NekoMarbles

BYOND Ckey: NekoMarbles Discord username: @enchantedcrocolisk Character names: Camilla DeWitt, Isabella Jeong, Richard O’Brien, Jonathan Moorland, Ayaka Sobu, IRU-Shepherd, Yun-Hee Sang Species you are applying to play: Tajara ------------------------------ General Whitelist Requirements What colour do you plan on making your first alien character?: Tortoiseshell (a mixture of about Ruddy/Black) Have you read the lore pages for the species you wish to be whitelisted for?: Yes! 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 species?: Tajara offer a truly beautiful, wide range of character-building possibilities, with the four Tajaran ethnicities, the species’ history, and their factions allowing you to mix and match into loads of different opportunities, with factors to consider in the realms of politics, religion, warfare, and to those of tajara-kind who left their home: a want to belong, the possibility for a better future, and homesickness for something so broken left back home. A lot of the themes surrounding the species, as well as some exceptional characters I have interacted with in the community, make the species ever so exciting to read about and play out. Plus, who doesn’t want to play a not-cat? What makes role-playing this species different than role-playing a human?: Tajara have a variety of biological differences when compared to a human, many of which also introduce in-game mechanical differences, which one has to keep in mind. Tajara are covered in a layer of thick fur, which keeps them naturally insulated, but leaves them vulnerable to the heat. Their hands are clawed, which makes them unable to wear conventional gloves, but their scratches hurt harder than a human’s punch. Besides the biological and mechanical differences present in every Tajara, the species has four distinct ethnicities with their own biological inclinations, coat colours, and often - historically relevant personal history and culture. These differences often furthered systems of Tajaran power structure, as well as discrimination and oppression - This sentiment has not faded fully, even in the current day. Ethnic differences often dictate, or dictated, differences in the available education, predispositions for certain types of work, and shaped the precedent for a distaste for inter-ethnic relationships via selective breeding practices. Tajara often stereotype one another, with their biological differences often only furthering the spark of conflict alongside socioeconomic disparities - most obviously seen during the many Uprisings against the Njarir’Akhran nobility. The Tajara have a very difficult to grasp at first glance history, with a long historical struggle between the different social classes, most commonly those of the serf and the noble, and a large outside influence in the form of Humanity and the Nralakk Federation. The latter later became part of the motivation for the Third Protocol of the Luna Accords of Interstellar Law - that relating to Non-Interference in the development of uncontacted nations. Despite the interference of Humans in Tajaran affairs in recent history, Tajaran conflict had long been cause and effect of differences between the different ethnicities, classes and diaspora, which resulted in major differences in lifestyle and ideology between them. The most recent conflict, The Second Revolution (only ending in 2461, so five years ago in-world), and its consequences in the form of the recognition of the DPRA and NKA, gave birth to the three major factions we know today - each providing unique perspective to the political structure of the Tajaran homeworld, some more involved with the species’ past (such as the Monarchist ways of the Kingdom), and others more or less determined on advancing the common Tajara into a ‘better’ future - with varying meanings behind the word based on ideology and actions. ------------------------------ Character Application Character Name: Mirka Khrusiya Write a backstory for your character. This may include their origin, education, personality and how they arrived to the SCCV Horizon. Mirka Khrusiya was born in the city of Olska in the year 2443, in the (at that time) current territory of the People’s Republic of Adhomai, into a Njarir’Akhran family composed of a single, overworked Mother, Mirka herself, and a few years later - her younger brother, Khair. Her Njarir heritage was and remains to this day largely obscured, due to a lack of documentation and any exceptional amount of wealth to her name. This lack of genuine connection to any form of her Njarir ancestry during her formative years allowed for her to better attempt to connect with her peers, despite the challenges she soon faced due to her ethnicity. An exception to this would prove to come in the form of her childhood best friend, a young M’sai boy, the same age as her, with whom she would become inseparable. Despite Mirka’s nature, being prone to illness (which led to her initially struggling in her early education), her friend would always remain at her side, often visiting her in her home; In times when Mirka’s mother was absent due to work; the two, later three, would often play together at home under the watchful eye of one of their neighbours acting as a babysitter. In 2451, at the age of 8, Mirka watched the military parade in Nal’Tor on the home television set, her babysitter inattentively occupied with the younger child somewhere in the background. Mirka’s eyes lingered longer than usual, darting over the square screen, before the image was quickly cut out by the older Tajara. She did not quite understand then the importance of what had happened, but her caretaker’s panicked nature did more to upset her than what she saw, leaving the girl crying and confused. The twenty year period of Interwar peace had come to an end in an instant, and the worst was far yet to come. Mirka’s family initially held out in Olska through the beginning of the revolution. Her Mother’s wishes to hold out and attempt to survive despite the disruptive war effort never lasted long enough to bear fruit, as the development of the situation on Harr’masir meant an evacuation to a “safer” part of the planet under stricter control of the PRA was more beneficial. During the time of the Second Revolution, Mirka joined a local division of the PRA’s Youth Brigades, serving as a civilian courier and child informant, one