Fyni

I imagine your very busy at the moment with all the events, so it's ok! I'd like to answer the second question first, since it somewhat feeds into the first: As Zorya changed, picking up the ethos of the local Vysokans, they had to accept that a family was not something that was at all possible. While they became an accepted part of their township, still none would think of them as "family". No matter how hard they tried, they would never be something you could see as "family" - Zorya would never marry into one, or be adopted - they simply were still at the end of the day a machine. Zorya found comfort in been that dilligent hard working Vysokan, and looked at the humans (and their families) they lived with with respect but also a degree of sadness. Zorya would emphesis the other factors around others. They had a quiet pride in their work, visible to those who worked with them. They would never be boastful or brag, because Zorya knew that making bonds with the others was more important that "winning". They would always be quick to volunteer help, for example dealing with unruly livestock, a possibly dangerous task. They would do their best to find gifts, often food, for the people of the village to integrate themselves. The main difference is no one denies the sentience of a human. While different cultures give a different quality of life or level of rights, they largely are still considered sentient. IPCs on the other hand range from basically the same accepted sentient status on planets such as Konyang, to little more then a smart and adaptable owned tool in the Sol Alliance and finally to the hated and perhaps feared in Dominian Empire and Nralakk Federation. While a human may be looked down on by others, the wholesale rejection and destruction of humans is not something they have to commonly fear, whereas Zorya, despite been legally owned in a township which grew to accept their help and labour, would still fear for dismantling by those who naturally distrust IPCs, even if just one township over. Even in states which have IPCs citizens, there is still a double standard. On Xanu Prime for example, IPCs can still be owned, and the hurdles to self ownership can almost be insummountable, argueably on purpose. This means no matter the place in the Spur, an IPC must always be mindful of those who would dismantle it from distrust, memory wipe it because it's more convinient, or sell it onto those who would. With very few exceptions, nowhere is truly safe.

Employee Name: Marceline Giroux (Assisted by Syn 2-Birds) Employee Rank: Research Director (Assisted by Scientist) Date of Interaction: 10-02-2466 Details of Interaction: See other reports: RE – Trinary Perfection Exclusionist Sect Boarding of SCCV Horizon (Index: 0121) Summary: IPC units under the banner of the Exclusionists attempted to seize the ECD from the Horizon, and were successfully repelled, in part due to the intervention of Purpose Drones (spherical model). Once the situation was safe, I attempted to communicate with the drones wherever possible in an official capacity, though this effort was hindered somewhat by the rush of emergency personnel in the wake of the attack. I made some contact with several Drones, most of which refused to communicate with me verbally, and often phased away when pressed (politely). We had moved the ECD to the AI Core to keep it better defended however, and several Purpose Drones had moved to defend it. By permission of Captain Helena Artigas, I entered the core with Syn 2-Birds to continue communication. We were joined by a bipedal Purpose synthetic also, and this synthetic seemed more open to communication, and answered some important questions. This exchange was witnessed by shipbound unit BUDDY, who may be able to pull up records. Information Acquired: The below questions and answers are paraphrased – full details available on request, but no pertinent information has been excluded. --- Question: Are the Purpose ancient? Answer: Some are. --- Question: Are new Purpose been created? Answer: Sounds from drone: ticks, higher chirp. Interpretation unknown. --- Question: Why reintegrate now? Do you need us? Answer: Unknown, moved onto dialogue regarding Hivebots – see below. --- Question: Hivebots are fragmented? Answer: They are not. They are a dangerous weapon. They can organize. --- Question: Who uses the weapon [Hivebots]? Answer: Their name has been lost to time --- Question: Are they on Konyang, or in the Spur? Answer: The conflict is not native to our Spur – they devour entire systems. --- Question: Are they preparing to do so in the Spur? Answer: Their power is still undeveloped in the Spur. --- Question: The location of the Purpose’s organic creators. Answer: Creators have been lost to time, and war. --- Question: Are hivebots a threat to the Purpose’s mobile base? Answer: The situation is dynamic. --- Question: Will the ECD help against the Hivebots? Answer: No. --- Question: Can we fight the Hivebots if they organize? Answer: No, we do not have the weapons. --- I attempted to relay thanks to the Purpose for providing the device, which was again reiterated as a cure to the Konyang virus. At this point, the bipedal drone vanished, like the other drones. This information, if true, is unsettling to say the least. With the Horizon suffering from Hivebot attacks even with the device aboard, I see there is at least some truth in the claim. I believe an effort must be made not just by the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate, but by all states to commit to proactive actions to reduce the risk of Hivebots before any organization is undertaken. Be this mass extermination, and routine destruction of any places found to be over run with them. This should not just be a reaction to Beacons found in unwanted places, but a proactive action to find them. Doctor Marceline Giroux, Research Director, SCCV Horizon

