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Drifting to consciousness, the event horizon of your mind spills past as the stark reality of your life rushes into view.
|C|*SYSTEM*>> Your account balance is -3,472c (pay bill at: Hall of Justice)












[++] Modified forums since last check:










The cramped sleeping box you're lying in smells vaguely of flowers and urine. Dim, glowing advertisements for millions of products flash by on the ceiling of your coffin, making it hard to sleep. Some asshole in a coffin somewhere above yours is singing a show tune while some whore seems to be earning her chyen in a neighboring box. At the foot of the tube, a huge red 'X' goes from corner to corner with the word 'OUT' in yellow stencil script.
[OOC: You are an older player and are in a sleeping coffin designed for new players. You were probably put here for safe keeping. You will NOT get UE while in this coffin. Leave it ASAP.]
Fengshui is asking to summon you to: Sindome Amphitheater [#29955].


Sindome Amphitheater




You walk around the front of the rows of seats and pick one out to sit in, and lower yourself into it.
Fengshui OOCly shouts, "we will start letting people into the town hall in 5 minutes. Please head to your cubes and apartments if you are not there alreadyd"
Coral appears out of nowhere.
Kard appears out of nowhere.
Kard walks across the stage and sits upon one of the large leather chairs.
Fengshui OOCly shouts, "town hall playlist if you want to listen along, we'll hit play in 5 minutes: http://sindo.me/HJ1aLbL10"
Mono appears out of nowhere.
Mono walks across the stage and sits upon one of the large leather chairs.
Fengshui OOCly shouts, "the town hall is now open for people to join, you can use @town-hall to join"
AdamBlue9000 appears out of nowhere.
Crashdown appears out of nowhere.
Cyberpunker appears out of nowhere.
AdamBlue9000 waves nonchalantly.
Amiga appears out of nowhere.
Bruhlicious appears out of nowhere.
Zxq appears out of nowhere.
Grig appears out of nowhere.
Baguette appears out of nowhere.
Fengshui OOCly shouts, "we're starting the town hall playlist, feel free to listen and hit play: http://sindo.me/HJ1aLbL10"
Synchronicity appears out of nowhere.
Vivvykins appears out of nowhere.
Bear appears out of nowhere.
Barrien appears out of nowhere.
Amiga edges into the second row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Baguette walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Cyberpunker walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
0x1mm appears out of nowhere.
Vivvykins edges into the sixth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Hippo appears out of nowhere.
AdamBlue9000 says, "Hello."
crashdown edges into the fifth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
QueenZombean appears out of nowhere.
0x1mm walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
AdamBlue9000 sits cross-legged on the floor.
Bruhlicious says, "Meow."
AdamBlue9000 stands up from the floor.
Hippo edges into the third row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Bear edges into the fifth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Ozymendeus appears out of nowhere.
Baphomei appears out of nowhere.
AdamBlue9000 edges into the fifth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
QueenZombean says, "Meow..."
Huntresskai appears out of nowhere.
zxq edges into the sixth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Eggsaresides appears out of nowhere.
eggsaresides edges into the sixth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Emily appears out of nowhere.
Barrien edges into the fifth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Bruhlicious edges into the second row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
QueenZombean looks around,"Damn...there's a lot of us."
Baphomei edges into the sixth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
LegerdemainMouse appears out of nowhere.
Bruhlicious says, "Too many. Kill a neighbour."
Grig edges into the third row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Bruhlicious says, "WSD sends it's regards."
SmokePotion appears out of nowhere.
Batko appears out of nowhere.
Mono says loudly, "*speaking japanese* Not in here, please."
Beepboop appears out of nowhere.
Mono says loudly, "We don't want to clean up."
Bruhlicious says, "Try me"
Beepboop edges into the second row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Batko [to Mono]: You're speaking Japanese and that makes me laugh.
Knyghtskye appears out of nowhere.
Bruhlicious says, "blyat."
QueenZombean says, "How are ya'll sittin."
Leudo appears out of nowhere.
Bruhlicious says, "Sit second"
Huntresskai sits cross-legged on the floor.
QueenZombean boops Knyghtskye.
Bruhlicious says, "Join me here"
Emily edges into the fourth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
LegerdemainMouse vanishes from the meeting.
QueenZombean edges into the third row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Emily exclaims, "I sit alone!"
[OOC: Beepboop says, "Type sit (number), like sit first." ]
Knyghtskye edges into the third row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
AdamBlue9000 says, "Damn, this class warfare is crazy. Has us sitting in different rows..."
Fris appears out of nowhere.
Knyghtskye smiles at QueenZombean
Synchronicity edges into the sixth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Adrognik appears out of nowhere.
batko walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Huntresskai edges into the second row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
QueenZombean says, "Can we all lap sit then? "
Fris edges into the third row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Logic appears out of nowhere.
Logic appears out of nowhere.
Bruhlicious dabs
QueenZombean exclaims, "DAMN we got logic!"
adrognik edges into the third row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
SmokePotion says, "Real Domers never sit."

There are exits to the Coder (c), Gamemaster (gm), Builder (b).
Knyghtskye says, "Everybody pile on laps. Double-up."
Bruhlicious says, "Fact."
QueenZombean says, "LAP PILE"
QueenZombean says, "Watch the fingers. "
Logic winks playfully.
Cyberpunker exclaims, "Begone lap sitters!"
Quotient appears out of nowhere.
Adea appears out of nowhere.
Quotient walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Bix appears out of nowhere.
Deskoft appears out of nowhere.
ZedBanger appears out of nowhere.
Ozymendeus edges into the fourth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Mono exclaims loudly, "*speaking english* No touchy! You're all filthy dirty and will spread horrible diseases!"
Svetlana appears out of nowhere.
SmokePotion [to Mono]: Thanks!
Baguette holds her chest and coughs subtly.
Svetlana waves nonchalantly.
Knyghtskye wiggles their fingers at Mono
AdamBlue9000 waves cheerfully.
Bruhlicious exclaims, "TurboAIDS for everyone!"
Knyghtskye [to Mono]: A pox!
deskoft edges into the sixth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
svetlana edges into the fourth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
QueenZombean [to SmokePotion]: Sit!
Kard OOCly shouts, "Town Hall is now open, @town-hall to join in!"
Quotient [to Mono]: You smell like sushi.
Mono says loudly, "Information is the only disease we want to spread here."
AdamBlue9000 says, "The Town-Hall Mind Virus..."
QueenZombean says, "Spread disease - learn things. "
Cyberpunker says, "I want to spread misinformation."
ZedBanger edges into the fourth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Bix edges into the third row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Mono says loudly, "And thanks! I stood in the sewers for a while before I came here."
Leech appears out of nowhere.
Fengshui says loudly, "*speaking english, in a test voices voice* Please find a seat."
Knyghtskye chuckles at QueenZombean
QueenZombean says, "Is it weird I'm all fangirly bout the admins? "
SmokePotion edges into the second row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Cowbell appears out of nowhere.
Leech walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Knyghtskye says, "Yes."
SmokePotion exclaims, "Moar Cowbell!"
SmokePotion says, "COuldn't resist"
AdamBlue9000 says, "Do not fangirl the administrators."
QueenZombean [to Knyghtskye]: Like meetin gods..
Svetlana [to QueenZombean]: They're just people just like us:)
Baguette says, "I got a pizza and garlic bread on the way so I'm probably just gonna be listening."
Amiga says, "So many account names that are new to me, I'm glad to see it."
QueenZombean [to Svetlana]: But magical.
Bix says, "I could eat pizza."
Fris [to QueenZombean]: Weirdo.
Baguette says, "Might also crack open a cold one if im feeling a little Freaky"
Logic reclinesses in a lounge chair made of ones and zeroes.
QueenZombean [to Amiga]: Heeeey! Nice to meet ya
AdamBlue9000 says, "Baguette visiting the morgue."
Leech says, "Get freaky."
Cyberpunker says, "I don't recognize a lot of them here either."
QueenZombean [to Fris]: I own it!
Knyghtskye laughs at QueenZombean. "They kinda are."
Fris snickers softly.
SmokePotion [to AdamBlue9000]: I literally don't know who any of the staff are. Wait, I know Feng and Johnny's names.
Amiga [to QueenZombean]: Hey hey.
Synchronicity says, "This playlist is really good."
AdamBlue9000 [to SmokePotion]: I know them in passing.
QueenZombean says, "Playlist is a bop"
Emily [to SmokePotion]: There's a whole list of them on the website.
QueenZombean nudges Knyghtskye, "Yuuup."
Knyghtskye grooves to the tunes.
QueenZombean [to SmokePotion]: Educate yourself peon!
AdamBlue9000 says, "'til I can get my... Satisfaction.."
Necronex666 appears out of nowhere.
Kard OOCly shouts, "Town Hall is now open, @town-hall to join in!"
SmokePotion says loudly, "Eh... Used to avoiding the hell out of staff from my last game. one day i'll shake it"
Mindhunter appears out of nowhere.
EnRet appears out of nowhere.
AdamBlue9000 [to SmokePotion]: Armageddon?
Necronex666 walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
SmokePotion [to AdamBlue9000]: Yep.
AdamBlue9000 [to SmokePotion]: Been there.
Bruhlicious [to SmokePotion]: Sounds like armageddon
Bix says, "We all have."
QueenZombean pets SmokePotion,"There there...is ok."
Amiga says, "I don't have spotify but this playlist appears to be quite grimy, fun. Leading with early MSI? That's a choice."
Mono exclaims loudly, "NO TOUCHY!"
QueenZombean takes her hands off, "Whoops."
Knyghtskye exclaims, "But hugs, Mono! HUGS!"
Logic says, "Saw MSI live a bunch of years ago. Best show I've ever seen. "
Fengshui OOCly shouts, "Town Hall will start in 7 minutes. Please join if you haven't. There will be no RP in the IC world while the town hall is going on."
Baguette says, "Plexamp is a fantastic spotify alternative."
Emily asks, "Can we touchy with xsocials?"
Bear stands from their seat in the fifth row, and edges their way out of it into the aisle.
Bear vanishes from the meeting.
Cyberpunker exclaims, "Touching leads to horrible, horrible things!"
Baguette says, "You have to have the files on a sever, of course, but once you got that all set up it owns."
Macabre walks across the stage and sits upon one of the large leather chairs.
Fengshui says loudly, "If you are standing, please find a seat."
Huntresskai says, "fr my compliments to whoever put together the playlist."
Mono says loudly, "Hugs will be met with brutal repression. BrutalER repression."
Bruhlicious exclaims, "Make me!"
Macabre appears out of nowhere.
EnRet edges into the second row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Mindhunter walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
QueenZombean says, "But...I need touching. NEED it."
Knyghtskye looks shocked at Mono
Svetlana [to QueenZombean]: Stop...
Bruhlicious hugs Mono.
Bruhlicious hugs Mono twice.
QueenZombean [to Svetlana]: Stopping!
Brungus appears out of nowhere.
Logic walks across the stage and sits upon one of the large leather chairs.
AdamBlue9000 says, "So if you lonely... You know I'm heeeeere waitin' for yoooou..."
Fengshui appears out of nowhere.
Fengshui steps onto the stage.
Knyghtskye giggles playfully.
Mono disappears.
Leech says, "can't listen to the playlist... got this new metro/future album on repeat."
Bruhlicious hugs Fengshui
Cyberpunker exclaims, "Smite him!"
Mono appears out of nowhere.
Batko shouts loudly, "IF YOU DIE AT TOWN HALL YOU DIE IN WITHMORE!"
QueenZombean sits on her hands.
Robotdogfighter appears out of nowhere.
Knyghtskye says, "Oof."
AdamBlue9000 [to Batko]: Bullshit.
AdamBlue9000 [to Batko]: AUGH-
Macabre eyes her surroundings warily.
Beepboop says, "Better test that theory, somebody should OD on candy ASAP."
Knyghtskye says, "Adam Down."
QueenZombean says, "First time I saw a SIC OD I freaked out and was in AWE. "
Fengshui says loudly, "A bunch of you are still standing, please sit."
Bix says, "why are all the admin filthy"
Bix eyes her surroundings warily.
svetlana edges into the fourth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Fengshui says loudly, "sit first row / second row / etc"
Leech walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
SmokePotion says loudly, "I'm jamming to my own music, like an antisocial introvert. This is my emotional support classical music."
Brungus edges into the third row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
batko walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Cowbell walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Baguette walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Macabre says loudly, "*speaking english* We lead hard, hard lives."
Baguette walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Villa appears out of nowhere.
Emily edges into the fourth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Emily edges into the fourth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Emily edges into the fourth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
villa walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Knyghtskye nods to QueenZombean's comment.
A whoosh of air blows a shower of pixels into the area that take the loose form of aerodyne before it sharpens into a high-resolution Cayley K-450x Aerodyne.
Mono says loudly, "And we don't get showers."
Synchronicity edges into the sixth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Logic says, "Because we always working."
AdamBlue9000 points at Cayley K-450x Aerodyne discreetly.
0x1mm walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Logic nods casually.
Svetlana eyes Cayley K-450x Aerodyne warily.
robotdogfighter walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Jawbox01 appears out of nowhere.
Leech walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
AdamBlue9000 says, "Good graffiti."
Leech walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Leech sits cross-legged on the floor.
Svetlana says, "I approve."
Leech sits cross-legged on the floor.
Baguette says, "MOO admins and showers don't mix."
You hear a quiet clunk as the Cayley K-450x Aerodyne's doors are unlocked from within.
Johnny opens the door and climbs out of the Cayley K-450x Aerodyne.
Johnny leans over and locks the doors of the Cayley K-450x Aerodyne.
Bix says, "Just spray over the top of the dirt."
Macabre blinks her eyes rapidly.
QueenZombean says, "Damn what an entrance. "
Jawbox01 vanishes from the meeting.
Bruhlicious exclaims, "PRAISE LORD JOHNNY!"
Knyghtskye starts applauding politely.
Johnny walks across the stage and sits upon one of the large leather chairs.
Jawbox01 appears out of nowhere.
Knyghtskye exclaims, "ALL HAIL JOHNNY!"
QueenZombean whistles loudly.
Leech stands up from the floor.
Bruhlicious asks, "JOHNNY, DO YOU STILL HAVE THE SKULL-SHAPED WEED JAR?"
Zxq starts applauding lightly.
Leech walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Macabre says loudly, "Well talk about fancy."
Jawbox01 edges into the third row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
QueenZombean [to Knyghtskye]: Yeah fangirly.
Emily exclaims, "Put some clothes on Johnny!"
Emily laughs loudly.
Knyghtskye grins.
Robotdogfighter asks, "So can I have the AV?"
Leudo sits cross-legged on the floor.
Knyghtskye says, "Guilty."
Leudo stands up from the floor.
Batko asks, "What about the weed-shaped skull jar?"
Leudo edges into the sixth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
QueenZombean says, "I wanna pet. "
Mono says loudly, "Buy a piece of sushi and say it's a really weird snail."
QueenZombean [to Knyghtskye]: We are locked in.
Kard gets out his pair of diamondweave aviators.
Kard flicks his wrist, extending the legs on his bright white pair of diamondweave aviators, sliding them smoothly into place on his face.

Knyghtskye [to QueenZombean]: Uh oh. They could kill us all.
Johnny plays his fingers over his mechanic's toolbelt.
AdamBlue9000 asks, "Is this where they announce the P-Wipe?"
QueenZombean [to Knyghtskye]: Better behave,
Batko [to Mono]: pescatarian escargot
Knyghtskye laughs loudly.
Leech says, "if people don't sit they PWIPE us all"
Knyghtskye [to QueenZombean]: Me? You!
QueenZombean [to Knyghtskye]: Nobody in this place behaves. We all naughty.
Mono says loudly, "Escargatarian. Sounds like a religion."
Duck appears out of nowhere.
AdamBlue9000 says, "SNAILZ TURF"
Svetlana says, "Fancy word for 'French'."
Emily says, "Johnny nakey."
Bruhlicious exclaims, "HOUSES ON OUR BAX!"
Knyghtskye winks at QueenZombean
QueenZombean says, "Are we all nakey? "
Macabre puts her letter away.
Kalii appears out of nowhere.
AdamBlue9000 [to QueenZombean]: Nope.
duck edges into the sixth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Johnny gets out his SOR Mk-9 space suit bodysuit.