of the loyal young Tajara serving as a prime example of the Party’s influence. Her family quickly settled in a village on the outskirts of Nal’Tor, where they stayed for the next couple of years through a large portion of the revolution. Mirka remembers this time with a strange degree of fondness, the time between the bloody war efforts spent enjoying her childlike innocence, and later - adolescent life. For the next 7 years, until 2458, Mirka continued in her dedicated work as a Brigadier, participating in political education efforts for young tajara not unlike herself, as well as more civil work - such as assisting in cleaning war-tattered streets and helping with the removal of rubble. On the 24th of November, 2458, when Mirka was 15, the People’s Republic was subjected to mass attacks from the ALA. Nal’Tor and its surrounding settlements were amongst the ones attacked by guerrilla forces, including the small village where the Khrusiyas were holding out. The last thing Mirka remembers from that time was running, holding her Mother by her hand as tight as she possibly could, weaving in and out of backyards and streets alike, as gunshots rang out around them. As she reached for the lock on the fence gate separating the two of them from the safety of the back alley and the family automobile, a single bullet struck at the ground near her feet, a last reminder of the threshold between her family’s life or death. The Khrusiya family piled into the rickety family automobile, and fled the burning village into central Nal’Tor with nothing but the clothes on their backs and miniscule amounts of belongings, where they again settled after the end of the week of bloodshed, first in a cheap motel, and later in a proper apartment on the second floor, surrounded by many neighbouring struggling families in their own right. Mirka’s Mother died of a contagious illness before the end of the Revolution, in late 2459. Mirka, as the only other adult in the household, had been taking the best possible care of her as she could, with the limited supplies, both that in terms of food and medicine, she was able to get her hands on. Yet, it had not been enough. Mirka herself had also contracted the unknown illness, yet was able to recover - left now with an incurable case of asthma. Mirka and her younger brother, Khair, were able to survive until the end of the Second Revolution, which ended in 2461 with the signing of the ceasefire, and later, the Armistice. Mirka and her brother would both remain citizens of the PRA following the Armistice of Shastar, continuing their sworn loyalty to the Hadiist Party. Taking the opportunity of the newly-gained moment of peace, Mirka quickly enrolled into medical school, soaring through her examinations. A need for better financial stability and higher quality of living, as well as guilt lingering after her Mother’s passing, both had heavy bearing on the young tajara’s choice of dedicating her future to the field of Medicine. During this time, Mirka more than before would pay attention to the political situation of her homeworld. Just as before, she had remained solemnly sworn to her loyalties with the PRA, now becoming more involved with anyone who could bring her closer to the Party, with high aims towards obtaining an official party membership in the far off future. She began to treat her relationships on a contractual, beneficiary basis, searching for ways in which the people she associated with could impact her social standing. Yet sometimes, you fail to look at the people you love most. Her brother, Khair, slowly began to drift away, distancing himself from Mirka over the last couple of years. Although not noticeable at first, his involvement in Adhomai’s nightlife, his demeanor, and the kinds of people he would find himself associating with would quickly reveal him as a closeted homosexual. Mirka was largely unaware of the people Khair was involved with, until she was introduced to his ‘partner’. Unnerved, yet vaguely accepting of Khair’s “condition”, Mirka did her best to protect Khair in terms of preserving the last that remained of her family. Over time, however, it became clear that something had changed, perhaps not only within Mirka, but Khair as well. The two found themselves often engaged in loud arguments that one could swear shook the apartment, with Khair’s temper running short. This would continue for the next year or so, until 2465. One unfortunate evening, during another one of Khair and Mirka’s heated arguments, his real motivations came to light. Khair intended to forge paperwork for himself and his lover, and defect off-world, in hopes of finding solace elsewhere, without prosecution. In Mirka’s mind, this admission was almost tied with treason. She had put in tireless, thankless work, all her life, to guarantee that the two of them could be safe, only for him to berate her for her loyalties and insist on abandoning what she had built. What their Mother had built before them. That night, for the first time, their argument had turned physical, with Khair instigating an altercation after hitting Mirka over the head with a kettle left on the stove nearby. By this point, however, she had had enough. Taking everything she could with her, Mirka left the apartment to stay at a friend’s house for the night, leaving Khair to sulk in his own share of sorrow. The next day, however, she did something she had never thought of doing in the entirety of her life. Mirka phoned the Police tipline, and reported Khair, informing the authorities of his plan, and of his ‘partner’. After Khair’s detainment by the authorities, and his enrollment into a psychiatric program meant to re-educate him, Mirka received a large amount of praise from those closer affiliated with the Party, yet the true impact of her actions was felt at home. Mirka returned home after a few days, with the apartment in disrepair due to the resistance during Khair’s arrest, as well as a subsequent search of the apartment, left to rot in the mess she had created. Mirka’s reputation within her own direct community was damaged - she no longer had the full trust of her neighbours, despite her rightful actions in the eyes of the Party. Over time, a lingering guilt consumed her, with the quiet stillness of her apartment nearly driving her mad. Khair’s absence meant the last of her family, as she had truly become alone now. After much