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Thread: Roleplaying with synthetics

  1. #1
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    Roleplaying with synthetics

    Synthetics are one of the few roles xenos have few, if any, restrictions when dealing with. However, they are still part of the marine force, with distinct guidelines governing their play, so care should be taken.

    What to expect
    There is no hard and fast rules on dealing with synthetics. However the synthetic does have guidelines they must follow. Although they understand xenos language perfectly from the start they must role play slow learning it.

    How to act
    How you respond is up to you, but please, don't just kill the synthetic. Yes it is allowed, but try to have an explainable in-character reason. Just because you don't want to role play with the synthetic, doesn't mean others don't.
    When approaching the synthetic initially act cautious, as if your trying to determine what it is. Use emotes such as *hiss and *sniff. Remember you don't know the synthetic can't speak xeno. Wait for the synthetic to say something (in english, not xeno) before saying something back. Try to mimic what little you understood.

    You don't have to be completely neutral either. You can tackle the synthetic down a bit then back off, just try not to be overly aggressive.
    Stick to short sentences. This makes it easier for the synthetic to role play slow learning xeno and can lead to fun breakdowns in communication where you each interpret things differently. As the synthetic learns more words use more language, try to match the level of conversation and grammar the synthetic is at, since generally they will be controlling how fast they learn the language. It's okay to tell them somethings about the hive, but leave key information like the Queens exact location and current plans out of it. Talking about xeno castes and life cycle is fine.

    What you can't do
    Your role play starts and ends with the synthetic. Whilst the synthetic can speak for marines, you can't carry out things such as peace treaties, prisoner exchanges or offerings. Like wise if the Queen orders it dead, you must kill it. You cannot defy the Queen. In addition, don't let your role play harm the hive, giving away game changing secrets (not including xeno life cycle, because everyone meta's that anyway) is a big no no. The synthetic is not your friend, more like a novelty or a toy.

    When not to Role play
    It is not always a good idea to role play with synthetics. The following is not a hard list, it is a guideline on when it's generally 'safe' to role play.

    1) After the Alamo crashes into the Almayer
    At this point synthetics lose any combat restrictions due to it being a Delta level emergency. Whilst not all synthetics will try to be Queen killing machete memes, many will. Don't risk it unless your willing to die.

    2) The synthetic is near or with marines
    Synthetics with marines are more likely to attack you. Likewise, if the synthetic is near marines the synthetic may call them over, or the marines may stumble across you looking for the synthetic. Don't die because you were typing, talking isn't a free action.

    3) The synthetic is breaking structures
    Synthetics doing this are usually near the hive or front lines, often close to marines. The likely hood they are looking to start a fight is pretty high. If a synthetic is doing this it's safe to say they probably don't want to role play with xenos.

    4) The synthetic is or has attacked xenos
    They don't deserve their role play, end them for the hive.

    5) You are needed elsewhere
    This mainly applies to Tier 3's and maybe some T2's. Role play is fun but try to balance it with being an actual xeno. Likewise don't ignore the Queens orders.

    Conclusion
    Nothing in this is hard rules, simply my guideline on handling synthetics. I look forward to hearing how other xenos role play with synthetics and what they would do differently. I'd like to hear from synthetic players how they like to interact with xenos and what would make it easier.
    Last edited by Chocolate_bickie; 01-29-2019 at 06:14 PM. Reason: Spelling mistakes

  2. #2
    Senior Member Madventurer's Avatar
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    Personally when I encounter synths as a xeno, especially when there's no marines anywhere close, I tend to act slightly confused to see whether the synth wants to just drive me away or actually RP.

    Usually this happens as a lurker/runner in the backlines/FOB. Wouldn't bother on the frontline.
    Tyson 'Bunny' Sphere


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    I kill synths cause they always RP to save their ass only to backstab you first chance they get

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    If it's a synth that I know that will chill (Evelyn, Mortimer), I'll RP

    Otherwise I either ignore or dunk if he tries something.

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    The proper place for a synth is with a tail sticking through it's chest from the back.

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    Bully gen1s
    RP with gen2s

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    This is a nice guide.

    As far as I know from the original lore (nerd alert), xenomorphs mainly react to emotions: they are more likely to attack lifeforms that are terrified of them and less likely to attack those with no fear in their heart (a brainwashed/strongly drugged human can even make them retreat).

    This is also partly the reason why they don't go ham on synthetics. They don't react to them nor the synths are of any use to them - though once a synthetic does anything that the hive doesn't like, it will get ripped apart.

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    Thanks. I'd love to add some of the lore to xeno role play. Maybe allowing xenos to ignore 'fearless' marines, without making it a rule.

    Synthetics look human and seem human, but they don't smell or have 'life signs'. It makes you wonder what xenos use to determine what is and isn't prey.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Chocolate_bickie View Post
    Thanks. I'd love to add some of the lore to xeno role play. Maybe allowing xenos to ignore 'fearless' marines, without making it a rule.

    Synthetics look human and seem human, but they don't smell or have 'life signs'. It makes you wonder what xenos use to determine what is and isn't prey.
    Hey guys, drone 420 here, theres like a huge group of blue guys walking through the caves towards the hive with a bunch of scary looking spitters. Yo 420 don't worry about it they are all fearless so no big deal. Hey guys they are right outside the queen chambers. 420 they still are fearless no big deal. Guys they are shooting the queen and slashing her with machetes. SHIT.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Chocolate_bickie View Post
    Thanks. I'd love to add some of the lore to xeno role play. Maybe allowing xenos to ignore 'fearless' marines, without making it a rule.

    Synthetics look human and seem human, but they don't smell or have 'life signs'. It makes you wonder what xenos use to determine what is and isn't prey.
    I suggest reading Aliens: Labyrinth for it, it sheds some light on how they work!

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