AdamBlue9000 [to QueenZombean]: We get funny jumpsuits.
SmokePotion says loudly, "Cant look at eachothe,r so we'de neve rknow"
Johnny releases the catch on his SOR Mk-9 space suit helmet and pulls it off his head.
Fengshui OOCly shouts, "town hall agenda: http://sindo.me/S1Zwo-L1R"
QueenZombean [to AdamBlue9000]: I like this.
Kalii says, "Uhh how do I sit down again"
Knyghtskye whistles at the reverse strip-show
AdamBlue9000 says, "We all look like bald graytiders."
Svetlana says, "Sit nth row"
[OOC: Beepboop says, "Type sit (number), like sit first." ]
Fengshui toggles the room moderation to ON, allowing only admin and the current speaker to speak
Kalii walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Fengshui approachs the podium leaving a vapor trail of pixelated light as he moves. he places his hands on either side of the podium, greeting the crowd with a warm smile before he says "Welcome to the Winter 2024 Town Hall Meeting! The first of two Town Hall meetings this year."
Fengshui motions out over the crowd with his left hand, causing rainbow confetti to begin falling inches above the heads of each participant, "Since 2003, we've been holding Town Hall meetings intermittently, but it wasn't until 2015 that we made them a regular occurrence."
Adea edges into the second row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Fengshui motions to the speaking queue, "The speaking queue is an effective tool that helps us stay on topic and keep track of who's turn it is to speak. To participate in the conversation on a specific topic, you can simply 'join speaking' to join the queue."
Fengshui pats the speaking queue onna head, "If the queue is open, you will be able to join."
Fengshui lies a hand on the speaking queue, causing it to vibrate and purr like a kitten, "Once it's your turn to speak, the queue will notify you, and you can stand up and address the group. When you've finished speaking, you can sit down to indicate that you're done. If you're asking a question, you can remain standing until you receive an answer, in case you have any follow-up comments to add."
Fengshui flicks a glance over the crowd, "To avoid any confusion, please be sure to sit down after you've finished speaking, as this is the only indicator that you're done. I will then move on to the next person in the queue. In situations where we're running short on time for a particular topic, I may close the speaking queue to ensure that we can cover everything that needs to be discussed. Once we've finished hearing from everyone in the current queue, we'll move on to the next topic."
Fengshui jerks a thumb over at the queue again as he says, "The queue has some additional features that let us manage the Town Hall with a minimum of hassle. If you 'look queue' or 'look speaking' you'll see some nifty information such as the current topic and if the queue is open or closed. Hopefully this makes keeping track of things a bit easier for everyone. When we switch topics, the queue will announce the new topic."
Johnny teleports Cayley K-450x Aerodyne out.
Meat edges into the sixth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Fengshui nods and says, Speaking of topics, hopefully everyone has reviewed the Agenda and pre-read items so we can jump right into the discussion. If you have not, it is here: http://sindo.me/H17WhZLyR.
Fengshui continues speaking, "To keep things running smoothly, we kindly ask that you pre-type your comments. The agenda already includes all the topics we'll be discussing, so you can write your initial statements ahead of time. By doing so, you can stand up, speak your piece, and we can immediately jump into discussing your topic without any awkward silence while you type."
Fengshui motions around the room again, "To help minimize crosstalk and ensure that we can cover as much ground as possible, Staff members have the ability to enable or disable moderation. When moderation is on, only Staff and the person who is currently speaking will be able to communicate. This means that we can get through more feedback and questions in a shorter amount of time. When moderation is enabled or disabled, you'll see a notification like this..."
Fengshui toggles the room moderation to OFF, allowing anyone to speak.
Fengshui toggles the room moderation to ON, allowing only admin and the current speaker to speak
Fengshui ticks a few things off on his fingers as he speaks, "We want to make sure that everyone feels comfortable and respected during this Town Hall meeting. Please keep this in mind when making your comments and be respectful of others. Additionally, we ask that you do not reveal any in-character information in your statements. If you're unsure whether what you're about to say is IC info or not, we encourage you to err on the side of caution and refrain from mentioning it."
Fengshui smiles and says, "We're going to cover a lot of stuff today. We will start with speeches, like this one, from the Staff and then we will move on to the rest of the agenda."
Fengshui drums his fingers against the podium, "We have a limited time, and I want to keep us mostly on track to hit all the topics in the agenda. Any topics we have to close before the discussion is fully finished can be moved to the BGBB for continued discussion, or we can set time aside to have a future Guided Discussion on the topic."
Fengshui leans forward on the podium, looking excited, "I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to all of you for being here today. These Town Hall meetings provide us with a chance to come together as a community, celebrate our successes, and discuss our goals for the future. Your input and feedback are invaluable in helping us identify areas where we need to improve and make important changes. Most importantly, these meetings are a celebration of our community and the hard work that each and every member puts into making Sindome the best game possible."
Fengshui steps back from the podium, "Without further ado, our fearless leader, Johnny!"
Fengshui snaps his fingers and system magicks up several blinking APPLAUSE signs.
Fengshui toggles the room moderation to OFF, allowing anyone to speak.
Knyghtskye starts applauding politely.
Svetlana starts applauding politely.
Bruhlicious says, "Penis."
Johnny rises from the plush leather seat that rests on the stage.
Vivvykins starts applauding politely.
AdamBlue9000 claps.
QueenZombean whistles loudly.
Macabre starts applauding politely.
Fengshui toggles the room moderation to ON, allowing only admin and the current speaker to speak
Fengshui steps away from the podium.
Johnny steps up to the podium and adjusts the micropohone.
The Speaking Queue topic has switched to Chief Justice - State of the Corp.
Johnny exclaims loudly, "*speaking english, in a brash, overbearing voice* Welcome to the Winter 2024 Town Hall!"
Johnny says loudly, "Now that the sun is returning, let's take a pulse of our community. We'll go over staff votes, Sindome's expenses, donations to Withmore Hope, game activity and a review of changes and fixes since the last town hall. "
Johnny says loudly, "First, a personal note of sadness. Last Sunday, after 17 and a half years, we had to say goodbye to our beloved Snow (aka Fuzzy). https://i.imgur.com/wuTXzf0.png"
Johnny says loudly, "Here she is cuddling with her sister, Crash, when they were young. https://i.imgur.com/KFkwhIV.png"
Johnny says loudly, "Crash continues to prowl our home and favors spending time under the covers of our bed, parked in front of the Bed jet when its on high heat."
Johnny says loudly, "I will greatly miss Fuzzy. Please donate to your local animal shelter or adopt a shelter pet if you want to remember her. <3"
Johnny says loudly, "We'll start by going over the staff votes since we last held a town hall."
Johnny says loudly, "Towards the end of October, we voted to bring on a new Support GM."
Johnny says loudly, "Towards the end of October, we voted to suspend a player for creating community harm via predatory sexual behavior."
[OOC: The game has been saved and backed up successfully to disk. 'help cp']
Johnny says loudly, "Near the beginning of November, we voted to suspend a player for 2 weeks for metagaming and chatting OOCly in a manner against the rules."
Johnny says loudly, "Near the middle of November, we voted to suspend a player for repeatedly committing community harm by repeatedly driving a false narrative about staff favoritism and creating an increasingly toxic environment for everyone they interacted with."
Johnny says loudly, "Towards the end of November, we voted to suspend a player for 24 hours for repeatedly violating the metagaming rule by posting IRL memes on the SIC. "
Johnny says loudly, "Towards the end of November, we promoted a Support GM to Junior Web Master, reporting to Mench."
Grey0 walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Johnny says loudly, "Towards the end of November, we voted to send a Support GM back to the playerbase early."
Johnny says loudly, "At the beginning of 2024, we voted to change our rules for "bit rent". The new policy is that bit rent applies for medium pads, but after 3 years on staff, staff members can choose between applying their bit rent to a large pad or having a custom pad built outside the city. The key change here is that previously, bit rent could not be applied towards large pads."
Johnny says loudly, "Towards the middle of February, we voted to suspend a player for a month for violating the metagaming rule by referring to admin shouts over the SIC. This was a repeat offense after numerous warnings."
Johnny says loudly, "Towards the end of February, we voted against suspending a player for the premeditated kidnapping and killing of another character without approval from a GM (which is against the guidelines in 'help crime'). While the player should have known better due to their experience, they had already 'served their time' by the time the vote was completed, and no further punishment seemed warranted."
Papertiger edges into the third row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Johnny says loudly, "In the middle of March, we voted to bring on a new Support GM."
Johnny says loudly, "Towards the end of March, we voted to ban a player for breaking multiple rules around OOC communication."
Johnny goes to the next page of his notes.
Johnny says loudly, "Let's move onto Sindome's Finance next "
Johnny says loudly, "As always, our biggest expense is in our hosting costs. "
Johnny says loudly, "We use Amazon Web Services for all our paid-for hosting needs. This includes our physical servers, databases, network connectivity and specific application services like message queues."
Johnny says loudly, "For all of 2023, heres a chart showing our expenses. https://i.imgur.com/vmqCxB3.png"
Johnny says loudly, "While 85% of it is Amazon, the remaining 15% of our expenses include a 3rd party automation provider, source control and tools to make coding faster."
Johnny says loudly, "So far in 2024, here's what expenses look like (through yesterday). https://i.imgur.com/xE4jXIi.png"
Johnny says loudly, "No surprises, Amazon represents 96% of expenses so far this year. As our Code Tools are billed annually, we've yet to be charged for those."
Johnny goes to the next page of his notes.
Johnny says loudly, "Now, I'd like to talk about the support you've been giving to Withmore Hope."
BubbleKangaroo edges into the sixth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
BubbleKangaroo edges into the sixth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Johnny says loudly, "After transaction fees, your donations to Withmore Hope total out to $1480.20 since the last town hall. No refunds were requested over this time period."
Johnny says loudly, "Your donations to Withmore Hope support Sindome, Toast Stunt development, the Grapevine MUD Network, and the development of the TinTin++ MUD Client as well as Mudlet."
Johnny says loudly, "When we combine the donations into Withmore Hope, the contributions Withmore Hope makes to projects beside Sindome, then Sindome's expenses, we end up with a comprehensive display of donations and where those donations are going over time."
Johnny says loudly, "This first chart is all of 2023. https://i.imgur.com/p6bHW5w.png"
alittlelonger edges into the third row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Johnny says loudly, "Withmore Hope overall funding is shown in red, blue lines going up show donations and blue lines going down show expenses. The faint yellow line shows the trend of Withmore Hope's available funds."
Johnny says loudly, "This second chart is just the time period since the last town hall in September. https://i.imgur.com/NLRpYd6.png"
Johnny says loudly, "All said, we've got enough funds at present for another 6.5 years if no new donations were received."
Johnny says loudly, "Following the yellow trend line in the above charts, you can see donations are leveling out as they relate to expenses. If this holds, we will probably keep steady with our amount of available funds."
Johnny says loudly, "You can check out http://withmorehope.org to get more information on how Withmore Hope is supporting accessible text-based gaming through donations of time and money for running games, technology development, game services, and finding new games."
Johnny exclaims loudly, "Thanks for supporting accessible text gaming!"
Johnny goes to the next page of his notes.
Johnny says loudly, "Ok, let's take a look at in-game activity next."
Johnny says loudly, "Last townhall, I shared this chart of connections showing the number of players connecting within various timeframes. https://i.imgur.com/b75bJJV.png"
Johnny says loudly, "Here's today's version of the same chart. https://i.imgur.com/txpYxA8.png"
Johnny says loudly, "The numbers for connections out to 4 weeks are essentially the same, with a sizable percentage of players connecting daily and the cumulative percentage very consistent. It does begin to fall off once we look at the folks who haven't connected in more than a month though. "
Johnny says loudly, "This tells us that we've got around 150 players visiting us every week or two, with nearly 2/3 rd of those visiting every day or so."
Johnny exclaims loudly, "Of those of you who connected in the last 6 months, you've sent over 49,000 xhelps, over 6,500 puppet requests, over 1,700 service request and left over 30,000 notes!"
Johnny says loudly, "Across the board, these stats are lower than last town hall. 9.3% fewer xhelps, 7.2% fewer puppet requests, 5.5% fewer service requests and 6.3% fewer notes."
Johnny says loudly, "Of those of you who connected in the last 6 months, you've collectively killed over 4000 people and died over 3200 times. You've collectively gotten laid over 6300 times and received fines totalling over 1.75 million chyen."
Johnny says loudly, "Thats 7% less kills, 15.8% less deaths, but 5% more sexy time and 9.3% more chyen paid for fines."
Johnny asks loudly, "Seems you might be making more friends than enemies?"
Mindhunter walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Johnny says loudly, "You're also contributing OOCly more with over 42,000 times you've helped clean up clothing (up 5%) and sent karma over 2,800 times (up 3.7%)."
Johnny says loudly, "All total, those of you who connected in the last 6 months, you've played Sindome for over 432,405 hours, which is more than 49 years! This number is also up, a sizable 13%."
Johnny says loudly, "Taken together, the reduced xhelps, puppet requests, service requests and notes combined with more sexy time and more time spent connected, I interpret that you're relying less on staff for what you're doing on the game. This is probably a healthy sign of a more self-sufficient community."
Johnny says loudly, "We do continue to see a reduction in donation contribution. Here's 2023 vs 2022 where you can see both 6 month and 12 month memberships are down around 13%. https://i.imgur.com/irzxpx7.png"
Johnny says loudly, "When we look longer term, you can see this is a continuing trend. 2023 compared to 2020, we're down around 38%. https://i.imgur.com/d93EHRY.png"
Johnny says loudly, "Our numbers are still healthy and in line with our pre-pandemic numbers, but we hope this trend levels off and doesn't keep going in this direction."
Johnny says loudly, "Now let's talk about all the hard work that's been going on behind the scenes here."
Johnny pulls out several new pages.
Johnny says loudly, "We closed 230 bug reports since the last Town Hall."
Johnny says loudly, "Tons of bugs were fixed, we won't go into them all here, but will call out some of the major ones along with other updates."
Johnny says loudly, "TV schedules were updated to be more accessible. TV programs were updated so their names could be changed."
Johnny says loudly, "NPCs will properly use things like cigars/th-2c, etc. by ensuring they are lit first."
Johnny says loudly, "Being in a coffin increases your fatigue recovery, the same way lying down or sitting does."
Johnny says loudly, "Drome performances were not working and were fixed."
Johnny says loudly, "The plate shifter for vehicles was improved and no longer errors out on invalid plates."
Johnny says loudly, "A slight overhaul was made to prune bad feeds from networking code."
Johnny says loudly, "@nakeds now includes @describe for easier review."
Johnny says loudly, "Molotovs did not have anything when you looked at them to show you they were lit. We have added messaging when you look, which tells you."
Johnny says loudly, "In some of the SHFL games, there was a TB if you looked at an NPC. This should be resolved now."
Johnny says loudly, "Wiring hubs now show transmit status for each device, making it easier to review what is/isn't transmitting and leading to less frustration from players."
Johnny says loudly, "Any money a non-member pays toward rent on an apartment or cube THEY are the OWNER of (cannot pay someone elses), will be added to their weekly earnings cap for the week, allowing them to earn that money back (that week only) with automated jobs."
Johnny says loudly, "Any non-member will be able to do 1 additional crate run a DAY compared to members. The cap on most of them is 5 a day right now, so a non member can do 6. This should offset the walking around money that a person wold have to spend on rent to rent a cube for a day that a member would not need to spend."
Johnny says loudly, "We aded new code that will (moving forward from now) track purchases at the market for a few weeks. When you go to an NPC and sell them something they are wanting, it will check to see if you purchased that item from the market recently, and if so, it will deduct the purchase price from the earnings that it submits to the system. This means it is more easily possible to make profits buying from the market and selling to an NPC if you have a good trading skill."
Johnny says loudly, "Apartments were updated so that they effectively clean out gear inside them and lock down additional items like cabinets so that they become part of the apartment, so you can't just go apartment farming. We also fixed a bunch of apartments that haven't been resetting correctly after eviction."
Johnny exclaims loudly, "Moved @lore and @read-lore [topic] to all players. You can now view a list of lore topics, and view the lore itself in the MOO. The web is still preferable for reading it in a wiki style, but for quick reference this should make lives easier!"