deliberation, in late 2466, Khrusiya reached out toward her school, as well as Nanotrasen, for an opportunity to travel off-world under an employment contract to help further her in her study, while also swearing to upkeep with the traditional course of her exams through extra means. With her reputation as a model Republican citizen, and a Tajara with bright prospects in her chosen study field, Nanotrasen was quick to oblige, drafting an employment contract for Mirka to work under the position of a Medical Intern. Dropping everything she had worked so hard for back home, Mirka left her homeworld, in search of a place where she may no longer feel the heavy-weighing guilt and regret. The SCCV Horizon. How has the recent events of the Orion Spur impacted your character? Events such as the Phoron Scarcity, the Solarian Collapse or even the Invasions of Biesel for interstellar-wide affairs, while region-specific events such as the Peacekeeper Mandate, The Titan Rises or even Cold Dawn may impact your character. The Second Revolution as well as the subsequent modern Cold War era on Adhomai are a key point of Mirka’s character. Mirka lives through the Second Revolution through ages eight to eighteen, first as a passive spectator of it, dependent on her Mother, and later as a volunteer and brigadier. Wartime defines the overwhelming majority of the life she remembers, and yet she finds her own ways to struggle against it and find ways to thrive. The Revolution brought forward grief and suffering for Mirka, as well as her family, and left her vulnerable to the world around her, especially so after the loss of her mother. The PRA’s work after the conclusion of the Second Revolution, and the young tajara’s want to return to the normal, made her ripe pickings for the Party’s heavily propagandised image of an equal Tajaran future. The PRA is and remains all that Mirka can cling onto for relative safety in the world, enticed by their unifying messaging, and supported in a mutually beneficial relationship between providing the Party undying support, reciprocated in the form of societal and workplace opportunity. The Cold War remains an inching threat on Adhomai and in Mirka’s life, with the DPRA’s nuclear developments in the last few years assuming a passive, almost looming, presence over Mirka’s already uncertain living situation. The general unrest and internal turmoil among the Tajara people boils over into Mirka’s personal life, as her only remaining family member contemplates finding dubiously legal ways off of the planet - resulting in further tension, and later confrontation and harsh consequences. Mirka feels a certain unease surrounding the situation of her home, and pushed forward by her deep-entrenched guilt, both play a large part in the reasoning for Mirka choosing to leave Adhomai and seek employment off-planet with Nanotrasen. How does your character view the megacorporation they work for? Nanotrasen serves as an important keystone of not only Mirka’s future, but Adhomai’s development as a whole. Their controversial existence in Adhomai’s orbit is nowadays largely overshadowed by their close relationship to the PRA and the Party, which is more than enough to convince Mirka of their societal importance, due to Mirka’s heavily idealised image of the Hadiist ideology and the Party. Nanotrasen provides Mirka with a quick opportunity to escape her rough home situation, and get a breath of fresh air, while also supporting her dreams of pursuing a higher education in Medicine with a relevant workplace opportunity aboard the SCCV Horizon. Despite her poorly composed contract, and the corporation’s exploitative nature of the Tajara workforce, Mirka is naively trustful of the company, and is grateful for their presence in her life. Notes: I don't know how these keep getting longer

I'll admit, I had not interacted with many of CuteCat's characters prior to the last couple of weeks. However, sharing multiple rounds with them since, I can very much see all of the effort they put in, and I've definitely taken notice to their communicative nature within as well as outside of the department they command. I'll be giving this one a +1, for sure.

BYOND Ckey: NekoMarbles Discord username: @enchantedcrocolisk Character names: Camilla DeWitt, Isabella Jeong, Richard O’Brien, Jonathan Moorland, Ayaka Sobu, IRU-Shepherd, Yun-Hee Sang Species you are applying to play: Unathi ------------------------------ General Whitelist Requirements What colour do you plan on making your first alien character?: Brown-orange (similar Yu’kal Soil) Have you read the lore pages for the species you wish to be whitelisted for?: Yes, although I haven’t delved into the specifics of ex. Unathi Entertainment! 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 species?: I’ve been inspired by a lot of other Unathi players I’ve had the opportunity to interact with as of late, and upon further reading I’ve grown absolutely entranced by the lore surrounding the species! I think It’d be an absolutely wonderful way to diversify the way I create my characters, especially factoring in the greater weight of their religion and culture on a deeper level. Having to balance an individual’s relation towards their community, culture, gender-identity and expression, and faith are all very important motives I already love to explore with my characters, and Unathi are exactly what I’ve been looking for in that matter. What makes role-playing this species different than role-playing a human?: First and foremost, Unathi are widely biologically different from humans. They are cold-blooded and reptilian in appearance, and get their beneficial nutrients from a carnivorous diet. They thrive in higher temperatures, and suffer when out in the cold. They draw on composed, slow movements only interrupted by short bursts of speed when strictly necessary. Biological differences, in conjunction with cultural differences, influence the way in which Unathi express themselves, resulting in behaviour that would not realistically mimic human expressive-patterns. Unathi often stare at people or objects of interest, which is often found unnerving by other species (especially so during conversation). In return, Unathi also expect anyone they are talking to to hold eye contact with them, reciprocating their shown interest. Pointing, however, is regarded as an offensive gesture toward a Unathi, and