N8-Toe

So some feedback I think the phrasing of the Universal Right of Exploration is to broad, and in its current phrasing boxes in both future lore events, as well as merc/off station antag gimmicks. It is essentially a legal carte blanche for the ship to go wherever it wants, do whatever it wants, and the crew say "no u" to anyone claiming to be from that region of space. I get the intention of it to provide a framework and reasoning for how the horizon is able to just scoot through territory. Seeing as you're copying ideas from IRL documents, which I think is a good idea, lets steal one from the convention on the law of the sea The Universal Right to Innocent Passage, providing a framework allowing for peaceful interstellar travel, exploration, and commerce. Negotiated by Sol as to allow them to continue their attempts of exploration and colonization, as well as the new Coalition of Colonies in an attempt to allow their fledgling worlds increased, safe, trade opportunities. Under this right Ships fall under the jurisdiction of their nation of registry while in deep space, in the case of the Horizon this would be Tau Ceti. Ships are to be allowed innocent passage through other nations territory so long as it is not prejudicial to the peace, good order, and security of the state who's territory it is in. And shall have the freedom to enter into ports, unload and load cargo and passengers, and conduct commerce so long as it does not violate the same. While in orbit or the controlled space of an occupied planet, the local jurisdiction may enforce local law and customs on the vessel." This gives an "out" for certain things to happen. it allows for the ship to be bothered by mercs claiming to be legitimate forces if they can argue the horizon is spying, they are pirates, are smuggling XYZ international terrorist ect. Preserving those kinds of gimmicks while also establishing a lore reason the ship can essentially go everywhere. It also prevents writing out conflicts related to lore events. Being in the orbit of an occupied planet is something that really only happens during events, and leaves open more options for writers.

BYOND Key: n8_toe Character Names: Over the years have collected many. But in rotation are Malika Hirron, Tau Riphea, Nash Slater, Carter Benford Species you are applying to play: Vaurca What color do you plan on making your first alien character: (Color of your character; Dionaea & IPCs exempt): (RGB 61, 0, 0) Have you read our lore section's page on this species?: I have, I even took notes! 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 specific race: When looking to play an alien, I wanted something exactly that, alien. I really enjoy playing a Tajara and doing so really helped me broaden my horizons when it came to roleplay. Vaurca are a whole different ball game when it comes to their “non humanness”, and thats something I find exciting. The different castes, and well fleshed out beliefs and culture, all intertwined with the setting politics makes an attractive species to play as and explore through roleplay. As well, I mean, who doesn’t like a good *chitter Identify what makes role-playing this species different than role-playing a Human: Vaurca are about as non human as you can get. Vaurca are apples to oranges to a human. Firstly a Vaurca is typically “made” for their role. An engineering Vaurca is born as a worker caste, trained in VR to be an engineer and an engineer alone. They are born knowing their station, place, and purpose in this world. With a tangible promise of the afterlife beyond it. This different framing of the world, as well their access to the whole different world of Vaurca VR and the impacts that would have on their personality, make them a whole different beat entirely when it comes to roleplaying them compared to a human. This is even before the more “biological” differences, such as an aversion to bright light, hivenet, and differing physiology. Character Name: Za’Akaix’Slyp Zo’ra Please provide a short backstory for this character An unbound warrior of Queen Vaur’s brood.hatched in 2543, They were brought up in Flagsville in Medell. Completing their VR training and education, they were placed into the Mendell Police department. Put to patrolling the slums of district 9, and keeping the queenless vaurca in check. They lived in cramped accommodation within the district with the rest of their hive cell. They found some fascination in their human co-workers, making some attempt to mimic their behaviors and better fit in as a citizen of the Republic. Much of their career was spent in pursuit of the Ak’rixx and their illegal racketeering in district 9. Though constantly exposed to their propaganda, Slyp remained steadfast in their loyalty to the hive, and Queen. Viewing the suppression of the queenless elements as a duty, and point of pride for themselves as well a manifestation of their belief in the Modern Pantheon, and in the divinity of the High Queen. This pursuit would also be what led them to the Horizon, being injured in a shootout with Ak’rixx gang members. when they had recovered their billet in the MPD had been filled. They were placed into the Ve’katak Phalanx, continuing their duty in patrolling and keeping order until their reassignment to the horizon. Having shown an even temperament for working with those of others hives in the VP, as well with non Vaurca in the MPD. They do not view the Vaurca of other hives in a negative light, their time in the VP having done much to open them to others, however they still, and always will, view their hives as lesser. Seeing the Zo’ra and their high queen as the rightful ruler of the Vaurca hives. Their disdain of for the queenless does not discriminate on hive of origin Being unbound their life was not just work. In Tau Ceti they were social with the other unbound of their hive cell, as well the other Vaurca they encountered in day to day life. While at first showing a clear bias to Zo’ra Vaurca, their time in MPD, than especially in the join project of the VP helped broad their social horizons, and increase their comfort working in close proximity with Vaurca of other hives. Having picked up from their human comrades in the MPD an interest in the local sports and bar scene, they were a steady fixture in the crowd at Hornet’s games. In VR Slyp often sought out wargames and trials, maintaining their training. What do you like about this character? (Describe what you like about this character I like the idea of a character free from doubt of their station in the world, and how that free’s the character to fully dive into exploring that place in the world. Slyp knows what they were made to do, and made to be. And is ready to find all that comes with it. I also find the lore of Vaur’s brood and flagsville a fun twist on a very classic trope of cops and gangsters. A way to explore that kind of backstory with a non human lense, and twist it. They’d find friction on the Horizon with Queenless, and a distrust of them, something that would drive conflict and interaction How would you rate your role-playing ability? 6/10. I’m not the best, I’m not the worst, but i'm always improving. Notes: lemme into #staff-bug-pics bro please I’m begging you.