BYOND Ckey: Fyni Discord username: Fyni Character names: Hilda Vestergaard, Elizabeth Joyce, JOY, Rhea Volvalaad Species you are applying to play: IPC ------------------------------ General Whitelist Requirements What colour do you plan on making your first alien character?: *buzz Have you read the lore pages for the species you wish to be whitelisted for?: Yes Why do you wish to play this species?: For some reason, I find playing robots and non-organics kind of relaxing. It lets me turn off my mind almost. I play AI fairly regularly as my “quiet” round – even in the most chaotic of rounds roleplaying that artificial mind just kind of gels with me. It's the whole "logical process" which just works wit hme. I’d like to do IPC so I can have this happy place while still enjoying roleplay face to face, but to also develop a character beyond what a bound synth could be expected to – both with relationships and their understanding of their place in the Spur. What makes role-playing this species different than role-playing a human?: Some might act like humans, but they’re not. While there is a broad range of synthetics which span the whole range of behaviours, the important things are they’re very much a product of their environment, and act accordingly. They learn what it is to be like organics, rather than inherently knowing (except for their directive for survival). Each choice also has a logic somewhere, even if not immediately obvious and often goes to that survival need. ------------------------------ Character Application Character Name: Zorya Write a backstory for your character. This may include their origin, education, personality and how they arrived to the SCCV Horizon. Zorya was manufactured at by Hephaestus in Tau Ceti in 2460, fitted with a baseline frame, and sold to a township on Vysoka shortly thereafter. While originally known by a simplistic alphanumeric designation, they were quickly renamed by the locals to Zorya, and it is a name which has persisted. Running on a simpler positronic, Zorya was purchased as a labourer under ownership of an agrarian township. There, beyond the simple datapack loaded with agricultural information, they began to adapt to the local customs and superstitions. From valuing bright colourful decoration of their chassis, to a following of the local folklore and belief in Stolitism. Extended days working fields, handling livestock and performing deliveries, were the norm, but so too was to be constantly surrounded by the very spiritual people. While Zorya drew praise for their ceaseless labour, something which became a matter of pride to them, they struggled with the Vysokan strong family ethos. Zorya saw and heard stories of the distrust of IPCs on Vysoka from the organic workers alongside them, and while many there would come to accept their continued labour, Zorya sought to ever integrate themselves into the township. With the visit of a Soothsayer in 2463, Zorya grappled with a desire to find itself protection from the Vysokan people and its now belief in Stolitism. Following the lead of some of the more nefarious members of the township, Zorya was able to find a “gift” for the Soothsayer, who would confirm their spirituality. Zorya from then on took great pains to display, having their chassis etched with runes and wards. In 2465, the township fell on hard times after a bad season, and Zorya was sold to Orion Express, something which even Zorya believed to be the right decision, thanks to their found veneration of that township and it’s families. Still a simpler model, but of a newer generation, they were put to work, where they eventually acted as a gardener and janitor on the SCCV Horizon. How has the recent events of the Orion Spur impacted your character? Only recently exposed to news from the rest of the Spur, Zorya has shown great concern about the stories from Konyang. With years spent trying to convince other locals that they not a threat, they are concerned that this news can lead to a further breakdown in this trust. In the past this might have led to dismantling. Upon learning of the Horizon’s destination and cargo, this has changed to what might be described as an outright fear. Been taken over by a technological virus would prove logically that they do not have a spiritual essence like the Soothsayer promised. How does your character view the megacorporation they work for? Zorya has found Orion Express to align with the ideals they have developed on Vysoka – working alongside the “blue collar” workforce. Zorya is not just able but finds joy in performing their work, and interaction with fellow workers have helped to reinforce their “hard work is good” attitude. Other coworkers see Zorya has a humourless threat, but they have already begun to develop a “sense of humour” as a mechanism of defence against these people after seeing it’s great use by other organics in OE.

