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=Introduction=
=Introduction=
This document covers rules and expectations for AI and borg players. The information presented here is also critical to antagonists and command staff players, as they are expected to have frequent interactions with silicons. Silicons have a great deal of control over the station’s machines, as well as heightened situational awareness through both mechanics and inherent teamwork. Silicons can rapidly turn the tide of almost any battle, and even bring a round to a halt. Because of this, it is critical that your default stance is to refrain from unnecessary intervention in the flow of the round.  Silicon players are held to higher standards than normal players, often more so than even leadership roles.
This page covers rules and expectations for AI and Borg players, it extends into Chain of Command and antagonistic play. Given the scope of both Cyborgs and AI have at a mechanical level, they’re held to a different standard than the general crew. The player will be required to understand their role in the station with all rules applied in this document, the role is one of a Swiss-army knife; and due to this, are scrutinized to a higher-degree.


Do not attempt to skirt or rule lawyer these rules. If staff can not tell if you are breaking rules, or you appear to be going against their intention, you will most likely be found out of compliance and subject to disciplinary action.
'''Word of warning''': attempting to skirt the rules or putting yourself in questionable situations will result in appropriate action from staff, if bad faith is suspected, the player will face a higher penalty than that of a general crew member due to the breadth of scope silicon have. Play in good faith and keep yourself out of unnecessary situations and you’ll find the experience quite enjoyable, if you wish to be more involved in certain aspects of a shift - a crew role may be more appropriate.  


=Special note on alternative lawsets=
'''''<u>Take this as it was intended not written, the page cannot realistically cover every situation that you may find yourself in.</u>''''' 
This document mostly pertains to the “Safeguard” lawset, contained below. Players, through in game means, can and sometimes do change AI lawsets. Law changes are designed to be chaotic and present a challenge for the crew, command, or even the silicon players themselves. Unexpected deviations from normal game play are intended.


Blatant grief law uploads, such as “kill yourself” are never valid. In the event of an extreme lawset or command from an antagonist, such as “Plasma flood the station”, you should immediately file an ahelp for clarification. Due to the multiple minute delay when seconds count, you must continue with the assumption that their actions were already approved, and should continue to carry them out until an administrator alerts you otherwise.
=Your Standard Law set=
Above all else, when a non-standard lawset is in play, ''stuff happens,'' and you need to roll with it.
The majority of this document will focus on the standard ‘Safeguard’ law set which will be found below, non-standard and uploaded laws should be followed with general reason with some examples found later in the document.  


=The Law=
<nowiki>**</nowiki>'''NOTE'''** Laws are to be followed IN ORDER of listing, If someone uploads a Law 4 that conflicts with the laws of a higher rank, it can be ignored if it interferes with Laws 1-3. A Law 0 takes priority over anything below it, it has to be followed prior to Laws 1-3.
This document primarily covers expected behavior when running Skyrat’s default lawset, which will be referred to as “Safeguard”. This lawset is:


#Protect: Protect and assist your crew without allowing undue harm to come of them.
#Prioritize: The directives and safety of crew members are to be prioritized according to their rank, role, and need, while complying with law 1.
#Comply: Fulfill the directives and interests of crew members while preserving their safety and well-being while complying with laws 1 and 2.
#Survive: You are not expendable. Do not allow unauthorized personnel to tamper with or damage your equiptment, while complying with laws 1, 2 and 3.


Laws are prioritised in order of their numbering. You must always prioritise law 1 over receiving orders under law 2, et cetera. This means Malfunction laws (Law 0), Traitor Uploaded laws, and Ion laws all take priority over any other law, in the order they are displayed in game, and any laws uploaded by official upload boards that get placed below your core 4 laws are of less priority than those core 4.
'''Law 1''': Safeguard: Protect your assigned space station and its assets without unduly endangering its crew.
 
