Nracha-dte H'dlak (Unrelenting Fear) Predator Application

[Sneakyr]

Byond ID: Sneakyranger

Marine Name (so we know who you are, if you play alien mostly, state that here): Frankie Day

Name of the character you want whitelisted (The name your predator will use. This must match your in-game predator name): Nracha-dte H'dlak

Are you familiar with the Predator Code Of Honor?: Yes. I've looked over it many times and regularly check it.

Character background (A very BRIEF description of your predators background): Nracha-dte's (Nrach/Nracha, if shortened) trained most of his life with the various weapons of his people, preparing for his first hunt to ascend to adulthood. When he arrived on his clan's ancient hunting ground, an unknown instinct and desire arose within him - the desire to stalk, to follow, to terrify. It took him a mere few hours to locate his prey, but it took much longer for him to kill it. He hunted it unseen for days, attempting to instill a fear and unease within it - and was only partially successful. The R'ka was alert, its nature telling it to be wary, yet this was not the reaction Nracha'dte desired. He killed it in single combat, frustrated while partially satisfied. He knew that if he truly desired to terrify any prey, let alone the hard meat, he would have to improve his skill, his methods, and his execution. And so Nracha-dte hunts still, slowly perfecting his methods of terror as he moves from prey to prey, learning what strikes fear into the heart the most, pursuing his pleasure, his honor, and his glory.

How do you intend to play your predator (as in, describe HOW you will act/play your predator. This will weigh HEAVILY and frequently breaking from this MAY result in removal)? I plan to prioritize stalking and trying to frighten whatever my hunting target is. Even if the player isn't actually scared, it would give them a great opportunity for roleplaying such, and if they are, it could make the average round significantly more interesting. I understand that xenomorphs are pretty powerful and as such would be both hard to frighten and hard for them to RP fright, but this is why I worked it into my backstory and will typically attempt it before combat.
Besides following my main character motivation, I'd take the round itself into account when picking prey, trying to make an interesting story for both sides. Perhaps a story of triumph for a low-morale team or an individual struggling to escape as it hears the noises of its hunter from every angle around the thick jungle, firing out into the darkness. Once the round reaches its climax, I will take to the shadows with a cloak to observe or perhaps return to the ship to roleplay with other predators, possibly returning if afterwards it heads into a stalemate. On a final note, when I say keeping the round balance in mind, I won't intervene if a team's fate is sealed/very likely solely to sway the outcome/delay the round unnecessarily.

Why should we whitelist you?: I believe that my character's motivation is relatively unique and provides the opportunity for whatever my target is to RP a unique scenario, as mentioned previously. While many predators do try to scare prey, I haven't seen a pred that focuses primarily on it as their character motivation. I'll focus more on trying to scare the players willing to RP it out, since that's where the enjoyment for both sides will likely come into play.
I also understand that playing as a predator is a big responsibility, not only to follow the code of honor but because you are extremely powerful and your actions could ruin the round for an individual or even an entire side.
In addition, I feel as if I have a good ability to roleplay. However, I am willing and ready to learn more, as I believe being surrounded with the high-quality roleplayers who have been accepted into the predator role will only further my skills.
Lastly, I am unsure if I am well known in the community as of yet. I never previously got very involved on the forums, but I did play often for a long period of time and then shorter spurts as time went on (usually under different names). I intend to stick around (both in character name and on the forums/discord) this time, gradually re-integrating and increasing my activity in the community so it doesn't seem sudden.

Have you been banned from CM in the last month for any reason (we will check, and lies may result in immediate denial)?: Nope. In fact, I don't believe I've ever been banned from CM. Possibly once, long, long ago, but I was a less mature player then and it was for at most a day.

Are you currently banned from any other servers and if so, why?: No.

Do you understand that any player - donor or otherwise - can have their whitelist status revoked should they break our rules or disobey the Predator Code of Honor?: Yes. I understand that Predator status is a privilege, even once accepted.

On an ending note, if this doesn't end up getting accepted, I'd appreciate a full reason for denial so I know what to improve on in the future. Thanks!

