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Hello everyone, I hope you're doing well as you read this. The topic of this post as you can tell isn't going to be very happy, but it is something I feel the need to actually write a post about. Paradise has been a central part of my life for the past year. Unlike other games and communities in my past, this isn't a place where I could just put it down, shrug my shoulders, and do something else, without looking back. I play all sorts of video games, and Paradise has been the only one that's managed to keep my interest for an entire year. I've made all sorts of friends and managed to properly integrate into a community for a change. Most of the time I'll play a game and almost never talk to anyone that wasn't already in my friend group. Paradise has been a very different and very positive experience for me. I've made so many good friends and I don't think it's an exaggeration to say I've grown into a better person for having known so many good people. So why the goodbye? Well, since there's so much making me stay, there's got to be quite a bit pulling me away. I think I'll start with the simplest things and move on from there. The most common reason that anyone can understand is burn-out. As expansive as a game SS13 is, there's always a limit to the amount of times one can play any game before wanting to do something else. It's something I've felt as early as October of last year, but at the time I had just become mentor, so getting a chance to contribute to the wonderful community that Paradise has was more than enough to keep me invested and interested. So what happened next? In early December, I was offered the chance to apply for Trial Admin. I had some reservations about this, mostly due to the fact that it's against my nature to be an enforcer of rules. If it helps you get an idea, I only have a total of 9 hours played in Security, not even enough to play the HoS, as game admin with over a thousand hours. It's really not something I enjoy, but it's a responsibility I've taken in the past before. I don't like turning down opportunity or responsibility, so despite knowing I would not enjoy the work I accepted the offer. Let me take a moment to talk about that work. It's really hard work. It's no exaggeration that admins have to deal with a lot of frustrating, exhausting and thankless work. Moderating a server on a cramped map with over 100 people is really tough. It's really something to keep in mind when thinking about the admin team, it's not an easy job they do. Take some time to thank them for that. While you're a trial admin, you have to put in the work for two months before you can play with any of the serious perks of being a game admin. While the hard work was obviously a reason to not stick around, having the benefits of reaching game admin kept me going through January and February. Unfortunately, once I finally became a game admin, a lot of my spark of creativity had been burned out. I had no interest in making a CC or Syndicate officer. Event ideas that once bounced in my head all the time were suddenly missing. The only real idea left was to mess with people in small ways, like playing silly sounds, spin people around, swap out the models for mobs, and with a small peak of sending a Space Pirate to roleplay with and attack a mechanic and his few buddies on the white ship. However, after only about two weeks of being Game Admin, it finally all fell through for me. One of the closest friends I had made playing on Paradise had left not shortly before, and his reasons are his own, but it compounded yet another reason for me. It was at least time for a break. I've taken some before, but usually I'd come back, after at most two or three weeks. I figured out by mid-April I wasn't coming back at all. Burnout is one thing, but another piece of common knowledge is that every server has it's own set of problems, and Paradise is no different. There's a lot of problems big and small that I could talk about, but there's a very specific one I want to mention. I spent most of my time here as a player, with a player's perspective on things. One of the issues that always weighed down in the back of my mind, has been the rules. Both how they're enforced, and why they're enforced. There were quite a few bans and rulings that took place before my time on the staff but during my time as a player, that I had serious disagreements with and questions as to how and why they happened. The rules as they exist are very vague and ill-defined, mostly by necessity. There's