ReadThisNamePlz - Human Lore Deputy

[ReadThisNamePlz]

Ckey/BYOND Username: ReadThisNamePlz

Discord Name: MiniMooseTM

Position Being Applied For: Human Lore Deputy

Past Experiences/Knowledge: I've been playing here since 2017. While I have no direct experience working with Human Lore, I have interacted and kept up with Human Lore rather closely. I think I could be considered decently knowledgeable, especially since being Administrative staff requires you to have a general understanding of the server environment as a whole. 

Examples of Past Work: The only lore that I have contributed to the server was a recent minor-canon arc called "Steel on the Horizon" (with the help of @La Villa Strangiato and @Triogenix), which saw the Horizon respond to a Hephaestus mining vessel who was under attack by a pirate vessel, then recover a large amount of phoron - only to be attacked and boarded by the same pirate faction, with some map-continuity like damage and other little specks of 'flavor' included. 

Why are you applying for this position and why do you believe you would make a good Human Lore Deputy?
I love human lore. I only really play Humans, or Tajarans. It isn't because I don't like the other species, but I feel that human lore has the most elasticity to it. The Human Lore that we have is expansive and allows for the most unique but still realistic play-styles and character creation. Tied in with that, it's the lore that effects the most people on the server. Tajaran lore is important, as is any other species - but the PRA isn't going to be invading anyone anytime soon, and the current megacorporation's (I know the LM's run corporation lore) are human dominated. 

I believe that I would be an excellent choice because of my dedication to exploration of new themes. Additionally, I have been working very hard on honing my skill as a mapper and even dabbling in some code. I am creative, driven and dedicated to the overall improvement of the server in many areas. So, if selected, I can bring custom maps meant for arcs or events, like this past Halloween Event map - I am willing to sink time into learning more in-depth and complex code in order to create interesting and unique arcs, as well as improve arc-continuity. 

What is your favourite part of Human Lore and why? What is your least favourite? 
The Coalition of Colonies is hands down my favorite bit of human lore that we have currently. Out of all the human lore that we have available, I think the CoC provides the most creative outlet for any new character. In fact my next main character is planned to be from the CoC. I'm also working on a project with a few other CoC lovers for the overmap... 
I find the CoC to also be the most realistic out of all the human factions/nations. It is a place that harbors a deep distrust towards Sol, and prides themselves on their freedom and diversity.  Xanu, Gadpathur, and Assunzione are my three favorite planets in the Coalition as well. 

My least favorite portion of Human lore is probably the lack of dedicated cartels or organized crime. We have some bits and pieces, but there isn't really a huge insight into crime, atleast none that I can find. I think that if there was more options presented or more independent players at hand, it'd allow for more unique antagonist gimmicks, and unique minor-canon arcs. I.E, the Horizon intercepts drug runners or, has to prevent a vessel from blockade running - etc. Refugee smugglers, stowaways, etc. I feel like there's a huge untapped market for organized crime in our lore. I am aware there are some pieces of lore with crime, but I want to introduce large scale cartels, mafias and criminal organizations. Perhaps even a galactic crime family. 

What are three projects (medium to large sized additions, reworks, or arcs) you would like to do or help organize if made Human Lore deputy? (NEW PLANETS OR FACTIONS ARE PROHIBITED FROM ADDITION AT THIS PRESENT TIME. DO NOT INCLUDE THEM IN YOUR ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION.)
Okay so, I recognize that this says no new factions. However, I do not think Cartels, or large crime organizations fall under that - mainly because it'd be additions to already existing lore. 

1. As a large addition to the current human lore, I would like to outline organized crime that every planet, and nation has to deal with. From drug smuggling, and species trafficking, to fraud and other white-collar crimes. I want to see articles pushed from Sol that their judicial system seized x amount of credits from mass financial crime, and I want to see minor events where the Horizon intercepts a transport carrying human refugees or illegal migrants, etc. I think that with more crime based articles and minor-events, it could help reinforce the environment that our lore currently has established. 

2. I feel like Eridani is neglected. I do not remember a single Eridani arc that's ever really been ran, and I certainly don't see anything unique from Eridani on the ship (Aside from their pmcs). And that's not me attacking anyone - there's  A LOT of human lore. I would like to run an Eridani arc, perhaps through articles or actually in the game - that ties in with a rise in crime. Eridani is a literal corporate world. The potential that Eridani has for being a larger galactic player is huge, and it is something that I want to see done in the future. 