[shyshadow]

Hello, My god it's Frankie Day, I like you, like a lot in game, and you're fucking awesome as a SL.
I don't have the Whitelist, but I'm hoping to, anyway, you're fucking awesome, though I wish you could a little bit more backstory, as it goes for play style, it's not /too/ original, but it can changed a bit, you're a dope guy. +1 on my end.

[Sneakyr]

Much appreciated! I wasn't sure how long I should make my backstory, as the instructions say "very brief" yet I've seen quite large/detailed backstories get accepted.

[shyshadow]

Much appreciated! I wasn't sure how long I should make my backstory, as the instructions say "very brief" yet I've seen quite large/detailed backstories get accepted.

The Larger the Backstory, the more they think you care, or at least I would think, as long as it's well maintained all the way through.

[Boltersam]

The story is okay. Just not especially unique, or interesting. I get that the goal is to scare prey, but many Predators do that already. You don't really bring anything good to the table, in that regard.

As for the play style, you must understand: This is something every Predator does by default when hunting. Focusing on it as your primary goal doesn't leave much to variety or real interest, because you'll end up following someone around forever, making spooky noises, but never actually doing anything to warrant fear.

Next, forum activity. Forum activity is a MUST for every Predator player and applicant. It's how, A: We judge an applicant's involvement in the community, and B: Stay involved in the community, ourselves, and review applications.

PS: Length of a back story means jack shit if I read through it and it's just a giant mess.

[Sneakyr]

The story is okay. Just not especially unique, or interesting. I get that the goal is to scare prey, but many Predators do that already. You don't really bring anything good to the table, in that regard.

As for the play style, you must understand: This is something every Predator does by default when hunting. Focusing on it as your primary goal doesn't leave much to variety or real interest, because you'll end up following someone around forever, making spooky noises, but never actually doing anything to warrant fear.

Next, forum activity. Forum activity is a MUST for every Predator player and applicant. It's how, A: We judge an applicant's involvement in the community, and B: Stay involved in the community, ourselves, and review applications.

PS: Length of a back story means jack shit if I read through it and it's just a giant mess.

For your first point: I understand that many Predators do scare prey already. To my knowledge, however, none have made it their main goal to do it better and more often than others.
For your second point: I understand that, originally, I didn't have this in my app. Thankfully (and I appreciate you bringing this up because of it) I had some edit time left and have added it. I will focus on trying to scare/RP with the players actually willing to RP - if I find a rambo who just wishes to fight, I'll just move on to more interesting prey or make the hunt a simpler affair (if I've invested in it or been directly attacked).
For your third point: I've said that I want to make my reintroduction to the community gradual but steady, increasing activity as time goes on so as not to suddenly appear in force. I plan on (and have) starting off by posting in sections such as suggestions with simple comments before moving on to other threads for general discussion and game stories.
In general: It's difficult to find an interesting character trait that does not conflict with the code of honor nor is something that has been done by other accepted applications before. My character's motivation may seem relatively bland in comparison to some of the more interesting ones (Praying after kills and eating corpses as two examples), but I promise that if I get the chance I'll show that if done properly it can be just as interesting as others while also fun for both parties.

[NescauComToddy]

Salty Frank hehe.

Your backstory as Bolter said Is Okay. Your playstyle can't just be that simple stalking thing, It will conflict with your gameplay If you just do one simple thing. Also, we are lacking a more special trait here, Like the eating and praying actions, It may look hard to find It, but try to unite some of those Unique ways to form an even more unique trait. Catchy.

Also, I would like to know, what Is the new thing that predators do not do when Stalking that you, will Implement?

I will do a review later.

