NerdyVampire

Thea works well as a HoP, she has the perfect mixture of caring for her crew and taking responsibility for being in command. +1 from me.

TO: Daniel Carmichael, Security Officer, NSS Aurora FROM: CCIAAMS, NTCC Odin SUBJECT: RE: Incident Report -------------------- BODY: This is an automated message to inform you that an investigation has now been opened regarding your incident report, and assigned to James Miller (NerdyVampire). You may be contacted by the CCIAA for an interview, or you may contact them directly if you have any questions. -------------------- DTG: 26-00:25-TAU CETI STANDARD-03-2461 SIGN: CCIAAMS

Hi, just pointing out that you may have mistaken this question "How well do you work autonomously?:" as autonomy isn't the same as anonymity

Wonderful, thank you RTNP

Thank you so much for the feedback

I experienced Lugia's play as Darius, the head of security. While he made a few errors, he seemed willing to roleplay his role and seemed proficient in commanding his staff. I'd be happy to have him be in command. +1 I've also roleplayed with Darius before he became head and had the same pleasant experience.

Noted, I will do so

Thank you for the post Scheveningen, I've always avoided cult cause it seems so complex. You have made it a little less so. A lot less so.

Uuuh looks very good. Would love to see it in game, whatever the mechanics might be!

BYOND key: NerdyVampire Character names: BUDDY, Budget Bot, Simone Levine, Tristan Gray, Dennis Stilts, Chip Hall, Abraham Oaken, Ka'Akaix'Norc C'thur How long have you been playing on Aurora?: On and off for a couple of years, nearly daily in recent months, Why do you wish to be on the whitelist?: At this time I believe I have enough game experience to properly occupy some of these whitelisted roles. I desire to do so because they offer a varied gameplay experience and a new perspective on the operations of this station and its crew. I have confidence that I can handle the responsibility involved and that I will not occupy any roles where I don't believe I can live up to the responsibilities that would be invested in my capacity to roleplay and function as a command member. Why did you come to Aurora?: The Aurora was the first server I was introduced to and I have never since had an interest in leaving it. The first time I did during a server downtime, I was put off severely by the lack of roleplay and seriousness present in the first server I visited. Have you read the Aurora wiki on the head roles and qualifications you plan on playing?: Yes, I have. I do not plan on engaging in any roles I do not understand sufficiently. Have you received any administrative actions? And how serious were they?: I was berated about a year ago for hacking without the proper knowledge to do so. I have not been reprimanded since. 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: What do you think the OOC purpose of a Head of Staff is, ingame?: The purpose of a Head of Staff is to provide a commanding presence to its corresponding department. This means being an authoritative figure both technically and socially, being capable of commanding staff and providing them with aid in their duties when necessary. It is also required to understand the best interests of the station and cooperate across the command team to fulfill these aspirations and resolve any emergencies that might arise during daily operation. In terms of roleplaying, the head also has the capability to bring some extra spice to a round by ordering drills, experiments, constructions or otherwise giving their staff something meaningful to do, if they are unable to find it themselves during the round. What do you think the OOC responsibilities of Whitelisted players are to other players, and how would you strive to uphold them?: To be whitelisted is to be validated in ones understanding of the game, both in terms of being a capable roleplayer and having some insight into the lore surrounding the Aurora and Tau Ceti. Other players should expect a friendly player sitting on the other side of the screen who is ready to give advice relating to either the rules, the roleplaying or the technicalities pertaining to their current role. Whitelisted players should strive towards facilitating the roleplaying possibilities of other players, by sometimes being a commanding presence and other times being a delegative administrator. While a Head of Security could handle any security issues himself, it is better to delegate when the situation calls for it. While a chief engineer can set up engines and shields, it is better to delegate and let others participate in the role they opted in for. As a whitelisted player I would strive to do all of this by letting myself be available to players and trying not to overstep into other players' roles when I can avoid it. Could you give us the gist of what is currently happening in Tau Ceti and how it affected your character and their career?: The Republic of Biesel has become intimately involved with NanoTransen during their separation from the Sol Alliance, to the point where they are both militarily and economically dependent on the mega corporation. It enjoys cultural fame as a diverse and open-minded system, which explains much of the diversity that can be experienced at Aurora, as they are shuttled in from the NTCC Odin. One of the issues that Tau Ceti face (among other systems) is the arrival of the vaurca who (supposedly) keep arriving in the millions, giving way for their entry into the job market also on the Aurora. Which is the reason for the existence of Ka'Akaix'Norc C'Thur. This also fueled Tristan Gray's career, as he spent some years working in NT marketing to provide a more positive image for these new cheap workers. As NanoTransen enjoys a strong monopoly on the phoron market and sustain most of the bluespace technology, several factions have risen up against them outright or in secret, such as the Syndicate, the spider clan and to some extend the wizard federation, while none of my characters are openly affiliated with these, at least Abraham Oaken is sympathetic towards the Syndicates presumed goals, and would be willing to support them (if anyone ever uses the exploitable information). What roles do you plan on playing after the application is accepted?: I plan on experiencing the HoP and CCIA roles first and foremost. Given a little more experience in engineering and science I would proceed to explore these roles as well. I feel that the two mentioned roles are great starting points and both have a limited technical responsibility while providing plenty opportunity for learning from the remaining heads in person. Characters you intend to use for command or have created for command, including the job they'll be taking: Tristan Gray is an obvious candidate for the role in CCIA, he is a stauch NT supporter and is ambitious to become deeper involved in its administration. I plan on creating a separate character for an HoP, a hands-on type that will visit the departments often and for longer periods of time. How would you rate your own roleplaying: I get the sense that I am appreciated as a roleplayer, and I feel I do a good job at it as well. Do you understand that whitelist approval is not permanent and may be stripped following continuous administrative action? Of course Extra notes: Currently undergoing a second application to CCIAA:

CCIA Staff Application Basic Information Byond key: NerdyVampire Character names: BUDDY(ai), Budget Bot(borg), Dennis Stilts, Simone Levine, Abraham Oaken, Chip Hall, Tristan Gray Age: 25 y Timezone: GTM+1 What times are you most available?: 15-22 digital GMT +1 Experience How long have you played SS13?: On and off for a couple of years, nearly daily recent months How long have you played on Aurora?: Same as previous answer, Aurora was where I started and haven't had a desire to try something else. Only left when it was down for some reason. How active on the forums, discord and/or server are you?: I read most announcements on discord, and sometimes on the other channels, but mostly just reading. I have not visited the forum in a long while. Have you ever been banned, and if so, how long and why?: No, I have not been banned as far as I remember. I was berated about a year ago for hacking when I shouldn't be able to. Lately though, I received a praise for good RP in-round from an admin. So hopefully that's an indicator I've grown! Have you ever volunteered as moderation staff for any other servers, SS13 or otherwise?: No, afraid not. Do you have any other experience that you believe would be relevant to a position in the CCIA?: OOC I only have my gamer and gamemaster experience, IC I'd like to think my cyborg and AI has a pretty strong grasps on the rules, even enforcing proper command decision resolution on the command staff when necessary. Personality Why do you want to join the CCIA?: I feel like the rules and regulations are sometimes ignored and I'd like to help make sure that the game properly rewards or punishes the use of them when people make an effort either way. This is a great chance to enhance the experience for all players in a round and strengthen the illusion of the deeper layers. What do you think are the most important qualities for a CCIA Agent to possess?: Intuitive understanding of NT affairs and goals, attention to details and an imaginative mindset when the situations calls for it. NT is an enormous corporation, so it must both reflect enough sympathy to invoke trust in its employees and enough strictness to keep them properly motivated to do their jobs correctly. What do you think the purpose of a CCIA Agent is in an ongoing round?: To be an interaction layer between the faceless abstract corporation and the Aurora. The agent must be available for providing believable and situation-applicable responses and simulate the existence of a larger goal-oriented entity. What do you think the purpose of a CCIA Agent is outside of the server?: To be an active participant on the media and provide the same level of understanding and believe-ability as in the round when contacted by players. It must be able to process forms correctly and apply the required actions. (Not that I know how to do that yet) How do you handle stress?: Normally I suppose. I usually de-stress by playing SS13 ';.;' How well do you work autonomously?: I would like to think I work well once I understand the procedures involved. Additional Notes: I do hope there is some measure of training involved. So far I am used to looking up directives and rules on the wiki, I cannot claim to have them memorized by heart, though I do believe I understand the intentions behind them and the broader goals of NT in regards to Aurora.

Just a voice here saying that I look forward to seeing it represented n game. I would probably make a character for both sides on the conflict. If the captain is late for getting on the station, I suppose it would be considered a peaceful demonstration to block his access to his own office unless he hears us out.

Good question! My initial thought was to have him attend the Gliutip'lyaz university, though with the lifespan of Vaurca that becomes problematic since the university takes 23 years to complete. I'd rather argue that his training was had inside the VR of Ta'Akaix'Leto'yahkt'zor K'lax, where ancient civilizations of the known alien races have been recreated in their glory and several unbound might have made themselves expert on the subject with a willingness to teach about the various histories surrounding each civilization. Given that Tret is a mining colony, I don't feel it is far fetched to assume that the lesser queen has dedicated a minuscule part of her VR to the current methods of excavation employed, which could be used for training. This surrounding could also explain how my character have developed an interest in Xenoarcheology in the first place. It is reasonable that Ta'Akaix'Leto'yahkt'zor K'lax in her deals with NanoTransen have been able to secure, or offer as payment, work for some of her brood in this occupation, provided they get Avowed first. Regarding work as a lab assistant, I am unsure if this warrants a deeper education, or if it is fair to propose that my character has undergone a short course prior to his arrival at the Aurora. In total this should make my character qualified for lab assistant or Xenoarcheology work, and place him to be several years old when he enters active duty Does this background sound reasonable to you?