3. As a smaller scale project, I'd like to work on hobbies that some cultures might partake in. I think our current lore has a lot of room for some unique hobbies that surround a specific culture. Even if it is a minor thing, like a kite-festival or something more extreme like interstellar-space-derbies. I think I'd have a lot of fun working on some hobby's for specific regions of the human-space, and then go the extra step of getting some hobby items added into the game. Esports, Card-tournaments, gambling, interstellar-derby's, that one thing from Enders Game in the space-station... The potential is endless and would create a lot of fun opportunities for characters to have unique interests. 

What do you believe are the current strengths and weaknesses of human lore? Why? What would you do to improve upon the weaknesses?|
The only weakness that I can really think of would be the lack of content for Eridani. The page is great - and the lore is good. I just do not think there is a lot of good lore-representation on the server from the lore team. Nor is there in any articles, really. It feels like it's a bit forgotten. So, as I've said - I'd like to build upon it further and run an arc that provides more insight to the Federation. The nation is almost entirely independent when compared to Sol. Maybe they'd want to join the COC. Maybe they'll stop allowing the EPMCs to work with the COC, since Gadpathur funded the League during the most recent arc. Eridani could also be the crime-hub for financial crime. There's a lot of potential with this planet. 

I think the strongest aspect of human lore is that the team has spent a lot of time with world building, ensuring unique options for character creation, and driving home some excellent arcs that allow for insight to life outside of the Horizon. I really enjoy the current state of affairs and only want to build upon it, I do not think there is anything I really want to change, or see changed. 

What are your thoughts on the past arcs that have been organised by the human lore team?
Like I said above, the team has done a great job with the current lore. There hasn't been a single "arc" that I can really think of. I loved KOTW, and I loved Amor Patriae. I think that there is potential to have some smaller arcs, but overall the arcs that have been ran in the past were done very well. 

What is an idea for a future arc that you would like to have a part in writing and organising in the future? (Note: If you provided an arc or arcs as part of your answer for question 3, you may expand on the ideas for that arc or arcs here, or you may provide another idea.) 
I am not really sure what to say without major spoilers - but, what I can say is that if selected, there will be a large arc that is ran over the course of several weeks, perhaps even months, that will involve a lot of the human-factions and crime. I want to create lore for drug trafficking, human trafficking, financial crime, arms smuggling, etc. I do not want to just write lore for it willy-nilly, I'd like for there to be articles of "increased activity" and actual canon-events where the Horizon is impacted by these. Perhaps Rangers stop the vessel for a wide search, or the Horizon intercepts an arms runner, unintentionally. Etc. There is tons of opportunity, I just do not know what to say without spoiling the ideas that I have. Please feel free to ask any questions about this that I can be more specific about. 

I will make custom maps and even work on custom items for the arc as well.

Have you ever been subject to any strikes or bans of any kind from Aurora's moderators or admins? If so, how long ago were these actions and what were they for?  I know I have like five warnings on records but I haven't had one since, 2021 when I stole shoes as a raider. I was jobbanned from Captain for 3 days in 2018, but that is really it. My most recent note was in 2022. 

Additional Comments: I am more than happy to answer questions in the comments, please feel free to ask anything. If it's about the arc, I'd like to express that I do have one planned - I just don't want to give too much away because I worry that it'd take too much of the fun away or allow for spoilers. Thanks!

[Sparta9001]

22 hours ago, ReadThisNamePlz said:

Ckey/BYOND Username: ReadThisNamePlz

Discord Name: MiniMooseTM

Position Being Applied For: Human Lore Deputy

Past Experiences/Knowledge: I've been playing here since 2017. While I have no direct experience working with Human Lore, I have interacted and kept up with Human Lore rather closely. I think I could be considered decently knowledgeable, especially since being Administrative staff requires you to have a general understanding of the server environment as a whole. 

Examples of Past Work: The only lore that I have contributed to the server was a recent minor-canon arc called "Steel on the Horizon" (with the help of @La Villa Strangiato and @Triogenix), which saw the Horizon respond to a Hephaestus mining vessel who was under attack by a pirate vessel, then recover a large amount of phoron - only to be attacked and boarded by the same pirate faction, with some map-continuity like damage and other little specks of 'flavor' included. 