Johnny says loudly, "Instead of 30 minutes (same as in the city) you get 90 minutes to make a badlands cargo delivery, since these will send you all the way into the city. Payout was increased as well."
Johnny says loudly, "We updated the BMI calculations to be more accurate in chargen."
Johnny says loudly, "PRI, like other corps, now has auto spawning memento security agents wandering around its corporate HQ."
Johnny says loudly, "It was possible to spam asking for a job with the cargo delivery NPCs. We've added a cooldown to prevent this."
Johnny says loudly, "There is now an OOC message upon starting a cargo transfer that tells you the transfer will be aborted if you move/enter your vehicle and that the transfer may be lost. This is to prevent people ending up in a bad state if the transfer of a cargo job aborts while they are delivering something for an NPC."
Johnny takes a long drink of water, using both hands.
Johnny says loudly, "Vehicles with multiple engines can now accelerate properly."
Johnny says loudly, "If you look at a monitor that includes feeds of an offline device, the device heading will no longer show you the location. This means you aren't getting meta info from an offline device that could have moved."
Johnny says loudly, "An offline felibot that was scanned to a monitor would still transmit a visual of the area, even if it was offline. This has been fixed."
Johnny says loudly, "New player attack/kill immunity: This immunity only lasts 12 hours. I think many people assume it lasts 2 weeks since that's how long you can stay in a coffin."
Johnny says loudly, "If you are hidden, eating, drinking, or taking consumables like drugs will cause you to move around, revealing your position, and it will also reduce your disguise a tad if you're disguised."
Johnny exclaims loudly, "Added five sub floors and 20 rooms to Westinghaus, to give the game some more dirt cheap housing options. Just head down from the lobby to enjoy your brand new squalor!"
Johnny says loudly, "Surviving Withmore referenced asking bartenders about loans, but only one bartender supports this. Updated the text of the book to point to that bartender specifically."
Johnny says loudly, "You must now be holding your phone in order to look at it and see things on it. No more looking at it in your inventory."
Johnny says loudly, "Fixed a bug relating to aim and sniping. Also fixed an issue where snipers would always miss when rooms didn't have a proper matrix id because it would calculate the distance as 1000 rooms away."
Johnny says loudly, "Fixed a bug where players could target hidden admin with 'to'."
Johnny says loudly, "A new system has been put in place to allow coded systems to schedule notifications on a SIC chip (a character). The next time the character is in SIC range, they will receive the notification. The new ads system now supports reporting when an ad has expired / reached max exposure, through the SIC ID. It will report the amount of exposure it had."
Johnny says loudly, "Fixed grapple messages where a person was referred to as 'nothing'. Made Arteries use weapons where they weren't before."
Fengshui appears out of nowhere.
Johnny says loudly, "Added an admin command that shows @reimbursements that a player has received."
Johnny says loudly, "Performance cooldown has been dropped from 60 seconds to 30 seconds."
Johnny says loudly, "Added a GPT integration for 'whats on the menu' and 'how's business'."
Johnny says loudly, "We now force the @disguise-name's first character to be capitalized."
Johnny says loudly, "added in a minimum corpshare price to prevent things from going negative."
Johnny says loudly, "Npcs were asking for handcuffs then wearing them, like bakas. Fixed."
Johnny says loudly, "pulled all the paintings out of the market, reviewed them, removed a few from game, and placed the rest into an IC gallery that exists in the game."
Johnny says loudly, "added a confirmation step that warns what components will be used and that they will likely be consumed in the process, when you execute a craft command. This should prevent people who haven't used the system a lot from consuming items they are not intended to consume."
Johnny says loudly, "There was a bug where if someone was on a bike as a passenger, moving between rooms when they were very dehydrated or burned would cause them to KO-- and then the bike moves again and they KO again even though they were already KO'd. Also adjusted how often thirst/heat impact the driver of a bike."
Johnny says loudly, "Skyfox has been fixed and NPC skyfox responses work again."
Johnny says loudly, "If you are wearing an airtight, undamaged, airtight helmet, you no longer need a full environmental suit to be protected agents airborne agents. Previously you had to be fully enclosed in a suit, or have a sinus cyberware. Now a suitable helmet alone will protect you from airborne stuff."
Johnny says loudly, "Bombs that are triggered by progias will no longer cause the calling progia to TB due to trying to ring a phone that was recycled due to the explosion."
Johnny says loudly, "There are certain situations and items that can cause a character to be 'blind' in game, and not be able to see the room descriptions / and other things, such as having a (coded) black bag on their head. When these situations arise, the player will now take penalties during any combat they are involved in."
Johnny says loudly, "Stealth was breaking when sneaking onto mag-levs but not when you snuck off, due to a misplaced line of code. I have put that line of code where it should be and it's now possible to sneak onto a mag-lev."
Johnny says loudly, "There were a few bugs when a skateboard was involved in a crash in the express tubes. The first was that the character saw multiple messages (1st and 3rd person). We've fixed that."
Johnny says loudly, "When you follow / shadow someone and type 'follow' it shows you who you are following. We've fixed a reported bug where if you typed follow when someone was OOC, you would see their OOC name instead of IC name."
Johnny says loudly, "Condoms were not autostocking at vending machines because they were at their rarity cap. We've upped this cap to allow additional ones in game. This was not a bug with the machines, they were doing what they were supposed to do. Please don't hoard items like this -- there are several people with like 10 each."
Johnny says loudly, "When you tattoo someone, it asks for a brief message to describe the tattoo -- this didn't actually have a max length. We've added one of 180 characters, and it tells you that when you start a tattoo."
Johnny exclaims loudly, "It was possible to plant a shocker 9 chip on an offline player and cause them to take damage. This will no longer happen. We purposefully do not let you damage sleepers without GM approval. This is because it doesn't make sense that the person would not wake up. Please don't abuse this. Ya probably wouldn't like it if it happened to you!"
Johnny says loudly, "Skinwatches were refactored and updated."
Johnny says loudly, "Corporate Projects (Macguffins) were disabled for the time being."
Johnny says loudly, "The addressing command was revealing OOC names if someone was OOC. We've made it use IC name only."
Johnny says loudly, "Radios that were transmitting to rooms were not showing messages they received to people hidden in the room because of the way :contents() worked (uses player executing the verbs context). This has been resolved and hidden people should see these broadcasts now."
Johnny says loudly, "Condom dispensers use the same verb 'buy' as stores, and stores supercede the condom machine verb, thus causing the machine to fail to be used. We have moved this dispenser outside of the store and it should be working now."
Johnny says loudly, "Trying to undisplay art that was not displayed / installed would generate a TB due to checking if an object was valid when they key was actually 0. We've fixed this and it should give you a proper 'not installed' type message now."
Johnny says loudly, "There was a bug with corpse defacement when it was being done on animal carcasses because they don't have the same 'nakeds' as a human. We've resolved this bug so that it won't traceback."
Johnny puts his pages down for a minute.
Johnny motions back to everyone on the stage.
Johnny says loudly, "This team is doing a lot to keep things moving and improving for everyone and I'm excited to hear what the team leaders have to say, so I'll end here by thanking you all for continuing to be an amazing part of our great community. "
Johnny exclaims loudly, "Thanks everyone!"
Fengshui toggles the room moderation to OFF, allowing anyone to speak.
Fengshui snaps his fingers and system magicks up several blinking APPLAUSE signs.
Johnny steps away from the podium.
Knyghtskye starts applauding politely.
AdamBlue9000 says, "Woooo."
QueenZombean applauds.
Svetlana starts applauding politely.
Beepboop starts applauding politely.
Emily starts applauding politely.
Fengshui starts applauding politely.
Svetlana says, "Fuzzy </3"
Knyghtskye exclaims, "WOOOO!"
Alittlelonger starts applauding enthusiastically.
QueenZombean exclaims, "Brava!!"
Ozymendeus starts applauding politely.
Meat starts applauding politely.
Papertiger starts applauding politely.
Macabre starts applauding happily.
Batko starts applauding politely.
Zxq starts applauding happily.
Logic starts applauding politely.
Duck starts applauding politely.
SmokePotion says loudly, "applause"
Fengshui toggles the room moderation to ON, allowing only admin and the current speaker to speak
Johnny walks across the stage and sits upon one of the large leather chairs.
The Speaking Queue topic has switched to Statement from the Head Builder.
Macabre rises from the plush leather seat that rests on the stage.
Macabre steps up to the podium and adjusts the micropohone.
Fengshui says, "We'll now hear form Macabre on behalf of the builders, Mac has a speech that Butako has written as Boots couldn't be here."
Macabre says loudly, "*speaking english* Hello all! This speech will be brief, because the majority of what the build team has done since the last town hall has been behind the scenes, including typos, redecorations, items for plots, shuffling people around various pads and little fixes here and there."
Macabre says loudly, "Since last town hall the build team has created 146 things, dug 69 rooms -- nice, set 684 props, approved 10 redecorations, and fixed 47 typos."
Macabre says loudly, "Since the last town hall, we have added two new stores, Scents and Sparkles, and The Creative Cup. Work has gone into the Viesquez Place redesign, which is nearly finished and just not implemented. I have also helped with the construction of Vanity Diamonds. We are working on a redesign of CGH and a number of other projects behind the scenes."
Macabre exclaims loudly, "Butako says that things have been crazy with her new job, which is where she is at right now, and there have been some health issues that have kept us from being around as much as we would have liked. She is hoping that she will have some more time to dig her piggy hooves into everything she wants to soon!"
Mikael sits cross-legged on the floor.
Macabre exclaims loudly, "Now that that is out of the way, I want to talk about something that not everyone knows that you can do... reaching out to the build team, to help with your player-ran plot! Have you ever wondered how a severed head is suddenly hanging from the Hall of Justice with a sign that says 'Fuck the Jakes'? Well... it may have very well been a player plot where someone reached out to the build team for a cool prop!"
Macabre says loudly, "If you would like to plan on getting some sort of cool prop for a plot, you should first roleplay obtaining whatever items you need for the prop you are trying to create... for example, a corpse for a severed head, and a rope to hang it up, etcetera."
Macabre says loudly, "After that is done, feel free to put in a service request to builders for assistance with creating the cool prop. If your request is going to be extreme, you should probably reach out to the GMs first, to make sure that they are cool with it... but small petty violence that is easily done is no biggie."
Macabre says loudly, "If you are interested in joining the build team to help out with the zillions of awesome projects we have proposed and in backlog, it starts with an SGM application, which you can find on the BGBB! I invite anyone who enjoys the thought of adding your color to the game to consider applying."
Macabre steps away from the podium.
Fengshui toggles the room moderation to OFF, allowing anyone to speak.
Fengshui starts applauding politely.
Robotdogfighter says, "WOO CGH REDESIGNNNN"
Knyghtskye starts applauding politely.
Johnny applauds politely at Macabre.
Coral starts applauding politely.
Zxq starts applauding politely.
Svetlana starts applauding politely.
Meat exclaims, "Yo! Prop ideas are cool! I didn't know! Awesome!"
Bix starts applauding happily.
Knyghtskye exclaims, "That sounds fun!"
Huntresskai exclaims, "WOO!"
Emily exclaims, "Wooo! Go build team!"
Meat starts applauding politely.
Batko starts applauding politely.
Beepboop starts applauding politely.
Amiga starts applauding politely.
QueenZombean whistles.
Macabre walks across the stage and sits upon one of the large leather chairs.
Fengshui toggles the room moderation to ON, allowing only admin and the current speaker to speak
Fengshui says loudly, "Awesome stuff. Next we'll be hearing from Mono on behalf of the GM team."
Mono rises from the plush leather seat that rests on the stage.
Mono steps up to the podium and adjusts the micropohone.
Mono says loudly, "*speaking english* Hi, everyone! I'm Mono, one of the GMs here at Sindome, starring in famous plots with roles like that one puppet who said something or that mean old dog. And no, the GM staff is not sorry for anything we may or may not have made your dogs do. It's just how we show affection."
Mono says loudly, "I like to have a theme when I give these speeches, and this one will revolve around immersion and, well, theme."
Mono says loudly, "Over the past few months, we have noticed and received complaints about IC messages that break the fourth wall. We truly appreciate those of you who brought it to our attention and who have spoken up about your concerns and feelings about other in-game actions, as that has helped us locate bad actors who we were then able to remove."
JMo sits cross-legged on the floor.
Mono says loudly, "However, the issue of immersion-breaking SIC comments became so problematic that we had to issue a statement about it on the BGBB, found at http://sindo.me/HJ7ksiIsa. The use of modern (or anything after Y2K) memes, references, or slang doesn't explicitly violate the rules. Hell, probably 20% of NPCs reference bits of pop culture somewhere, although builders typically work to mask those."
Mono says loudly, "If you do want to be able to chat more casually, we openly invite you to join our OOC chat channel. While you obviously can't discuss IC events there, you are welcome to share current media, memes, and generally speak freely. But they should be kept strictly OOC."
Mono says loudly, "The main harm of using modern references comes from the reminder that we are in fact, sitting at a computer in 2024, playing a text-based roleplaying game, not trying to navigate our way through a dark and treacherous city where saying the wrong thing can spell death."
Mono says loudly, "We all, players and GMs, try to create this through our plots and plans. You all have a @note category for IC Goals, which we cannot encourage you strongly enough to use, both to state your character's goals and to track progress on them. "
Mono says loudly, "Your @notes are an invaluable tool, for that and just for keeping track of what all your character has done. Death, and the subsequent loss of memory, lurks under every table, after all. We do actually read them and have more than once directed a plot to entangle with a PC's plans, whether for good or ill."
The Speaking Queue topic has switched to Statement from the GMs.
Mono says loudly, "And over the past few months, we have really seen and read about players making and executing some highly elaborate, wide-reaching plots, and all of us on the GM staff appreciate that. We love seeing players take that kind of initiative."
Mono says loudly, "However, oftentimes it becomes necessary to involve us via a @puppet-request. While we aren't big on flat 'no's, we do generally try to place hurdles in front of you. That means that, if appropriate, the NPC in question might give you a hard time, especially if that's part of their personality."
Mono says loudly, "We ask you to understand that we are playing roles, too, as staff members. Possibly dozens a day, all of them with documented personality traits and quirks. If you feel an NPC is being harsh or unfair to you, it's probably because our notes about them indicate that they can be a jerk, possibly even for a small, specific range of topics that you happened to bring up."
Mikael sits cross-legged on the floor.
Mono says loudly, "Please remember that we are not intending to slight you with this behavior. Dark and petty souls flood Withmore, and we make it part of our mission to show that narratively through NPCs. As we always say, just because they're not always controlled doesn't mean they aren't real people in the world of Sindome. They have their own desires, interests, and histories, all of which inform how they will respond to you."
Mono says loudly, "With that said, we do have pointers for those of you who might have a little trouble launching a plot. When we say that word, 'plot,' it doesn't have to mean a huge, world-changing scenario where you wind up on a pile of gold bars."
Mono says loudly, "Plots range anywhere from trying to find something specific or illegal for yourself to planning the murder of everyone in a faction that slighted you. Paying a ganger to beat up a rival tailor? That's a plot. Hiring an immy to alias hop three times an hour to spread shit about someone? Plot."
Mono says loudly, "Think of something that your character wants or needs, whether that's an illegal energy weapon, someone's love, a job that isn't hiring, respect, or even just a load of chyen. Then try to think of ways you can use someone else to help you get those things. Ask a friend. Hire a solo. Blackmail someone. Go into debt with someone powerful. Let your morals bend at this step."
coconut sits cross-legged on the floor.
Mono asks loudly, "And ultimately, the plot must resolve. This may or may not mean successfully accomplishing your initial goal. If you succeed, was it worth the cost, karmic or otherwise? If you fail, does it become an obsession or a reason to fall into drug abuse?"
Mono says loudly, "Let the events and ending define how you play going forward. Let Withmore shape your character, and take the ride. Then dust yourself off, and jump on again. I promise you, the payoff is immense."
Mono says loudly, "Similarly, if you are on the receiving end of a plot, player-generated or otherwise, avoid shooting right to the obvious answer. Smallworlding comes in many forms, and this can be the most insidious."
Mono says loudly, "If you do choose this path, make sure that you're playing it out that your guess is irrational. Fire off accusations wildly at everyone who's ever offended you. Point so many fingers that you piss people off. Or plan to show them all you're not someone to fuck with."
Mono says loudly, "Ultimately, 'plot' boils down to one thing. Fight for what you want, and prepare to lose."
