doodeeda wrote:As it looks like you'll be interacting with Xeno players the most, do you have any ideas on how to make the round fun for them? What will you do if a capable Xeno player you try and hunt/duel clearly does not want anything to do with you, or how will you convince them that it'll be worth interacting with you?
I'm really glad you asked this, as it's something I've given a lot of thought to and am looking forward to trying out and tweaking if I'm whitelisted. Nothing would make me happier than the ability to make the round fun for the xenos, since their rounds are usually plagued by sort of grind-y problems after half an hour or so. I think you'll also be happy to know that I have no interest in pursuing a xenomorph simply for the kill (thought that's how it will appear if I pull the RP off correctly). I'm hoping not just to hunt or attack them, but to give them something to do, a healthy diversion to the mid-round boredom of dragging hosts and stocking up on huggers.
It always drives me up the wall when, as a marine, I have to stand witness to my squadmates metagaming and chasing the xenos across the river on first contact. I've always preferred to give the xenomorphs time to react as well - marines are not the only ones that can benefit from those moments.
The very first thing I'll do is observe my potential target to make sure they (and I'm referring to playstyle more than anything here) have some capacity for thought and restraint, and aren't just a mindless killing machine. Most of the latter type of player is out strictly for winning and becoming the strongest they can, and I don't want to spoil this for them by killing them off because they happen to be skilled. A player that will react positively to RP or a duel-like situation and won't be salty is ideal. I believe for this phase I'll remain cloaked, though I may subtly drop hints of my presence to see if their behavior changes as a result.
Once I've made sure that the target I've chosen is worthy, I'll reveal myself a few times - if I do it right, I won't have to attack anything at this point. I'm just making a statement by being there and then disappearing again, letting that xeno know that I have my eye on them. I've read reports against whitelisted players where some of the main issues brought up against them is that the predator seems to show up out of nowhere to kill their foe before they know what is happening, and I'd like to avoid this for IC and OOC reasons. It'd be a stain on my predator's precious pride and honor, for one, and for the another it doesn't seem wholesome for either party.
At this stage, I'll try to spice things up for others as well - I'll definitely try to interact with at least one select group of marine players for a while, provided they don't shoot me full of holes as soon as I uncloak. I'll even poke at the other xenomorphs some, but again, no murdering sprees.
When the circumstances are right, I'll appear again and signal my target - likely with a melee weapon of some sort, or a roar. I haven't quite worked the details out here, but that's simply because I haven't had any time in the character's skin. I'll build on his manner of conduct if I have the privilege of assuming him. And then begins the fight, in which I will try to limit myself to whatever melee weapon I've chosen. The plasma caster will come out only in the event of something trying to interfere with the duel.
The important thing here is that I can't let up at his stage - my character's pride is on the line, and he is out to preserve it no matter the cost. Either he or his foe will die. However, if I've misinterpreted things and at this point the other player really doesn't want the duel, I'll mostly keep up the appearance of pursuing them until I can find a convenient distraction and go pick someone else.
If I win the duel, I may possibly select a new target, depending on the sort of time I have on my hands as well as the amount and competence of the aliens. If I think I've done enough, I'll focus more on RPing with the marines. I might trade with one who has distinguished his or herself through combat, or RP with some more who have been traumatized or frightened by the alien threat. If I'm still alive, have fulfilled my original task, and the marines are losing, I may also consider hitching a ride up to the Sulaco for the retreat/defense. This would only be with admin permission, of course.
The overall goal here is to make my opponent's round very interesting, and to do everything I can to make everyone else's round at least more interesting than usual.
