Additional/Expanded Dionae Languages

[Neinbox]

Hello, lads and ladies and otherwise.

So, I've been attempting to get this for a while and after a discussion with some contributors and others who seemed supportive of my desire to add another language for Dionae based off of what I would like lore and mechanic-wise with some additional suggestions, I will put it down here.

What I present is this:

LORE

In the old lore, Dionae were somehow capable of sending and receiving information between one another long-distance despite the fact that they do not have any direct contact with one another. That, coupled with the fact that they are a nomadic space-faring species without the technologies to contact one another as well as the fact that they rely on the electromagnetic spectrum for communication, I have deemed that they are capable of utilizing the electromagnetic spectrum to send and receive information to other Dionae via radio-waves and other similar methods of information sharing that we have developed.

Dionae are capable of atmospheric communications and it is theorized that it they have developed such methods first in the form of Local Rootsong (LRS) before they ventured out into the void of space, creating Distant Rootsong (DTRS) to compensate for the increased distance. This was done by manipulating their primary source of sustenance, the electromagnetic spectrum, and somehow using it to their advantage in similar ways that cellphones are used. By the time it is proposed that they have left their original system they had developed Deep Rootsong (DPRS), far-reaching signals that travel great distances in the outer reaches of space.

FUNCTION

Now, the only language that I want to add is Distant Rootsong. It would function much like communications in that it would basically serve as it's own channel for Dionae, the language used being song-like like in their lore instead of just rustling and creaking and would be displayed more as an audible emote than an actual language. However, it can still be picked up and translated just like every other language!

MECHANICS

- Dionae will get their own radio channel to communicate in using their own language

- Language to non-Dionae ears will sound like music instead of a language and be structured and vary depending on how the sentence ends:

• Period= Example Dionae Name Here sings a a gentle song. If long, it will turn into "fabricates an aria."
  
• Ellipsis= Example Dionae Name Here creates a suspenseful air...
  
• Exclamation= Example Dionae Name Here makes a sharp strain!
  
• Question Mark= Example Dionae Name Here composes a curious tune.
  
• Interrobang= Example Dionae Name Here produces an startling ditty!
  
• Stammering= Example Dionae Name Here generates a broken melody...
  

- Use of DTRS will make the Dionae rustle and creak to nearby mobs within hearing range as if speaking.

- DTRS can be picked up on unused radio channels, but will change each round.

- DTRS can be translated by combining a headset/bounced/emergency radio and translation device (if possible code-wise) and on the appropriate channel.

- DTRS does not require a relay to use as each Dionae are their own DTRS relay/satellite, and can communicate with one another regardless of z-level or distance (if possible)

- Dionae must be in good lighting to use DTRS

- Dionae can suffer damage to their health if using DTRS in less than acceptable lighting conditions. Use wisely!

- Use of DTRS can be interrupted by injecting a Dionae with Hyronalin or Arithrazine

- Use of DTRS can be completely prevented by placing a Dionae in a Radio-Frequency Anechoic Chamber. These chambers are essentially full reinforced steel or plasteel walled rooms without any windows and only one door that does not have windows installed. If no light can enter, neither can their radio signals- but be careful or not as this can kill the captive Dionae if light is not provided. As a non-mechanic trait, the silence can become very disturbing and make them desperate to escape. Escalation should be relatively slow and begin passively however.

OOC

As you have all probably guessed, this will allow Dionae to be able to talk to talk to one another no matter where they are, Telecomms or not, as long as they have plenty of light. Why? Well, Dionae are a slow-moving species and outside of lore, their abilities for deep-space exploration and voidwalking are unlimited unless they found themselves in a particularly dark cave without a decent lightsource. Dionae can't go anywhere fast in an emergency unless they have their own mechs, and in a way this will create a different way to help one another in said emergencies- through communications. But if one's dying in the darkness of a tunnel, would they risk shortening their time to call for another's help? They can also be used in survival situations such as power outages for groups of survivors- but again, there's the cost of their lives that they have to think about.