Why are you applying for this position and why do you believe you would make a good Human Lore Deputy?
I love human lore. I only really play Humans, or Tajarans. It isn't because I don't like the other species, but I feel that human lore has the most elasticity to it. The Human Lore that we have is expansive and allows for the most unique but still realistic play-styles and character creation. Tied in with that, it's the lore that effects the most people on the server. Tajaran lore is important, as is any other species - but the PRA isn't going to be invading anyone anytime soon, and the current megacorporation's (I know the LM's run corporation lore) are human dominated. 

I believe that I would be an excellent choice because of my dedication to exploration of new themes. Additionally, I have been working very hard on honing my skill as a mapper and even dabbling in some code. I am creative, driven and dedicated to the overall improvement of the server in many areas. So, if selected, I can bring custom maps meant for arcs or events, like this past Halloween Event map - I am willing to sink time into learning more in-depth and complex code in order to create interesting and unique arcs, as well as improve arc-continuity. 

What is your favourite part of Human Lore and why? What is your least favourite? 
The Coalition of Colonies is hands down my favorite bit of human lore that we have currently. Out of all the human lore that we have available, I think the CoC provides the most creative outlet for any new character. In fact my next main character is planned to be from the CoC. I'm also working on a project with a few other CoC lovers for the overmap... 
I find the CoC to also be the most realistic out of all the human factions/nations. It is a place that harbors a deep distrust towards Sol, and prides themselves on their freedom and diversity.  Xanu, Gadpathur, and Assunzione are my three favorite planets in the Coalition as well. 

My least favorite portion of Human lore is probably the lack of dedicated cartels or organized crime. We have some bits and pieces, but there isn't really a huge insight into crime, atleast none that I can find. I think that if there was more options presented or more independent players at hand, it'd allow for more unique antagonist gimmicks, and unique minor-canon arcs. I.E, the Horizon intercepts drug runners or, has to prevent a vessel from blockade running - etc. Refugee smugglers, stowaways, etc. I feel like there's a huge untapped market for organized crime in our lore. I am aware there are some pieces of lore with crime, but I want to introduce large scale cartels, mafias and criminal organizations. Perhaps even a galactic crime family. 

What are three projects (medium to large sized additions, reworks, or arcs) you would like to do or help organize if made Human Lore deputy? (NEW PLANETS OR FACTIONS ARE PROHIBITED FROM ADDITION AT THIS PRESENT TIME. DO NOT INCLUDE THEM IN YOUR ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION.)
Okay so, I recognize that this says no new factions. However, I do not think Cartels, or large crime organizations fall under that - mainly because it'd be additions to already existing lore. 

1. As a large addition to the current human lore, I would like to outline organized crime that every planet, and nation has to deal with. From drug smuggling, and species trafficking, to fraud and other white-collar crimes. I want to see articles pushed from Sol that their judicial system seized x amount of credits from mass financial crime, and I want to see minor events where the Horizon intercepts a transport carrying human refugees or illegal migrants, etc. I think that with more crime based articles and minor-events, it could help reinforce the environment that our lore currently has established. 

2. I feel like Eridani is neglected. I do not remember a single Eridani arc that's ever really been ran, and I certainly don't see anything unique from Eridani on the ship (Aside from their pmcs). And that's not me attacking anyone - there's  A LOT of human lore. I would like to run an Eridani arc, perhaps through articles or actually in the game - that ties in with a rise in crime. Eridani is a literal corporate world. The potential that Eridani has for being a larger galactic player is huge, and it is something that I want to see done in the future. 

3. As a smaller scale project, I'd like to work on hobbies that some cultures might partake in. I think our current lore has a lot of room for some unique hobbies that surround a specific culture. Even if it is a minor thing, like a kite-festival or something more extreme like interstellar-space-derbies. I think I'd have a lot of fun working on some hobby's for specific regions of the human-space, and then go the extra step of getting some hobby items added into the game. Esports, Card-tournaments, gambling, interstellar-derby's, that one thing from Enders Game in the space-station... The potential is endless and would create a lot of fun opportunities for characters to have unique interests. 