+1 Elwood is great and I love interacting with him as nash. You got great communication and RP skills, you'll do great in command!

+1 Navins been great to work with as Captain

I prefer XO being 2IC over this in general. Due to things people have brought up such as having someone to step up in crisis, and since I've started playing captain myself. Having a 2IC to help handle things during busy rounds would be great. And on your issues. if the people in command are uncomfortable with the XO character taking command if the captain is incapacitated? Cool, awesome, sounds like fun RP. on this proposal. There isn't much flight command to be done on most rounds, this is neutering the XO role which right now is in a neat little niche. We're on a ship with guns that's in deep space, thats expected to defend itself. some "navalization" is to be expected, and I dont think we have gone overboard at all.

I love this, it makes the ship seem bigger, and more "tangible" now some feedback 1: Floor lights need their sprite re touched, they look "solid" to me like a fence and I find myself avoiding walking over them 2: may be related, may not, but having issues on the bridge in the captains chair and being unable to interact with tables next to it 3: Doors could use abit of a lighter highlight tone along their "seam" in the middle to help make them pop imo, maybe like a caution chevron on the floor in front of them to again, help them pop.

fully against this. Changeling is an interest concept and gamemode and we'd be left worst off without it. I think the discussion of how to change ling should be a different thread, but I also 100% believe if ling is removed, it'll never come back. and that would be a shame -1

Had them as CMO while I was captain. they communicated well with both their department and command. would handle the fallout of a botched phoron deal with them again! +1 from me

This is the kind of thing I think is best left up to IC and in round. To create RP and conflict there

have not had a bad experience with them. and have played with Jager before. always IC and a team player! so +1 from me

I think this hits the nail on the head. massive support for this idea. Giving a solid baseline will make it easier for people to experiment or try novel ideas

+1 from me. they're fun to play with, stay in character, and are a great team player. I think they'd be a good command player for sure

+1 from me. They've been able to play distinct, interesting characters who are fun to RP with. I think their RP skill and creativity, and command of the lore, will be great in command.

could I get access as well?

has been a joy the times I've seen them as a bridgie. knowledgeable, team player, and fun to play with. I think they'd do well in a leadership role and gets a definite +1 from me

BYOND key: n8_toe Discord Username: N8-Toe#6692 Character names: I have almost 20 from over the years. Currently “in rotation” Malika Hirron - Bridge Crew Nash Slater - investigator These four are either new, very occasional now, or not played in a month or two Rodrigo Cham - Miner Arpachshad Fa-Ta’Bs - Surgeon Czeck Mayfly - Atmos tech Czary Polaski - Scientest How long have you been playing on Aurora? Seven years? With a decent amount of breaks in between Have you received any administrative actions? And how serious were they? I have not Please provide well articulated answers to the following questions in a paragraph each. What do you think the OOC purpose of a Head of Staff is, ingame? In a word, guidance. A head of staff through their leadership helps guide the flow of the round and is instrumental in helping it form an interesting, and cohesive story. No where else is using “Yes and” roleplay more critical than with heads of staff. Their purpose also includes helping establish clear communication, keeping other players in the loop on the conflict of the round, as well providing in character guidance to new players. What do you think the OOC responsibilities of Whitelisted players are to other players, and how would you strive to uphold them? Firstly is to not use their position in the round to shut down, or shut out others from roleplay. Instead it is a whitelisted player's responsibility to help them build a fun and interesting story in a welcoming environment. Secondly is to help be a role model for newer players in the sense of representing the lore well, helping them interact with it, while also being responsible for teaching new players IC’ly the game and having patience with them. I’d strive to uphold this by making sure my actions as head of staff are not excluding or shutting down the conflict of the round, is playing along to the antag’s gimmicks, and finally offering patience and assistance to players new and old however I can. Explain how the recent events in the Spur changed your character and how they came to be employed on the SCCV Horizon. Malika Hirron: The rising tensions early in the year in space around Adhomai have had them questioning their decision to leave the PRA to come work for the SCC, and worrying about a potential for another outbreak of war, now with nuclear weapons on more than one side. All while they’re millions of lightyears away from their family. These event have made them take a more introspective take on their beliefs and what the future for their people should be, and what role their employers may end up taking in it. Always driven by a wonder for space ever since they watched the first manned Tajara spacecraft launch on TV as a child. They came to work on the Horizon after their military service with the kosmostrelki as an officer and pilot. With their military service up, they took a job with the SCC that’d allow them to see the galaxy and indulge in their wanderlust. And the Horizon with its spur spanning mission gave them just that. What roles do you plan on playing after the application is accepted? XO. Eventually captain with the door open to other head roles down the line Have you familiarize yourself with the wiki pages for the command roles? I have Characters you intend to use for command or have created for command. Include the job they will be taking: Malika Hirron - XO Do you understand your whitelist is not permanent, and may be stripped following continuous administrative action? I do Have you linked your BYOND account to the Forums? I have Extra notes: Thank you for giving my application a read, and I'll see you on ship.

