space-wizards
Role classification system
This proposal outlines the implementation of a role classification system that can be used to better define and clarify expectations around player behavior for antagonist and ghost roles by breaking down broad labels such as 'solo antagonist', 'team antagonist', and 'free agent' into a collection of modular and combinable aspects.
This system can also be used to communicate behavioral expectations to players. Here's a mock-up of a potential UI design:
I think a lot of these classifications are overly restricting, and that the restrictions they imply are devoid of mechanical backing when really they should be primarily reinforced by gameplay mechanics.
Then it's just a matter of tweaking the descriptions to meet our needs. They are in no way set in stone. Some of these can certainly be supplemented by mechanical reinforcement. For example, combining Escalation 0 with pacifism. But mechanical reinforcements can be circumvented. Being clear to players, 'hey, even if you find a way around the mechanical reinforcement, here's how we expect you behave' is important for establishing a good player culture from the onset
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Note that role subtypes already exist to further clarify what specific role someone is playing. However, right now they are intentionally only displayed to admins, because
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The "every player is sorted into a small number of possible roles" was a feature. This was intended by the then-headmin to make it clear at all times what is expected of someone, by keeping the possible options limited and well-defined.
This kinda feels like a page of the Guidebook fell out and landed in the Character window. Should we not rather link the player there?
This kinda feels like a page of the Guidebook fell out and landed in the Character window. Should we not rather link the player there?
Imo if anything it should be both. That way the player can get a bite sized chunk of important expectations, but also have a button to pull up a full guidebook page if needed. Things that people commonly misunderstand while playing the role and get banned for could be included here.
Because all antags are forced to open the character menu to find objectives this would both help good actors who forgot an important part of the guidebook/rules and also means that shitters who are purposely breaking rules can no longer use the excuse of "I'm not a raider I just missed that part of the rules" to avoid a harsher ban. This is extra great for downstream who may have different rules from upstream on a specific antag that would be good to convey to the player without them having to re-read a guidebook page and play spot the difference.
If I understand correctly, this information is meant for the player themselves, not the character they are playing in game. While the ghost role pop ups are OOC information, this is IC information due to being in the character window, which all seems fine, but it is somewhat unclear. Also I do not remember where I saw this information, but I was certain antagonists also had a Major/ Minor classification, unless that is gone now.