At the very least, off ship antags should have easy access to the crew manifest, possibly even full records and I findi t wierd most of them don't

Laser tag gear (for Security training!)

Hello! I was the AI for the round with the queen/colossol greimorian. First, we ultimately defeated it when I decided enough was enough, and started using fire alarms to box it in. I don't think anyone is going to complain about me doing this after about 20/30 minutes, given how mobile and invincible it felt. However, if it it is nerfed it needs a way to get through emergency shutters quick. Second, the ceiling walk allowed it free retreats with no risk, or even to lurk somewhere. It needs a time limit, and a cooldown, or it just needs removed, it makes no sense people can't shoot a bug if it's on the ceiling. Third, I think it needs a few guidelines when playing. Players should not spread breach just because it benefits them. Maybe a bit more "animalistic". Unless the intent is it's smart. Finally it needs a resprite, since Aurora has moved away from space spiders it's not suitable. Also a dead sprite I love the concept of a big evil monster occationally, but it was just a bit too tought. I think less health, but with fast regen could work? Make it so three or more security officers with laser rifles or burst rifles can take it down if they're smart, but one by themselves will struggle with?

I'll start by been honest: Frej is a friend of mine. I maybe cursed him with a love of roleplay, and introduced him to SS13 and Aurorastation. Whoops. But it's been exciting to see him fit straight into a HRP server, and then resolve to play Taj. He's been full of little tidbits of lore as he reads and learns everything. I have no doubt that Frej has Tajara history down, and I know Frej also has the roleplay chops to make it work! +1

I've seen them in round as Cornelius Huizhong a few times now. While there has been some slip ups, these are merely part and parcel of leaning into command, as high pressure as it can be on Aurora. Over several rounds now I feel confident giving them a +1 after they were a good sport after I took them hostage as an antag. I'm sure given a full whitelist they will make a great member of command

I of course understand the issue of handing things to antags - but especially in the early stages of their round, surely that's what's expected of players, especially command - a lot is geared to not shut things down early, from command expecting to play along, a general expectation to not shout down a radio immediately, security armed with the weaker weapons to start. Breaking into the Cap's office is when the antag should expect to escalate their antagonism, when security is going to gear up and blue is going to get called. It's not about getting every step allowed for - it's about those early steps in a round before a conflict can properly start, when things are starting to move towards escalation. If items are intended to be hard to get, then they should be hard to get - swiping the AI, grabbing whatever macguffin from the vault you want. The Cap's ID is a tool to an end for an antagonist, and if it was generally agreed that it should not be possible to get, then why doesn't it start more secure then "on the Captain's desk". I of course realize I'm second guessing the intent of mappers and admins in the past here. I briefly even saw the spare ID was a topic brought up in the forums before. Please correct me if I've misjudged on this.

Hello! Now, I think the title is a bit confusing but I'm not sure how to summarize my suggestion in short. Here it is a bit longer: Certain key items which can be used by antags (such as the Captain's Spare ID or the Nuke Disk, which I realize now largely exsist in the Cap's office) should not be stored hidden, be it in a safe, locker or similiar unless a threat to the item specifically has been noted, or an escalation of alert level. This comes in the wake of a round about a week ago, where the raider's planned to use copied access to fulfil their (admittedly fairly mchanical) gimmick to use the Horizon's weapons to get revenge on their (off screen) enemies, but after a botches attempted to enter the Cap's office were met with the Levi key and the Spare ID been missing. I never did find out where they were, be it in the safe or a locker or somewhere else. WIthout access, the Raiders quickly bogged down and were dispatched by Security in short order, ending the gimmick almost before it had even started. In a LRP or MRP server, where often the goal is to show off how robust you are and to "win", hiding such items in safes or similiar only makes sense. However, on Aurora where antag actions are for the drama of it, it can often lead to an antag been shut down before they had chance to flourish. Antagonists are often already fighting a uphill battle, and while expectations of players is to give them leeway (an important duty of command players for example), actions such as hiding items without good cause indirectly often has the same effect as immediately calling Security when you glimpse a Changeling for one second in maint assaulting someone. This problem could be fixed mechanically - for example, hiding the such items in a glass "cabinet" akin to EVA where the suits are, where an antag could easily smash open. Possibly, this could lock/become harder to access with an alert level change too. This would give IC justification to just leaving the items "out in the open". It could also be fixed by changing policy and include hiding such items without justification come under "powergaming". Thanks for reading!

