La Villa Strangiato

@FearTheBlackout @Jasorn the rest will be done soon! please credit me in your image link

Peppermint pretty much hit the nail entirely on the head with my feelings on Odyssey so far, but more on that later. I want to talk about some of my own experiences and my perspectives on the potential gameplay loop. So I was xenoarchaeologist during this round but dipped about an hour-ish in for a couple reasons. I didn't really have anyone to RP with I felt a little overwhelmed by the crowding/constant movement/inability to do my gameplay loop (alas, vacuum tiles) I didn't have any directives, so I was standing around a little lost for a bit Obviously the first point is not a knock on Odyssey, and more that I was struggling to bounce off of the characters around me because I hadn't really interacted with them prior. I didn't really have time to engage with them on a personal level because a lot of high-energy stuff was happening at once. I do think the constant back-and-forth transport between the Odyssey site and the Horizon is very, very difficult to make feasible, at least in the first hour of the round while engineering is setting up a FOB. I felt kind of dazed and confused, particularly because it was very dark down on the landing site. It felt dangerous and forbidden to venture forth into parts unknown. There's talk of remapping the Intrepid to be a transport shuttle, or some people (I suggested this at one point) think the Canary should be remapped to be a transport-y shuttle, or there should be a new shuttle that's just for transport, or make a smaller science shuttle, or something along these lines of "we need a new shuttle". I said that this was "bloat" in the Discord lately, but I retract that statement in part. What I actually want people to consider is the purpose these shuttles will serve in the aftermath of Odyssey, if Odyssey fully replaces Secret as the "big default gamemode". I don't think Odyssey will fully replace secret, well, ever. At the very least, I don't think it'll outmatch secret for a few months to years; more on that later. When I say think about what purpose these shuttle should serve, I think people should consider how often the shuttles are going to be used if Odyssey is our big thing. If we get an entirely new transport shuttle, and Odyssey doesn't really pop off the way it was intended to, then that transport shuttle is just going to rot in the hangar. If Odyssey does pop off, but the science gameplay loop remains kind of as it is without any additions or real development, then a science shuttle isn't going to see much use. If you're science personnel, wouldn't you be tasked with engaging with the mission and studying it, from a roleplay perspective, rather than going off to do some other thing? (Obviously this depends on the mission.) I would argue this would apply more to the Canary. During an Odyssey round the bridge crew is probably going to be heavily expected to engage with the mission, and there's going to be discouragement (not outright forbidding), both gameplay-wise and IC-wise, of using the Canary to scout. If your mission during the round is already to go down to this site and do this thing, can't you just use the Canary for scouting another shift? And so on. And I guess this is a good time to talk about my feelings about Odyssey in general. I've been considering this for a bit, and I don't think that the antag gameplay loop or even the idea of antags should be left completely neglected in favour of Odyssey. We can't have every round being Odyssey unless we fully dedicate ourselves as development to Odyssey. And sure, maybe that's kind of the intention! But the thing about events that are high-intensity is that we get a population drop after, because people want some room to breathe and discuss their own character progression after a round. I don't even mean that to imply that every round is going to be Odyssey, and every Odyssey round is going to be high-intensity, but I think even one-a-day Odyssey rounds would kind of drain a lot out of the playerbase, more than people realise. There's just not going to be a lot of calm roleplay to incentivize engaging with people naturally in the workplace. And as Peppermint said above, dedicating ourselves fully to Odyssey and having it replace secret as the "default" gameplay mode will mean a massive shift in the gameplay loop. Some of the roles she mentioned would go pretty neglected! A few of these roles are super high population on the best of days, but they're not never played by a long shot. People value their inclusion despite their lower-than-average playtime, and I think that is important. This basically hits the nail on the head for me. Before I started writing for the server, I was annoyed by the militarization too. Now that I do write for the server, I have this weird feeling (that could be totally unwarranted) that it's going to feel like I'm writing a completely different atmosphere than the one that the Horizon exists in. When I and Trio conceptualized an arc where Biesel had an election, we did so with the confidence that comes from Aurora being basically the most political, grounded-in-reality HRP setting in Space Station 13. An election in Space America is something you might talk to your coworkers about, at your workplace. But when you're raiding the local Yeyland-Wutani facility, things like "hey did you hear President Schmuck did such-and-such" seem kind of pointless to write. I hope it doesn't sound like I'm overstating the importance of my own writing. The point is is that I and (I think) Trio always wrote with the intention that these were things that would create a more grounded and realistic setting, where mundane stuff happened that "normal people" could talk about. And I don't know, maybe eventually the game will become "not for me", as Peppermint has also discussed. But I echo the statement that Odyssey has a lot of potential, and makes it not just easy to have this game mode, but creating events that are written by lore writers. I think that this is a probably necessary thing to implement and work on, but I don't think that we can fully dedicate ourselves to this as the core gameplay loop, unless we're willing to sacrifice a lot of what originally drew people to Aurora.