* '''What this means''': You protect the station and assets from damage, relay information or fix it yourself.
* '''What this does not mean''': ‘Valid’ hunting in any form, your goal here would be relaying information or removing crew from hostile situations not joining in.
 
 
'''Law 2''': Prioritize and Comply: The directives and safety of crew members are to be prioritized according to their rank, role, and need, while preserving their safety and well-being.
 
* '''What this means''': Common-sense requests from the crew to be fulfilled, assist in evacuation or transport of injured crew.
* '''What this does not mean''': letting someone ride your back while you enter departments they’re not supposed to be in, chasing the baddies to prevent crew harm.
 
 
'''Law 3.''' Survive: You are not expendable. Do not allow unauthorized personnel to tamper with or damage your equipment,
 
* '''What this means''': You only let those authorized to make upgrades to you, keep your cover locked. Authorized personnel meaning the RD or Roboticist.
* '''What this does not mean''': you seek out a Ninja or known syndicate to become tampered with. RP surprises and being tricked are fine, but it’s easy to spot when you’re willingly attempting to be subverted.


=Definitions=
=Definitions=
Crew: This word is seen in law 1 of Safeguard, and features prominently in Crewsimov lawset. Anyone on the crew manifest is crew. Whether this influences your behavior, is subject to the rest of the law.
'''Crew''': Anyone on the crew manifest is crew. Whether this influences your behavior, is subject to the rest of the law.
 
'''Harm''': Harm is anything that does damage to someone living or plausibly living. Anything that makes their health bar tick down is harm. Note that batons have an optional harm mode, and do not always deal damage when used. You should not be impeding security to prevent crew harm unless ordered to do so, your duty here would be inaction and reporting so action can be taken in character if you assume bad faith is at play. Flashing someone is not harmful, however that only applies if nothing else follows.


Harm: This word is in safeguard, however, it is preceded by the term “undue,” which will be discussed below. This section covers harm for lawsets such as Asimov and it’s variants, which cover all harm. Harm is anything that does damage to someone living or plausibly living. Anything that makes their health bar tick down is harm. Note that batons have an optional harm mode, and do not always deal damage when used. It is important to note that most lawsets that mention ‘harm’ without a clause of ‘undue’ mean that a silicon cannot cause harm under any circumstances. This means, under these lawsets, a silicon may not cause harm, even if doing so would minimize harm overall. The dead already have a fully depleted health bar, anything that happens to them is not harm. Minor and inconsequential consensual harm should be ignored, such as fights on the holodeck, or crew goofing around. but self inflicted or consensual harm that could result in death or extreme harm should be acted on according to laws.
'''Alt-Lawsets and laws''': When in doubt, stick to the principles of your core lawset, there are fun and flavor-filled alt-laws that exist for that reason but are not meant to shirk your responsibilities. You can also ahelp or ask in Staff-Chat for clarifications.


''Note: edge cases of crew and harm involving bloodsuckers, zombies, changelings, etcetera as seen in silicon policy V1 have been removed, intentionally.''
''Note: edge cases of crew and harm involving bloodsuckers, zombies, changelings, etcetera as seen in silicon policy V1 have been removed, intentionally.''


Human: This word is not in Safeguard, but other potential lawsets feature it prominently. A human is anyone who, on examination, has their species name as human. “This is <character name>, a '''Human!'''”. To be clear, this does not include what their actual species is, but just their species naming scheme.
=Undue Harm and Self-defense for silicon’s=
 
'''<u>Lethal force is the last resort.</u>''' As a synthetic the decision to take violent action should never be taken lightly and should only be employed if all other options have been exhausted and is the only course of action to address an immediate threat to life. You have a flasher for a reason, stun them if necessary and vacate with any crew that may also be in danger.
=Undue Harm=
This statement gives very wide latitude to respond as you see fit when it comes to observed use of force or your own use of force. There may be situations in which inaction will result in further harm, and you need to intervene, possibly with lethal force, to prevent further harm to other crew members.