What do you believe are the current strengths and weaknesses of human lore? Why? What would you do to improve upon the weaknesses?|
The only weakness that I can really think of would be the lack of content for Eridani. The page is great - and the lore is good. I just do not think there is a lot of good lore-representation on the server from the lore team. Nor is there in any articles, really. It feels like it's a bit forgotten. So, as I've said - I'd like to build upon it further and run an arc that provides more insight to the Federation. The nation is almost entirely independent when compared to Sol. Maybe they'd want to join the COC. Maybe they'll stop allowing the EPMCs to work with the COC, since Gadpathur funded the League during the most recent arc. Eridani could also be the crime-hub for financial crime. There's a lot of potential with this planet. 

I think the strongest aspect of human lore is that the team has spent a lot of time with world building, ensuring unique options for character creation, and driving home some excellent arcs that allow for insight to life outside of the Horizon. I really enjoy the current state of affairs and only want to build upon it, I do not think there is anything I really want to change, or see changed. 

What are your thoughts on the past arcs that have been organised by the human lore team?
Like I said above, the team has done a great job with the current lore. There hasn't been a single "arc" that I can really think of. I loved KOTW, and I loved Amor Patriae. I think that there is potential to have some smaller arcs, but overall the arcs that have been ran in the past were done very well. 

What is an idea for a future arc that you would like to have a part in writing and organising in the future? (Note: If you provided an arc or arcs as part of your answer for question 3, you may expand on the ideas for that arc or arcs here, or you may provide another idea.) 
I am not really sure what to say without major spoilers - but, what I can say is that if selected, there will be a large arc that is ran over the course of several weeks, perhaps even months, that will involve a lot of the human-factions and crime. I want to create lore for drug trafficking, human trafficking, financial crime, arms smuggling, etc. I do not want to just write lore for it willy-nilly, I'd like for there to be articles of "increased activity" and actual canon-events where the Horizon is impacted by these. Perhaps Rangers stop the vessel for a wide search, or the Horizon intercepts an arms runner, unintentionally. Etc. There is tons of opportunity, I just do not know what to say without spoiling the ideas that I have. Please feel free to ask any questions about this that I can be more specific about. 

I will make custom maps and even work on custom items for the arc as well.

Have you ever been subject to any strikes or bans of any kind from Aurora's moderators or admins? If so, how long ago were these actions and what were they for?  I know I have like five warnings on records but I haven't had one since, 2021 when I stole shoes as a raider. I was jobbanned from Captain for 3 days in 2018, but that is really it. My most recent note was in 2022. 

Additional Comments: I am more than happy to answer questions in the comments, please feel free to ask anything. If it's about the arc, I'd like to express that I do have one planned - I just don't want to give too much away because I worry that it'd take too much of the fun away or allow for spoilers. Thanks!

Love playing with read and the events they ran are a blast. Maps are always really good. I agree with all the points made, I feel like organized crime in the human lore could use with some expanding especially with so many characters involved with organized crime in their backstories. I feel like read would do really good in this role. 

[Triogenix]

Hello! I'm glad to see you applied, as I greatly enjoyed working on the Steel on the Horizon Mini-Arc with you. With that said, onto some questions.

1) What would you say is your biggest flaw in terms of potentially writing for the lore team?

2) As a human deputy, you will need to comprise alot, not only with Lain, but with other teams or the LTA to get things you want added. What do you think is the best attribute that would help you reach these compromises?

3) Human lore is one of the most oft-criticized sections of our lore and has a large player base as it is the only unwhitelisted species. Given this, do you think there are some topics you'd be nervous to approach due to how player feedback may be massively negative? If so, how would you go about approaching such topics? If not, why?

4) What are your thoughts on the current size of human lore? Is it too much? Is it not enough? With reasoning.

5) Lastly, what are your thoughts on article arcs vs in-game events? Is one better than the other? Which stories should be told using which?

Good luck with your application!

[Bear]

Read is a long-time admin, event hoster, map maker, and player.  Their characters are interesting and not afraid to add a bit of dynamic to the scenarios at large. I think they would be a good candidate for the team and it would be interesting to see what they could bring to spruce up an already robust human lore. +1 and good luck.

[ReadThisNamePlz]

Thank you, @Triogenix. 

I took some time to consider your questions, and I think I have some decent answers lined up. 
 

On 31/10/2023 at 17:13, Triogenix said:

1) What would you say is your biggest flaw in terms of potentially writing for the lore team?

I'm not perfect, no one is. I think my biggest flaw is that I will not prioritize the game over my life/what I am working towards in life. At this moment in time, I have plenty of time to work on lore - I have been staff for more than I've been a normal player here. I am not intending on going anywhere at all for long periods of time. I am going to OCS next June and will be gone for about nine weeks. So, I'd say that my refusal to put the game over other priorities could be a flaw. 
 