a *lot* that can happen in SS13, it's an huge task to try and be specific with what is and isn't allowed in given scenarios. Ideally in this case you'd want to know the *reason* a rule exists. If you know the reason a rule or set of rules exists, it's much easier to follow along with, and the rules hardly cross your mind. A lot of the time I spent as a player in relation to the rules was that of "walking on eggshells." Some bans would go in place that seemed way too harsh or that seemed to be made arbitrarily. The results of these bans had made the game feel a lot more uncomfortable, and unwelcoming. Overall though, I never knew how things went admin-side. There was no way to know, it was all hidden. I like being optimistic and giving people the benefit of the doubt, so as a player, I always assumed most of these bans were placed with good reasons, and there was simply something I wasn't seeing as I wasn't an admin. Well fast-forward several months and I believe a lot of my doubts I had as a player hold weight as an admin. With a lot of rules, bans, and bwoinks there's not much of a consistent goal or reason behind them. It's up to each admin to decide a reason as why a rule should be enforced. This creates inconsistencies, both big and small. The inconsistencies result in the "walking on eggshells" feeling, or in the words of another player this very month, "im always paranoid im doing something wrong." With individual admins enforcing rules for the reasons they're left to discover for themselves, you wind up with what feels like different rules for different admins. Worst still, it opens up the possibility for admins hunting for potential rule breaks, and banning specific people for personal reasons, which I suspect has happened, though I have no hard proof. Often times dis-agreements among the staff are discussed through, and if a agreement can't be met, a head-admin will make a final ruling both are expected to abide by. Part of the problem is the lack of real list of intents or precedents set for these rules. We only very recently got the Expanded Rules, which you can find on the wiki. The expanded rules were the best thing I've seen in months. It's intended to be a clear cut place where precedents and the intent of each rule exist, and its open for anyone to read and understand. The problem is it's a very weak document. When it was created there wasn't an expectation that we enforce the intent of the rules, and many of the intents within are just as vague and generalized as the main line of rules. Admins are still able to enforce the rules for reasons they see fit, and there's no consequence for failing to enforce, or enforcing for the wrong reasons. I understand that it's described as a living document, but having little impact as it is, I do not have a lot of hope for it having a serious impact in the future unless it's enforced seriously from the head admins. And maybe if this was the only problem, I might be sticking around. As I said, every server has their own problems big and small. A lot of other problems push me away, but this is the one I see as the biggest threat to Paradise's future, and the one I want to call attention to. As for myself, I could have done a lot more. I could have tried to better communicate this problem to the heads. I could have tried to be more consistent myself, and make an effort to call out inconsistencies. I could have tried harder, pushed harder. Honestly, I was too afraid to rock the boat, too afraid to make enemies, and too afraid to look like an idiot for claiming a problem exists that others might not see. As of now, I don't have the energy or the will to fight for it. I still have a lot more to grow as a person. This is an effort to be more authentic regardless of the consequences. The best thing I can do as I go is not leave silently, but call out a problem at risk of making enemies, of making a fool of myself, and of burning whatever sort of bridge might remain with the staff after stepping down. I apologize for leaving on such a sour note, but the nature of goodbyes aren't exactly happy things. I wanted to get a commission to celebrate my time here. I've been gifted numerous good memories from the people here, and I'll treasure them. It also doesn't have to be a final goodbye, my DMs on Discord are always open, and I've already reached out to some of you to remain in contact with. There's a lot of you to remember, so please reach out to me if you'd like to keep in touch! Until then I hope you all stay happy and healthy. See you later, Spaceman!