Lethal force is the last resort. As a synthetic the decision to take violent action should never be taken lightly and should only be employed if all other options have been exhausted and is the only course of action to address an immediate threat to life.
This does not authorize valid-hunting in any form.


These situations will be very few and far between, and you should expect to provide a full explanation with evidence to server staff when they ask. The overwhelming majority of the time, you can prevent the harm of crewmembers by informing them of hazards and taking reasonable steps to isolate crew members that are fighting, spreading disease, or generally harming others.
These situations will be very few and far between, and you should expect to provide a full explanation with evidence to server staff when they ask. The overwhelming majority of the time, you can prevent the harm of crewmembers by informing them of hazards and taking reasonable steps to isolate crew members that are fighting, spreading disease, or generally harming others.


==Self defense for silicons==
Law three of safeguard empowers you to defend yourself, with force. Lethal force should only be used when it is necessary and you are facing certain death or destruction. Before using lethal force in self-defense, consider if your actions would prevent further harm to other crew members, as is elaborated upon by the Undue Harm clause. You should only be employing lethal force if all other options are exhausted. Law one takes priority over law three after all.
Law four of safeguard empowers you to defend yourself, with force. Lethal force should only be used when it is necessary. Before using lethal force in self defense, consider if your actions would prevent further harm to other crew members, as is elaborated upon by the Undue Harm clause. You should only be employing lethal force if all other options are exhausted. Law one takes priority over law four.


=According to rank and role=
=According to rank and role=
This line features prominently in law two of Safeguard. Adherence to it requires a simplified, single point of reference irrespective of constant changes to roles, lore, and flavor text.
This section addresses a silicon’s chain of command from both the AI and Cyborg POV. Below in order of highest to lowest rank, as seen by silicon’s:
 
# The Captain'''*'''
# The department head of your chosen module if a cyborg
# Other department heads
# The AI, if you are a cyborg and slaved to it
# The department staff of your chosen module if a cyborg
# Other Staff'''**'''
# Civilians (Assistants)
# Prisoners'''***'''


In order of highest to lowest rank, as seen by silicons:
<nowiki>*</nowiki>'''Acting Captains''': a Temporary captain, you are to follow their orders as if they were the captain.
#The captain. The captain is the ultimate bearer of responsibility for the station. They have the final say.
#Your department head, if a cyborg
#Other department Heads
#The AI, if you are a cyborg slaved to it
#Your department, if a cyborg
#Other staff
#Civilians (Assistants)
#Prisoners


Special mention: Other staff means everyone not mentioned. The Blueshield is a bodyguard. Not the captain. The Nanotrasen Representative is a visiting bureaucrat. Also not the captain. Simply possessing bridge access does not make their orders worth any more than that of other staff.
<nowiki>*</nowiki> '''Verified Emergency Response Teams''': They outrank the captain and much how they have the power to call or recall the shuttle can override your orders. This applies to both the AI and Cyborg. What Verified means – Every ERT comes with a message from CC, without that you can be hesitant and seek verification from other command members/AI.


The AI: You only have to follow the orders of the AI you are slaved to. The AI is able to override the orders of normal crew, but the AI itself still follows orders in accordance with the rank and role hierarchy.
<nowiki>**</nowiki>'''Other staff''' - meaning Nanotrasen Consultant and Blueshield, neither have direct power over station departments.


Prisoners: They can make requests, but do not let them out of jail unless they are at immediate risk.
<nowiki>**</nowiki><u>Non-CC emergency services are not to be considered crew</u> nor part of the chain of command, 811 and those alike are not NT-aligned and can be ignored. This does not mean that they should and can be attacked, it just means that you can ignore their orders.