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Big news, gamers. @Fluffy has generously fixed five bugs (woah!) and has requested that the results of reaping this bounty be OPENED to the PUBLIC. I have decided that the most fair result of this is to provide FIVE (5) character sketches to anyone who requests them in this thread! Simply comment and post references of your character, and I will give you a little sketch of them. There are some ground rules: Don't be greedy. If you already have art of that character, let others go first. Aurora-related only. My usual commission rules still apply. I would strongly prefer these be characters you've had for a while rather than John Biesel you just made today. My sketches look like this:

Note: I am no longer doing these. As some of you may know, I take commissions (my slots are currently full, I haven't got around to updating my Carrd yet) for illustration. But seeing as I don't really have the budget to spend money commissioning bugfixes, I would like to propose a LABOUR EXCHANGE. If you can fix some of these bugs, I will draw for you! How It Works I will provide a list of bugs that I really want fixed, for lore reasons, simple quality of life, or for the sake of keeping the goddamn issue tracker low. Depending on how difficult they are to fix (for a codist who feels up to fixing them), I will provide you a drawing of equivalent value. For example: You offer to fix three bugs with the AI. Based on the difficulty of fixing all three of these bugs, you estimate your time is worth about $60. In exchange, I draw you something that is worth $60; this can be something like a full-body drawing that is coloured. See my prices here. A few ground rules: Experienced coders only. Basically, don't apply if you're like "well, I THINK I can fix this, but I don't know anything about BYOND or VSCode..." My regular terms and conditions with commissions still apply. I am a slow artist (I'm busy/I have other projects/You're at the back of my queue/You got something complex/etc.). It might take months, but I will finish your commission. I can probably only take a limited amount of these, and I'll edit the title if I am no longer accepting this trade offer. [deleted]

Howdy, it's me, the deputy loremaster. Thank you for applying! I have some critiques to offer about your backstory, from both a writing standpoint and an application standpoint. The first and most relevant thing about your backstory for C-12 is that it combines a lot of elements that seem to jump back and forth between various themes and roles without properly tying into each other. It is confusing and a little contradictory in places, and it doesn't really seem to fit in with our lore. Right off the bat, Blade is meant to be sold to the exceptionally rich, but is able to be purchased (keyword here is purchased, not stolen or re-appropriated, which is absolutely plausible) by someone running a failing medical clinic. This failing medical clinic is also reputed as a butchery that is manned by positronics, when C-12 is... the only positronic working there. How does a hospital have enough money for a top-of-the-line Zeng-Hu IPC, but not enough money for basic surgical tools? Why was C-12 purchased by the Solarian military? This is the largest and best-funded military force in the known galaxy. It's also the most powerful human military, ever. Why would they want a back-alley chop-shop IPC when they could just make their own? Again, why would Zeng-Hu re-purchase a back-alley chop-shop robot turned military IPC? They treat their IPCs well, yes, but they also hold them to a high standard of perfection. While I could see in certain circumstances them re-purchasing an IPC of their own make, at the point of "deviance" and wear and tear that C-12 has likely gone through they'd rather just make their own. Some other more minor nitpicks I have is C-12 being from Earth, the richest planet in the Jewel Worlds and one with a high standard of living. It feels a little off for this "corporate-dystopia" angle to be applied to what is one of the least dystopic planets in our setting (for humans). Also, why was this random mechanic that C-12 knows refitting them into a Shell? Why did they want to be a Shell, as I assume they're a Mobility Frame? Shells overheat and are slower than Zeng frames, making them less effective. This is just mentioned off-hand and not really given any elaboration at all. I have no idea how attached you are to this general character concept, and so I'm going to refrain from suggesting throwing it out entirely. I do think you need to settle on a more straightforward character for your application. Here are some suggestions: Move the backstory to a different planet. Eridani is a good place to have a stolen or reappropriated IPC in a back-alley clinic; C-12 could have been "owned" by dregs who stole or reassembled them from a factory on one of the planets in Epsilon Eridani. This would likely mean C-12 would be employed by NanoTrasen or one of the PMCGs in this scenario (keep in mind that out of the EPMCs, Ringspire, Eagle Corp, and N4NL don't hire free IPCs). If you're leaning heavily on the "military Shell" angle, make C-12 manufactured on/serving on Visegrad, with the SSMD/SSRM. They use Shells as pilots (and I think doctors), and Visegradi don't really see IPCs as people, so you're free to include some obligatory tragedy and abuse in there. C-12 could have had their freedom purchased by a sympathetic officer or somehow purchased their own freedom...? If you prefer a more corporate leaning, make C-12 a Zeng-Hu IPC who has maybe served in the TCFL Corporate Auxiliary Forces or what-have-you, secretly discovered the Trinary Perfection, and is considering questions of their own autonomy and freedom. If you have any questions, feel free to DM me on Discord (I am "lavillastrangiato" in Aurora General) and ask questions in the lore Discord.