As somebody who's often seen as incredibly light on the spectrum of admin strictness, I can definitely understand the primary concern of the issue. There have been several incidents over the years in which, even on staff, I have had significant disagreements with the way a number of bans and dealings have gone on across the server's history. It can be easy, from a staff position, and even a head position, to worry that you're stepping on eggshells with other members of staff. A number of times I've felt strongly against something, though being in the minority, there's not much you can do to sway opinion if that happens. It can be incredibly discouraging, and so the paragraph below definitely resonates with a number of my own experiences. The thing is, this isn't bridge burning, it's honest criticism coming from somebody who didn't feel they had the channels open to discuss their discontent with a current system. Though I understand I wasn't head until you began your break, I take it as a personal failure to keep things feeling open, and for being unable to make you feel as though your opinion would not only be welcome, but would also be considered and hopefully incorporated into staff workings at large. From personal experience, being a timid person in a staff team can be difficult, it can have that 'eggshell' feel whenever you push up your own personal opinion, and it can feel as though breaching that might be seen as 'confrontational'. Believe me, I've taken insults for opposing staff decisions before, it's not completely crazy. The thing is, Headmin enforcement buckling down on things won't make everyone happy likely for the very same reason. Even we don't always disagree, most notably between me and Kyet, and to some degree, Neca for both of us, each concerned with the other's way of addressing people and our way of addressing bans and how/when to apply them. Frankly, if I'm going to be honest with how I'd deal with the situation, I'd have to tell you that I don't honestly know, these sorts of problems go beyond simple rule and policy changes, as, especially with a staff team this big, getting consensus on even one rule can take weeks or, at worst, several months. The important thing to note though is, this isn't a sour note, it's bittersweet at the very worst. It's honest and open criticism and I can completely respect the position you're coming from. The best you can really do is try to change things around and speak your piece well enough that you can manage to get people on your side, but that takes a bit of that boat rocking and, inevitably, you'll likely step on toes. Life without upsetting people is impossible, of course, but what matters is the way in which you upset them. If your arguments are as well reasoned, well worded, and as diplomatic as these posts here, you could certainly avoid a lot of the pain and discomfort you might've expected from providing an opinion you've got every reason and right to be able to provide. Para has helped me grow a lot in these past six years, and from the looks of things, it's certainly had an effect on you. If you ever feel up to it again at any point or if you'd be willing to give debates and arguments a shot, feel free to come back any time. On top of that, if you had any suggestions, arguments, or concerns you wanted to pitch that you didn't feel comfortable putting in this thread for the sake of the aforementioned 'eggshell' worries, please, chuck me a DM on discord. Thank you for your time, and I hope to see you around. - Dumb

I draw once in a blue moon, and I'm trying to get better with sharing my doodles, so here! I have to press submit before I change my mind. This is Mha'kira, a tajaran I recently re-designed after a couple years of hiatus from spess. I think I might finally be happy on her visual design. I was also trying out a different tablet from my 13-year-old wacom, so I'm glad I was able to make somethin' with it!

I think Dumb has said really most of what needs to say, but I'd just like to add that we're thankful for the time you put in and the help you gave, and that in no way should you see this as a permanent thing that cannot be undone. People sometimes unretire years later from their position, and I hope one day both yourself and the server are in a state where you can return.

