA, and thus, Yaros was sent to Tau Ceti to be a consular officer. Their entire career is modeled /because/ of Tau Ceti, and how important it is for Aliens to make their impression on Humanity and other races. What roles do you plan on playing after the application is accepted? Immediately, Consular Officer. Besides that, probably all of them besides RD/CE. Characters you intend to use for command or have created for command. Include the job they will be taking.: Yaros Taj'Akrhan, Consular Officer How would you rate your own roleplaying?: Average Do you understand your whitelist is not permanent, and may be stripped following continuous administrative action? Understood Have you familiarize yourself with the wiki pages for the command roles? Yes

when is it coming