New RP focused role: Hostile listening post grunt
Summary
This was inspired by the roles on the Syndicate base in Lavaland on TG in which a trio of syndicate agents just sort of did their own thing and spied on the station (They could also infiltrate the station’s comms on TG, but that won’t be done here).
In summary, a small (3-4 people) group of people from one of the antag factions (CLF or UPP maybe?) are in a base separated from the rest of the map (or they could be added to the new ERT stations that are being worked on in a recent PR) and have access to security cameras on the ship and ground along with the helmet cams of the marines and can listen in on every comms channel.
However, they have no way of interacting with the crew of the Almayer, the marines or anyone else in the round in any way, they cannot affect or communicate with the crew in any way; they are for all accounts and purposes; insulated from everything that happens and are in turn unable to affect the flow of the round in any way, no matter how minute.
There should also be some stuff like drink/booze dispensers, basic medical supplies, hydroponics trays and cooking appliances, bathrooms, etc; to make the place feel like it’s an outpost for a small crew to stay in.
So what would be the point of this? RP; the players would be able to comment with each other on the goings on during the round, discuss the strategies employed by the marines, the triumphs and shortcomings, the shenanigans that occur during the round, all of which can be discussed in an IC manner.
Maybe one of them would serve drinks so they can each share a pint as they watch an SO OB a FOB and laugh at it? Maybe they could share some meatbread as they watch the SADAR launch a WP rocket at a group of marines during a push? Or maybe they could pass around some cigarettes as they watch the researchers get arrested after they made greenos without authorization for the umpteenth time? In short: it’s just vibes and the usual commentary you’d see in dchat but in a purely IC manner with RP being the focus.
Gameplay
Does it feel good to use?
To my knowledge, this role was enjoyed by people on servers that had lavaland roles and the crew of the Syndicate base could really get cozy, vibe and do their own thing as the round progressed and anyone who’d take this role would have no expectation of doing combat anyway so yes I assume it would feel good to play as this role, especially if there are others to vibe with.
Does it feel good to play against?
You aren’t playing against anyone, you’re just RPing with a few people while watching a round go on.
Does it affect other systems?
None at all.
Roleplay
Does it increase immersion?
Yes, it allows people to comment on the stuff going on in a round in an IC manner while also allowing people to tend to their character’s needs and just chill with others.
Does it increase communication/interaction between players?
Yes, anyone who takes this role would only really be able to interact with the other players in this role and considering how commentary can bounce off and grow as people discuss stuff it would encourage people to make observations and comment on said observations, all of which would be In Character. Because there are no stakes involved and because they can’t affect the round in any way, they can just chill and talk things out with each other. (Have you ever seen a group of people watching a live news feed and commenting on it? Will imagine that but IC with stuff going on in a round)
Simulation
Does it fit in the CM universe aesthetically?
I don’t see why not, it’s just people spying on the Almayer.
Does it fit the lore of CM?
Yes, hostile factions have a vested interest on spying on the dealings of the USCM.
Does it make sense “realistically”?
Yes, it would make sense for a group that is hostile to another to want to listen in on the comms of their enemy and surveil their actions, and the average person doing the surveillance would want to commentate on it and discuss it with their co-workers.