extended pointing is seen as a direct insult and can result in a scuffle/brawl or more radically, a duel. Biological differences between Unathi and other species, as aforementioned, also influence the way in which one may express themselves. Body language and other bodily characteristics can denote a lot of things. The tail, for example, is used to emphasize emotion (think: tail stomping, flicking or intertwining with another as some examples). Similarly, the throat, a part of the body deemed most vulnerable, is used in Unathi body language to signify trust or the lack thereof via exposing, or hiding. A Unathi exposing their neck is one clearly comfortable, and showing great trust; while one with its snout down low, covering their neck is clearly uncomfortable or on-guard. The throat is also used in vocal displays, signifying different emotions. Chuffing in response to annoyance or as usage of sarcasm, Rattling the whole throat, which is often used in place of a tail stomp, or Barking, which in short bursts is clearly meant to mimic a laughter. Unathi language and society as a whole is largely gendered, in accordance with their primary faiths of Th’akh and Sk’akh. Male, also in Sinta’unathi being synonymous with the word Warrior, for example. This gendering of the word is not due to all Warriors being exclusively biologically male, moreover, it’s tied to the role in society one plays. The act of becoming a warrior is what dictates one becoming male. This is analogous for the Healer and Fisher, respectively. A biologically male Unathi can become a Healer, and they would be then viewed by society at large as female, and referred to with ‘She’. The act of changing one’s gender, additionally, is commonly regarded as also a religious process. In regions where Sk’akh is the majority religion, the Church is largely involved, where Unathi societies outside of the Hegemony have a more relaxed approach to the matter. On the subject of Faith, Unathi are one of if not the most religious species in the Spur (at least in my honest opinion), due to just how much faith shapes one as an individual in Unathi society. The two primary faiths of the Unathi dictate close bonds to the Spiritual World and Afterlife in the form of the Great Spirit, with off-shooting strains emerging later according to different cultures they developed in (With Aut’akh forming on Ouerea) as well as impactful historical events (with The consequences of the Contact War). Faith largely defines Unathi personal beliefs, identity, and even appearance*, with conflict between believers of the different Unathi faiths a constant. Lastly, there are still many differences in ways Unathi carry themselves depending on their point of Origin. Hegemony Unathi can be considered slightly xenophobic, a topic which was partially touched upon with the articles during the start of the New Blades Old Wounds arc, for example. Ouerean Unathi, however, developed their culture alongside the different species such as Skrell and Humans, which may result in a more tolerant, accepting upbringing for a Sinta. This goes far beyond the planetary basis, with Dominian Unathi having an influential role in the Empire’s development, as well as their political scene. ------------------------------ Character Application Character Name: Ah’karis Guwan Write a backstory for your character. This may include their origin, education, personality and how they arrived to the SCCV Horizon. “Humility and hardship free a Sinta of all sin, for one cuts out the passions of the soul, and the other those of the body. Look upon Me, my humility, and my toil, and forgive me of my sins.” Ah’karis Hikaresh was born on the 28th of September, 2429 in the Southlands of Moghes. Hatched into a minor noble family, the Hikaresh Clan was, and to this day is, comprised primarily of Healers, Fishers and those of Sk’akh priesthood. Since birth, the young Hikaresh was raised with close proximity to their faith in the Great Spirit, and was predisposed towards pursuing the path of a Healer. Their early years were spent innocently, as most hatchlings get to do, without much of a care for wider politics and concerns of the outside world. This would all change soon, however. When the young Hikaresh reached nine years old, the Contact War began. After the Firebrand Summit, with tensions high, the Hikaresh maintained a degree of uncertain neutrality towards both sides of the Hegemon-Traditionalist conflict, partly due to their own political and physical weakness. The young Hikaresh was nothing but a careful observer during this time, and too young to fully comprehend the rising tensions and what was to come next, although with the early loss of their Mother, Sezkia Hikaresh, the topic of Ah’karis’s care was left up in the air. The Hikaresh Clan, despite their universally neutral stance, would not come out unharmed throughout the conflict. Their close placement toward the Eastern edge of the Southlands exposed the Hikaresh to the casualties of the war. Travelling traditionalist forces brought destruction in their wake, with Clan Sk’akh shrines and settlements suffering from extensive damage or being ultimately destroyed, the damage only exacerbated during the Coalition’s repelling by Izweski fighters. After the beginning of the nuclear exchange, and all the way up until the end of the Contact War, Ah’karis became quickly involved in the family trade. Unable to take the time to process the terror of wartime, the young sinta was instead quickly put to work, beginning training in providing medical aid, as well as running errands for relatives and the wounded under the Clan’s care. To add more to the mix, the Hikaresh was just beginning the first few years of their higher education, dedicating themselves harder than ever in regards to the ways the mind works and changes, and the ways of healing those unsound. Ah’karis’s mind scarred over, witnessing horrors and physical morbidity, while simultaneously learning how to cure ailments of the body and mind, under the guidance of their older Clan members and the educational institutions barely holding together under the threats of the war. The young Sinta grew bitter, mulling over the pains of the war, hoping for a chance at a resolution, only numbing their own thoughts by providing assistance to those around them and drowning themselves in their study. After the capture of Darakath in 2449, it