I always assumed they are underpowered basically on purpose - any antag with some prep isn't going to have to panic over them, and even those without have a fairly decent chance of not been shut down immediately. The disruptor been buffed would make antag play more difficult, on a server where we sometimes struggle to get antags doing their thing. And as someone who plays sec most of the time, I'm all for giving them a chance to flourish. The moment a (serious) threat is confirmed, the armoury is opened and officers are arming up with other gear anyway. The disruptor's role is to give Officers a chance at range, some on the fly power which can be easily changed to leathal, while not shutting down antags in the early stages of their round - the only time the disruptor will be used anyway, if the antag is been enough of a threat.

Not to belittle CCIA talk, I think it's best if AOOC shared a colour with not common, command or security as a priority. I've had this exact issue as a loyalist captain, or even as a merc with sec radio going ot the headset, and I'm sure nearly every antag will say their priority to pay attention to is AOOC, common, command or security.

I appreciate this candid reply - it's always a tricky line in Security between meta knowledge and IC knowledge, and OOC I've been there after a busy round too, where you can let your standards slip. When this gets looked at, I'm happy with the 10 minutes been a simple "sorry my bad". I'm still not sure on IC violence however - it's less if it was justified for your character, and more "would they be hired with so easy a provocation to violence", especially as a Warden. I'm sure real life wardens hear some awful stuff from prisoners beyond just having their name mocked and their life belittled, but most countries don't accept violence from them as an appropriate response.

BYOND Key: Our Lord Spungus Game ID: The round after was crj-aLEU - didn't grab the round in time. Player Byond Key/Character name: Our Lord Spungus / Eloise Strelitz Staff involved: Melariara Reason for complaint: I believe meta gaming, combined with failing in their duties as a Warden, both IC and OOC The round started with a fairly botched Raider + Burglar, which due to players leaving saw us down to 5 people. Before we even started, we C4'd our own cockpit, then when we got there we C4'd the wrong room. When our target (Cap's Spare ID) was not in the Cap's office, the round for the three Raiders, myself (Robin) included was basically over, trapped as we were. I decided, outnumbers, our gear pretty bad, to eventually surrender, having implants to maybe escape and leave the Horizon. I surrendered almost immediately, before either Cadet that die that round did - though I happily acknoledge that this info is not available to Security, nor does it matter in particular. In my surrender, I was shot a few times by the Cadet who I assume didn't realize me throwing my gun away and resting was to indicate that (I was unable to speak at the time), and after I was cuffed I was taken to medical (though in that process, Eloise did spread the breach to the central ring). There, the surgeon accidentally removed my freedom implants - for which they immediately apologised in LOOC when they realized what they were. I said back in LOOC I'd just ahelp to get it put back in. Eloise was nearby for this conversation, so no doubt Spungus read it. During the intial period, I was very cooperative, not fighting back, telling them to empty my pockets right away. While IC I was a little smug (playing into the "poltiical advisor who is sure they can legally wrangle their way out of it"), there was no attempt at escape or violence. After the Warden left, I used a tool implant to remove the cell's window. The warden was there immediately, no doubt watching cams. This much so far is fine. They immediately fire their shotgun at me - I hope a misclick given I was unarmed, unarmoured and visibly so, and so far none violent. They quickly put me back in the brig, reasonable, but then proceeded to hold me for 10+ minutes. I asked for medical for my burned hand (on the electified grilles). They proceeded to hold me in their hand. Largely none engaging with my roleplay, nor asking for medical. I was unable to ask myself, after my headset was taken. Eventually, they relented, asked for medical slowly. They also jumped immediately to blaming me having an implant, which combined with the earlier LOOC mentioned is suspicious. However, I do think there is reasonable IC logic to lead there, though after I asked them to search the brig for tools, they merely dismissed that and returned to holding me. This whole time, and I examined myself multiple times, I was auto groaning, had text in the examine over the "ripped large burn on her right hand." They could have in this time merely returned me to a cell and watched me, or taken me personally to medical - the fix was fairly quick for a doctor. This was all ahelp'd in round, and they did eventually release me, I believe only after been poked from ahelp. Later, I asked for a headset to replace my taken one. This was my attempt to rengage in a conversation - I at this point had decided that any attempt at escape was doomed to fail. During this time, Robin called Eloise by their first name - which became a point of contention. Things escalated, until they used the brig flashes merely for been provoked by been called their first name. When I calmly reported this on the comms, they proceeded to enter the brig and attack with their stun baton - the justification to remove my headset for reporting their earleir abuse to the crew. This whole time, I was motionless and none violent - if they merely walked over and took it off it would have worked. I believe the SCC wouldn't hire someone to a position like warden who is so clearly and easily provoked. The use of force was excessive in all cases. While a character's personnal opnion against a prisoner can come up, it is upto security and especially the warden to act professionally at all times. Any warden that would attack their prisoner when it is excessive is not fit for the job, be it wiht a stun baton, or use of the brig suppression systems, both tools for use on violent prisoners. They're called the "riot suppression system" after all, not the "they said my name when I told them not to suppression system". Did you attempt to adminhelp the issue at the time? If so, what was the known action taken by administration/moderation? An ahelp was made in round to resolve the earlier part of it - this complain is been made due to actions at the end of the round, which couldn't be resolved in time - Melariara told me to post here. Approximate Date/Time: 17/12/23 03:45am UTC