--For Authorized Eyes Only-- Name: David Flufferton Nickname: "Fluffy" Age: Birth of date unknown. Medical examination estimates above 30 Gender: Male Race: Vulpkanin Blood Type: O- General Occupational Role(s): Medical, engineering Biography: Place of birth remains unknown to this day. Flufferton was first found on trading outpost *Outpost no longer in use* at very young age. See photo records of scene. Was quickly recovered by authorities, due to sudden restless behavior onboard the outpost. Flufferton was always very curious of things on the colony he was placed for "rehabilitation" to life in space. He picked up things faster than the commonly used language. Communication with local Vulpkanins was difficult, due to heavy accent Flufferton had. Hasn't told records how he ended on that trading outpost, nor where he is from. Always just replied "They'll be back!". Over the years this comment grow less frequent, but the curiosity for space grew more. Flufferton wasn't so to socialize with his others of his age, was more prone to study things he found interesting. At first given change Flufferton joined the medical education (See employment records.) After graduation Flufferton worked part time at local colony sickbay for several years. Flufferton spent a lot of time with a local colonist *Name Removed*, occupation mechanic. Once again curiosity to space grew on him. Through this inspiration Flufferton applied for Engineering education. To honor Fluffertons wishes, he was transferred "as far away as possible" from the colony he was. Only available station was NSS Cyberiad. Flufferton had no complaints about this. Qualifications: NT approved Degree in Healthcare and Nursing at age of 17 NT approved Degree in Electrical Engineering and Construction at age of 26 NT approved Degree of Leadership and Commanding (Ongoing, not finished) NT approved Degree of Security and Safety (Fails field trainings. Not finished) Employment Records: Flufferton learned Galactic common only at age of 10, as far as records show. To this day still has some difficulties. Showed great potential in the medical field, through determination and character. Graduated year earlier to rest of the class, with extra training in chemistry. Flufferton prefers to keep his tittle as a "nurse" (Finds it better so). At age of 21 Flufferton was placed off the medical duties, due to a conflict between them and their supervisor. At age of 23 Flufferton took interest in Engineering, due to colonist *Name removed*. At age of 26 graduated with Degree in Electrical engineering. Since age of 29 Flufferton has returned to duty and has been a full time crew member of NSS Cyberiad. Security Records: D.Flufferton is prone to follow the rules, sometimes they like to test their limits and luck. Co-operative, if spoken with right amount of respect. Minor security notes: Prone for verbal violence. Easy to disarm of such behavior. Medium security notes: NONE Major security notes: Medical Records: Overall healthy Vulpkanin. Minor medical notes: NONE Medium medical notes: Prone for burnouts / outbursts of frustration. Mostly verbal. Pat on the head usually discharges the situation Major medical notes: Personnel Photo: Flufferton seems at first like any average Vulpkanin: 5′ 10″ in height. Weight is hard to tell by looking, due to the thick appearance. What makes it even harder, is that for a vulpkanin, he has abnormally thick, tan fur. Clothing gives some idea of his figure, but still looks chubby. The curled tail and face is best way to tell how thick the fur is. Ice blue eyes with somewhat lazy/oblivious expression when relaxed, sharp when focusing. Follows commonly accepted clothing etiquette, with some hand made modifications to clothing. Other Notes/Photos: Flufferton is religious, to a non recorded belief for NT. Since belief is harmless, is allowed to continue this practice. Seems most comfortable around Voxes, of all beings. Always found Slime people fascinating. Dislikes foul language, already from young age. Flufferton keeps referring to something called "Bathday". Shows great disgust and dislike to topic. Yet personal hygiene is on accepted standards. Do not expect Flufferton to be anywhere "early" in the morning. This is a accepted flaw. Plan meetings in the afternoon. Readers identity saved on local files.

@TyOmaha This is a no admin quarantine and will have to ask to leave. 1.