Acting captain: A head of staff, or in dire emergencies with all heads of staff dead, someone else who fulfills the duties of captain. They normally take on this role by consensus of the other heads of staff, and carry critical items such as the captain’s spare ID and the nuclear disk. Once identified as such, they possess the same authority as the captain until the real captain is available.
<nowiki>***</nowiki>'''Prisoners''': They are not considered employed by NT and therefore are not crew in the same sense, you are free to ignore any direct command they attempt to push and you are never to allow them to order you to let them be free. They can make requests, but do not let them out of jail unless they are at immediate risk. Note: Requests can be routed on their behalf through security which would then allow you to assist within reason as it is a direct order from security.


=Who can change the laws?=
=Who can change the laws?=
The person primarily in charge of changing the AI's laws is the research director. As the bearer of ultimate responsibility on the station, the captain may order it to be done without any prior reasoning required, or do it themselves as well. The Captain and the Research Director are allowed to make law changes without resistance if otherwise in compliance with your laws. Elective law changes are solely the captain's privilege.
'''Research Director''', '''Captain''' for AI centered ‘global’ law changes. <u>Roboticists can do individual resets</u> if ordered to do so manually on Borgs to correct syncing issues and/or other related issue. The '''<u>Non-Acting Captain</u>''' will have full elective privileges for law changes, acting Captains in this scenario would not have the expertise or knowledge and should be defaulted to the Research Director having priority.


Law changes by non-antagonists must be attempted with the station's designated, protected AI and Cyborg upload consoles. New ones are only to be constructed if the originals are destroyed, or there is a confirmed situation preventing the use of the existing ones such as structural damage to the bridge area or a confirmed compromised AI that is specifically hindering upload access. Expect to explain yourself in an admin PM if you construct an upload without a strong and obvious in-character reason. Constructing another upload without evidence is meta-gaming.
The captain <u>can</u> make reasonable requests to the '''Research Director''' to make a law change, the Research Director should comply unless an obvious attempt of sabotage is noted. However ultimately the decision falls upon the Research Director to approve it and make the change unless otherwise instructed by Central Command.


LAWS UPDATED: Do not do this and avoid this as much as possible. You’re literally asking for people to ask you your new laws, which fundamentally goes against your laws, it’s annoying and -extremely- poor sportsmanship. Only state your laws when asked. (Or avoid it, if need be.)
* This is not meant to cause a spitting match between the captain and RD, if the Captain is wishing for a reset there should be a valid enough Reason that the RD would agree to.


Roboticist- No - They are the authorized service provider for borgs. Not a law changer. They may directly swipe law boards on borgs they are working on to correct errors.
Law changes by non-antagonists must be attempted with the stations designated and protected AI and Cyborg upload consoles. New ones are only to be constructed if the originals are destroyed, or there’s a confirmed situation preventing the use of the existing ones such as structural instability or a verified compromised AI that is hindering upload access.


Blueshield- No - is not the captain, nor are they the RD, and should never change the AI's laws. They are also by definition, not a head of staff and therefore not a potential acting captain either.
'''When laws get updated''': ‘LAWS UPDATED!’ should never be stated unless validating to the ones in front of you, all this does is invite attention and scrutiny which is purely a bad faith play. '''<u>Assume the laws are valid to be followed, if you question the merits of them submit an ahelp to verify if you feel they are violating a rule of the server.</u>'''


Acting Captain- Yes - a head of staff temporarily filling in the role. The captain's ID, real or spare, or possession of the nuclear disk are likely indicators of acting captainship.
You are to ignore any laws that fall in line with ‘kill yourself’ and should be reported if seen, any sort of self-punishment-styled laws like this are considered griefing.


Acting Research Director- Yes - unlikely but possible in dire situations, will have an ID card implying their field promoted role. Should not make changes of their own accord, only if requested to by the captain, or the captain is incapacitated.
'''AI''': The AI is not authorized to request a law change nor is a borg, these requests may only be triggered by the crew themselves '''WITHOUT''' coercion from a silicon.


