Make Predator's name show.

[doodeeda]

Summary (a quick, 2-3 sentence summary): Make it so that all players in the round can identify the Predator they're fighting and RPing with and not just other Yautja. The Predator's real name would show up in the chat log and when examining them.

Benefits (How this will benefit the server and game as a whole): It takes away from the experience if all you're seeing is "Unknown" all the time. It would lead to less confusion in-game and a smoother RP experience if people are able to distinguish between the separate Predators better and remember them throughout the course of the round. This would also make the Predators more accountable for their actions as people would see which Predator did an offense. Specific Predators could be commended out of game if they did something note-worthy. Predators will be able to act like their specific character that has a developed backstory better if they don't see "Unknown' all the time whenever they do something. People interacting with the Predator will have a better time as they aren't just talking to a faceless, run-of-the-mill Unknown. How much fun interaction would you have as a human if you had to play with your name hidden?

Details (Description of how you think this would work, the benefits, etc): Characters should be able to distinguish between them anyways as each Predator would act and look differently, so the name being visible would just aid in that even though the character might not really know the Predator's real name. I understand if there are specific reasons that the names of Predators are hidden and this suggestion gets denied immediately. I've had this idea for a while so I'd like to just share it and see how it goes. One problem I can see with this suggestion is people blurting out the names of Predators without being told beforehand, but I hope that doesn't happen and it becomes like the random numbers a Xeno has (don't think any human says the numbers).

Implementation (Optional, if you have an idea how to implement it): Unsure. Making the bio-mask not block the identity of the Predator would work I believe if it functions like a gas mask.

Of course there are other ways to accomplish the same goals, and I'd like those to be discussed too. Perhaps Predators could give themselves a custom name for others to see.

[Iatots]

+1
more RP
more accountability

[Boltersam]

I have a bit of a problem with anyone just knowing a Predator's name IC, like, hi X, nice to meetcha'. I know I never met you before and you're an alien creature, but I know your name!

Also, it's not the biomask. It's the ID system. Since Predators have no IDs, the biomask details them as Unknown. If they had IDs, their name would display with the biomask on.

So the only way to fix this would be to entirely rework a system so people could know the names of Predators.

Or, give Predators IDs. Which is bad too.

[doodeeda]

I'd just like a discussion going on as I don't believe there's any talk about this elsewhere. I believe if the bio-mask functioned less like a gas mask (like how gas masks make you Unknown) then the Predator wouldn't show up as Unknown though.

[Sarah_U.]

Biomask don't block your identity. You're flagged as unknown 24/7 due to simple fact you have no ID or identifications.
Predators should also NOT BE IC'ly REVEALED due to the previously stated meta and un-immersive behavior that'd be involved.

What I recommend is the following:
Set up the name in the description of the predators, as to when the player examine a predator he gains awareness of his name with a message much like the following -> "(Out-Of-Character Information: Bhul'ja Hult'ah)"

Hope you appreciate this idea, which would lead to much less meta and obviously allow ghosts to see the name of the predator after they've been killed.

► Show Spoiler

Lastly, I'll entertain you with this simple fact: If a player have a complaint about a predator 9 times out of 10 there's an highly ranked staff member or a staff member online and a calm, relaxed and slowly written report could deal with it.

[doodeeda]

Hm, might be my memory but if you remove the bio-mask your identity is revealed right? That would mean the bio-mask does block your face. Sarah, your idea is great but I fear it might be too confusing if there are multiple Predators. The chat log will still be full of "Unknowns". I suppose it is personal preference though. If I'm in an RP situation with three or more preds in front of me, I wouldn't want three Unknowns making gestures at me and talking to me. I'd like to see each Predator as an individual. They all spent a lot of time crafting their name and backstory after all.

[Sarah_U.]

I actually enjoy more having an unknown infront than an actual named pred. It grants more possibility for fear due to the amount of uncertainty in large battles (Like yesterday night, marines were freaking out not knowing how many we were).

Furthermore, I did work on backstory and name, but players don't need to know these, they need to know I'm an unknown humanoid infront of them, doing weird stuff that they can't always understand.

[Edgelord]

"Oh shit is that Vormekta? Suuuuuuuup"

I really think there's no believable way a marine could know what a predator's name is. Plus I agree with Sarah in that it's just some unknown dude to the marines.

-1

[doodeeda]

Well, a marine wouldn't know what the predator's name is, but there must be something added so that the interactions you have as a Predator are more special to you and the other party specifically. A squad of marines should be able to recognize this one particular enemy that's been terrorizing them..not shoot up a different Predator cause they mistake all these Unknowns for one another (in reality where armor would be more detailed, they'd see it wasn't the same one). It also needs to be clear through the chat log. Not good if you accidentally attack one Predator when it was the other one that insulted you or attacked you. Relationships, hostile or friendly, need to last throughout the round and it's too hard for that to happen if you can't tell which Predator saved you and which one attacked you.

[SagaSword]

-1

This would ruin the RP gameplay as marines shouldn't know the name of the predator (unless of course had an experience with human before in the background and marines gave him a nickname)

[Shyguychizzy]

-1 I can see marines be Meta or Power game there through knowing say the pred, by knowing their name or they say know one of the elders are an administrator by their name. Marines would purposely go to the known pred and Sarah's comment I as well agree with their comments.

[ParadoxSpace]

normally I just distinguish them by the masks

[Iatots]

@ All these people saying marines shouldn't know pred names because IC

Marines can already meta aliens by caste, age and number
aliens can already meta marines that use static name (which is everybody on this RP server)

[Sarah_U.]

Well for my part I still gave a solution for this suggestion. Make it so it shows as an OOC information in the examine infos.

[LordeKilly]

-1.

Basically, if there is an issue, an admin can sort it out. If predator names are shown, then people with try and buddy buddy with one from their previous reputation or on the other side of the coin, shoot it on sight. The current system works fine, theres no real reason to change it.

[zskninoh]

-1 Kills meh immersion

[doodeeda]

Is it possible for a Predator to see the name of another Predator? Or do they have to speak?

[Boltersam]

Is it possible for a Predator to see the name of another Predator? Or do they have to speak?

With their mask off, we can tell their name, but we usually recognise eachother by chosen equipment and mask. If they speak, their name shows up in the chat, yes.

[doodeeda]

With their mask off, we can tell their name, but we usually recognise eachother by chosen equipment and mask. If they speak, their name shows up in the chat, yes.

Then the current system relies on players (marines, aliens, preds) being able to memorize small sprites and relate that to a name (if you want to speak to them) or past experiences (if you're a marine/xeno who fought with them before). It's not that convenient especially if many things are going on at once. I imagine if there's a lot of moving and multiple Predators you'd soon lose track of who's who, and that's bad for the continuity of RP and if, as a Pred, you want to give orders to a specific teammate (if there's three of you or more).

SS13 is made much more simpler with the traditional OOC way of identification. Mouse over and see the name. Or if they talk, see the name on the chatlog. The game is just not realistic enough to be able to interact well without a crutch for identification.

Another example: you are a marine and two Predators stand in front of you and they both speak at the same time; how will you distinguish who said what?

[Snypehunter007]

Old topic; Lack of support.

Locking.