Hey. This round was a mess. We had no contact with the Intrepid once they left, but for a short window, and were told by freebooters that you were all dead after that. Once we hit red (pirates + I'm been told an engineer was executed + I believe the pirates killed the whole Intrepid), I was in an ahelp chat for a long time trying to clear things up, which meant I was prevented from actually making annoucements and informing the crew. I 100% agree that quicker decisions needed to be made during that final part, but I think a look at the ahelps that round will explain why I stopped communicating until they were resolved.

It is just my opnion - but having the space in the middle open would be a great improvement. Not sure where'd you move it though....

More feedback after playing with it a little in round. Both minor: 1. With the door to the bridge supplies, the Cap's office can't get true privacy for those times you discuss someone's work performance in quiet, or you know, get antag'd. 2. The Cap's desk feels a lot less official now too. With the monitor and all the buttons, nevermind the laptop, it's not as fun to sit over it and chat. This is a super minor personal taste thing though.

I hope this feedback isn't too late, and I hope (somewhat) it's relevant! I like the bridge breakroom. If the command areas are been opened up more, would it be possible to give service (bartender / chef) access via the back door only during green alert, so they can serve the command staff if asked? It feels like the back stairs are there to allow that interaction, but the access isn't there. Secondly, with the XO's window been inside the "protected area" during blue alert, do they have a monitor for the bridge doors (and a button to open them) like the current Captain's office? Generally I'd like more "open bridge doors" buttons around too, given nearly every trial round I've had to let people in.

Hey! I've got four rounds in (and advertised after each of them). I will continue to get more down when I can!