<:: CONNECTING TO NETWORK. ::> ... ... ... <:: CONNECTED. ::> <:: Opening -- [Crew File: 80210] ::> <:: Crew Member Name: [Dayana C*** Shaffer] <:: Crew Nicknames: [Day] -- [Bayana] <:: Age: [25] <:: Gender: [Female] <:: Documented Race: [Human] <:: Blood Type: [B Negative] <:: Hometown: [Samana, Coasta Rica] <:: Birth-Family Home Address: [580, Beachhaven Road] <:: ====== Crew Medical Clearance ====== ::> <:: Crew Timeline: 2XXX, May 7th: Day of Birth 2XXX+1-5, Birth mother brought in and out of hospitals due to blunt force trauma. 2XXX+5, Birth mother admitted to hospital due to fifth stroke within 4 months, put into a coma. 2XXX+6, Birth mother succumbs in hospital one year. 2XXX+6-10, Dayana brought in and out of hospitals due to blunt force trauma. Dayana said to be accidental falls. 2XXX+7, Dayana is diagnosed with a rare disease of slowly deteriorating ocular cells. Medication prescribed to hinder the inevitable. 2XXX+10, Dayana is in 5th grade. 2XXX+10.5, Birth father suffocates in family room chair due to stroke. Authorities presume Dayana watched as he died. 2XXX+10.5, Dayana's inheritance of unknown size is set to be tended to her at the age of 18. 2XXX+10.8, Dayana put into foster care services. 2XXX+11, Dayana is paired with a psychiatrist. 2XXX+11.1, Dayana's psychiatrist diagnoses her with selective retrograde amnesia. 2XXX+11.3, Dayana is put into a home with a skrellian foster family. 2XXX+13, Foster mother succumbs to an accidental fall down the family stairs. 2XXX+18, Dayana graduates from high school, still paired with the same psychiatrist, Dr. Croi. Seems to take a liking into the mathematical and chemical field. 2XXX+18, Dayana is enrolled in her local college, University of Costa Rica. 2XXX+19, Dayana is set to be a Chemistry Major. 2XXX+22, Dayana graduates from her college with an associates degree in Chemistry. 2XXX+22-25, No information found. 2XXX+25, Assigned as a Crew Member aboard NT Station: NSS Cyberiad. 2XXX+25, Dayana is still paired with the same psychiatrist. 2XXX+25, Dayana's selective retrograde amnesia is removed and replaced with Split Personality Disorder. 2XXX+25.2, Dayana has her last name legally removed. 2XXX+25.6, Dayana is surprised visited by her father who succumbs to an attack the same day. Dayana reported as the culprit though only imprisoned and set out to seek additional counseling and mental support. 2XXX+25.6 Dayana is next in line for the family inheritance of her foster family. 2XXX+25.6, Dayana is admitted, on the side, into the NT Asylum: Mount Fulton as a requirement for her psychotic episodes. 2XXX+25.7 Dayana is let back onto NT Station: NSS Cyberiad. <:: Crew Member General Observations: <:: Frequented Departments: [Security] [Medical] [Command] <:: Favorite Color: [Ruby Blue] <:: Favorite Sector: [11] <:: Known Languages: [Gutter] [Galatic Common] <:: Loyalty to Nanotrasen: [Questionable] -- Flagged <:: Disabilities: [Rare Stuttering][Legally Blind] <:: Allergies: [Bunnies][Mushrooms] <:: Pyschiatrist - Dr. Croi - Recordings: 2XXX+6-10, Dayana brought in and out of hospitals due to blunt force trauma. Dayana said to be accidental falls. Recorded: 2XXX+11 "Hello, I'm Doctor Croi." "...." "Do you remember when you were in and out of hospitals, Day?" "Noooo…" "You must of been in one at least once a week." "I can't say I recalllll.. must of been out adventurin'!" "I thought you said you didn't recall?" "I dooooon't…" "Right…" 2XXX+7, Dayana is diagnosed with a rare disease of slowly deteriorating ocular cells. Medication prescribed to hinder the inevitable. Recorded: 2XXX+11 "You know, Day, usually people don't get their vision messed up like this." "I guess just'a bad stream of luck.. huh. "Usually it's related to physical trauma." "What's that meaaaan?" "Nothing dear. Make sure you are taking those medications daily. They really do help." 2XXX+10.5, Birth father suffocates in family room chair due to stroke. Authorities presume Dayana watched as he died. Recorded: 2XXX+13 "Do you remember your father?" "My new one?" "So you do." "...." "What happened to him, Day?" "I guess he slept too well! I dunno.." "He passed away the same way your real mother did. Was that a coincidence?" "Maybe he was on the lisssst!" "What list?" "I dunno.." 