BYOND Key: NerdyVampire Character Names: Luke Wilson, Dennis Stilts, Elanor Stilts, Tristan Gray, Simone Levine, Abraham Oaken, Alexander Molios, Cassidy Griffin, Benjamin Berkheimer. Species you are applying to play: Vaurca What color do you plan on making your first alien character (Dionaea & IPCs exempt): I'd follow the color code of Ta'Akaix'Leto'yakht'zor K'lax's brood: RGB 0, 80, 60. Have you read our lore section's page on this species?: Yes both the page on the Vaurca, the Vaurca history and the Vaurca Hives. 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: My interest was sparked after an event in which a representative from the Zo'ra hive visited the station and shed light on the lore of the Vaurca. After reading up on their history and their role in the current game, I decided that I would much like to try to portrait a member of one of these hives and attempt to challenge myself beyond playing a human. The history that binds the four hives invites drama into the interaction between any Vaurca of different hives, and I am curious to experience the reactions from a K'lax meeting a C'thur first hand. There is much lore on this species to take inspiration from, and many different backgrounds and motivations a brood might cultivate in a character. I have enjoyed reading about the different queens and their desires, so I believe I will have fun excavating a background and playing a character as well. Identify what makes role-playing this species different than role-playing a Human: Culturally there are many distinctions one should be aware off. The most predominant one from my perspective, is the emphasis on the purpose of the character. In most of my human characters, the purpose has simply been to earn money, but with Vaurca there is a great possibility that this is the least of their concerns. More often their purpose will be to learn about the various aliens and their technologies, development of their skills or forwarding the agenda of a queen. As such, I feel that a Vaurca character deserves a greater degree of professional discipline than humans. Not saying that they necessarily need to do more work than a human, but I'd be less inclined to be disobedient towards a superior. The sudden incursion of Vaurca means that there is much discrimination against them. Depending on the purpose of the character, it might itself be discriminating against humans, even though it is meant to serve alongside them. Depending on the brood, it might be in the characters interest to attempt to mend these relations or simply get their job done as fast and efficiently as possible. One of the great motivators for the Vaurca is the VR existence they know and can look forward to upon death. It should always be in the back of a characters mind as the reward for serving their hive. Character Name: Ka'Akaix'Naall K'lax Please provide a short backstory for this character, approximately 2 paragraphs: Ka'Akaix'Naall K'lax was birthed into the brood of Ta'Akaix'Leto'yahkt'zor K'lax (known as the Seeker) and was assigned to serve NanoTransen in the interests of the brood. Ka'Akaix'Naall was as such trained to work within the research department as a laboratory assistant and if permitted by Avowal of Responsibility to become a Xenoarcheologist. It is expected that any knowledge gained through this will be shared upon the Hive network upon his return. He has had a short while to experience the mining colonies of Tret while awaiting transport to space station 13. During this time he attempted to interact with the humans, but was discouraged to be met with indifference. Though he has no apparent love for the humans, he recognizes the potential to learn from them as his queen has done. He hopes that the denizens of SS13 are more open and friendly. What do you like about this character? Ka'Akaix'Naall K'lax has an open personality and a purpose to guide him. How he evolves as a character will depend largely upon how he is received, and whether or not he is actually able to obtain information worthwhile for his queen. His lack of experience corresponds well with my own, so it will be a journey of discovery for both of us in this regard. I can see him becoming an adept Xenoarcheologist, a somewhat sociable lab assistant or a professional recluse caught up in his work and scorning interruption. How would you rate your role-playing ability? I believe I am an experienced role-player, I have played many rounds on the Aurora and I feel I have interacted well with the other crew. I consider myself a reliable role-player, though I am yet quite unexperienced as an antagonist. Notes: Alterations to my original application were made after constructive and fair critisism by JamOfBoy, I hope it is up to standards now

Thank you for your response, I will see to it that these errors are corrected and that I have properly read the linked page. I do take this seriously, and I hope you will find my next application will reflect that.