On 31/10/2023 at 17:13, Triogenix said:

2) As a human deputy, you will need to comprise a lot, not only with Lain, but with other teams or the LTA to get things you want added. What do you think is the best attribute that would help you reach these compromises?

Compromise is something that I proud myself in being good at. I do not think that I get too heated or stubborn with a lot of things. I am capable of recognizing when my interaction or input is not constructive, so I am able to step away and reassess my approach. At the end of the day, this is a game. We are all here to have fun, and there is no reason to get up in arms and be a brick wall when it comes to interacting with one another. I enjoy getting second and even third looks on anything that I do. I welcome input from others, and I encourage it. 
 

On 31/10/2023 at 17:13, Triogenix said:

3) Human lore is one of the most oft-criticized sections of our lore and has a large player base as it is the only unwhitelisted species. Given this, do you think there are some topics you'd be nervous to approach due to how player feedback may be massively negative? If so, how would you go about approaching such topics? If not, why?

I do not think there are any topics that I would not be comfortable approaching, ultimately. I think I am decently in touch with the community, I believe that when the time comes to write lore and run arcs - I will be able to provide good content. I know what the players want, and I am confident that I have the ability to provide it to them. I recognize that not everything I do will be lit in a golden light, however. I know that there's no way to please everyone. Unfortunately, I do not handle non-constructive criticism very well- my feelings can be hurt if people are just outright nasty. Thankfully, we have rules in place to handle people like this.

If someone has an issue with what is produced, I hope they'd be mature enough to talk with me about it so I can better understand why the product has upset them, or what they'd rather see. There are some things that are more delicate than others, and some people might even have actual experience when dealing with these aforementioned topics. I recognize this, and will always be open to a conversation on how to improve what is being produced. If I make a piece of lore relating to crime and it causes some harm to a player - I will have no issue re-evaluating what I produced. Again, this is a game and we're all here to have fun at the end of the day. 
 

On 31/10/2023 at 17:13, Triogenix said:

4) What are your thoughts on the current size of human lore? Is it too much? Is it not enough? With reasoning.

There is a lot of human lore. Like, a lot. Some pages have over 10,000 words. Some pages have less. I do not think it is as simple as "too much" or "not enough". We have a lot of human players, it is the only unwhitelisted species and the most played out of any other. This means that there has to be a wide variety to pick from in order to encourage our current Lore environment of a ship that employs hundreds of people from unique backgrounds. 
I think there are some portions of the lore that may be a bit bloated and could probably be cut back on - but then there are some that are lacking in some lore. I personally am not a fan of the current faction/planet ban, because it limits the creative spirit of people who may want to make contributions. I do understand the necessity for it at this moment, and hope that if selected - I will be able to help reverse this. 
So, ultimately, no - majority of the Human Lore is not too much. I think it would be useful to re-evaluate some of the larger pages, but the current amount of lore is perfect because it allows for the diverse character-base with specific niches that we hope to see on the ship. Gadpathuran's VS. Solarians, or Himeans being threatened by COC consulars with treason if they're trying to become command. Mictlanese characters with familial ties to the terrorist groups - etc. It brings depth to the characterbase that isn't unrealistic. 
 

On 31/10/2023 at 17:13, Triogenix said:

5) Lastly, what are your thoughts on article arcs vs in-game events? Is one better than the other? Which stories should be told using which?

Articles and In Game events are something that I just love, through and through. The question of them being better than one or the other is really really hard for me to answer. 
When working on Steel on the Horizon, I feel like the overall impact of the miniature arc would not have been possible without the articles. From the security alert in the Weeping Stars to the Harmony suddenly jumping out of Biesel to an "unknown destination", to the events tying all of this together... They both compliment eachother greatly. 

Articles are excellent because they can be flexible. They can drive a specific agenda or narrative for a larger picture, or they can be used to give a glimpse in life off of the Horizon. Amor Patriae is an excellent example of this. I think that there can be some large scale arcs that take place purely in the form of articles across the spur to add "flavor" to the current environment, but not dictate it. 
Articles are also perfect to use for a build up to an event, or to cover the aftermath of the events. One of my favorite examples would be the articles after the Din'aak mountain expedition. "Corporate Entities Captured" or something. It was like the perfect punch to the gut after experiencing virtual hell in an event. 