Thank you @William Murdoch and @KingOfThePing both for your feedback and excellent questions. As well thank you @William Murdoch for clarifying the calico issue. You put it better than I could have. I'm going sidestep the first few questions centering on their coloration and jump to the rest 1: Wanderlust mostly. They finished their degree via correspondence during their military service which helped them qualify for a job with the SCC. They love Adhomai and their home, but their dream is to see the stars and what secrets they might hold. A curiosity that can't be sated fully within the PRA's borders. The money doesn't hurt either 2: They see the SCC in a pragmatic view. They believe it should be the Tajara guiding their own destiny and not outside nations, but they also recognize the SCC and other powers that be as a means to an end. For themself in the opportunity to work aboard an SCC ship, see the stars, and collect a check. And for the PRA as a whole in terms of access to technology and materials to allow them to grow and out maneuver their foes. They're skeptical of the SCC, but know when to keep their mouth shut about it. 3: While she may have drifted from the religion, it isn't not as much a large part of their day to day life. Her religious upbringing from her parents still see's their faith as something they go to during hard times or stressful moments for comfort. They still hold immense respect for clergy, and take their word seriously, growing up the PRA's more atheistic policy was the start of their parents wariness of the party which grew into the gap that exists between her and her parents now. Many of their best childhood memories center around religious festivals such as Shi-rr’ata and Kahara S'rendarr Mai. One of the few things that makes them regret their career in space is missing the festivities ground side. 4: They'd act in a professional manner. Their time aboard ships having instilled a sense of discipline and knowing when is the wrong time to say something snarky. Though they would act with clear favoritism towards people they can relate to. Be they fellow PRA citizens or just those who don't create conflict. Though if others where to bring up politics they'd reply in full for better, or much more likely, for worse. So able to not claw at the first NKA aligned crew member they see, but not above telling them she thinks they're a fool should it be brought up. Also probably not terribly likely to spend time with "opposition" members in their off time.