Mono says loudly, "To quote a wise old admin, you don't win Sindome; you survive it. Do not desire a long ride off into the sunset. Live a fast life, die young, and be a beautiful corpse."
Mono says loudly, "If you do have an idea for something, but you can't quite figure out the mechanics, please xhelp. We're here to support you guys, too, and usually any GM who is free will be happy to talk with you about a plot."
Mono exclaims loudly, "But thanks for being here, everyone! We love you all, and we'll make your lives miserable to prove it to you! Thanks for having fun with us!"
Mono steps away from the podium.
Fengshui starts applauding politely.
Fengshui toggles the room moderation to OFF, allowing anyone to speak.
Knyghtskye applauds wildly.
Svetlana starts applauding politely.
Meat starts applauding politely.
Amiga starts applauding politely.
Zxq starts applauding happily.
Ozymendeus starts applauding wildly.
Mono walks across the stage and sits upon one of the large leather chairs.
Fengshui toggles the room moderation to ON, allowing only admin and the current speaker to speak
Coral walks across the stage and sits upon one of the large leather chairs.
Fengshui says loudly, "Okay, we're moving to the discussion part of the town hall. As a reminder, if the speaking queue is open you can 'join speaking' you can also 'leave speaking'. When it is your turn to talk please stand up, and when you are done speaking please sit down. You do not need to leave the queue when you are done speaking. I'll move the queue forward."
The Speaking Queue topic has switched to The state of conflict in the Mix and Topside. Appropriate use of force & encouraging criminals. Ideas on how to encourage conflict from a variety of angles. Examples: How can greeters and in game documentation encourage conflict? How can the midbies and oldbies encourage conflict? How can staff and NPCs encourage conflict? Allowing conflict between groups that are often not allowed to conflict? .
Fengshui has opened the Speaking Queue for this topic. 'join queue' to get in line to speak.
0x1mm has joined the Speaking Queue.

0x1mm stands from their seat in the first row and easily moves away from it.
0x1mm says, "I have only good things to say on this topic as concerns the Mix: My experience is the game has successfully weathered some occasional quieter periods of reduced conflict and lower plot engagement and has since recovered and is trending in a lively and more thematic, more cyberpunk, direction. I applaud the key players who have really taken an active role in driving thematic conflicts back into visible roleplay, as well as the GMs for their efforts enabling that and keeping the narrative cleaving close to the core theme and core game strengths that make Sindome, Sindome. Blood makes the grass grow."
0x1mm says, "I can't speak to the corporate state overall but will just say I see the perennial heavyweight storytellers who carry so much water and I selfishly wish you were Mixers but until that day do continue to your lovely, privileged tyrannical bastard villain selves."
0x1mm walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Fengshui nods casually.
The Speaking Queue flashes to notify everyone that the queue is clear.
Macabre beams excitedly!
Svetlana has joined the Speaking Queue.
The Speaking Queue buzzes and the current speaker flashes: svetlana.
svetlana stands from their seat in the fourth row, and edges their way out of it into the aisle.
Svetlana says loudly, "It seems like sometimes there is IC social pressure against engaging in plots. 'Why would you do that? I thought you were a good person?' I think this is because many players still hold onto modern-day moralities when they play their characters. But Withmore is a city full of death, danger and betrayal. It should be seen as more strange to -not- engage in conflict than to engage in it."
Svetlana says loudly, "By plots I mean conflict oriented plots."
Fengshui says loudly, "Feel free to join the queue if you have thoughts here, it accepts multiple people at once to form a queue."
Grey0 has joined the Speaking Queue.
Robotdogfighter has joined the Speaking Queue.
Fengshui nods casually.
svetlana edges into the fourth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Logic nods casually.
Mono says loudly, "Sindome is inherently a PvP game, so entering into conflict will see you get the most enjoyment out of it."
The Speaking Queue has switched to Grey0.
Grey0 stands from their seat in the first row and easily moves away from it.
Grey0 says loudly, "The game as grown to feel very boxed in and railed to me. It feels like you have one of X ganger boxes and one of X syndicate boxes and one of X corporate boxes and one of X doc boxes and so on. And each of these boxes have what feels to me like a select few paths to a couple other boxes."
Mono says loudly, "That doesn't have to be via the red text, either. Some of the most devastating moves in the time I've been playing have been purely social takedowns."
Grey0 says loudly, "Further, I think interaction between various boxes (and let's add one called the independent a box) tends to be limited. Some interactions seem to be highly incentivised and others are highly impeeded. Sometimes it feels like there is a will for two or more players to dig into a conflict but because of the boxes they end up in, pursuing that is hampered. And do be clear, I mean all kinds of conflict, including but not limited to combat."
Grey0 says loudly, "The game's format and design is truly awesome and creates an environment that should be ripe for new, unrailed and creative adventure. Room for many unique paths and buckets. It's one of the things that drew me to Sindome over other games. The perceived freedom. Lately, however, it feels to me more like a large and complex choose your own adventure book and I really feel it could be so much more."
Grey0 says loudly, "Examples of what I mean might include a gang rising to new levels of power. Or a war opens up between two groups that don't usually beef. Or A new path leads from the nurse bod to the ganger box becuase a healer might be worth more than ANOTHER fighter."
Grey0 says loudly, "It may be a matter of me having played the game for so long that these things start being more noticable then they were when the game was fresh and new to me.. It may be the game has evolved to address a new needs over time. It is also very likely that I am falling into that terrible pitfal of assuming limitations that aren't there. Probably a mix of them all."
Grey0 says loudly, "I do, however, think that part of what gives me this feeling has to do with what feels like a massive emphasis on maintaining the status quo instead of letting the world change and flex more based on IC actions. I also think that I, and many other players, are assuming limitations as I mentioned above but this is often based on historical experience and I think that it would be very belpful for staff to help us see past those fake walls, like some staff did today at this meeting."
Grey0 exclaims loudly, "Thanks!"
Grey0 sits cross-legged on the floor.
Grey0 stands up from the floor.
Grey0 walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Fengshui nods casually.
Ares says, "*speaking english* Good points - and a lot to respond to there, but I would encourage everyone to forge unique paths and not feel the need to fit into a box that you saw someone else do well with. "
Mono says loudly, "I have to disagree with you there. Of late, I think the non-faction-affiliated space has been exceptionally healthy."
Ares says, "I think often times people try to emulate what they've seen work in the past, which makes it feel like more of the same. "
QueenZombean has joined the Speaking Queue.
Fengshui says loudly, "I didn't explicitly include it in the agenda but one of the things around this topic on the BGBB was allowing healers or deckers, etc into factions like gangs and syndicates. We talked about this last town hall or two town halls ago, I think. If a medic wants to join a gang, they should find that path is open to them. We are for that. I talked to the GMs about this a while back."
Ares says loudly, "Ahem! Good points - and a lot to respond to there, but I would encourage everyone to forge unique paths and not feel the need to fit into a box that you saw someone else do well with. I think often times people try to emulate what they've seen work in the past, which makes it feel like more of the same."
Coral nods casually.
Fengshui says loudly, "We have documented the ability for -anyone- to join a gang, as part of our admin guides. Gangers do typically have to fight, but yeah. It's not a hard requirement, just to be clear."
The Speaking Queue has switched to robotdogfighter.
robotdogfighter stands from their seat in the first row and easily moves away from it.
Robotdogfighter says loudly, "I think a great way to spur some conflict in the staff/NPC side is to really set some people not just to work with their coworkers... But against! Say someone at your workplace is doing a whole lot, and you or others...not so much. Your boss should prod you, ask why you're letting them take all the credit. Sew division that could turn into cooperation. Cooperative competition vibes. I saw this happen in the past few months here and there from my char's POV, but I think it needs to be more often that we're pushing some people to do more if they have the potential! And fengshui, seeing you expand faction availability to those more discrete support style characters has been a great thing I've seen ingame. It's promoting a lot of conflict that is needed."
Macabre says loudly, "We're absolutely for letting you guys forge your own paths and approach things creatively. If you have a plan, and you're not sure how to really do it, don't be afraid to xhelp for some advice. We want to see you guys have fun."
robotdogfighter sits cross-legged on the floor.
Johnny says loudly, "*speaking english, in a brash, overbearing voice* It seems to me its the difference between known paths of least resistance and harder paths."
Cowbell has joined the Speaking Queue.
Mono says loudly, "I am all for interoffice deathmatches, possibly televised. I keep asking about them, but no one seems to want to start the tradition."
Ares says loudly, "I totally agree with what Robotdogfighter is saying here - often times, from a GM behind the scene perspective, the conflicts between co-workers are the best ones. "
JMo stands up from the floor.
The Speaking Queue has switched to QueenZombean.
QueenZombean stands from their seat in the third row, and edges their way out of it into the aisle.
QueenZombean says loudly, "Just a comment about as a new person. There seems to be an emphasis on keeping your head down and not causing a stir that seems to go against the idea of well causing one. Especially if you cause a fuss and simply die. Theres nothing more to it. You just die. No extra plot. No nothing. So I think defining conflict helps. However there is a definite vibe at times that its best to not try affecting things. "
QueenZombean edges into the third row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
QueenZombean sits cross-legged on the floor.
Necronex666 has joined the Speaking Queue.
Ares says loudly, "I think there is a big difference between stirring up conflict, or pushing the envelope to the point you are getting killed or serious flak for it. If you want that, go for it - but there are ways to cause conflict without getting quite to that point. "
Huntresskai has joined the Speaking Queue.
QueenZombean edges into the third row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Coral says loudly, "*speaking english, in a squeaky voice* I would also add that often there is double talk going on. Someone giving advice not to do something who is possibly engaged in something nefarious. However, it's also really important to remember that you make your own choices for your path ultimately. And sometimes you try and fail, or learn the hard way. Making mistakes is in and of itself a big part of the journey as well."
Batko has joined the Speaking Queue.
The Speaking Queue has switched to Cowbell.
Cowbell stands from their seat in the first row and easily moves away from it.
Cowbell exclaims, "When it comes to plotting and illegal things and conflict I always try to stay true to PCs over NPCs. The more players involved, the better it is - and sure, even though NPCs do impact the gameworld, you make it more fun for yourself (even if it is a bit riskier) and others if it prioritizes PCs. As for oldbies and midbies, this is a topic as old as time but I think it works in everyone's favor if you let newer characters handle their own conflict. While you can play a good person and help your friends out when they get into trouble, it can be stifling in some cases. Especially if you're doing so from the good of your heart. I know this bit is especially a hot topic lately, so may warrant further, more detailed discussion!"
Cowbell walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Coral exclaims loudly, "A good reminder!"
Ares says loudly, "I would say, 100%, you all will weave better stories together than you will by interacting with NPCs. "
Coral says loudly, "Learning by doing can be immensely helpful from a character growth standpoint as well, and learning to resolve their own conflicts is inclusive of that."
Fengshui says loudly, "Probably worth mentioning here that the IC rules are meant to be broken. The rules we expect you as players to follow are the OOC ones. If someone tells you you can't do something ICly, or it's against the 'law' that is for your character to decide how they want to engage with."
The Speaking Queue has switched to Necronex666.
Mono says loudly, "Absolutely. If you're a high-powered solo, you shouldn't be dirtying your nose in some immy grudge for chump change. You only take the jobs that buy the fancy meals."
Grey0 has joined the Speaking Queue.
Necronex666 stands from their seat in the first row and easily moves away from it.
Necronex666 says loudly, "All I wanted to comment on is what happens after a character ends up whacked in a conflict for whatever reason. It can be very difficult for you to get the interaction you want out of the person doing the murdering when they know the consequences for revealing themselves can be catastrophic, with how many high level characters take it upon themselves to avenge those either close to them or working for them. There are times someone might want to interact more with you but they know slipping up not can but definitely would result in them being steamrolled and maybe multiple times."
Logic says, "*speaking english, in a wave of ones and zeroes that converge into a hollow, digitized voice* Nothing wrong with offering advice on how to handle a situation though. Stay out of it phsyically, but teach them how to operate and learn."
Logic says, "One way to go."
Necronex666 walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Ares says loudly, "This is a big topic, Necronex, how to thread the needle here. "
Quotient has joined the Speaking Queue.
Ares says loudly, "We see it come up time and time again, and I think we all have a role to play in finding the happy middle ground depending on the circumstances. "
Fengshui has closed the Speaking Queue for this topic.
The Speaking Queue has switched to Huntresskai.
Huntresskai stands from their seat in the second row, and edges their way out of it into the aisle.
Huntresskai says, "Also important to consider the person giving you that advice. There are definitely brash high flyers and those who prefer to avoid the spotlight. And then there's also those people who fall somewhere in the middle, or may feel like they've had too much of something and need a break. Few people want all fries all the time no matter how good fries are. Ultimately you gotta pick what's right for you but of course there's always going to be consequences one way or another."
Fengshui nods casually.
Huntresskai edges into the second row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
The Speaking Queue has switched to batko.
batko stands from their seat in the first row and easily moves away from it.
Coral exclaims loudly, "Context is important, yes!"
Batko says loudly, "I just wanted to mention a few things in relation to what others have said"
Batko eyes her surroundings warily.
Batko says loudly, "I just wanted to mention a few things in relation to what others have said-- when someone discourages you IC from starting conflict or stirring the pot, sometimes it's also a matter of weight class. I have often seen a lot of brand new characters get into vicious feuds with some of the heaviest hitters around, sometimes due to no fault of their own, sometimes due to their own choice to continue pursuing it. Punching up is a good thing, but I think a lot of discouragement you hear may be some cautions against getting a little too over your head early on. Speaking from experience, the most fun in this game is when you aren't trying to step up to someone too much higher or lower on the totem pole."
Batko says loudly, "Also speaking from experience, I have never heard of syndicates being closed to noncombatants, ever. Most syndicate positions encourage a noncombat role. That's all."
batko walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Fengshui nods casually.
[OOC: The game has been saved and backed up successfully to disk. 'help cp']
Coral says loudly, "Good points, thank you for bringing them up, batko."
Macabre says loudly, "That's a very good point, and goes back to learning how to create really good conflict that works for your character and others. There's a time and a place to punch at the big bastard on SIC, but surviving Withmore means learning how to toe the line and knowing when to fall back."
Ares nods casually.
Logic says, "I think it can be situationally based, how far you should/want to punch up. I've been in some RP where there was probably no higher puncher to up to that I knew of. A lot of small punchers can overwhelm a big one. In combat, in biz, etc. But generally you play a dangerous game if you don't prepare well. "
Logic says, "But like Mac said, know when to hold em and know when to fold em. "
Fengshui says loudly, "Some of my fondest RP memories are picking a fight with someone and them showing up out of nowhere and kicking my ass cause they were some big bad"
The Speaking Queue has switched to Grey0.
Grey0 stands from their seat in the first row and easily moves away from it.
Grey0 says loudly, "Just wanted to mention that PCs are often put into the positions of gatekeepers. Players often gatekeep based on what they have seen before and this probably doesn't reflect what staff wants despite their good intentions. Probably something players can keep in mind when they find themselves in such a position. Also wanted to say I agree with and appreciate all the staff comments."
Macabre says loudly, "You get a lot more bang for your buck by learning how to network with your enemy's enemy. Get them to help you take them out, make yourself useful."
Grey0 walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Mono says loudly, "The main point is if you're going to step over that line, be ready to lose."
Ares says loudly, "It's a good point, Grey0, and we'll often try to pivot where we can, but ultimately, we try to let PCs drive the story and defer to player-to-player roleplay where possible. "
Ares says loudly, "We find that this stuff generates the most conflict. If it gets too far out of line, then NPCs will step in. "
The Speaking Queue has switched to Quotient.
Quotient stands from their seat in the first row and easily moves away from it.
Ameliorative edges into the sixth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Quotient says loudly, "Conflict, and encouraging it seems to come up all the time. I'll keep it simple, and this is directed primarily for the benefit of the intitiators. Reduce the level/timing of exposure. Allow people some breathing room to maneuver and enact. Reduce the power of entities that are overwhelming, either via perception or reality. HOJ under a certain mustache is an excellent example of how someone with an abundant amount of time on their hands, and the tools at their disposal can create an almost stifling atmosphere for the game. No hate toward that individual (the opposite actually, much respect toward them). Just pointing out how much of a deterrent that level of oversight and capability can be with those tools in hand."