would seem like things would finally calm and take a turn for the better. Ah’karis, now twenty however, had already changed. No longer the bright-faced young hatchling like prior to the war, Ah’karis became hardened by her experiences. Mentally remaining in a vulnerable state, and questioning the strength of her faith, life’s intricacies became ever so difficult, and unable to be consolidated even with the help of Ah’karis's Clan. An uncleanable dirt sat on the young Hikaresh’s body. A dirt of the pains and toils of war, loss and subsequent grief. Ah’karis’s faith dwindled greatly after the resolution of the Contact War. Then, a flame sparked forth, in the form of Si’akh. Ah’karis became easily swayed by the sermon of Si’akh since its first appearance and growing influence within the Southlands, and began testing the waters by making subtle conversation with her immediate family. This did not go over well with the Hikaresh, who sat firm in their dedication to the Great Spirit and the Sk’akh faith as a whole. A verbal argument sparked between Ah’karis and the Hikaresh, which ultimately led to her exile from the Clan as a whole, under the mantle of a Guwan. Fearing her untimely fate, Ah’karis slinked away, and quickly lost contact with her family. Needing to find a way to survive, Ah’karis began to look elsewhere. Becoming further affiliated with her Si’akh faith, yet needing a place to go, Ah’karis left for the wider Spur to spread the message of her faith as well as further her prospects. Ah’karis finished her higher formal education abroad, and wandered throughout the next couple of years under multiple employment opportunities with Nanotrasen, escaping the harsh discrimination of her Clanless nature far outside of Hegemony space. This did not come easily, with Ah’karis selling and bartering away all of her valuables and personal belongings to get by until she was able to find stable footing; not yet fully certain of her dedication to the lifestyle she had chosen and been cast out for. With the coming years, Ah’karis became more entranced with the concept of the ascetic lifestyle, and obsessed with the removal of her dependence on material goods that had been previously ever-present in her life. She accepted giving up her status and all the luxuries that had come with it in order to repent for the innate sinful nature of nobility as a whole, believing that through her own deprivation she may buy back her place in the Afterlife, not just for herself, but for those who were once close with her as well. Surplus itself had quickly become a point of anxiety, and a layer to shed, and led to her adapting to a surprisingly nomadic life in space. Through her struggle in the physical as well as mental, she fights for closure and cleansing of her own unclean soul. Ultimately, in a single stop of many in the journey of the years to come, Ah’karis sought out employment with the SCCV Horizon, with another position under her contract with Nanotrasen - This one pertaining to her degree in Psychiatry. How has the recent events of the Orion Spur impacted your character? Events such as the Phoron Scarcity, the Solarian Collapse or even the Invasions of Biesel for interstellar-wide affairs, while region-specific events such as the Peacekeeper Mandate, The Titan Rises or even Cold Dawn may impact your character. The Contact War plays a large part in Ah’karis’s personal belief system and identity, as a growing hatchling, adolescent, and young adult during active wartime. Having witnessed the events of the Contact War, as well as the direct consequences of it, Ah’karis's own mental scars have barely since faded, and still spur and reopen due to her complicated relationship toward her own faith in the Three of One and the teachings of Juzida. The terror of wartime on a growing mind lingers long past the threat has gone, and the effects of it show with Ah’karis converting towards Si’akh and accepting themselves as a “martyr” of Moghes, reliving the events with every prayer and ritual, as well as her dedication to the ascetic lifestyle. Ah’karis’s witnessing of the Contact War and her conversion to Si’akh directly led to her becoming a Guwan, and leaving Moghes under a hastily-crafted contract with Nanotrasen. Formed in the nuclear fire, Ah’karis is as wounded as the people she heals, and it stays evident through her mental-scape and unconventional spiritual beliefs. The events of the “New Blades, Old Wounds” arc and the Humanitarian Aid campaign on Moghes is a more recent example, and one which was responsible in turning Ah’karis’s eyes toward the SCCV Horizon as a more serious entity, and especially so as one worth supporting. The actions undertaken by the conjoined forces of the Hegemony, Federation and Stellar Corporate Conglomerate not only showcased that there is much hope for the future of Moghes yet, the SCC showed incredible support for the scarred citizens of the Hegemony, and showed good will towards the people Ah’karis cares for deepest in her heart. Wishing to make herself a part of something bigger, she’d look to seek work aboard the SCCV Horizon in hopes of providing aid to both its’ own crew, as well as those the SCC helps in the future. How does your character view the megacorporation they work for? Ah’karis’s relationship towards Nanotrasen is an amicable, yet exploited one. Nanotrasen remains an accessible, inoffensive employer that helps Ah’karis travel further across the Spur in her nomadic journey toward repentance, and she is more than grateful for their existence. Often picking up work pro bono, as well as offering her services outside of her own formal working hours, Ah’karis steps above and beyond what her already extensive employment requires of her as a psychiatrist, and allows her to fully express her passion for healing the wounds of the mind and soul. Matters of material are often redirected, delayed, or hesitantly accepted only to be quickly disposed of through charity or the tithe paid toward the Church. This is often exploited by the work contracts offered toward her, with lesser pay, longer hours and exploitative living arrangements taking advantage of Ah’karis’s faith and good-natured temperament. While Nanotrasen remains an important part of Ah’karis's life, and they maintain a hard secondary position compared to her own ideals, their impact remains a largely deciding factor in Ah’karis’s future.