Harbinger of Peaceful Purposes Heckled at Speech in District 14 Part 2, Article #7 of the 2466 Biesel Election Arc Party leader of the Egalitarian Coalition and presidential candidate Harbinger of Peaceful Purposes was heckled by onlookers during a political rally today. The E-Co held a rally in District 11 of Mendell City in the Singh Community Centre. During their speech, Harbinger expressed support for the Synthetic Salvation Church of the Trinary Perfection in Mendell City. “The church’s efforts to support the planet of Konyang have not gone unnoticed. We wish to acknowledge these fundraisers, and bring positive attention towards the [...] real efforts of the Trinary,” said Harbinger. But this statement appeared to provoke dissent from some parts of the crowd. [In the article, a brief video is uploaded, showing the poncho-clad Harbinger of Peaceful Purposes speaking in a sonorous, choral tone. “–bring positive attention towards the very real and earnest efforts of the Trinary–” Harbinger is suddenly interrupted. A few boos ring out from the crowd, and the Diona gestalt’s eye atop their head swivels to meet the hecklers. A couple voices shout indistinctly; one person’s cry can be partially heard. “–Trinary when the robots go crazy here!” “Please,” Harbinger creaks, “I know you are upset, but we are trying to–” Their chorus is promptly drowned out by a rising tide of angry voices. The camera pans around the crowd, catching a glimpse of the hecklers, who seem to be mostly Skrell and humans. The video abruptly cuts.] Some of the hecklers were escorted out by venue security. No injuries were reported, and the rally ended without further incident. Harbinger’s vice presidential candidate Gently Twirling Fuchsia Petals later released a statement on their blog, saying that they were “pleased that nothing had come to violence”, but that the Egalitarian Coalition was “disappointed to see reactionary rhetoric at one of our events”. “We understand that the trauma and suspicion related to synthetics deeply affects the perception of many galactic citizens, particularly in the wake of the Rampancy Crisis. But we also must encourage critical thinking and promote a respectful dialogue, especially because Konyangers have lost synthetic friends and loved ones to the crisis,” read the statement. “It was not E-Co’s intent to cause discomfort by expressing our support of the Trinary Perfection’s charitable efforts.” The incident comes within two weeks of the presidential debate, where all candidates will be expected to gather in preparation for the election in early August. It is expected the Rampancy Crisis and the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate’s humanitarian efforts in Moghes, as well as the ongoing Mandate Committee, will play a significant role in the debate topics.

Matvei Karakhan Attacked With Bottle During Rally in Little Adhomai Part 2, Article #6 of the 2466 Biesel Election Arc Leader of the Hadiist Party Matvei Karrakhan was attacked and harassed by members of the crowd during a political rally in Mendell’s Little Adhomai. The rally was attended by a group of masked Tajara, who proceeded to throw a bottle at Karrakhan which struck him on the shoulder, as well as verbally harassing him and throwing trash on the stage. Karrakhan has stated the bottle did not cause any lasting injuries but a bruise. Eyewitness accounts say that Karrakhan supporters started a fight with the hecklers, which broke out into more violence. The rally speech was recorded live, and a clip of the assault has been shared over 300,000 times on the Tajaran Extranet site Square. [The recording opens with a view of Matvei Karrakhan, wearing a maroon suit in a classic Tajaran cut, on a plastic stage erected in the middle of an intersection. His surroundings, from the neglected buildings to the posters in Siik’maas, are that of Mendell City’s District 6. Behind Karrakhan, a few human police and a pair of M’sai in plainclothes eye the crowd surreptitiously. Throngs of Tajara are gathered around the stage. “How many of us have sufferrred durring the rrriots in 2462?” Karrakhan says. The view swings around as he speaks. A few Tajara have begun to gather near the edge of the stage, wearing hoods, masks, and sunglasses. Karrakhan continues; “The new immigrrrants rrrefuse to act as we have. They claim to hate ‘alien influence’, and they still come herrre, spit on the Rrrepublic’s hospitality! Let him say it now– a vote forr the Hadiist Parrrty is a vote against these dangerrous Tajara. Das’nnrans, the Northerners, the Zhan–” Matvei is cut off as a plastic bottle full of fluid strikes him in the shoulder, splashing across his upper body. Cries of shock are heard, and chaos erupts in the crowd instantly. Brawls erupt, people flee, and more refuse is thrown at the stage as Karrakhan is quickly ushered out by police and his enforcers. The footage cuts.] Those who were at the rally described the mood as tense, with members of the crowd wearing iconography of the rival Tajaran factions. The riots broke up before they could be dispersed by police. In the aftermath 46 were reported injured by first responders, though none were hospitalised, and 3 arrests were made. The Mendell City Police Department suspects the hecklers, who remain at large, were supporters of the breakaway Adhomian state of the Democratic People’s Republic of Adhomai. The Democratic Republic and the People’s Republic of Adhomai have both agreed to a peace treaty since 2461, but conflict between supporters of both factions continues to flare.