Quotient says loudly, "Also, in response to Batko, historically I've seen the players on the beneficiary end of the power spectrum act with restraint. I hope that hasn't changed."
Quotient walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Burgerwolf walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Ares says loudly, "Quotient, while I appreciate your comment, let's try to keep things a little bit less on the nose for the purposes of this town hall. The point is well taken. "
Fengshui says loudly, "There are roles in the game that are intended to be stifling. This is a world where mega-corprations and the entities (WJF) they control, have literally all the power. Part of the game is figuring out how to operate within that system."
Fengshui says loudly, "Personally, I think a lot of restraint has been shown by individuals in those roles, and when restraint isn't shown, the GMs step in and course correct with OOC conversations or IC ones if needed."
The Speaking Queue flashes to notify everyone that the queue is clear.
The Speaking Queue topic has switched to Bleed and how to manage it.
Fengshui says loudly, "Let's talk about bleed."
Fengshui has opened the Speaking Queue for this topic. 'join queue' to get in line to speak.
Svetlana has joined the Speaking Queue.

svetlana stands from their seat in the fourth row, and edges their way out of it into the aisle.
Burgerwolf has joined the Speaking Queue.
Svetlana says loudly, "Two things. First of all, taking a month off from the game was one of the best things I ever did when I was struggling with bleed, and I'm grateful to staff for understanding that and not penalizing my character for taking time away."
Fengshui offers Svetlana an air hug.
Svetlana air hugs Fengshui back.
Svetlana says loudly, "Also, It makes me sad when people choose to or threaten to perm their character or leave the game because their characters are caught up in a conflict. I'm not saying that sometimes player-led plots don't go too hard or that people shouldn't think deeply if it's really necessary before targeting someone over and over. But it's just... It's discouraging to perceive that your plot makes someone miserable on an OOC level, if you're a plot-initiator. And I'm not quite sure what to do about this or make it better or easier, for both the plot-initiator and the targeted person."
svetlana edges into the fourth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Ares says loudly, "We always encourage breaks, particularly when things get heated. It's important to remember that many of us spend a lot of time on Sindome, and it's easy to feel like we're being personally attacked or targeted. The most important thing , from my perspective, is to take a step back, try to understand where others are coming from, their motivation, and above all else, that it is not personal. Staff keeps an eye on things and if we see bleed, we try to step in. It's also important to leave notes if your character is on some sort of a crusade against someone so we have insight into the why. "
Ares says loudly, "Please try to assume positive intent, and if you really have concerns about something, leave a note or xhelp. We're always happy to take a look at it. Don't let it make you miserable OOCly. "
Cowbell has joined the Speaking Queue.
Mono says loudly, "*speaking english* Honestly, one of the best cures for bleed is time. Fifteen minutes, an hour, an evening. Just getting yourself out of the situation and rooted in the real can remind you that this IS a game, and it wasn't a personal attack on you."
Svetlana nods casually.
Knyghtskye has joined the Speaking Queue.
Mono says loudly, "It's usually our first point of advice to someone who's stressed about things that have happened IC, and we mean it with all kindness."
Mono says loudly, "There isn't one of us on staff who hasn't experienced bleed at some point in time. We're not telling you to go into timeout, just to find breathing space for yourself."
Fengshui says loudly, "I think bleed is a very normal thing to feel. It's important to be able to step away if you need to. If anyone is ever worried about their IC job, we outline the process in help files for letting us know you are taking a break so that we know about it and can call it a vacation in character, and you can have your job when you get back. If you aren't stepping away because of a feeling of guilt about abandoning your allies, I can understand that as well-- but you can't keep pouring from an empty glass. Better to take time and refill the glass."
Macabre says loudly, "Absolutely agreed. One of my tactics I've learned lately for managing bleed is this: Don't feel like you need to stay logged in ALL THE TIME. I know a lot of players, including me back in the day, felt I had to be online all day, every day. You don't. Sure you get FOMO sometimes, but taking nights and days off helps keep your stress levels down and your perspective fresh."
Fengshui says loudly, "Also taking a break gives you something to do when you get back: Contacting everyone and asking wtf has been going on. Good source of RP, that."
Emily has joined the Speaking Queue.
Macabre says loudly, "Letting yourself harbor frustration from the game and carrying it over into RL is not good for anyone's mental health."
Logic says loudly, "I look at bleed a lot like I look at frustration with anything else. I love skateboarding but some days I just can't get my body to do the shit I know it can do. Tension builds. I get angry. I wanna break a board. So I stop. We can love something and still need a break now and then. Nothing wrong with that."
Grey0 has joined the Speaking Queue.
The Speaking Queue has switched to Burgerwolf.
Burgerwolf stands from their seat in the first row and easily moves away from it.
Burgerwolf says, "Two things."
Burgerwolf says, "First, don't ask to void in the vat. Makes things difficult. Haha."
Fengshui has closed the Speaking Queue for this topic.
Mono says loudly, "Just a reminder, please have your points ready so we can get through the line quickly."
Burgerwolf says, "Second. Mono hit the nail on the head, sometimes you need a breather. Take a break, chill out and get your head on right. Bleed happens a lot with combat and relationship RP from what I've seen, but the slow killer I've experienced is responsibilities, where you are relied on a lot for things and have to be on top of everything. Take less on your plate."
Burgerwolf says, "Sorry, on mobile."
Burgerwolf walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Fengshui nods casually.
Fengshui says loudly, "Good callouts."
The Speaking Queue has switched to Cowbell.
Cowbell stands from their seat in the first row and easily moves away from it.
Cowbell says loudly, "I had actually prepared this beforehand, but unfortunately Ares already said half of what I was going to say. I'll bring up my own experience from a player standpoint regardless."
Ares says loudly, "One hundred percent , Burger, and i'll add to your first comment, 9 out of 10 times, xhelping from the death spiral is a very bad idea. Wait it out, chill out, make your point later once you calm down. "
Cowbell says loudly, "I've noticed an increase in bleed myself lately, especially as a result of conflict. I think all of us have a little bit of that going on -- we're all humans, after all. However, be it on the winning or losing side, I think it's important to remember that conflict against your character isn't mean to be a slight against you, the player. If conflict begins to evolve into an IC/OOC one, that's a big problem. Best thing to do in that case is step back - or if you think your enemy is the one who's acting out of bleed, maybe leave a note or have a talk with staff if you think it's getting OOC or personal. I'd just like to remind that even if we're assholes or antagonists, it isn't against you the player, but just us playing our roles and characters. This can feel stifling, unjust, annoying and a lot of other things."
Cowbell says loudly, "At the end of the day, if you also feel like you need a break from the conflict - especially because it stems from bleed and you're stressed OOCly be it because of the game or something else, I implore you to reach out to the PC in question that's on the other end of the conflict. We're all OOCly understanding and will give you that break or even throw you a lifeline to end the conflict if necessary."
Cowbell walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
spookybiitch edges into the sixth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Ares nods casually.
Macabre nods agreeingly.
Mono says loudly, "Well said."
Johnny says loudly, "*speaking english, in a brash, overbearing voice* touch grass often."
Kard says loudly, "*speaking english* I would caution though, it's not a 'get out of jail free' card forever."
Fengshui says loudly, "Oh, with all this in mind-- I got feedback that people want IC names back for the Town Hall as people felt they were able to show that the person behind the character was a reasonable non-asshole. I didn't have a chance to code that for today, but I plan to make it possible to decide if you want an IC name or OOC name when you join."
Fengshui says loudly, "So, that'll be a thing for next town hall."
Macabre exclaims loudly, "It's my favorite update!"
The Speaking Queue has switched to Knyghtskye.
Coral starts applauding politely.
Knyghtskye stands from their seat in the third row, and edges their way out of it into the aisle.
Knyghtskye says, "One of the hardest things for me to get, as a new player in the beginning, was the absolute intensity behind the emotions these hardcore plots bring up. I suffered from bleed a while back, seeing how my actions brought what I considered was an extremely strong response - my very first interaction with major powers in-game, and the level of terror making mistakes can lead to. This made it very difficult for me at the time to continue, because it seemed like all was lost - no hope of recovery. Of course, the wrap-up to that plot subsided... but it brought more than a handful of nights of lost sleep, concern, actual tears of loss, and worry about how my actions would affect not only my own character but others too. The game can become deeply emotional very quickly... it's immersive, which is excellent. Best game I've ever played, bar none. But it's come as a shock to see how naturally these things come & go. "
Knyghtskye says, "I'm learning to disconnect from the immersion and balance the two; IC & OOC, but this is a part of RPing that I've never been directly exposed to. It's freeing, but laborious. "
Knyghtskye says, "I appreciate what you have all built here, and I'm in love with it. "
Knyghtskye edges into the third row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Ares says loudly, "It can definitely get emotional for all of us. Important to manage that if you are finding yourself suffering IRL from IC plots. The game isn't worth that level of stress. We all need breaks and to disconnect from time to time. "
QueenZombean edges into the third row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Coral says loudly, "*speaking english, in a squeaky voice* Agreed with Ares. Glad you are having fun, but also one tip I have in terms of creating more IC and OOC separation is giving your characters different character traits that are not your own. Distancing your character from yourself helps in that regard."
Mono says loudly, "I love hearing that people can have that level of immersion in the game. It does introduce that pitfall, though. Especially since Sindome is such a longitudinal game, you become so heavily invested in your character and their personality. But it is definitely best to keep some kind of wall between yourself and your character, even if it takes years to build it."
Coral exclaims loudly, "Different hobbies, interests, quirks, etc. We are not our PCs!"
Knyghtskye nods casually.
Mono says loudly, "But we play them on TV."
Ares says loudly, "I'll just chime in once more to say that you are not alone, veterans and newbies have this challenge regularly on Sindome and we all have to find our own ways to manage it. "
Logic says loudly, "For me, taking time to think about my character's outlook helps. I write extensive notes sometimes about why x situation made my character feel this way or that way. That's how I like to develope my character and determine how they might act and also ensure I'm not just imprinting my own feelings on them. "
Logic says loudly, "It helps me mark that divide."
Knyghtskye [to Logic]: Like that idea.
Fengshui says loudly, "In 20+ years here, I've only seen.. 3 or 4... maybe? characters that did something so freaking bad that the entire game world was against them. And even that didn't last. There is almost always an IC path to recovery. Sometimes it involves taking a vacation character while the heat dies down, or getting cryo frozen for a year because the IC actions were so crazy, but if your character isn't permed, the world will always offer a path to continue playing the character, though you will be expected to deal with the fallout and consequences of your characters actions."
QueenZombean edges into the third row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
The Speaking Queue has switched to Emily.
Ares says loudly, "I also want to say, if you think someone you are beefing with is struggling, try to give them an out. Even if it is not the out they want, it's important for there to be some sort of an out or way to resolve things. "
Emily stands from their seat in the fourth row, and edges their way out of it into the aisle.
Johnny says loudly, "our goal from day one with Sindome was to make a place that could hit you right in the feels. Its a point of pride that we've made a place that brings out such deep emotional response."
Emily says loudly, "I'm a person who's found some conflicts to be wholely unenjoyable, and when those conflicts go on for months at a time, and feel like they're happening for OOC reasons where people are trying to dictate how you roleplay, it doesn't make the game very fun and makes it very easy to feel bleed. I feel like there should really be some more messaging about ways that staff can help in situations like that, where you honestly just want something to end but you can't really do anything about it IC so it feels hopeless. Maybe it could go in the bleed helpfile. Also players should remember to try to make your conflicts and plots interesting for everyone involved, not just yourself. Sometimes if you are too careful and don't open yourself up at all there ends up being little to no roleplay for the person on the other side of your conflict."
Emily edges into the fourth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Ares says loudly, "I think we're seeing a phenomenon lately that ties in to what Mono said in his awesome GM speech. Some players are very frustrated by what they feel is unthemely behavior, and have taken it upon themselves to try to enforce the theme they want to see. I want to acknowledge that i've seen this ICly and from the GM lens. I think this is OK, but we all have to remember to play to the spirit of the game and not act ICly out of OOC distaste for someone. "
Emily nods casually.
Ares says loudly, "Be the change you want to see, but do not try to drive people off the game. Show them a better way. "
Fengshui says loudly, "One way to do that is instead of pushing people away, find ways to draw them in close so they see how you think things should be done and have an opportunity to emulate it."
Risikio sits cross-legged on the floor.
Ares says loudly, "If you are upset about someone OOCly memeing on SIC, xhelp or note your concern, don't ICly chain kill them (totally hypothetical example)."
Fengshui says loudly, "It would be the difference between beating someone down for some action they took, and telling them they've got spunk and that you appreciate it and want to cultivate it (for your own gain) by taking them under your wing."
The Speaking Queue has switched to Grey0.
Grey0 stands from their seat in the first row and easily moves away from it.
Grey0 says loudly, "In addition to stepping away when needed, I think it's good to think of way to try and consider ways to minimize bleed. It helps me at least. For example..."
Grey0 says loudly, "I personally avoid things like having my PC threaten to perm or leave the city if things don't go their way. Or attacking other PCs over time investments. Or even trying to get other players to stay or not perm."
Grey0 says loudly, "Every time it has occurred to me to do something like this I soon realize that it's because I am bleeding or on the verge of doing so and that it often causes bleed in others in the form of quilt or shame over a game. Avoiding things that are so close to the OOC/IC line helps me avoid some bleed."
Grey0 says loudly, "I also find it's kind of natural to have activity cycles. OOC and IC. Times you go harder and times you recover and lick your wounds. IT can be a way to give yourself time before the bleed gets too intense."
Grey0 says loudly, "I'm sure that there's lots of ways to do this, probably different for every person. Ways to be proactive about minimizing bleed."
Grey0 walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
QueenZombean edges into the third row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Coral nods casually.
Fengshui nods casually.
Ares says loudly, "It's definitely hard to go full speed 100% of the time. Cycles are important. "
The Speaking Queue flashes to notify everyone that the queue is clear.
Fengshui says loudly, "Good advice."
The Speaking Queue topic has switched to New Player Experience - Are We Doing a Good Job? - New players (less than 6 months playing, please).
Mono says loudly, "Definitely. Again, prepare to lose. We're highly conditioned to want to win, but Sindome is stacked against you."
Fengshui says loudly, "Let's talk new player experience. If you're a new player, we wanna hear from you. We'll cap responses to 6 months or less."
Fengshui has opened the Speaking Queue for this topic. 'join queue' to get in line to speak.
Meat has joined the Speaking Queue.

Meat stands from their seat in the sixth row, and edges their way out of it into the aisle.
Meat says loudly, "Hi! One second! I pre-wrote my bit... Uh..."
Meat exclaims loudly, "Hi, I'm Meat. - New player. I'm coming up to close to six months OOC playing Sindome and can say I've had an *amazing* time. When I went to look for this game, I actually did not have expectations. Was just bored. Remembered MUDs were a thing, and wanted to do a Multiplayer RP environment that was not Private Server RP MMOs anymore for I.P.s I don't play anymore. -- That said. Feedback from my 6 months. A lot of players have mentioned feeling 'x box' or 'x faction' and as a new player, I guess my time has made me feel that's not really the case. I've spent a lot of my time shying away from GM interactivity, possibly to my own detriment as I feel sometimes a NPC backing or faction *might* help with a plot. Things like xhelping staff to talk about plots, or talking to builders about props for those plots are things I've never considered as I do often consider I'd rather create a player interaction with something codedly there than bother a GM - as I feel thats a bother (but that may be a me thing and this first town hall for me is teaching me a lot). I do *feel* that there could be more soft handed introductions for players doing things, examples being- fighting or combat is very scary for me if I've never done it and think that certain tools in game are a great resource for *introducing* players to those concepts codedly. I'd like to see, if I could, more places for those concepts. Kind of allowing new players to dip their toes in a little to no risk, but little to no reward environment to try some concepts they may have not used or learn how to use items or keywords connect to those items. -- I... Could also be wrong in this, because at the end of the day I've been enjoying my time here and would like to continue to be a part of the Sindome community to build fun plots, and see things turn better, and just generally have a fun time myself!"
Fengshui nods casually.
Macabre nods appreciatively.
Fengshui says loudly, "That's great feedback, thank you for it."
Meat edges into the sixth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Mono says loudly, "Interestingly, those things do exist, though."
Fengshui says loudly, "His account is 4 years old but his character is under 6 months."