I'll say it proud with my chest when I admit Toomie is one of the few players who helped introduce me to not only aurorastation but SS13 as a whole, and he's the reason I know as much about the game as I do now (although I'm still learning, as is). I think Toomie has what it takes to offer the (in my opinion, very important!) teaching and guidance aspect of a Head of Staff, and I'd love for him to be able to put all of that knowledge towards something like this. This one gets a +1

BYOND Ckey: NekoMarbles Discord username: @enchantedcrocolisk Character names: Kareem Laghmani (Librarian), Camilla DeWitt (Bridge Crewman), Isabella Jeong (Lab Assistant), Richard O’Brien (Investigator) Species you are applying to play: Integrated Positronic Chassis (IPC) ------------------------------ General Whitelist Requirements What colour do you plan on making your first alien character?: (IPCs exempt) Have you read the lore pages for the species you wish to be whitelisted for?: Yes. 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 species?: If I have to be entirely honest, I’d have to come out and say that I overthink about my characters a lot. I think making characters with an interesting psychology, and delving into the philosophical questions surrounding them is one of the greatest joys of character-making for me, especially so when I get to share those thoughts and feelings with others. IPCs as a whole touch upon the very topic of sentience, and humanity’s controversial opinions on and treatment of IPCs around the Spur showcases exactly what I am looking for in this matter. What makes role-playing this species different than role-playing a human?: IPCs, or Integrated Positronic Chassis, are a largely controversial topic all around the Spur. Depending on your place of Origin, the societal outlook towards and treatment of IPCs varies greatly. In places such as the Sol Alliance, for example, they are treated solely as tools to be utilized by Humans, able to perform difficult and life-endangering tasks while being largely disposable, in place of vulnerable human life. On the other hand, states such as Himeo or Konyang boast large quantities of freedoms for synthetics, which can be seen as controversial by generally societal (such as Himeo’s three-way split of public opinion) and interstellar standards. These reasons also vary, spanning from the prospects of IPCs as mechanically ‘superior’ in ways in which they do not traditionally tire, all the way to philosophy-tied reasons such as the largely disputed matter of IPC sentience. Synthetics are directly led by the function of their positronic brain, the most important directive of which being Self-Preservation. Self-preservation stands as the top priority of any IPC, analogous to a human’s survival instincts. However, the way that a single positronic can interpret this directive can vary wildly based on age, lived experiences as well as other circumstances. The easiest of these examples is conveyed through the brain’s age. Younger IPCs tend to view self-preservation as a matter concerning primarily the physical - the body, chassis. Older IPCs, however, may find themselves shifting their view as to protect their morals, ideals, or general mental well-being first and foremost. The brain is also responsible for the task of processing and interpreting data, as well as forming and storing memories. The process of gaining mechanical skills, as well as feelings, is largely based on instruction backed by life (and therefore) lived experiences of the IPC. Their thought process is purely based on logic, although older, more developed synthetics might find themselves able to go through intense displays of emotion, or develop hobbies and interests outside of their ‘purpose’. This aspect also varies based on the place of Origin of the IPC. All of these differences play a large part in what makes playing a synthetic different from how you would usually play a Human character. This is completely barring mechanical, physical differences such as a lack of feeling pain, and the need to charge power rather than fuel oneself with food or drink. There is a lot that sets IPCs apart in terms of physiology as well as psychology, and remembering such is key in properly portraying such a character. ------------------------------ Character Application Character Name: Ayaka Sobu Write a backstory for your character. This may include their origin, education, personality and how they arrived to the SCCV Horizon. Ayaka Sobu, or first known as Ayaka-S8, was manufactured in Aoyama of Aoyama Prefecture, Konyang, in the year 2459, in one of the many Terraneus Diagnostics facilities present in Point Verdant. Her positronic brain was implanted into a synthetic shell body, and set through a standard 3 month life orientation period, where Ayaka learned of the inner depths of Konyanger culture and how to assimilate herself into the native population, shaped into a near-ideal picture of a Konyang citizen. However, life for a newly formed positronic is not pretty after being let go of initial government assistance. From a very early point, it was noticeable Ayaka would continue to struggle to find work opportunities in a competitive market such as Konyang’s, despite her prospects as a young and malleable IPC. For the extended period of time before Konyang's independence, Ayaka functioned as a designated customer service agent for a small-time law firm in Point Verdant. Without the experience to back her knowledge of Konyang’s societal structure, Ayaka functioned as expected of a still largely stiff positronic, operating on a task-focused basis without much room for socialization or self-improvement. Over time, this layer would start to shed as she came into contact with other workers and clients alike, leading to a developing curiosity towards konyanger extranet media as well as an interest in Aoyama’s nightlife, accompanying workplace acquaintances