BYOND Key: (byond key) n8_toe Character Names: (character name) I have collected almost 20 over time. But the ones in current rotation are Arpaschad Fa-ta’bs, Nash Slater, Cezary Mayfly, Cezary Polaski Species you are applying to play: (species name) Tajaran What color do you plan on making your first alien character: (Color of your character; Dionaea & IPCs exempt). A calico sort of pattern. Relevant excerpt. “Tajara tend towards monochromatic bodies while others have multicolor or even calico fur patterns.” Have you read our lore section's page on this species?: I have! Will probably play with the wiki up on a second monitor for abit once I get going though. 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 specific race: (One paragraph minimum) A large part of what makes roleplaying fun, and fuels interesting stories is how we interact with what makes our character “them” and their relationship to the world around them. With that in mind the large breadth of material and lore for tajarans, as well as their near omnipresence on every roster makes them an easy choice. I also really enjoy many of the themes in the lore for the species which I believe opens the door for interesting conflict and interaction. Such as the current cold war between the three major tajaran powers, and the historical conflict of nobility versus the masses. There is so much opportunity for good storytelling there and I’d like to be a part of it. Identify what makes role-playing this species different than role-playing a Human: (One Paragraph minimum) I think this is in two parts and the first is just playing the non human element of it. Being alien they move and speak differently than a human, as well express emotion differently. Don’t see many people from sol with tails after all, nor many humans talking in the third person. The second is the background afforded to them. Adhomai is one disaster after another politically, with brief glimpses of hope for “peace in our time” with events like the armistice. Different culture, different foods, religion, traditional dress, and environment help shape non-human characters in a way that makes them feel distinct from humans. Character Name:(Character name)L Malika Hirron Please provide a short backstory for this character (Approximately two paragraphs) Born to a poorer Hharar family in Nal’tor, they lived in a cramped apartment with their parents and siblings. She grew up in the shadow of the city's starport, watching alien shuttles going to and from the stars from their window at night, and resolved to one day follow them to the heavens. Born in the years following the end of the first Revolution. Their family managed to mostly survive the war intact, due to their parents' younger age and positions in essential manufacturing which protected them from the drafts. The launch of Ruka would be a turning point in their life, inspiring them to want to go to space. They’d become heavily involved in youth brigades, getting excellent marks for both their academic, and political achievements within it. This created a gap between her and her parents, who were not the most zealous followers of the PRA’s government. They’d grown disillusioned during life in the interwar years, and distressed by some of their childrens full on frenzy for the party line. They’d be among the first students to study at the Hadii Institute of Orbital Research, much to the pride of their parents, even if they’d have rather she stayed and pursued a more traditional life. The outbreak of war would change the path of their life, her academic studies at the Orbital Research institute were sidetracked, and they were placed into officer training. Being churned out with a commission in the kosmostrelki, and a pilots certification.Their service in the war would see them rise through the ranks to a Lieutenant. With the near totality of their service being in the piloting of cargo shuttles, then a helmsman position on a tender. Never seeing actual combat, something they feel a guilt for, as if they didn’t do their part. Never one to question their commissar, their faith in the Hadii government did not falter out all through the war, and their belief in the PRA only grew by the time the armistice was signed, despite its lost ground. With the end of their military service, they’ve decided to look further in the stars. Taking a position with the SCC as a bridge crewman, hoping to see more of the galaxy they dreamed up as a child on Adhomai. Outside of work they are a follower of the S'rand'marr religion, though not as devout as their parents are. Generally a very upbeat person, they enjoy astronomy and stargazing. An interest they have found much opportunity to indulge in while in orbit, with more terrestrial interests such as gardening. Though they may not publicly admit it, they do have a soft spot for human music. Despite the war and rising nuclear tensions, they have a positive outlook on the future, seeing the DPRA as more misguided, and inevitable to fall back under the vision of the PRA. Though they harbor little positive feelings for the NKA, seeing tajarans still following nobility as morons at best. What do you like about this character? (Describe what you like about this character I like the character and its backstory due to the hooks for RP it opens up to. Such as their guilt about feeling like they had not “done enough” during the war. Combined with what some others might see as an almost Naive loyalty to the party line having never with their own eyes witnessed the bloodshed it caused. As well I’ve enjoyed playing characters with a “Sailor” background before with my scarab characters, and I think I’ll really enjoy the twist tajaran lore puts on that sort of character. How would you rate your role-playing ability? 7 on a good day. I’m not the greatest but I stay in character and keep their motivations in view. As well I am a team player and I like to think excel at “yes and” Roleplay. Notes: Whoever put together the tajaran lore timeline, I owe you.

I think the XO should be 2IC. Having a 2IC under the captain helps command keep a lid on things during hectic moments, and I think is a fun dynamic of the captain having a "right hand man.". if we want to get away from "military connotations" I'd rename it to "First Officer" which is a position on civilian ships.

I'm for this from someone who plays engineering. I'd rather have time to RP, or work on shenanigans and projects than have to do the same 20 minute setup. We have two power sources. if both are going at round start, you can spool one down to then fiddle and make an optimal setup. so +1 from me.

I've had positive interactions with danse in the few times we've spoken OOC. Overall from what ive seen of them on the forums I think they have a good vision, and their description of their plans and answers here only reinforces that belief. I also think having someone as motivated working on human lore would be a great assets for the community. so a big +1 from me.

I've had little OOC interaction with Cael, so I can not comment on that. However I like their ideas and plan they presented for moving forwards and I think they present a good ground work for new and exciting lore that would be impactful on gameplay. so a +1 from me

I kinda want it to stay growls. because it gave it personality beyond "says"

I like Sec antags. it prevents as others have said of them being these OOC undoubted paragons And as someones who has played recent rounds where a sec antag stomped. I don't see an issue with it. sometimes the crew is going to get whomped by an antag, and at the end the crew is going to out number the traitor five to one. They have options and the ability to plan to handle a guy with a gun.

The thing on needing a cadet ship in records feels like a new player trap to me. Something that could easily be glossed over that could get someone in hotwater with them confused as to why. On the arrest thing. I also think it should be as simple as possible, something along the lines of "Investigators should not be making arrests or using their weapon under normal circumstances, they should only do so to stop a violent crime they are witness to, or under extreme circumstances" on Autopsy, I like the blurb, however my radical opinion is I think medical should do autopsies to get that sweet sweet cross department cooperation