Meat asks loudly, "Oh. - Wait. I... Is it?"
Fengshui sighs quietly.
Fengshui says loudly, "Sorry, was meant for admin chat, discussing the age of the character and how to interpret the feedback."
Coral says loudly, "One piece of advice often given if you are looking to learn new skills and arenas is to find a mentor IC."
Coral says loudly, "It also encourages making more IC connections with other players. One thing I will add to this additionally."
Mono says loudly, "There are definitely ways to experience most of the mechanics on Sindome in reasonable safety without getting into an actual life or death scenario. You just have to do as Coral's suggesting, and find someone IC who can point the way. And again, that can be an NPC, but if you can find another PC to ask, we strongly encourage that, too."
Coral says loudly, "Sometimes it's easy to get into your head that you cannot or should not reach out to a player you never have before. Maybe we think they won't respond. Or maybe you're simply shy. Some of the most interesting plots that can happen come from unexpected connections and friendships that are made."
Knyghtskye has joined the Speaking Queue.
Coral exclaims loudly, "Players, I have found, are often much more receptive than one might think. But if you are making a random reach out, have an IC reason, and a possible IC incentive!"
Macabre says loudly, "I want to touch briefly on Meat's point regarding the fear of reaching out to staff and seeking GM interaction."
Johnny says loudly, "for example, sparring with a buddy to test your abilities or 'train'. Players can hold back their stats to make it easier to prevent significant damage."
The Speaking Queue has switched to Knyghtskye.
Meat edges into the sixth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Fengshui has closed the Speaking Queue for this topic.
Knyghtskye stands from their seat in the third row, and edges their way out of it into the aisle.
Knyghtskye says, "I think the game is, as I said, one of the most immersive & fun games I've ever played. Better than any videogame. Professional Adult RP where your hand isn't held. I'm happy to be here, and I'm learning every day both IC & OOC; learning what the character wants from the city and what I want from the game, good and bad. I've been shying away from direct conflict in the interest of wanting to learn how the city operates before I, IC, begin exploiting or turning things to my benefit. Acting in the interest of survival, rather than winning. It's teaching me how to be a better role-player, taking years in other mediums, namely forum-based play-by-post RP, into active competitive cooperative conflict & interaction in real-time. I love how everything & anything is possible with enough investment of time and resources, and it makes me want to explore every aspect of the world from as many angles as possible. "
Fengshui nods casually.
Knyghtskye says, "Johnny, if your goal was to hit people in the feels, you all are... and I hate you for it."
Ares says loudly, "Glad you are having fun and enjoying the game! "
Knyghtskye grins mischievously.
Knyghtskye edges into the third row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Fengshui chuckles softly.
Logic snickers sarcastically.
The Speaking Queue flashes to notify everyone that the queue is clear.
The Speaking Queue topic has switched to The Immy Experience - how can new characters (and/or new players) get involved in conflicts and plots in a way that feels welcoming?.
Fengshui has opened the Speaking Queue for this topic. 'join queue' to get in line to speak.
Johnny smiles warmly.
Fengshui says loudly, "Anyone can joint he queue for this one. Let's talk about the Immy experience and how new characters/players can get involved in conflicts & plots in a way that feels welcoming."
Mono exclaims loudly, "Don't be scared of us! Mench isn't even here!"
Macabre exclaims loudly, "Ah, the Immy Experience. The topic I've been waiting for!"
Fengshui asks loudly, "How do YOU all get new players involved in stuff?"
Svetlana has joined the Speaking Queue.

Logic asks loudly, "What's scary about Mench?"
svetlana stands from their seat in the fourth row, and edges their way out of it into the aisle.
AdamBlue9000 has joined the Speaking Queue.
Johnny asks loudly, "you never been chased by a duck?"
QueenZombean has joined the Speaking Queue.
Svetlana says loudly, "Hi! Firstly, before I get into it, did Macabre want to say anything about reaching out to staff/GM interaction? "
Macabre says loudly, "I did! Thank you, I'll keep it brief on that point."
SmokePotion has joined the Speaking Queue.
QueenZombean edges into the third row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Grey0 has joined the Speaking Queue.
Macabre says loudly, "I know that a lot of players, from old and new, have always had mixed feelings about having interactions with GMs from past interactions that may not have gone favorably or having heard through the grapevine. I totally get that, but I want you guys to know that we're absolutely here to listen and help you make your stories. If you're afraid to xhelp, use your notes. We read them and I, along with some others, make it a habit to reach out and check in with players where we can."
Batko has joined the Speaking Queue.
Svetlana nods casually.
Macabre says loudly, "That's all I had to say! Thank you."
Svetlana says loudly, "Immies! Please take risks! Take those odd jobs, do a run for someone, alias hop for chy, do something illegal. It won't get you killed (usually), or box you into a certain faction or group if you do an odd job for someone. In fact, being open and willing to entertain all opportunities will actually lead to your character getting even more opportunities, chy, mentors, and exciting stories. Oftentimes, I've seen many people let immies off with a warning or a learning experience that drives even more RP. "
Grey0 has left the Speaking Queue.
svetlana edges into the fourth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Coral nods casually.
Fengshui says loudly, "GMs, can you weigh in real quick."
Ares says loudly, "Sure. "
Fengshui says loudly, "If someone has some fines on their record as a mixer..."
Macabre says loudly, "Those are very good points."
Fengshui asks loudly, "And wants to get a corporate job, can they?"
eggsaresides stands from their seat in the sixth row, and edges their way out of it into the aisle.
Ares says loudly, "Generally speaking! It might make it a little harder, but you can, unless it's something very recent and egregious - and we often defer to player RP on this. "
Macabre says loudly, "If someone has fines on their record as a mixer, and they want to get a corporate job, absolutely. It doesn't keep you from advancement, but might actually lead to an interesting plot."
Mono says loudly, "Yes, absolutely."
Mono says loudly, "You're never guaranteed the job, but that's just one factor among many."
Ares exclaims loudly, "One more point!"
Fengshui says loudly, "Just wanted to make sure everyone heard it hear. If you go on a Judge MURDERING spree you might be persona non-grata (sp?) topside but generally speaking, doing some crime isn't going to prevent your character from doing shit they wanna do, especially if you're willing to RP around it."
Macabre asks loudly, "If you're considering advancing up, and feel like your past might be hindering that, consider it like this: How do I make myself useful to the place I want to land at? What do I know that I can leverage as social power? Am I willing to do some dirt to get advancement?"
Ares says loudly, "This ties back into Grey's point on gatekeeping earlier. I've seen many times where we've told a PC , sure, you can hire this criminal, but it's on you to make sure they stay on the straight and narrow. "
Kard says loudly, "It also depends on the charges, right? Did you get a charge while doing the dirty work of one of the corps? That corp will likely view that as a -bonus- to hiring you, because you took a hit on their behalf."
Kalii has joined the Speaking Queue.
Papertiger has joined the Speaking Queue.
Kard says loudly, "There's a LOT more that goes into hiring than just 'does this person have charges yes/no'"
ZedBanger has joined the Speaking Queue.
Logic says loudly, "I've seen career criminals with heinous crimes on record and large capital punishments later recieve corporate requests to work for them by PCs in power. Anything can happen with enough time and the right RP. "
Fengshui nods casually.
Macabre says loudly, "I'd like to say something for the alternative perspective too real fast."
Coral says loudly, "I would add that it won't be an immediate turnaround, but that also gives more time for you to facilitate all the great plot suggestions that have been made so far. The point of it all is the journey and that also comes with more fulfilling RP."
Fengshui says loudly, "Journey, not destination, as Brandon Sanderson would say."
The Speaking Queue has switched to AdamBlue9000.
AdamBlue9000 stands from their seat in the fifth row, and edges their way out of it into the aisle.
Mono [to Fengshui]: Nerd.
Logic casually nods at Coral.
AdamBlue9000 says loudly, "Hello! While not a 'new' player anymore, I still try and think back to the things I did that engaged me when I was fresh to the game, and capitalize on trying to drive that kind of engagement, and I also think of 'What tools could I have used then that would have made my life so much easier?'"
AdamBlue9000 exclaims loudly, "So in that interest- Giving people a chance to flesh their characters out, givin them the tools they need to succeed, and introducing them and who they are to people goes a long way towards keeping them interested, especially if they have motivation!"
AdamBlue9000 exclaims loudly, "Get them work, both legal and not. Show them some of the mechanics of the game in a way that makes sense. Line their pockets, give them something that maybe someone might try and steal off of them! Show them a secret or take them somewhere that isn't often seen! Create contests where they can build rivalries and start conflicts or make lifelong friends! Give them a story that they can tell, and they will strive to be the person that other people tell stories about, too!"
Fengshui has closed the Speaking Queue for this topic.
Fengshui nods casually.
Ares says loudly, "All great ways to involve people. Throw them a bone, even if you are skeptical about how it will go, or their professionalism. "
Logic says loudly, "It's the story people hear about you that often works to get you more work, more varied work, and more trusted work. "
Fengshui says loudly, "Don't forget we have the loan system at the bank if you want to loan a character money and don't want to worry too much about getting it back if they stop playing."
Macabre says loudly, "Those are very good points, but it's also important to remember that it needs to feel like a two way street. New players should also show they're willing to learn and latch on to opportunities. You can't always passively wait for oldbies to magically notice you. Sometimes you need to make yourself be seen."
Fengshui says loudly, "You can loan any amount of money and the fees on it are pretty low to make it viable for anyone to use."
Mono says loudly, "Honestly, so much of the fun stuff comes from stories you can tell about later. Helping out someone new who's struggling can work both ways, no matter how it turns out."
The Speaking Queue has switched to QueenZombean.
AdamBlue9000 sits cross-legged on the floor.
AdamBlue9000 stands up from the floor.
AdamBlue9000 walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
QueenZombean stands from their seat in the third row, and edges their way out of it into the aisle.
QueenZombean says loudly, "First, I missed the queue for new players as I was driving home from work and wanted to say, thank you for this game briefly. Its frustrating, challenging, and amazing. So many good writers are here and I appreciate you all. "
Fengshui offers an air hug.
Ares nods casually.
Quest edges into the sixth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
QueenZombean says loudly, "Second As newbie, the greatest thing that got me invested, to the point of abandoning my partner and sleep schedule, was because one person after almost a month of struggling showed me how to do something Id been super curious about but up till then when Id asked had just been told to read a help file on. I know its been talked about over and over again, but as a barely out there immy, I have often felt stupid since I didnt know how to use a code or was afraid to ask how to, so inciting ways to introduce it would be helpful. I still feel stupid half the time! "
QueenZombean says loudly, "We all have different brain kinds here and mine is the kind that learns best by doing. And sometimes finding someone IC to learn from feels impossible. If a character is struggling with debt, merely telling them to go hustle doesnt actually help. If you take out a loan and end up with a solo on your tail, the urge to leave the game seems to be the solution because its impossible to pay back. There have been a few newbies who have left in my time here because Withmore is ruthless but they also couldnt get a foothold on figuring out how to survive. I am perpetually frustrated at how hard it is to feed my character and love that its a basic necessity. "
QueenZombean says loudly, "We don't wanna get outta the fact the mix is brutal but if people don't have the right tools to play the game or to navigate it within their first few weeks, I think we are gonna lose more than we keep. Those are crucial days."
QueenZombean sits cross-legged on the floor.
QueenZombean edges into the third row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Fengshui says loudly, "I think everyone experiences that. I've written large portions of the game and I don't know how the tailoring system works cause I haven't used it ICly since 2005. I constantly look at bugs from players and have to reach out and ask how the hell the system works, and I'm reaching out to players and ask. Looking at you 0x1mm."
Ares says loudly, "Many of us have been playing for years and still learn new things about the game. I promise, that curve gets a little easier as you move on. It can be a difficult game when you are new. My best advice is to focus on the story and not chyen, or winning, or advancing - those things all come naturally to players who dive into the storytelling aspects headfirst. On the new player tools, we try to have greeters available to help with the basics. X-game as well. I'd encourage you to try to enjoy the learning journey. "
Fengshui says loudly, "I really like the idea of all of us introducing new players to cool systems and how they work."
Logic snickers. "I found SD like 6 years ago and I still feel stupid half the time. I'm glad for that to an extent. I am not longing for the day when I have nothing new to discover or learn."
Mono says loudly, "If you do find you're having trouble locating someone who can mentor you, consider talking to an NPC who might know something about it. We're usually more than happy to point you in a direction, whether that's to another NPC or even setting up a meeting with another PC."
Fengshui nods casually.
The Speaking Queue has switched to SmokePotion.
Macabre exclaims loudly, "Yeah!"
Ares says loudly, "Often times veterans move on to new characters with different skills, and it's like learning the game all over again. "
SmokePotion says loudly, "Hello. So, I come from a game where I tried to avoid staff attention and player made plots were the big thing. And So I'm pretty good at that. But I'm not to good with asking staff for help. And I'm sure others have similar experiences to mine. I think you are all doing an amazing job. But I am still scared to deal with you all because I might upset you and then you could make my characters life misreable. I'm not exactly sure what steps you can take for easing this worry for newer players. But I thought I'de mention it."
SmokePotion sits cross-legged on the floor.
Mono says loudly, "Let me assure you, not one of us wants to make anyone miserable."
Ares says loudly, "Generally speaking we're approachable and try to live within the rules of the game and the boundaries we operate by. If you xhelp us , we might not be able to help, or we might tell you that it has to be resolved ICly, but we'll do our best to address the concern. Notes are also a great way to relay concerns. Never be afraid. "
Macabre exclaims loudly, "Absolutely get into the habit of notes!!!"
Mono says loudly, "Even though I said that in my speech."
Ares says loudly, "Yes, all of us read every single one of your notes, we discuss them, and we take action where appropriate. "
Mono says loudly, "As far as us GMs, we will put rocks in your path, but that's not to cause you undue stress, but to make you think on your feet and scramble to find an answer to an unexpected complication."
Macabre asks loudly, "They don't need to be long drawn out journals. Literally going, > Been trying to break into X, Y, Z for days. Frustrated. Can't get no traction. This what I did, what else is there?"
Macabre says loudly, "That's enough to identify that, if appropriate, we can try to help nudge some things your way to alleviate that to show you a new path forward."
Fengshui says loudly, "The admin of the game are all accountable to each other and to our rules. Some of us are around less than others and don't interact on a daily basis with the players, but we hold the rules in high regard. If you start pissing off the staff and doing things that are causing community harm we are going to let you know, and ask you to change your behavior. If an unacceptable behavior continues, we'll suspend you for a period of time befitting the violation of the rule. If you continue after that you may be removed permanently. If none of those things are happening, then, well, you got nothing to worry about. If some of those things are happening, please understand that we're trying to show you what our needs are in terms of how we expect the game to be played and what our rules are, so you can be successful and stick around as a player."
[OOC: The game has been saved and backed up successfully to disk. 'help cp']
Logic says loudly, "As for approaching staff, I was a bit intimidated by staff when I was new too. I think the sort of...ambiguousness of not being able to see a literal storyteller on the other side of a screen plays into that. But that's what the GMs are. Here to help tell the story. No different than a face to face tabletop session. "
Fengshui nods casually.
The Speaking Queue has switched to batko.
batko stands from their seat in the first row and easily moves away from it.
Ares says loudly, "I'll also add, in terms of some fear of retaliation, this does not happen here and staff takes this kind of thing incredibly seriously. We actively police conflicts of interest and recuse ourselves from discussions or interactions we shouldn't be involved in. It's part of our staff culture. "
Batko says loudly, "My favorite thing to do is send immiws on -unique- running jobs of any stripe. If you are rich and you're paying lots of people, get immies to take your money to people you're paying, get them to pick up whatever you're buying, set up your cube drops, whatever. It does give them a way to betray you, but that just makes things more interesting. It's not the end of the world if an immy runs off with five kay meant for someone else. Make it mysterious, make it profitable, and make it thematic. Getting tacos is one thing, but picking up an unmarked data drive from a dead drop is going to be a scene that immy remembers forever."
Batko says loudly, "If your character has access to a budget, this advice applies doubly so. Your access to a budget is there entirely to make scenes like that happen. You're just there to set it up. Running isn't the only thing, there's petty bodyguard work, scouting places out, putting up graffiti, alias hopping, the list goes on. Hire a mixer, as the posters say."
batko walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Ares says loudly, "Great tips, for sure."