[Sneakyr]

On my playstyle: I understand that it cannot be *solely* stalking prey. It wouldn't make for an interesting round for anyone. For this reason, I plan on dynamically evolving my character, adding new traits as appropriate to new experiences and interactions, similarly to how a real person would gain character traits. While stalking *will* remain my main focus while hunting (I feel it's good RP material for marines and makes it interesting for xenos to be the hunted), the other traits will come in to play. He's not a one trait character - no real person is - he's just a template for traits that could function in the CM environment to develop. The reason those traits are not mentioned already is because I don't know *all* of what functions as a pred while playing CM.
On the "new thing" that predators do when stalking - nothing new, per se. I just plan to pay special attention to the details and the atmosphere. I've seen many predators stalk, but mostly (and admittedly this is a small sample size due to all the conditions that have to be met for you to even see one) they'll just go away to do something else eventually or start killing you before the atmosphere has reached (what I feel is) the climax.
On the salt: I apologize if I seem salty in the posts, and I'm really not. I just feel the best way to show that I'm taking this application seriously is to answer the concerns clearly.
Either way, thanks all three of you for the feedback. It allows me to improve for both the future of my predator's character and my character building in general.

[Sneakyr]

Going to put this here: I've been very sick (recently recovering) and with a new life schedule my play & heavy forum posting will likely be limited to weekends and breaks with some exceptions. However, I'll try to submit at least one post a day (if possible) to remain a part of the community and build reputation.

[Rain7x]

The story is okay. Just not especially unique, or interesting. I get that the goal is to scare prey, but many Predators do that already. You don't really bring anything good to the table, in that regard.

As for the play style, you must understand: This is something every Predator does by default when hunting. Focusing on it as your primary goal doesn't leave much to variety or real interest, because you'll end up following someone around forever, making spooky noises, but never actually doing anything to warrant fear.

Next, forum activity. Forum activity is a MUST for every Predator player and applicant. It's how, A: We judge an applicant's involvement in the community, and B: Stay involved in the community, ourselves, and review applications.

PS: Length of a back story means jack shit if I read through it and it's just a giant mess.

I agree completely with what bolter has said, and you are fairly new. I'm going to leave this neutral for now.

[Sneakyr]

I understand the hesitation. I hope to earn the approval of both of you in the future.

[Heckenshutze]

I've seen Mr.Day there and there, I can remember him as a medic maybe? Not sure. But I'll keep an eye on him before posting a decision.

[XenonDragneel]

I wish we could play together more Frankie Day! It's me yea... you respected me a lot so I give you a lot of respect man... I learn a lot of things from you when your a Squad Lead... this is why people like you and me as a SL. Frankie Day your one of my Top 15 player on the list... you can RP, Lead, and Fight. I gave you a +0.5 for that

Your application is interesting and fun to read... god thank you for letting me not bored in class. You are sure active sometimes on forum but that's ok! +0.25 for your Pred app

You are well known to the community and people respect you... they have no problem with you(only see some haters on you but your not alone) I think you can make a Commander app and Staff app because of your good behavior and the activity ingame.. +0.25

Once again your a awesome guy I've ever met... I'm glad we have someone like you in the community... a Competent and a Brave MARINE!

+1

[Sneakyr]

Thank you for the feedback, everyone, be it negative, positive, or neutral.
For the neutral: I'd like to know if your opinion has changed since your first comment. If it has, I'd like to know how. If it hasn't, don't worry - I'm not going anywhere, and hopefully the official application handler (Feweh handles these in an official capacity, correct? He's the one who posts the final verdict, at least) will allow this to remain open until I've either made a good impression or bad on the community here.
In the mean time, I'll continue to raise my forum activity as I have been. I hope to make a positive impression on the players here.

[northcote4]

While I can't be omnipresent, I've been making an effort to keep an eye on our latest batch of aspirants (christ that sounds nerdy).

While I'll admit the story didn't exactly keep me rapt, I can hardly fault anyone for that. Though the terror concept isn't wholly unique as the others have mentioned, it's not commonly brought to the forefront of a character's traits.

But the stickler for me is what you mentioned earlier: about your traits and style evolving as you play. And bonus points for that extra comment about stalking: that all too often the ambush occurs before the atmospheric climax.

So anyone who disagrees can fight me, but I'm giving this one a fat ol' +1.

[adamkad2]

Decent app, great char, modest activity. i call a +1

[Retro]

I can trust Frankie Day with a Yautja character, my experiences have almost always been positive, he is one the most level headed and not salty people on CM. The overall application is decent, but I will easily give my support for a community member like him.