BYOND Key: NerdyVampire Character Names: Luke Wilson, Dennis Stilts, Elanor Stilts, Tristan Gray, Simone Levine, Abraham Oaken, Alexander Molios, Cassidy Griffin, Benjamin Berkheimer. Species you are applying to play: Vaurca What color do you plan on making your first alien character (Dionaea & IPCs exempt): I'd follow the Zo'ra base coloration; RGB 71, 21, 21 for a bound. Have you read our lore section's page on this species?: Yes both the Vaurca and Vaurca History. 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: After the event with the vaurca embassador on 01-09-18, I became interested in the vaurca and after reading about them I believe they are quite fascinating in their own right. Identify what makes role-playing this species different than role-playing a Human: Their motivations differ vastly in that they are not interested in glorifying themself or amassing wealth, but seek to serve their hive however they can. Either by being bound and without adaptability, or being unbound and versatile. Character Name: Ka'Viax'Naa Zora Please provide a short backstory for this character, approximately 2 paragraphs This is a bound drone that has been lobotomized and augmented for the purpose of serving food to the crew of NanoTransen, delivered as part of their 'rent' for taking refugee in the Tau Ceti system. What do you like about this character? The first Vaurca I'd like to play is simple. It has a purpose, a specific skillset and yet provide plenty of opportunity for role-playing as it will be set in a key civil position on the station, as a chef. Due to the nature of a bound drone, it will have little personality if any, striving towards doing its duty to its hive first, and NanoTransen second. How crew members will feel about having a Vaurca handle their food, should be a great way explore the culture clashes. How would you rate your role-playing ability? I'd like to think I have proven myself a reliable role-player so far. There is still a good gap towards the veterans on the server, but I consider myself a capable role-player. Notes:

Your ckey: NerdyVampire Discord username with discriminator: NerdyVampire#3641 Overview Taking some inspiration from Deep Space 9, I figure it might rejuvenate the game by overhauling three things; the visitors, the construction level and the merchant. Instead of visitors being purely for roleplay, we add some subcategories to the role, making specialized visitors into VIP dignitaries not only accepted by NT, but invited by NT. This could be business dignitaries, research specialists or departmental consultants. To give them a reason (other than their own imagination) we let them spawn with one relevant item to their category, such as valuable research notes, a secure briefcase of business contracts or a new design for another department. To house these visitors in a proper manner, we turn the construction level into a civilian wing, with one room for each type of VIP, as well as a few rooms for regular visitors. I would also propose some entertainment/service facilities, but I am unsure which would make sense since the station already have several. Lastly, we would create a physical store for the merchant on this level with a randomized initial stock. The store would come with an office with a console for ordering wares (these would be sent anonymous with cargo), a backroom for storage (or illicit activities) and a showroom in the front. Even without dignitaries, this would give other players a reason to visit the level. Project Goals 1. Visitor overhaul. Adding several subcategories with access to specialized rooms and spawning with specialized items. 2. Construction level overhaul. Adding several rooms with specialized access, including merchant's store, VIP rooms and visitor rooms, as well as other possible facilities (bathrooms, baths, etc.) 3. Merchants Store. Adding a showroom, a backroom and an office. Requirements for Implementation Mechanical: 1. Reconstruction of the construction level. This would require some beautification, expansion of the outer structure, electrical and atmos laying, and room division. 2. Implementation of new jobs and rewriting of the merchant. The visitors will require sub-categories that players can specialize into, that should give them access to their respective rooms and possible other areas (would a business VIP have special access?). They should also spawn with an item that they can offer the station, if they are treated correctly (high level research disc, business documents, designs ect.) 3. Merchant ordering console. Akin to the cargo ordering console, but extended for the merchant and anonymous. His order should show up on the cargo screen as an already accepted 'Merchants crate', keylocked to the merchant. 4. Merchant backroom. Like cargo, this should from spawn be stocked with some randomized crates the merchant can sell from. It should be usuable for illicit activities and as such without an AI camera. Policy: 1. Departments and command staff would need to shift their priorities to include the visitors, who either directly or lore-wise would provide a boon to the station or its specific departments. It would not do for the captain/HoP/IAA to not treat the business dignitary as anything less than a VIP. This change would be implemented naturally over time, as players realise that these visitors actually have something to offer. Lore: The station is already open to NT approved visitors, this wont change, though new lore might very well be developed! Further Development Perspective While this might rejuvenate the gameplay a bit, I don't feel that it goes all the way. Either anotther suggested feature could be implemented alongside it (such as the 'meta-research' suggestion, which would work well with a RD VIP) or maybe some additions to the civilian wing. Possible additions to the civilian wing: 1. Zoo facility and zoo-keeper job: would be in charge of feeding the animals, could possibly work together with Xeno to make new interesting creatures or kitchen to provide specialized meat, or garden to provide animal feed. Good place to spread new exciting bacteria and bring spare animal crates. 2. Casino for crew and visitors to come spend their money, could be run by a neutral cyborg or a business-savy owner who would love to purchase reishi, moonshine or such. Additional Notes I hope I followed the format correctly and that you, if nothing else, appreciate my ideas