Macabre says loudly, "Very good tips."
Ares exclaims loudly, "Delegate whenever possible!"
Fengshui says loudly, "This is exactly what I wanna hear."
Fengshui says loudly, "If you can do something yourself, don't. Instead, ask yourself how you can make this simple thing as fucking crazy convoluted and difficult as possible and involve as many people as possible."
Johnny says loudly, "Accepting that your immie may mess things up is sometimes hard, but it leads to great RP."
Fengshui says loudly, "Hire an immy to deliver a package to another immy who dead drops it in a cube hotel rented by a third person and then hire another person (maybe even the 1st person in the chain just for the luls) to pick it up and bring it to you."
Fengshui asks loudly, "Anyone with a budget should totally do this and let me just check, GMs, would you approve this reimbursement or budget expense?"
Mono says loudly, "Yes."
Coral nods casually.
Ares says loudly, "So, we generally provide good latitude on these, even if we know it's OOCly cheesing the system, as long as the IC rationale presented makes sense. "
Ares says loudly, "Who, what, when, where, why, how its relevant to your organization - these are the keys to budget success. "
Mono says loudly, "Once I got over laughing, anyway."
Macabre says loudly, "Absolutely agreed."
Fengshui says loudly, "Obviously if you are chaining things for your friends only, then we're gunna be like, come on, but if you're legit creating RP for people this is the kinda thing that the world promotes."
The Speaking Queue has switched to Kalii.
Kalii stands from their seat in the first row and easily moves away from it.
Kalii says loudly, "Just wanted to touch on someone's point they said earlier about being encouraged to keep their head down. No ones word is gospel. The only person forcing you to be reactive instead of proactive is you and, as someone whose first character got a 20k or so fine in his first two weeks for shenanigans, all the rp that resulted from it made me love this game way more than if I just tended a bar for those two weeks. I got my name out there and immortalized forever in a globe article from not keeping my head down, no UE or massive overarching admin-backed plot required."
Kalii walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Fengshui grins mischievously.
Mono says loudly, "Right on."
Ares says loudly, "For sure. It does not take UE, skill, chyen, or power to make a splash. "
Macabre exclaims loudly, "Hell yeah!"
Fengshui says loudly, "Feels good to be in a grid article, for sure."
The Speaking Queue has switched to Papertiger.
Papertiger stands from their seat in the third row, and edges their way out of it into the aisle.
Coral nods casually.
Papertiger says loudly, "I know staff must regularly consider optics for things coming through the gates. The immy guide, npcs scripts, the whole character creation experience, making the immy aide positions, etc. A lot of characters are really great about reaching out to new characters and pulling them into a niche within the game world. Kudos overall for that. I just wanted to mention in a sort of delicate way that I think a lot of characters, even if you don't feel you're a super prominent character, could do well to consider optics for newbies too. What you talk about, focus on, or do when initially meeting a brand new character can really set the tone. Sometimes talking about how awful things used to be with certain characters in regards to immies is just inflates past problems, even if you are saying those things were negative. I don't mean to vaguebook but hopefully that makes sense. Some characters are great with pushing theme and helping immerse a new character. They're really encouraging. The staff does what they can to support the game, but the PCs are really the game. Which is all of us. Cue rainbows. Kthx."
Papertiger edges into the third row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Fengshui cues the rainbows.
Ares says loudly, "I want to make a point on this topic as it is something that has been top of mind lately and this comment from Papertiger reminded me of it. Being an immigrant greeter is as much of an IC responsibility as it is an OOC responsibility. If you are in one of these roles, please try to give people the time and attention they deserve and not treat them as a check-mark on a reimbursement request. "
Synchronicity edges into the sixth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
The Speaking Queue has switched to ZedBanger.
ZedBanger stands from their seat in the fourth row, and edges their way out of it into the aisle.
ZedBanger says loudly, "I think some presented ideas on factions utilizing more niche skilled individuals along with making UE assignments at chargen in blocks that go to a minimum of somewhat usefulness is a good start in makking immies into useful resources for more veteran players and factions. In that same vein there is probably room for more systems to be put in place that would make sense to hire cheap labor for (ie. an immy). Don't have an example on that to suggest, but can elaborate further if the point is unclear. I also think it's worth noting that telling a new player 'just take risks!' is hard when you consider that even outside of death the consequences of loss when translated to playtime to get back to where you were can be quite daunting. Losing that first decent weapon that you saved for over a month of daily play to buy might be an important learning moment, but it still hurts all the same, especially to newer players who are not accustomed to such timesinks as those presented in a game like this. Just my two cents, am happy to hear others thoughts. Also wrote this ahead of time so apologize for any redundancy."
Johnny cues the rainbows.
Mench blinks his eyes rapidly.
Mench walks across the stage and sits upon one of the large leather chairs.
Fengshui says loudly, "I think it's a totally fair thing to say that new players value the things they have, meager as they might be, very highly, and we should consider this."
Fengshui says loudly, "If you fight your nemesis and take them down as an oldbie you might be satisfied taking their SMG and xo5."
ZedBanger says loudly, "Note specifically to good points brought up from the last couple speakers on the latter section of my comment. Taking risk even as an immy is a lot of fun, but still think it's a hard hurdle to overcome the fear of loss."
ZedBanger edges into the fourth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Fengshui says loudly, "If you beat an immy down, be satisfied taking 100 chyen, or their immy jacket."
Fengshui says loudly, "Try not to leave people with nothing, or to forget how hard it can be to recover from what to you, might seem like a small loss, but to them was 5 hours typing 'work' at PRI"
Fengshui says loudly, "also, proud that I said PRI and not SHI right there. #oldbie-problems"
Coral says loudly, "Fear of loss is natural, but no risk, no reward as well. Something to consider."
ZedBanger nods casually.
Mono says loudly, "We all must constantly fight the fear of losing. Again, just because you've lost, it doesn't mean the story ends. But yes, it is very hard to break out of that mindset."
Fengshui says loudly, "Side note, while one of the staff writes a response: I think 70% of the staff are drinking some form of booze right now."
Logic says loudly, "Something else to keep in mind here. I suggest not always look at things in term of liquid flash value. Can you get a gun without buying it? You can. Find someone that wants you to work for them and see if they'll give you one. One example."
Kard asks loudly, "Is that not normal?"
Fengshui says loudly, "I typically start in hour 2."
Macabre exclaims loudly, "Mai tai life, baybee!"
Ares says loudly, "It's the only way to cope "
Coral asks loudly, "It's the weekend, okay?"
Fengshui nods casually.
The Speaking Queue flashes to notify everyone that the queue is clear.
Mono says loudly, "Also, intervention for Ares after the Q&A."
Fengshui says loudly, "We're a bit behind so we'll be moving through this a bit faster."
The Speaking Queue topic has switched to @Notes and puppet requests - What makes a good @note? What should people @note?.
Fengshui has opened the Speaking Queue for this topic. 'join queue' to get in line to speak.
Fengshui asks loudly, "NOTES. What makes 'em good?"
Mono exclaims loudly, "Words!"
Fengshui says loudly, "If you have suggestions on the player side, join the queue. Staff will be weighing in on their thoughts as well."
AdamBlue9000 has joined the Speaking Queue.

Mono says loudly, "They don't even have to be in the proper order, necessarily."
AdamBlue9000 stands from their seat in the first row and easily moves away from it.
Macabre exclaims loudly, "This is my favorite topic! If you have questions, concerns, comments, definitely feel free to join the line!"
Fengshui says loudly, "Staff, please start weighing in on what you wanna see in notes, when you wanna see em, and when you maybe don't wanna see notes."
Meat has joined the Speaking Queue.
Ares exclaims loudly, "Any note is a good note! However, some notes are better than others. Try to convey the key points and what you want staff to see. It can be difficult for us to read a two page stream of consciousness style note. The only way to leave a terrible note is to leave no note at all!"
AdamBlue9000 says loudly, "Oh, well, that was faster than imagined. Uh, I'd just like to say, as someone who very rarely writes notes but very much so wants to write notes more often to give staff an idea of it, I wish there was a way of ensuring that what you are doing is following the correct path of things, and that you're not doing something you -should not be-, for example."
Svetlana has joined the Speaking Queue.
Emily has joined the Speaking Queue.
Ares says loudly, "We will contact you if there is some problem with your notes. Otherwise, no news is good news. "
Mono says loudly, "Macabre will bite you. And she's not even the scary one."
Fengshui says loudly, "I will say, as someone who is a prolific noter on the admin side, I rarely leave notes when playing my character. I prefer to surprise the GMs with what I am doing. Keep them on their toes."
Coral says loudly, "Agreed with Ares."
AdamBlue9000 walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Cowbell has joined the Speaking Queue.
Coral asks loudly, "On a micro level, if you have killed someone, leave a note. The more detailed the better if you are the killer. Solos who do this already, it is very appreciated. On a macro level, I find players leaving notes about what their goals are to be helpful: both big and small. What do you want to work towards? And if you have a goal like getting promoted at X job, does your boss know? Do your coworkers know? What are the steps you want to take towards that goal?"
Fengshui asks loudly, "How should players know they are on the correct path, GMs?"
Coral says loudly, "AdamBlue, to your specific point."
Mono says loudly, "As long as your notes are giving us a summary of what your character experienced of how you feel about it."
Robotdogfighter has joined the Speaking Queue.
Fengshui has closed the Speaking Queue for this topic.
Ares says loudly, "There is no correct path for notes, everyone has a different style. In general, please try to leave a brief note on key or consequential activities. We don't need to know that you went to uncle sunghs and bought a beer, but if you dipped someone on the way over, that's a note! "
Macabre says loudly, "If you want specific feedback or to talk about something you're not entirely sure on, PUT IT IN YOUR NOTE! I reach out! I have conversations. I love checking in on players."
Logic says loudly, "I'm guilty of writing stream of concious notes, but these days I make sure to tag them as self. At least that way someone has fair warning if they open it. :p"
Macabre says loudly, "We all do."
Ares says loudly, "If you'd like feedback, please let us know and we're happy to help."
Coral says loudly, "Context matters, which is why notes are helpful to us! Agreed that there is no one correct path."
Fengshui says loudly, "I's write all'mi notes frum ah in characta perspective, an' if'n da staff ain't ace wit dat dey kin jus' not read 'em."
Logic points at Fengshui. "I used to do that."
Bear edges into the sixth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Ares says loudly, "Also, one very important point, long absences or inability to do your characters job, leave us a note! We always try to accommodate, but we have to know what is going on."
Coral nods casually.
Fengshui says loudly, "If you, as a player, are not sure you are on the correct path, please remember there is no correct path. If you are concerned that something you're attempting either isn't themely, breaks the rules, or won't be possible, xhelp and ask, or put a note up asking for specific feedback."
Macabre nods enthusiastically.
Macabre says loudly, "We want to stress that what worked for previous players doesn't mean that's the only way to get success. There's many routes to the next level forward."
Fengshui says loudly, "Yeah, if you're taking time off we need to know, there are only so many jobs in game, and we cap many roles as to not have 15 people doing the same job and thus not getting any RP from their job. So we need to know when we should be firing people to make room for new characters."
The Speaking Queue has switched to Meat.
Ares says loudly, "The FIRST thing we do in that situation, where it's like, oh, we haven't seen so and so in 2 months? We check their notes to see if they notified us. "
Meat stands from their seat in the sixth row, and edges their way out of it into the aisle.
Fengshui casually nods at Ares.
Meat says loudly, "So. When it comes to notes. I read the workshop on the website for information. - But one thing I wanted to ask was *post-notes*. So sometimes things happen late at night, or I'm honestly just forgettable. Is it good form to write notes after the fact when we remember them? Should I date them? I've tried doing that now. I try to avoid *journaling* but I also know I have fallen off from notes when I first got here to now. - Obviously not months, but I mean like in terms a day or two."
Coral says loudly, "Whichever form works best for you."
Meat says loudly, "Fair. Good to know and I won't feel as bad now."
Ares says loudly, "It's helpful to give some time reference. Most people will write up notes the next day after something happens. If you are writing about something a month later, it's helpful to say it happened a while ago. "
Coral says loudly, "I have personally found it helpful on days where a lot is going on, to keep some bullet points somewhere so that I can add them to notes."
Meat edges into the sixth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Ares says loudly, "It's also good to remember there is no rule to leave notes. It's just very helpful to everyone to do so. If we ever want you to leave a note on something specific, we'll xhelp you and ask you to note the XYZ on <whatever topic>."
Ares says loudly, "Hey, give us a rundown of why you killed Seven X last night. That kind of thing. "
Fengshui says loudly, "Notes are not a requirement. There is no rule that you MUST leave a note. Notes are a courtesy so that we can easily manage the game world by understanding what your characters intention was behind their actions, what their goal is, and what they are looking to gain from it. Without those notes, we are guessing. Maybe we get it right, maybe we don't do something that might push your plot forward because we need to wait for you to be online to better understand what you were trying to accomplish-- maybe we have to reach out to ask WTF your character was thinking when they jumped off the skywalk or murdered that Judge... notes make admin lives easier and make it easier for us to match the story you're looking to be told with how we are responding."
Fengshui says loudly, "It's Seven Ecks."
Macabre exclaims loudly, "Seven Ecks Buttsecks!"
Ares says loudly, "I'm talking about the knock off who does karaoke on Knife Street. "
Ares says loudly, "Not the real guy."
Fengshui nods casually.
Meat says loudly, "Appreciated! That takes some of the anxiety from my notes then."
Fengshui says loudly, "I didn't realize there was a knockoff. Someone should have noted it."
Ares says loudly, "There is going to be one now. "
The Speaking Queue has switched to svetlana.
svetlana stands from their seat in the fourth row, and edges their way out of it into the aisle.
Fengshui chuckles softly.
Macabre says loudly, "Two of them, in fact."
Mono [to Macabre]: Take notes.
Macabre exclaims loudly, "No!"
Johnny says loudly, "Eight Icks"
Svetlana says loudly, "What I'm pretty confused about is the difference between all the different @notes categories. Sometimes IC-ACTION or IC-GOAL can also fall under your IC job category, for instance, and I'm not sure which one is the right category to put something in. "
Coral says loudly, "There's no wrong category to put it in."
Svetlana says loudly, "Also what the heck is SELF? Usually I use that for stuff about my characer's mindset"
Coral says loudly, "You can choose to subdivide however you wish."
Coral exclaims loudly, "That works fine for SELF posts!"
Fengshui says loudly, "Don't overthink it. Those are just to give us a general idea of what your note is about at a glance."
Fengshui says loudly, "We don't filter notes based on how you tag them (at least at this point)."
Ares says loudly, "We all read all of them no matter what category they are in. The only real rule of thumb is to put OOC stuff in OOC. "
Svetlana nods casually.
Svetlana says loudly, "In addition, I usually write my @notes in first person from my character's POV, but sometimes I switch it up and do a more third-person POV, but I sometimes wonder if that catches you off guard"
Mono exclaims loudly, "Nope!"
Coral says loudly, "That's fine."
Svetlana nods casually.
Macabre exclaims loudly, "Write them however you like!"
Mono says loudly, "We read a lot of notes in many different tones and styles, so it's hard for us to get used to one specific person."
Svetlana exclaims loudly, "Thanks!"
svetlana edges into the fourth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Ares says loudly, "Nope! Our only rule around that is to make sure you are not OOCly lying in your notes. Telling stuff from an IC lens is fine. "
Fengshui says loudly, "We actually don't technically read all notes -- if an admin has been marked as COI on a player, either because they are close IC, enemies IC, work together IC, or have some beef or whatever OOCly, they won't see notes from that character. Our COI tools basically stop an admin who has been marked COI from doing a variety of things relating to a particular character so that we can avoid those COIs, or the perception of COI."
The Speaking Queue has switched to Emily.
Emily stands from their seat in the fourth row, and edges their way out of it into the aisle.
Emily says loudly, "I'm another one of those people who rarely makes notes, just because I often feel like the things I'm doing aren't important enough for them. But what are some things that might seem unimportant to us but you would like to have notes about? Also sometimes I'm kinda confused on how notes should be written. I've been told that it should be completely IC unless it's an OOC note, but sometimes it's not really possible to get across what you want or ask for feedback without going OOC."
Ares says loudly, "Killed someone. Stole from someone. Plan to betray someone. Want to get a job at <place>. Met a new contact, plan to try to get into <whatever> biz with them. There are so many different examples. "
Fengshui says loudly, "You can write your notes as the character or as the player. You can also do both in the same note, just differentiate it clearly."