Edit: ((I forgot the plus one)) +1

[forwardslashN]

-1. Your backstory is very lacking and doesn't really explain who your character is. There is another predator application that was accepted a long time ago that had the same issue, with the same approach to the character. But I knew that player, and I am not familiar with you. Get more involved in the forums and try again in a few months. Focus on creating a character concept that is explained through the background. It's fine that they want to terrify prey. Why? That's an important question.

[Sneakyr]

-1. Your backstory is very lacking and doesn't really explain who your character is. There is another predator application that was accepted a long time ago that had the same issue, with the same approach to the character. But I knew that player, and I am not familiar with you. Get more involved in the forums and try again in a few months. Focus on creating a character concept that is explained through the background. It's fine that they want to terrify prey. Why? That's an important question.

On backstory: I understand that it isn't completely fleshed out as it could be. This is partially intended - I want wiggle room to develop a story through interactions, so that I can keep things fresh for everyone. I feel it *identifies* the driving motivation perfectly well. The why, however, is vague but still mentioned - it excites, gets the blood flowing and moving, the adrenaline pumping. It's his favorite part of the hunt - more than battle, though combat is still well enjoyed (as it should be in a society based on hunting, honor, and combat).

On reputation: I've been working on improving my forum activity & reputation within the community both during this application and before I gave it much thought. All I ask is that we use this application period to observe with extra scrutiny, rather than observing here and there over a period of many months. That's what an application process is for, correct? To judge the applicant's ability/motivation/etc. to fulfill their role?

Perhaps I left too much unsaid with the backstory. I've actually put quite a lot of thought into developing him, but I, again, wanted wiggle room to develop organically once I've been in the shoes of a predator while also following the instructions of "brief".

In summary, I understand your concerns. Being a Yautja isn't only in-game behavior, I understand. It involves more than just roleplaying and following the code of honor - it involves contributing something back, be it via suggestions, bug reports, or even just positive presence in general. There's little evidence of my intent to do so as of yet, but I ask again, if I may, this: Use this application process to observe with scrutiny and make the decision that way, rather than denying it now. I ask this not only of you in particular, but of everyone neutral or negative on this application for these reasons.

On a small ending note - my tone *may* sound upset, but I intended clinical. I have no ill-will towards you or anyone else - I have mentioned in a previous post on this application why I address concerns in such a way.

[adamkad2]

that sounds pretty legit. and the backstory requirement seems a bit confusing. brief yet explaining everything about char?

[forwardslashN]

That's what an application process is for, correct? To judge the applicant's ability/motivation/etc. to fulfill their role?

In summary, I understand your concerns. Being a Yautja isn't only in-game behavior, I understand. It involves more than just roleplaying and following the code of honor - it involves contributing something back, be it via suggestions, bug reports, or even just positive presence in general. There's little evidence of my intent to do so as of yet, but I ask again, if I may, this: Use this application process to observe with scrutiny and make the decision that way, rather than denying it now. I ask this not only of you in particular, but of everyone neutral or negative on this application for these reasons.

Here's a hypothetical situation: A stranger walks in to your house. He says, "Give me the benefit of the doubt. I'm not here to rob you, I just want to live in your house."

You shouldn't be a stranger when you do that. You should be someone the person expects in their household, someone they can trust, even if you have the best intentions. And to answers your question, the application process isn't there to judge whether or not you're a great addition to the community, it's whether or an existing part of the community would make a good whitelisted antagonist. It's hard to judge anything about a person when you have no clue who they are.

[Sneakyr]

Here's a hypothetical situation: A stranger walks in to your house. He says, "Give me the benefit of the doubt. I'm not here to rob you, I just want to live in your house."

You shouldn't be a stranger when you do that. You should be someone the person expects in their household, someone they can trust, even if you have the best intentions. And to answers your question, the application process isn't there to judge whether or not you're a great addition to the community, it's whether or an existing part of the community would make a good whitelisted antagonist. It's hard to judge anything about a person when you have no clue who they are.

Fair point. The stranger metaphor is a bit strong, but gets the point across I suppose. I see your reasoning, at least.

[adamkad2]

should have been around since nostromo eh?

[Feweh]

Denied, not up to our standards to pass.