Events on the other hand are great for direct interaction. Not everyone reads articles, and events are happening in real time for characters, they can have immediate effects for characters and the Horizon - like the canon Mutiny or Artigas getting Bunker Busted. Or even the continuity that I added to the Horizon after the first Steel on the Horizon event. They can be used to truly impact the players. 

So in terms of engagement, I think that events would take the lead. But if we're looking at worldbuilding - Articles would be the king. However, I prefer to see them together. 

 

Quote

Which stories should be told using which?

I went off on a little tangent, I just really love events and articles lol. 
I think Events should only be used when we want to have the Horizon directly involved in something. Either being boarded, boarding someone, visiting something, investigating something, corporate parites, etc. An Event should only be done if an arcs goal is to directly engage the playerbase. Articles should be supplementary to events, in this case. They can cover the aftermath, or they can build tension.

Arcs that ONLY use Articles, can be on any scale. I.E, drug busts, terrorism reports, political news, cultural news, etc. They're extremely versatile and easy to use for worldbuilding. They can be used to give players something to talk about on the ship, they can be used to convey a shift in the lore climate - or perhaps to setup for something big. They're a great tool and I hope to be writing some, soon. 

[GeneralCamo]

I've asked this of other candidates. I'll ask you too:

What are your thoughts on human language lore, and how would you rework it, if at all?

[The_Ill_Fated]

Read, above all else is extremely high-effort in her administrative work, running events, and roleplaying.  I think that'd be an excellent trait to bring to the lore-team, and I think her ideas for the lore, and replies to questions asked are high quality, and if implemented would serve only to improve the lore of the server as a whole, and help bring an even more immersive, more detailed universe to Aurora.  +1

[Noble Row]

I've talked to Read time and time again, and I am fully convinced she is exceptionally motivated to the betterment of this server. I really started talking to Read when I volunteered for the Liidra event she hosted, and I learned then and there that she had some fantastic plans for player engagement. Learning about her ideas for Steel on the Horizon, and other projects that I am unsure are happening or not, I fully believe Read could bring to the table an incredible amount of care and dedication that few others can. Giving her the position of human lore dev would only provide us with more and better events for this server. Reading articles is one thing, playing rounds involving the lore is another entirely. People can only be so engaged by lore blurbs when they're playing a video game.

 

Read has the passion and enthusiasm to make this server better. I've never given an easier +1

[ReadThisNamePlz]

21 hours ago, GeneralCamo said:

I've asked this of other candidates. I'll ask you too:

What are your thoughts on human language lore, and how would you rework it, if at all?

I actually have not given language a whole lot of thought. I think it's one of those things that I have taken for granted. 

I wouldn't mind trying to introduce some dialects? We had a small bit of that in the past, where a language would be made and it'd be a branch off of a parent language so parts could be understood or were similar.. I think it was Siik'Tau? Siik'maas and Basic combined. Very weird but if done right, very cool. I like how our languages are rooted in specific backgrounds a lot. But I'd love to see mechanical dialects implemented, like Xanan Freespeak Vs. other Coalitioners. 

I don't think I'd really re-work much. If people had ideas or requests though, I'd definitely hear them out to see where they're coming from. 

[The7thLain]

Hi, pardon the delay on these questions. I've had some personal events delay these for you and all other applicants. I will ask you four questions, the first I will ask to all applicants and the latter three will be tailored to your application specifically. Consider these questions as being from both myself and my deputy.

1. On balance, how do you see the Human Lore of the server being different with you than without you; what is something that only you bring to the table as a deputy?

2. Your focus on your application for "antagonist" lore is interesting, but also something that we in the team have had worries about in the past. How do you feel that antag lore should be implemented while striking the balance between not making it for antagonist characters exclusively while also avoiding some of the pitfalls that antagonist-heavy lore enables such as people purposely playing "victim" characters or on-ship characters that are, for lack of a better word, "evil?"

3. A lot of what your application focuses on is pertinent to on-ship developments and interactions rather than actions or developments that are off-ship "in the world." How do you intend making human lore that already exists or that the team may write in the future more present on the station during normal gameplay rounds, that being secret and extended. Do not consider running on-station events when answering this question.