2XXX+25, Dayana's selective retrograde amnesia is removed and replaced with Split Personality Disorder. Recorded: 2XXX+25 "Who am I speaking to?" "Dayana, of courseeeee!" "Was this always the case?" "Hmm. Not always." "So who are you?" "I'm Dayana. She's Day. There isn't much to talk about." "So, you're the protective one?" "If you want to call it that." <:: Psychiatrist Notes: <:: Traits: Sociopath: Does best to imitate normal emotions to fit in with others. Can not feel normal emotions like others. Split Personality Disorder: Day is the carefree, cheerful, adventurous personality usually speaks and types with contractions. Dayana is the serious, protective, stoic personality usually is very blunt. Psychotic: Reportedly hears voices in her head, noted ever since they can remember. <:: End Medical Clearance File ::> <:: ======= Crew Security Clearance ====== ::> <:: CRIMINAL RECORDS ::> <:: Costa Rica 2XXX+11, Assault (x1), Case Records Dismissed <:: Sol Quadrant 2XXX+13, Trespassing (x1), Resisting Arrest (x2), Fine 800 Credits 2XXX+13.4, Theft (x4), Battery (x4) Fine 1350 Credits 2XXX+13.5, Robbery (x1) Fine 300 Credits 2XXX+20, Murder (x1), Cold Case, WANTED <:: NSS Cyberiad 2XXX+25, Note: Overly obsessive with Mindslave Implants. <:: Galactic Space Police 2XXX+25, Parking Ticket (x5), Terroristic Attack on Space Police HQ (x1) Fine 1500 Credits <:: End Security Clearance File ::> <:: ======= Crew Employment Clearance ====== ::> <:: Day’s Thoughts ::> "....Wow, so cool..!." <:: Dayana’s Thoughts ::> ".....Hm. Okay......." ████████████████████ <:: FACTIONS ::> <:: CHARACTERS ::> <:: ======= End Employment Clearance File ====== ::> Dayana's Crew Photo: Human Dayana - (Sik) Dayana's Cosplay Photo: [She assures the implant is fake...] Slime Dayana - (Drake) https://gyazo.com/5beb9944b002a0cd2e336fb1472ac6c8 Dayana as a fired Head of Security listening to comms as the station burns - (Drake) Slime Dayana - (Kikeri/Lumi) Birthday! <:: Dayana's Laptop, a folder stashed away on the desktop labeled the 'List'. It seems to have two documents inside, one read 'On' and the other 'Off'. <:: DISCONNECTED. ::>

Merman... Mermay!! This isn't the first time I've Zeke as a merman... and probably won't be my last. lol Some more drawings of my boi Auriel.

Just a whole load of art I've been bad at uploading. One of which is a commission! Then we've got some portraits for some ID cards, and of course, Port! Port is such a neat character, honestly one of the most seemingly developed on the Cyberiad. They actually feel like... well, a crew-member on a space station. Old grumpy man. He's amazing.

I'm experimenting with seeing how useful my work can be as an educational resource for new sec players. I'm not sure how many new sec players look at this thread, but I keep seeing the same mistakes repeated over and over again in regards to dealing with certain threats. If this gets positive reception I might release more visual PSAs for new security. So, my first topic here is going to be a few basic pointers on xenomorph combat: Second piece of advice: Head protection. Of @Fursamie's character, Domitia Aquila. First time I've managed to a request without it going terribly. This was from a Nuke Op round that took place sometime last year, if I remember correctly. As a gimmick we decided that all of the team would hide, fully equipped, inside a single cardboard box, and get as close to the nuke disk as possible before jumping out. We only got as far as dorms before a nosy civilian opened our box, but it was a hilarious, glorious failure. Having played in sec for long enough, I find that long-term regular players tend to fall under similar 'personality types'. Bolton Grey and Chad Wolf are good examples of this: They're both ridiculously robust, know their stuff, and can be trusted to hold their own in a chaotic situation... if you can convince them to stop goofing around for fifteen seconds, that is. I think most sec regulars who play in the afternoons are familiar with Cardiox and his vampire shenanigans at this point. He's quite a challenge to deal with when there's a competent sec team. When there isn't, well... From either a cultist round or a changeling round, can't remember which. In any case, sec had already 100% redtexted the antags, so an admin (pretty sure it was Spark, but I'll give it the benefit of the doubt just in case) decided to spawn 2 perfect copies of Cecilia and gave control of them to players from Dchat. This was around the same time as the Heathers collab with Phantasmicdream, so needless to say, dropping references to the musical was one of the first things I thought of. Space Lube: 'Because fuck you, that's why'. "That HoS was bad. Why did they keep ignoring me?" I'd elaborate but this image sucks out my will to live the longer I look at it, so I'll sum it up like this: This is what happens during Highpop when there's no warden or magistrate. If it seems like Cecilia's ignoring you, believe me when I say she doesn't do it on purpose.