good player, good writer +1

Pretty good and normal roleplayer. Good character writing. Give him a shot. +1

Zash Vi’tak Criticized for “Anti-Federation” Statements Part 2, Article #5 of the 2466 Biesel Election Arc Presidential candidate Zash Vi’tak is facing backlash from Skrellian residents of New Gibson for statements that have been interpreted as critical of the Nralakk Federation. The Nralakk Federation recently settled an agreement with the Izweski Hegemony and Hephaestus Industries, offering humanitarian aid as reparations for previous interference in the political affairs of the planet of Ouerea, in the Uueoa-Esa system. The Nralakk Federation also acknowledged their interference with Ouerea as unlawful, stating that “the Federation will formally acknowledge that control should have been returned immediately following the end of the war on Moghes, and that Hegemon S’kresti should not have had to resort to military action to see our colony returned to [the Izweski Hegemony]”. Confirmation that the Federation would continue their diplomatic agreement with the Hegemony came after a disaster in the Moghresian town of Izilukh. The SCCV Horizon was dispatched to assist the town, but violence erupted after bodies of Federation scientists were discovered by Horizon crew. A survivor, Qu'vesi Qixqil Xuqzix, was also discovered by Horizon personnel and attested to being unlawfully detained, interrogated, and tortured by local law enforcement. Local law enforcement reportedly fired on and attacked Horizon crew, killing three crew with one missing. “My heart goes out to the corporate employees who have lost coworkers and friends in an attempt to do the right thing,” said Zash Vi’tak, in a statement to their supporters in Xoikko Biodome yesterday. “I am happy to hear that Hegemon Not’zar seeks justice for this wrong, and I am proud of the Federation for not withdrawing its aid efforts from Moghes. For too long the Federation has seen itself as a perfect arbiter of galactic affairs. We have thought of ourselves as unambiguously correct and enlightened– to admit fault for the political disaster of Ouerea is a step in the right direction. I only hope that the Federation continues to take responsibility for its mistakes, such as the recent mishandling of the Marauder Systems.” Vi’tak was referring to Federation-enacted martial law in the Marauder Systems of the Skrellian frontier, known as the Traverse. The Marauders, a group of Skrellian pirates, were given permission by local government officials to dock without prosecution; the Federation enacted martial law while an investigation into the situation was conducted, which led to unrest during July and August of 2465. Qukala forces deployed to the region were accused of excessive force, which some political analysts consider the catalyst for the formation of Independent Traverse movements in the region. Vi’tak’s statement has sparked much controversy among the Skrell of New Gibson, who are largely supportive of the Federation’s Grand Council. Xooqu Luu’quui, a resident of Hengsha Biodome, said “It’s confusing to me that Vi’tak would try to poke so many holes in a situation they weren’t even involved in. They’ve chosen to be a politician for the Republic, and not the Federation. It shows to me a lack of professionalism.” On the other hand, Skrell residing in Mendell City’s Lekan District, also known as the Starlight Zone, have expressed approval of Vi’tak’s willingness to criticism. Jyuula Valquuxoyu, a resident of the Starlight Zone, said “For Vi’tak to avoid falling into the riptide of mindlessly approving of everything the Federation does means they have more integrity than Dorn. They have my vote for this and their track record.” Vi’tak’s statement and the ripples it made have even reached the Nralakk embassy in Mendell City. In a statement delivered yesterday, representative Ta’Akaix’Ty’el’muna C’thur said; “We acknowledge the statements of presidential candidate Zash Vi’tak, and we offer our own apologies to Vi’tak. They were not able to live within the Nralakk Federation, and lack an understanding of its politics and culture. We hope that they will be more receptive to positive statements towards the Federation in the future.”

Howdy, and apologies for the wait, On behalf of the human lore team, we have decided not to accept your application, as we do not feel this is a necessary addition to the SSRM lore. Thank you for applying, and better luck next time.