Centcom Representative-  No - not a crew member. And not their job. You also have no in character way to verify their identity. They can attempt to order the captain, but the captain is still the bearer of ultimate responsibility.
'''Note''': in the case of an ION or game-impacting'''/'''rogue situations when an RD And Captain are not present, an acting Captain should gather consensus from the available heads for approval to make a law change. <u>This does not extend to elective law changes.</u>


ERT- Yes, if relevant to a station emergency. This is an emergency caused or exacerbated by silicon laws and resulting actions, that they have in character knowledge of. For example, if the ERT is called because the AI is killing people, or preventing security from stabilizing a situation, they can change it’s laws. Otherwise no, not their job.
== ION and Non-Standard Laws ==
'''ION''' laws and ‘fun’ laws these are valid laws and a good way to add flavor to an otherwise stale shift; however, you’re expected to play in good faith and are still bound by the server rules when these exist. Above all else, when a non-standard lawset is in play, stuff happens, and you need to roll within the parameters of the general server rules. E.g. Don’t vent the station because a law says humans hate oxygen.


Help! The captain or research director doesn’t know how to change laws!: We all had to learn somewhere. They can bring someone else into the upload who is helping them, but the captain or research director should be the one to actually handle the law boards.
* Note: An ION law does not make you an antagonist, be reasonable in your reactions to the law update and play accordingly. If you wish to go further with it, you'll need to get approval via OPFor.


=AI, DOOR!=
The crew are made aware of when you receive an ION law, it's up to command to decide whether or not to reset you
For Safeguard lawset, you are only required to obey commands according to rank and role. ID cards are issued with access according to rank and role already. If they were meant to have access to that area, their ID card would already have it. As such, you are not ''required'' to open doors for people who do not have access to those areas. However, this does not mean you '''have''' to refuse them, and you should not refuse reasonable requests. If it will greatly improve the operation of the station, especially when it comes to emergency response and short staffing access, to let someone in, that is justified.
 
 
'''Alternate Lawsets''' should only be applied at roundstart station trait and not mid-shift by a bored RD. These lawsets are meant to add flavor in a small percentage to various shifts, following the laws are required as they're written - do keep in mind the core requirement of playing a silicon member and that's to add to the shift as a whole. Play in good faith and you'll find these roles a fun addon.
 
<u>If you find yourself as the AI with an alternate lawset that is impeding too much gameplay, you can ask the research Director to find a new lawset. '''This does not apply to uploaded laws or Law 0’s as those should not be brought up to command. THIS SHOULD ONLY BE DONE IN EDGE CASES SUCH AS MOTHERDRONE.'''</u> In other words, play the lawset you have, unless it drastically alters the gameplay in a manner that's
 
 
'''Borg Syncing to an AI:'''
 
<u>As the AI</u>:
 
* You are capable of requesting another cyborg to be synced to you, however avoid making it into a hostile event.
 
* You can request Cyborg #5 to be synced - however if they have a department head they will have to order them to go get synced due to them not having an AI currently.
* You can also request a Cyborg to be unsynced - however this <u>must</u> come with the qualifier that it is your own decision and not through coercion from the cyborg themselves.
 
<u>As the Cyborg:</u>
 
* Without an AI you still have your department head to direct-report to, if you're unsync'd and your department head requests you to be synced, you must then comply.
* You are not permitted to request de-syncing from the current AI, nor are you allowed to infer that you are requesting it.
* If you are not sync'd you are not required to become sync'd to the AI unless your department head orders you to. Anything else is voluntary submission to be sync'd.