Ares says loudly, "Also, very importantly , notes about how you did your characters IC job. "
Logic says loudly, "I combine OOC with IC in notes where relevant. I just mark an OOC thought or whatever with OOC first. Then IC when I go back to IC."
Ares says loudly, "For example, if you are a bartender, you can note that you put in a shift, it went well, people showed up, etc. "
Emily nods casually.
Fengshui says loudly, "Today I ganked some baka on Fuller Street. OOC: I killed Bob because he was on Snake turf and refused to pay the toll. I wasn't sure he had a clone so I took him to Genetek and corpse cloned him then gave him lev fare and told him he better be ready to pay the toll in the future."
Emily says loudly, "Yeah job stuff is something I've never left notes on except for exceptional things."
Ares says loudly, "So it's not a rule, but when you ask for a promotion, we look at that stuff. "
Emily nods casually.
spookybiitch stands from their seat in the sixth row, and edges their way out of it into the aisle.
Emily edges into the fourth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Fengshui says loudly, "The more information you give us, the better we can understand what is going on for your character. There are 60+ people in here right now, and the GMs are spread across multiple timezones. We won't always have seen your roleplay, or even known it has happened if you don't let us know."
The Speaking Queue has switched to Cowbell.
Cowbell stands from their seat in the first row and easily moves away from it.
Cowbell says loudly, "On the other hand, I personally note quite a bit (to the point where I feel like I note unnecessarily and bog down GMs). I do think note frequency does differ from role to role, character to character though, and so I'd say anything that potentially furthers ANY KIND of plot (going back to what we were talking about earlier with how plots don't have to be anything grand) deserves a note to keep the GMs up to date. I reckon they'll let you know if you're being too much, and they definitely likely will if you're not noting enough."
Cowbell walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Logic says loudly, "As for what I note? Like...everything tbh. What I delivered to which NPC for weekly biz. How much it netted me. If I noticed they're paying more or less. If it's work related like WCS. I'd note every greet I did and what info I gave during the greet. If I'm having a conversation worth noting, I do that and mention what NPCs were within earshot when it happened. List goes on for me. I note extensively. "
Ares says loudly, "If you are getting extra about it, we'll tell you, for sure. "
The Speaking Queue has switched to robotdogfighter.
robotdogfighter stands up from the floor.
Robotdogfighter says loudly, "I note a lot, and I don't know how good they are. I vary between first and third person a lot depending on note context and mood. But. What I do make sure to do is use goals/actions when I can. And lately, the OOC notes have been coming into play. Let staff know your availability sometimes, it could lead you into a big plot, or just help them better service your puppet requests. Also, make sure you're noting your nefarious deeds too, or side biz. Not to get caught, but it helps staff potentially dedicate you some more resources, or see you as a content generator/plot point for people seeking someone like you. NPCs are characters too, and if a well connected NPC has a reason to know about you, they might direct players your way too! "
Wulf sits cross-legged on the floor.
Ares exclaims loudly, "Great points!"
Robotdogfighter says loudly, "As for differentiating note types, I'll example. @NLM and maybe @NLMSEC or however it might be. Generic day to day in the former, latter maybe holds role specific stuff beyond your usual. Detaining, investigating, world is the oyster"
robotdogfighter walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Fengshui says loudly, "If you are doing something ICly nefarious like skimming money from the til or putting fake reimbursements in, we ask that you note it, we wanna know, but that doesn't mean we're going to come down on you. We just wanna have the option of interacting with it."
The Speaking Queue flashes to notify everyone that the queue is clear.
The Speaking Queue topic has switched to Theme, response, and the limits of the IC world. What is realistically possible for a character to accomplish?.
Fengshui says loudly, "Okay we got 20 min left, closing the queue on this after 5 people. Let's go."
Fengshui has opened the Speaking Queue for this topic. 'join queue' to get in line to speak.
Fengshui says loudly, "Theme, response, and limits to the IC world. What can PCs acommplish."
Svetlana has joined the Speaking Queue.

svetlana stands from their seat in the fourth row, and edges their way out of it into the aisle.
Knyghtskye has joined the Speaking Queue.
AdamBlue9000 has joined the Speaking Queue.
Grey0 has joined the Speaking Queue.
robotdogfighter stands from their seat in the first row and easily moves away from it.
Fengshui has closed the Speaking Queue for this topic.
Svetlana asks loudly, "The world is so vast and so many people are in it. How can characters make a lasting impact on the world? What are some tips?"
Mono says loudly, "Involve as many people in a plot or plan as possible."
Fengshui says loudly, "Make things fun, and engaging for as many people as possible."
Svetlana nods casually.
Fengshui says loudly, "ICly or OOCly"
Mono says loudly, "And generally not as blind actors. People remember being picked and having agency. We've had some fairly recent player-driven plots that have involved over a dozen PCs, which is a crazy number of cats to herd. But it also wrapped a ton of people into a single story."
Fengshui says loudly, "If I hate your character ICly, but freaking love them OOCly cause they are just the best, i'm enjoying the game."
Fogchild1 edges into the sixth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Svetlana says loudly, "Great advice."
svetlana edges into the fourth row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Ares says loudly, "Characters can generally gain full control of a faction if they play their cards right, but there is always a NPC higher up the chain there to make sure theme is being appropriately maintained and to keep PCs accountable. For example, you could be a VP, not a CEO. You could be a gang lieutenant with a hands off leader, but not the leader. Also, many people form their own 'factions' which can become powerful, but it's important to remember that large, established factions have resources above and beyond the PCs that you see in them. "
Svetlana says loudly, "I suppose no character can usurp the status quo at least not permamently."
Svetlana nods casually.
Ares says loudly, "Your three friends can make a huge impact but you cannot outresource the Snakes, for example - they have tons of people and chyen even if you can overpower the PCs that are currently in it. "
Fengshui says loudly, "We typically keep an NPC above a PC so that there is someone to step in if the PC takes a break, perms, or rerolls."
Fengshui says loudly, "That was a lesson we learned from having that happen over and over."
Grey0 has left the Speaking Queue.
The Speaking Queue has switched to Knyghtskye.
Knyghtskye stands from their seat in the third row, and edges their way out of it into the aisle.
Knyghtskye says loudly, "Is it possible, themely, in-game to hope for *some* kind of a happy ending? A relationship that doesn't collapse & burn, one's dream of becoming a rockstar or ultimate databroker coming to fruition? Having friends that won't ever betray you? Or are all these things pipe dreams? Is everything doomed to fail at the end of the story, or is it possible to actually get *some* kind of ride into the sunset feeling like you accomplished what you set out to do? "
Fengshui says loudly, "Hope is everlasting."
Mono says loudly, "Happiness is fleeting, at best. The sunset is there, but it's a long road to it."
Ares says loudly, "I suppose it's possible, but the game does have a specific theme and usually things end in a cyberpunk way. It's all about how you play your cards. The GMs try to maintain the game theme as it was intentioned. "
Mono says loudly, "But don't go down that road."
Ares says loudly, "It all goes back to your goals, I guess. "
Fengshui says loudly, "You can hope for these things, and characters should. But the players behind those characters should recognize that it's few and far between that someone gets everything they want and just rides off into the sunset with no unfinished business. 'help sunset' details how to end your character after a period of time, in a themely way."
Kard says loudly, "HELP SUNSET is a thing, and there are characters that come full circle over the course of years and 'finish' their story. It's normally not happily-ever-after, given the theme."
Knyghtskye nods casually.
Fengshui nods casually.
Knyghtskye edges into the third row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Logic says loudly, "If you find someone to trust and they ARE trustworthy, you found the diamond in the rough. Or the right diamond for you. "
Fengshui says loudly, "I think a character seeking a happy ending is very themely. We should just all be prepared for that character to crash and burn. Putting absolute faith in another character and thinking they won't betray you often leads to the best betrayals. I have personally experienced this."
The Speaking Queue has switched to AdamBlue9000.
AdamBlue9000 stands from their seat in the first row and easily moves away from it.
AdamBlue9000 asks loudly, "Often times one of the larger issues with MUDs is that sometimes what exists is outside the scope of feasibility for reasons that exist beyond just IC measures- OOC measures have to be taken into account. For example, if someone wanted to start a business in a certain location, beyond just the IC measures of 'I have to obtain the funding, licensing, ect', there is also the issue of, 'Is this allowed? Is there already a limit on this kind of business existing? Is there space for such a thing to exist? Do I need to write room descriptions or does staff do it? What do I need to do to contribute to the world, short of being a builder?' Some tools like graffiti obviously exist, as do certain licensing consoles and the like, but how much work actually is expected to try and change how things are? Creating organizations, applying or changing or managing different laws? Creating precedent that actually changes the game as a whole? Ensuring people see consequences for actions that exist beyond player-to-player mundanity?"
Fengshui nods casually.
Fengshui says loudly, "We try to support player agency in this regard, but there is also the long term health and theme of the game to consider. You raise really good points about 'does the game need another restaurant?'"
Fengshui says loudly, "There will be things we say no to because the game doesn't need them, or they would change the theme so dramatically that we wouldn't be playing the same game (changing some fundamental law of the city, for instance)"
Fengshui asks loudly, "But that doesn't mean there isn't value in trying. The Red Liberation Front is an example of this. They are in something of an endless battle against the mega-corps. There is great roleplay to be had there, and victories as well. But are they going to abolish the corps completely and lead to a 'free red' forever?"
Fengshui says loudly, "Probably not, as then we'd be playing a different game."
Ares says loudly, "We have established in game protocol for forming your own 'faction', but as Feng said, there are guardrails for new builds and things like that. My best advice for people is always to do what you can without needing this type of support. Many people have significantly changed the game world or have done very consequential things with zero staff involvement. Just do stuff and find a way to make it work, usually things will take off from there. "
Fengshui says loudly, "That can be hard to stomach for some, that built into the theme is the reality that some institutions are just never going to meaningfully change."
Fengshui says loudly, "2 of the 4 major gangs in the game, were player created"
Johnny says loudly, "in all our favorite cyberpunk stories and games, you find a consistency in that the main character might have wins, but in the grand scheme of things, they don't dramatically make the world a better place."
Fengshui says loudly, "UMC was created by a player"
Fengshui says loudly, "Almost all the TV programs that people enjoy were created by a player"
Johnny says loudly, "Sindome is meant to be a warning about the future. :)"
Fengshui says loudly, "Most of the in game locations outside the Sly, The Drome, and Deji were originally created by a player."
Fengshui says loudly, "Oh and the Orifice was not a player created place I think."
Logic says loudly, "The thing is though, they don't necessarily have to make the world a better place to leave a mark on it. There are IC laws in effect now that weren't three or four years ago."
Logic says loudly, "Because of player driven RP, the IC climate changed to where some groups needed to be legally protected."
Fengshui says loudly, "Street Heat, Reds Finest, 100 Rads, The Armory, most of the places people eat, the Dark Shop... all came from players."
The Speaking Queue flashes to notify everyone that the queue is clear.
AdamBlue9000 walks around the front of the rows of seats and picks one out to sit in, and lowers theirself into it.
Fengshui has opened the Speaking Queue for this topic. 'join queue' to get in line to speak.
Fengshui says loudly, "If anyone has anything they want to add, please join. We don't have time for the final topic."
Fengshui says loudly, "I'll try to schedule a guided discussion on the final topic int he coming month."
Logic says loudly, "When I think of lasting impact, I think of the names that reverberate on the lips and sics of people - the names of characters gone that we still hear about IC. My perception is that they are typically characters that looked for reasons to create conflict, made lots of enemies and gave no fucks about it for better or worse. But there are characters that have left lasting impressions on the game world that few know did anything of note. I think how we impact the game is up to each of. We have to decide what we want to leave behind and act on it. "
Logic says loudly, "Maybe that means making enemies of a lot of people and doing big loud shit that demands response. Maybe it means working subversively to shift power away from one group and into the hands of another."
Fengshui says loudly, "I think of Bokken Boys, and Snailz. They have a house on their mother fuckin backs yo"
Fengshui says loudly, "And the Akalumpa"
Ares says loudly, "The Ming Maulers. "
Fengshui says loudly, "The Dark Judges"
Fengshui says loudly, "That's a callback for anyone who's been here for 20 years"
Macabre exclaims loudly, "*speaking english* I remember dem names!"
Logic says loudly, "Shit I ain't heard of the Ming Maulers."
QueenZombean has joined the Speaking Queue.

QueenZombean stands from their seat in the third row, and edges their way out of it into the aisle.
QueenZombean says loudly, "I got a weird quick questions for ya'll! "
Fengshui says loudly, "Shoot"
Fengshui has closed the Speaking Queue for this topic.
Macabre exclaims loudly, "Ask away!"
QueenZombean says loudly, "Cuz ya said that naughty time RP had jumped WAAAY up - is there anything you're sick of seein or any bad habits you're seein from players within the world of relationships and such that ya'll might warn against or advise to jump into or ANYTHIN."
QueenZombean sits cross-legged on the floor.
QueenZombean edges into the third row, and picks a seat and lowers theirself into it.
Fengshui says loudly, "Keep your sex off the SIC and progia if you can."
Fengshui says loudly, "So admin don't have to see it :)"
Ares says loudly, "Yes, what Feng said, please spare us and keep it to in person roleplay. "
Fengshui says loudly, "Romance RP is cool and fun, but try to make sure it isn't the only thing you're engaging with or responding to."
Macabre says loudly, "I'd love to see players try to step away from IC relationships and letting it become the primary means of plot for them. I get it's appealing, exciting and fills the void of time sometimes, but it can be a crutch."
Ares says loudly, "I also want to acknowledge that we've had to take disciplinary action over some sexual behavior that violates our game rules. Please familiarize yourself with our forbidden file, and xhelp if you see something out of bounds. And do not participate in it. You can OOCly ask someone to knock it off. "
Fengshui says loudly, "Yeah, good callout. Don't sexually harass people. Not OK."
Macabre says loudly, "And if you don't feel comfortable telling them that, you can xhelp us."
Ares says loudly, "We have zero tolerance for the type of RP outlawed in our 'help forbidden' file. "
The Speaking Queue topic has switched to How as players we make the death experience better? Pre, during or post? How do we take steps to make sure we're doing something our character would do rather than having our character do something purely for OOC-motivated reasons about how we think the game should operate? How do we know when to move on from a win and how do we know when to accept a loss? .
Ares says loudly, "People will get banned for testing us on that. "
Fengshui says loudly, "Okay, that's the town hall."
Fengshui steps back up to the podium for one final time, "Thank you all for your participation in this Town Hall meeting. Your feedback and insights are valuable to us, and we appreciate your time and effort in making Sindome a better community for everyone. Please check the BGBB for a log of this event and feel free to continue the conversation on any topics we discussed today by creating a new BGBB topic. Our next Town Hall meeting will take place in Summer 2024. Thank you again!"
Fengshui shouts loudly, "AS A REMINDER, IT'S @TOWN-HALL TO LEAVE. SOME ADMIN WILL STICK AROUND AND CHAT. SOME HAVE TO BOUNCE."
Fengshui toggles the room moderation to OFF, allowing anyone to speak.
Knyghtskye claps excitedly.
QueenZombean exclaims loudly, "I LOVE YOU ADMIN!"
Knyghtskye exclaims loudly, "WOOOOO!"
Zxq starts applauding politely.
Svetlana cheers loudly!
QueenZombean whistles.
Ozymendeus starts applauding politely.
Grey0 says loudly, "I love how player centric and supportive staff is being. Letting players lead the way to a large degree where reasonable. There can be downsides and it takes work but I very much love and appreciate the approach. The more player directed the game is the better for me."
Alittlelonger starts applauding enthusiastically.
Grig starts applauding politely.
Mikael vanishes from the meeting.
Emily smiles innocently.
Bear vanishes from the meeting.
Coral waves nonchalantly.
The door leading Builder makes a loud beep and its entry light flashes bright green.
Amiga starts applauding politely.
Grig exclaims, "Thanks all!"
Knyghtskye stands from their seat in the third row, and edges their way out of it into the aisle.
Coral says loudly, "*speaking english, in a squeaky voice* I will be in the GM room after."
Wulf stands up from the floor.
svetlana stands from their seat in the fourth row, and edges their way out of it into the aisle.