Outside of those situations, what species doesn't like speaking to one another in their native tongue? But Dionae aren't able to do so nearly as often as they would like without being slowed down with the need of having to use TCB. Want to meet at the holodeck for a five minute break between your research? Guess how long it takes to get there. Not only will it help Dionae in emergency situations, but it will also overall be better for ease of use. They do have an instinctual preference for their own tongue that's biologically ingrained in them after all.

Why isn't DPRS included? Because there's no use for it on the station outside of events due to the fact that it can reach beyond the asteroid. :^)

This both to assist in the species' development as well as to help further roleplay. If you want to make a suggestion, by all means go ahead. Got a critique? Make it constructive please!

EDIT: As clarification, this is not giving Dionae mind-control or telepathy of any sort ICly! This is purely sending and receiving from another radio frequencies to communicate long-distance, like a built-in headset!

Edited November 21, 2018 by Guest

[Snakebittenn]

We have too many languages as-is, and this takes away a niche from Vaurca. Diona have plenty of methods to do this already.

[Chada1]

I absolutely love this. Though I think it would be better to have a specific radio channel statically pick them up. It could function as an actual Dionae 'Music' channel! That's something no Species has and entirely fits the Dionae. It would also allow antag shenanigans, whereas Vaurca/Bound Synths can't be infiltrated (Outside of Bound Synths), putting a universal recorder beside an intercomm attuned to this channel could get all Dionae speech.

Edited November 21, 2018 by Guest

[Neinbox]

We have too many languages as-is, and this takes away a niche from Vaurca. Diona have plenty of methods to do this already.

 

Dionae have nothing fancy outside of their biology. They do not have their own technology or anything. How is it taking away from Vaurca at all when Synthetics can do something similar? What about Xenomorphs or Changelings? Please elaborate on the methods as well if you can.

EDIT: All other species have more than one species-specific language minus IPCs, and I have no plans whatsoever in the foreseeable future to add any more. If you have complaints of too many languages, look elsewhere. I believe that each race should get a maximum of only two species-specific languages, and I stand by that as well as my belief that this will actually improve the species.

Edited November 21, 2018 by Guest

[Neinbox]

I absolutely love this. Though I think it would be better to have a specific radio channel statically pick them up. It could function as an actual Dionae 'Music' channel!

 

Cool thing about this, in lore (depending on if this is accepted or not) there are stories of "space sirens" where travelers pick up strange music on their channels, and the closer they get to the source, the louder and clearer the haunting, eerie songs are! Those who are brave enough to investigate are rewarded from strange beings with the "treasure" of knowledge to aid them on their journey, while other vessels simply disappear, and the crew is never heard from again...

[MoondancerPony]

I agree with Paradox. This also sounds complex and difficult to implement for something that will rarely be seen.

 

- Language will be structured and vary depending on how the sentence ends:

Period= Example Dionae Name Here sings a a gentle song. If long, it will turn into "fabricates an aria."

Ellipsis= Example Dionae Name Here creates a suspenseful air...

Exclamation= Example Dionae Name Here makes a sharp strain!

Question Mark= Example Dionae Name Here composes a curious tune.

Interrobang= Example Dionae Name Here produces an startling ditty!

Stammering= Example Dionae Name Here generates a broken melody...

How exactly is this supposed to work? Would you not hear the actual message they're sending? Is this what the dionaea see, or what players tuning in see?

- Use of DTRS can be completely prevented by placing a Dionae in a Radio-Frequency Anechoic Chamber. These chambers are essentially full reinforced steel or plasteel walled rooms without any windows and only one door that does not have windows installed. If no light can enter, neither can their radio signals- but be careful or not as this can kill the captive Dionae if light is not provided. As a non-mechanic trait, the silence can become very disturbing and make them desperate to escape. Escalation should be relatively slow and begin passively however.

Uh. What? This sounds very, very implausible to code, unless this is a roundabout way of saying "a room with no light".

- DTRS can be translated by combining a headset/bounced/emergency radio and translation device (if possible code-wise) and on the appropriate channel.

This is just plain not a thing, sorry.

- DTRS can be picked up on unused radio channels, but will change each round.