4. You are an admin, and naturally this position comes with a substantial amount of influence and information in server affairs. It has not played any part in our considerations about you for the position, however there are some in the community who want to see "new blood" in the staff team, as in someone being hired to staff who is not already in a staff position. Do you have anything to say which may address this concern, should you get the position? 

[ReadThisNamePlz]

On 23/11/2023 at 00:47, TheBurninSherman said:

1. On balance, how do you see the Human Lore of the server being different with you than without you; what is something that only you bring to the table as a deputy?

I do not want to sound arrogant, but I think I have a leg up in this application process because 
1. I know how to map, and I've gotten very good at it. I have the skill to make event-assets because of this.
2. I am getting better with coding, here in a few days a couple of PRs of mine are going to be going up regarding a gun and a few other things. 
3. I am well seasoned with the event controls/admin powers needed to properly run events without much confusion. 

Essentially, I bring a lot of technical prowess and abilities. I am also actively learning and working on improving my skills. I may not be able to code brand new systems yet, but, I will get there one day.
 

On 23/11/2023 at 00:47, TheBurninSherman said:

2. Your focus on your application for "antagonist" lore is interesting, but also something that we in the team have had worries about in the past. How do you feel that antag lore should be implemented while striking the balance between not making it for antagonist characters exclusively while also avoiding some of the pitfalls that antagonist-heavy lore enables such as people purposely playing "victim" characters or on-ship characters that are, for lack of a better word, "evil?"

I don't think my focus is on "antagonist" lore, primarily. I would like to look at it as more "seasoning" to the "meal" that is our lore-verse. Crime helps provide different backstory, provides ammunition for conflict, and of course it helps our antagonist scene. I don't think this is a bad thing. 

Like all things though, balance is important. We have rules that are in place which prevent insanely criminal characters. This is something that we have enforced before, and will continue to enforce. So, I wouldn' worry much about "evil" characters. Now, lawful-evil? People who are just assholes for xyz? That's fine. I encourage that. We have too many characters that are happy and go-lucky. Antagonist characters are also against the rules, so I'm not really following here. 

Organized Crime lore is simply another layer of session/world building, as I see it. I think it's important to add because the realities of the world are not always pretty. We should have that mirrored in our lore. Plus, I'd love to have a mob boss get arrested by Horizon staff for Racketeering. That'd be so cool. 

On 23/11/2023 at 00:47, TheBurninSherman said:

3. A lot of what your application focuses on is pertinent to on-ship developments and interactions rather than actions or developments that are off-ship "in the world." How do you intend making human lore that already exists or that the team may write in the future more present on the station during normal gameplay rounds, that being secret and extended. Do not consider running on-station events when answering this question.

Articles, articles, articles. Amor Patriae was such an amazing and impactful arc, even though there was zero on-ship involvement. I want to see more human-centric events and more canon events in general, but, while other species teams have the spotlight, I'd like to make miniature arcs on the forums. Murder mysteries, political thrillers and drama, tabloids, etc. 

I do think that on-ship events are more important than article-centric arcs, I think articles that compliment events, both before and after, is the best formula. But, of course, I recognize the importance of world building and I am positive that I will be capable of bringing some off-ship or "in the world" developments. I already have an idea for a serial killer arc that takes place on Callisto or another dense-population planet. 
 

On 23/11/2023 at 00:47, TheBurninSherman said:

4. You are an admin, and naturally this position comes with a substantial amount of influence and information in server affairs. It has not played any part in our considerations about you for the position, however there are some in the community who want to see "new blood" in the staff team, as in someone being hired to staff who is not already in a staff position. Do you have anything to say which may address this concern, should you get the position? 

I won't lie, this bugs me a lot. I'm not new to the server, no. I've been on the staff team since Spring of 2018, with my first trial being in November of 2017. I'm an established member of the community, but, honestly most if not all of my involvement has always been administration. I've only ever done one canon-event/arc and that was with Lavilla and Trio, back in September of this year. I don't think it is fair to put my admin-status as a negative. I'm just as new to lore-writing as the next person who's trying to apply, and this has never been a qualification before. So in terms of "new blood", I fit the description with lore writing, since Admin work has nothing to do with Lore. Similar to how CCIA has nothing to do with Administration. 

[The7thLain]

Hello. Thank you very much for applying, I'm happy to see that we have passionate people in the community who want to contribute to the human lore of the server. Unfortunately, we've decided to proceed with another candidate. I hope that this does not discourage you from continuing to be an active member of the community who cares about human lore.