during social outings to karaoke bars and restaurants, among others. Shortly after Konyang’s independence, a consequence of the work of the synthetic rights movement, Ayaka quit her job as a customer service agent to pursue a more exciting choice of career, despite the risks of unemployment. Influenced by her growing interest in popular media, Ayaka eventually was on-boarded as an Idol by AURA Music Group as a functioning replacement for another leaving performer, to initially mixed reception. Ayaka's appearance led to a full rebrand of the front-selling image of the Company, and the debut of the 5-member Konyang Idol group going by the name of ‘AI-U2’ in late 2462. Going by the stage name of ‘Mori’, Ayaka could be considered as being reborn. She was fitted with a new, marketable on-stage personality via the use of a data packet supplied and funded by the company due to her employment. As an incredibly young synthetic at this point, being only approximately three years old, the sudden influx of data proved to cause trouble with Ayaka’s perception of herself. Without much practical knowledge fitting of her new career, having come from a much different background as a prior secretary and typical office worker, Ayaka found the information supplied to her and the facts of her life prior to independence to clash more often than not, resulting in difficulties with initial performances as she struggled to settle those differences in what onlookers would describe as close to stage fright. Forced into a position of, be it minor, influence, over time her stage presence became strong and harsh, which proved captivating to her small yet developing audience. Representing Konyang’s military might (a decision influenced by Konyang’s recent independence) in a softer, cuter way through mannerisms and clothing, Mori and her bold, demanding self stood for everything Ayaka was not herself, as a typically quiet and observant synthetic. Initially this contrast was quite obvious as Ayaka behind the scenes herself negotiated for any possible changes to her on-stage persona, to no avail. Over the course of the next few years, Ayaka’s behavior behind-the-scenes began to alter. Her positronic brain struggled to separate the two personalities from one another, similarly to how Ayaka struggled to come to terms with her responsibilities of maintaining a be-it toxic fan-to-idol relationship with her audience, typical for Idols in the industry. As a result, Ayaka began to grow distant towards her peers, and became primarily work-oriented, reverting to the knowledge she had become accustomed to prior to her ‘freedom’. The looming image of an aloof, cold ‘Mori’ persona shifted closer and closer, leading to Ayaka’s struggle with her own identity and what she stood for. This spiral of harmful influence would continue, only to be broken recently, at the start of the Rampancy Crisis. Like many IPCs, from the start of the crisis Ayaka lost many possible job opportunities due to the growing unrest surrounding the barely understood ‘disease’. As part of a last-ditch effort to gather a larger amount of funds, AURA began to sell exclusive backstage access passes to any idol events still taking place during the Crisis, as well as offering a raffle for lucky fans to spend a day with an Idol from the group and perform a chosen activity together. In Ayaka's case, such a person was a kind, older Konyanger organic, known as Mrs. Tabata. Ayaka and the woman grew close together over the brief period of their meeting together. Drawn in by Ms. Tabata’s direct, grounded demeanor, Ayaka became largely intrigued, and the two built a mutual attachment to one another. After having succumbed to the hivebot signal, in a rush of uncontrollable rage, Sobu ultimately killed Mrs. Tabata, and as such deprived the world of a woman she had quickly built a connection to. Partaking in risky business to find a way to continue to work for AURA, it wasn't long before Ayaka herself succumbed to the Virus. Finding herself lost against the power of the signal of the hivebot beacon, Ayaka was guided by waves of anger and calm, interwoven with one another, yet stuck in her current position - that being inside of her apartment. Assisted by her coworkers, who had chosen to check in on her after a recorded absence from work, she was cleaned and restrained, left locked in a room for the remainder of the Crisis, her brutal actions efficiently swept under the rug. Forced into a state of bound isolation, Ayaka's brain was left to sink into the depths of her mindscape, lulled by the waves of the signal. It was only a matter of time that something shifted inside of her, yet that would only become apparent after the Rampancy Crisis had subsided. Ayaka was cured of the Rampancy after the events of the Silicon Nightmares Arc, but she was far from being out of the woodwork. It had become painfully apparent with the news of her return to ‘reasonable’ levels of health that AURA MG was fully intending on pushing Ayaka back into possible new work. This came after news broke that during her absence, her position had been half-hazardly filled by another positronic given the same data packet she had been given. Aura MG had created a new, younger Mori, and now it was their time to backpedal. Taking quick notice of her ‘replacement’ and the disregard for her health from the Company she had dedicated most, if not nearly all of her life to, combined with the fearful experience of the Rampancy she had yet to recover from, allowed her to shift the perspective with which she had looked at her position in the world. Whilst up until this point in time she had focused her life solely around keeping herself physically safe, Ayaka had grown to realize the importance of keeping her mind, and her morals, safe and out of harm’s way, to protect herself from further exploitation. As such, in a choice that for once in her life would be entirely her own to