This sounds like a headache to code and to use in-game. Dionaea aren't played enough, and don't communicate enough, to be able to channel surf and find what frequency it's on, unless you have access to the telecomms server. In which case: why are you snooping on the trees?

[Sandvich123]

Reading Moons post, I think those are a few ooc problems instead of IC ones. Dionaea have been lacking something that gives them that special "Twinkle". This could even encourage people to play Dionaea more, I love this with all my tree heart. A full +1 forever. I think this will not take away, but add something that can give Dionaea what they have been needing for a long time.

[Neinbox]

I agree with Paradox. This also sounds complex and difficult to implement for something that will rarely be seen.

 

- Language will be structured and vary depending on how the sentence ends:

Period= Example Dionae Name Here sings a a gentle song. If long, it will turn into "fabricates an aria."

Ellipsis= Example Dionae Name Here creates a suspenseful air...

Exclamation= Example Dionae Name Here makes a sharp strain!

Question Mark= Example Dionae Name Here composes a curious tune.

Interrobang= Example Dionae Name Here produces an startling ditty!

Stammering= Example Dionae Name Here generates a broken melody...

How exactly is this supposed to work? Would you not hear the actual message they're sending? Is this what the dionaea see, or what players tuning in see?

Sorry! That will be seen by non-Dionae. Dionae will actually be able to see the translation. I will update it. But like what Chada said, it's going to "sound" like a music station to others. I'll update my OP to make this more clear.

 

- Use of DTRS can be completely prevented by placing a Dionae in a Radio-Frequency Anechoic Chamber. These chambers are essentially full reinforced steel or plasteel walled rooms without any windows and only one door that does not have windows installed. If no light can enter, neither can their radio signals- but be careful or not as this can kill the captive Dionae if light is not provided. As a non-mechanic trait, the silence can become very disturbing and make them desperate to escape. Escalation should be relatively slow and begin passively however.

Uh. What? This sounds very, very implausible to code, unless this is a roundabout way of saying "a room with no light".

It is a "roundabout" way of saying a room with no light. But it can't be any room. It just has to be a room with reinforced walls and no windows on the door.

 

- DTRS can be translated by combining a headset/bounced/emergency radio and translation device (if possible code-wise) and on the appropriate channel.

This is just plain not a thing, sorry.

Ripple

Although it would be cool to add. You can make several devices already and bounced radios are printable through an autolathe, so why not make this a possibility? Or perhaps allow translators to translate things that are being broadcasted on a device with it's speaker on?

 

- DTRS can be picked up on unused radio channels, but will change each round.

This sounds like a headache to code and to use in-game. Dionaea aren't played enough, and don't communicate enough, to be able to channel surf and find what frequency it's on, unless you have access to the telecomms server. In which case: why are you snooping on the trees?

The reason why they don't communicate enough is because it is difficult to do so. But they can't do it on normal channels or they'll get reprimanded. It could help them be played more if communications are made easier in one way, at least between one another. Putting in vowels or ways to break up a sentence is a bit of a pain to constantly use and read even if it is something that was knowingly chosen to suffer with. The biggest issue is that when you have a small break, like say five or ten minutes, walking to an agreed-upon spot with ample light to talk face to face in your native language is a major pain because as soon as you get there, you only have one minute to talk to one another before needing to shuffle back to work in time. I believe that this will actually make people more willing to play them. What's the point of playing if you can't talk to others?

Finding them on a channel is relatively easy by simply taking your radio and changing the channel and scrolling through each to find them. Synthetics would already be able to understand them in this way, they would just have to find the channel. For organics, it would just be a matter of finding the channel and translating as it takes a computer to translate. Anyone can snoop on anyone, minus antags and stationbounds. It would help with antagonistic actions on either side- to prevent the takeover of Dionae, or to prevent the Dionae from assisting your prey. As for the randomizing of channels, I believe that may be easier to code than we both think. Skull tells me all the time to make a request first and let the developers decide if it is too difficult/impossible or not, and someone might know a way to do it easily.

[Neinbox]

Giving this topic a little bump. The addition of this will also be somewhat important to upcoming events as well.