While I enjoy the hectic pace and tension of the average Paradise round, I feel the server experience could be improved if once in a while there was a shift without antagonists, instead focused towards the role of the Cyberiad as an actual research station that's supposed to turn a profit when it's not being wrecked by the enemies of NanoTrasen. Current extended rounds are marred by the crew, expecting disaster, staying on edge for the entire shift and thus losing the opportunity for both leisure and productive work. Sigurd is empty and neglected, and other roleplay heavy servers lack the comfort of a familiar station and familiar friends.
As such, I propose the introduction of a modified extended round, with the following aspects:
- A rare game mode, replacing regular extended rounds, with an opening announcement stating it's extended for all joining players.
- Priority announcement at the beginning of the shift of department quotas that must be filled for NT to turn a profit. Examples include resources mined, research levels reached, solars wired, mechs built, supply points used, etc.
- Congratulations announcements from CentComm listing the status of each department's quota when one is filled.
- The vote for the crew transfer shuttle happens at one hour rather than at two hours. This allows players to pass the round quickly if they desire a regular round or become bored.
- No antagonists are spawned or introduced by the admins.
- Custom events that need an otherwise peaceful shift (Such as teaching sessions for various jobs) can be held.
- (Maybe) One karma given to all living crewmembers (But not civilians) at the end of the round, as a reward from CentComm for actually having a productive shift (If enough departments successfully fill their quotas).
The advantages to such a round are many;
- Newer players can be directed to join during this round for the opportunity to learn their chosen jobs without being inevitably interrupted by some disaster on the station.
- Regular players, relieved of the need to constantly look over their backs and prepare for antags, can relax at their jobs and even spend time drinking at the bar or on other leisure activities.
- Players can take the time to roleplay and develop relationships without interruption, or the fear their friend/coworker/partner is a changeling or traitor out to murder them.
- Griefers will stick out immediately and be readily dealt with.
- Department quotas encouraging cooperation on a station where survival of the fittest is unfortunately all too common.
Any disadvantages (People wanting chaos instead of peaceful shifts, boredom, etc) are mitigated by the game mode's rarity as well as being half as long as a regular round if voted for.
Thanks for taking the time to read this!