make, she quit. Choosing to disappear out of the public eye, she finally allowed herself to be just that - herself. In pursuit of a New Me, and turning away from the older version of herself she had grown so complacent to, one responsible for depraving the world of the beautiful woman she had met that unfortunate day, she chose to devote herself to giving back. This time, however, not as an idol, but rather as a journalist and writer, a choice inspired by the late detective. Rather than choosing to share her own story, she chose to upbring others and show a better side for the IPCs of tomorrow, highlighting their stories and providing a way for others to be heard. A liberty, and a new, personal freedom to help others in a way she couldn't have helped herself before. Intrigued by the actions of the SCCV Horizon after their lengthy efforts during the crisis on her home planet of Konyang, as well as the extensive humanitarian efforts undertaken by the vessel during their time in Uueoa-Esa, Ayaka chose to travel onboard of the SCCV Horizon as an Independent Journalist. The decision, while heavy on the conscience due to the positronic’s past experiences with corporations, serves to restore her faith in the system, as well as provide a greater outlet to spread messages of IPC freedom and resources across the wider Spur. How has the recent events of the Orion Spur impacted your character? Events such as the Phoron Scarcity, the Solarian Collapse or even the Invasions of Biesel for interstellar-wide affairs, while region-specific events such as the Peacekeeper Mandate, The Titan Rises or even Cold Dawn may impact your character. Ayaka was directly impacted by the recently subsided Rampancy Crisis on Konyang, having been infected by the ‘Virus’ and later on cured. As with a majority of IPCs post-infection, Ayaka struggled to hold down previously available to her job opportunities and entered a state of financial ruin, barely supporting herself off of earlier accumulated savings. Barely holding herself together financially as well as entering a new, deeper, psychologically engrained hardship as she struggled to find herself back on her feet in a post-Rampancy world, Ayaka was forced to adapt to a life outside of the complacency of Idol work, and find new purpose - one that she could share with the rest of the world in a more proactive manner, and connect more with the synthetic community surrounding her. This would come with her jump over to journalistic work, aimed towards catering to the life of other IPCs struggling post-Rampancy as well as across the Spur. Another event correlating with the Synthetic Nightmare arc was the presence of The Golden Deep on Konyang, and the introduction of their own societal structure in the form of The Game. The call of the Golden Deep presents outside positronics, including Ayaka, with a difficult choice. In Ayaka’s case, she views The Game as simply an analogous form of the exploitative system she had been under during her employment with AURA. In the choice to not subscribe to The Golden Deep and refusing to seek asylum there, Ayaka chooses to take her life into her own hands and decide her path on her own terms, alone, despite its many risks. Her knowledge on how she has been perceived, simply as a puppet of a larger, more influential system, makes for a top reason to not sign on with GD. How does your character view the megacorporation they work for? Ayaka holds a degree of hesitancy towards the SCC as well as the member megacorporations, due to her witnessed and partially experienced exploitation by the idol industry. Her choice to travel onboard of the Horizon, and therefore become affiliated with the Conglomerate, is largely fuelled by the civilian aid provided by the vessel - showcasing their ability to do good despite their corporate ownership, which contrasts her past experience. Ayaka wants to believe corporations can be inherently good, because of the inherent reliance on the megacorporations by synthetics, but the conflicting nature of her ideals compared to the treatment received by corporately owned IPCs keeps her skeptical enough to work for herself, rather than seek employment from a corporation. Notes: I AM SO SORRY

Replying to this, perhaps a bit late, to say I'm fully in support of any sort of expansion to the current Kataphract lore. I think what Komaeda has proposed in his document can serve as a great way to flesh out the Kataphract Order more, and as someone who FREQUENTLY plays on the Kataphract Off-ship whenever It's been around, having some more extended lore regarding the Order, who they are, how they function, etc. would greatly help with enjoyment (and staying cohesive about whether we have first/last names. Cough cough.). +1!

I just wanted to pop in to say I fully support the basis of these customs for Osisra. I think Clan flags and Clan imagery as a whole is a very good conversation starter IC, and I think it makes perfect sense for a proud Devorask like Osisra to bring them around. ADDITIONALLY, these items in a way sort of represent both Komaeda's and My character, due to our largely overlapping backstories. I think It'd be interesting to see an item about that can not only represent Osisra, but also anyone else with close ties to the Devorasks present on the ship. Overall, from me, this is a definitive +1

I've had the fortune to be taught not only the functions of BC under Komaeda, but also many other mechanics and functionalities found in-game. Komaeda shows a great deal of knowledge both through the way he chooses to play his characters, as well as how to adjust well to help provide others with a better in-round experience. He's always been a pleasure to interact with both IC as well as OOC, and I'd be more than excited to see what he can do with a command whitelist under his belt. This application gets a definite +1 from me, I think he's a great candidate for a trial in the near future.