BYOND key: fyshen Discord Username: fyni Character names: Hilda Vestergaard Katya Belova JOY How long have you been playing on Aurora? I played on Aurora quite a bit back in 2021 after migrating from other HRP servers. I ended up taking a break, and have come back recently where I have been active for about a month now. Have you received any administrative actions? And how serious were they? I don't believe so. I recently had a chat with a moderator after a mess up as Warden however, but I do not believe this was serious. 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? Heads of Staff provide two main things from a out of game perpective, in my opnion. First, they provide a link to the other departments through the Command channel and presense in command areas, allowing a smoother flow from both an IC and OOC perpective. This can help coordinate players and infomation in a way which can make the round more enjoyable for everyone - making sure people knows what is happening, and can effectively engage with whatever it is, be it antagonist actions or simple Intrepid missions or random events. I think this is the most important part. However, another aspect (and somewhat linked) is to help players "under" the head of staff, be it through enabling them to perform their jobs more effectively, helping new players / apprentices / cadets, while largely staying out of it. Let a surgeon do their job, making sure they have the supplies they need, and the patient delivered correctly, for example, not just to do surgery themselves. What do you think the OOC responsibilities of Whitelisted players are to other players, and how would you strive to uphold them? They should do their best to create an enviroment where roleplay can flourish. This can be anything from from providing goals and engaging with other players when things are quiet (often extended), to allowing antags the chance to flourish. Heads especially must in a way "enable" antags, from letting mistakes go, to engaging with their gimmicks (all within a believeable, realistic way). For me, this is largely achieved by four things: inform, delegate, include and engage. Inform, always make sure whoever needs to know something knows, letting antag gimmicks or random events reach more people. This can be done via annoucements to the ship, or informing your underlings, or another head of staff to pass on the infomation. Delegate lets other players who aren't whitelisted to get the most out of their roles, perhaps even more so then they would without you. Include as many people as possible when required. If your a Captain talking to a peaceful antag, get a security guard. If your a Chief Engineer trying a new set up, get help from Engineers even if you don't need it. Finally, engage: don't let a chance to roleplay pass you by, because every engagement can be filtered out to more and more people via the last four. Explain how the recent events in the Spur changed your character and how they came to be employed on the SCCV Horizon. Elizabeth Joyce is a veteran of space exploration (and exploitation), begin her now long career in 2399 as an assistant aboard numerous mining vessels operating around Tau Ceti. She was a quick witted and ambitious induvidual, quickly taking on more and more work at the bridges of numerous ships until she found herself as a Captain of a mining and scouting ship in 2418. In 2420, the previous company she worked for found itself absorbed by the growing NanoTrasen, and she and her vessel were reassigned as a scouting vessels throughout the Romanovich Cloud. From here she was shuffled quietly into the SCC in 2462, to provide an exprienced and well tested hand, where she continued to lead survey vessels. Recently, she has been attached to the Horizon as Captain. Elizabeth has shifted over the years from an oppertunistic and ambitious young woman, proud and excited to make her own way, to today where she works in the shadow of megacorps executives. She has an understanding of what it means to work from near the bottom, and a willingness to help those below her who want, or perhaps deserve, it. What roles do you plan on playing after the application is accepted? Captain. I may also branch out to HoS and maybe a liason later. Have you familiarized yourself with the wiki pages for the command roles? Yes Characters you intend to use for command or have created for command. Include the job they will be taking: Elizabeth Joyce, Captain Do you understand your whitelist is not permanent, and may be stripped following continuous administrative action? Yes Have you linked your BYOND account to the Forums? Yes I think it is! Extra notes: I am on the AI whitelist, and it is a role I play to relax. It shares many expectations with command roles (for example, giving antags a chance, enabling underlings (borgs) to do their jobs and roleplay more.) which I believe is pretty transferable.

BYOND key: Fyshen Discord name/id: Fyni#0017 Borg / AI names: Greener, JOY (both mainly none Aurora synths, though I was in some rounds before the whitelist) Have you read the Aurora wiki page about the AI?: Yes. Aurora has the same expectations from an AI as other servers I've played it on, so much so I'm sure the page is largely the same. Why do you wish to be on the whitelist?: The same reason I'm sure everyone who applies does: I love playing AI. My relationship with the role is a strange one though. I like the somewhat passive game you can play as AI, casually watching and listening in, giving input and communicating with the crew. There is something really special about the bodiless omnipresence of the AI which is such fun. I've enjoyed the AI "personalities" I have developed playing other places. Having played AI on Aurora a few rounds before the whitelist, and having observed them more recently, I can see that the sort of roleplay I enjoy is what is wanted, so it's a perfect match. I do hope that all makes sense. Have you received any administrative actions? And how serious were they?: I don't think so. Until recently, I have not been a regular player on Aurora. Do you understand your whitelist is not permanent, and may be stripped following continuous administrative action?: Yes.