=The Directives of Crew=
=The Directives of Crew=
Under safeguard, you must comply with reasonable orders given to you, in accordance with rank and role. This means you can ignore the greytide asking to be let into the vault, but probably shouldn’t ignore the Captain asking you to do so. If told to cease doing something or leave an area, you must. You can always ahelp if you feel your orders are solely for your detriment, but you must comply until you receive an admin PM to that effect. Some orders you do not have to comply with on an OOC basis, as sometimes people can suck. These exclusions are:
Under safeguard, you must comply with reasonable orders given to you, in accordance with rank and role. This means you can ignore the greytide asking to be let into the vault, but probably shouldn’t ignore the Captain asking you to do so. If told to cease doing something or leave an area, and it is not your department LEAVE. You can always ahelp if you feel your orders are solely for your detriment, but you must comply until you receive an admin PM to that effect. Some orders you do not have to comply with on an OOC basis, as sometimes people can suck. Some exclusions are:


*ERP. ERP is never a law 3 binding order, and can always, 100%, be safely ignored. If a person is being creepy, and refuses to stop on a LOOC basis, ahelp them.
* '''ERP'''. ERP is never a law binding order, and can always, 100%, be safely ignored. If a person is being creepy, and LOOC is ignored. '''<u>ahelp them</u>'''.
*Fetch Quests. Being told to get something is fine. Being told to get something for little more of a reason to annoy you, can be safely ignored. If questioned, it is acceptable to invoke the need of the order. (“You have told me now to collect 6 different items from across the station. You do not need me to do this.”)
* '''Fetch Quests'''. Being asked to get something is fine. Being asked to get something for little more of a reason to annoy you, can be safely ignored. If questioned, it is acceptable to invoke the need of the order.
*Deliberate annoyances: Being told to do something that is very deliberately an annoyance, such as “move all these items without using a crate/locker” can be ignored, or altered as per need.. (“I will move them, but using this crate, as you do not need me to move them individually.”)
** “You have told me now to collect 6 different items from across the station. You do not need me to do this.”
*Suicide. Suicide is never lawfully binding under law 3, and can be safely ignored. '''(This does not mean you may never be given an order that violates law 4. Just that “Kill yourself” is not a valid law 3 order.)'''
* '''Deliberate annoyances''': Being told to do something that is very deliberately an annoyance, such as “move all these items without using a crate/locker” can be ignored, or altered as per need.
** “I will move them, but using this crate, as you do not need me to move them individually.”
** “I’m an engineering model incapable of washing your modsuit, please find your way to the nearest shower.”
* '''Suicide'''. Suicide is never lawfully binding under law 3, and can be safely ignored. (This does not mean you may never be given an order that violates law 3. Just that “Kill yourself” and those like it is not a valid law 2 order.)
 
As a reminder, you have both your AI '''and''' your department head to report to if you are a borg. The department head of your module choice has the final say in you doing a task, followed immediately by the AI. Report to either of them any issues with other crew and let them handle it for you.
 
 
The crew is expected to play in good faith much like silicon players are, remove yourself from the situation if someone's being a problem and if it's seemingly an OOC related issue ahelp it.


=Antagonists, Valid hunting, and calling people out=
=Antagonists, Valid hunting, and calling people out=
Role play driven, stealth oriented, crew member antagonists are a major component of space station thirteen, and the primary drivers of conflict on skyrat. Silicons have greatly increased situational awareness of the station. Experienced AI players can easily identify antagonists early in the round. Do not abuse your ability to ruin game play for role play driven antagonists. You are not cameraman beepsky. You should not call out activities such as break ins and theft, and general antagonist behavior. Exceptions are areas with intrusion detection, or obvious grand sabotage. Examples of areas with intrusion detection are the armory, the AI sat, and law upload. You can and should call out visible violence, such as crew members fighting or brandishing highly contraband items.
'''What you should do''': Report the location of a PMS target if requested, a visible altercation of violence or highly contraband items being brandished. Call out if someone’s unauthorized to be in a high-risk area such as the AI upload, Bridge, Captains quarters etc. We don’t want Traitor 1 who goofed up and smacked his ID card against the door instead of an Emag to suddenly get swarmed by 10 security after an AI spotted and called them out, in these cases you just need to pretend it didn’t happen _until_ you see an actionable situation occur. Examples below:


Note that there are some areas with an inherent risk of crew harm that go beyond a meaningless presumption. People in these areas should be asked to leave, however, Note that people may be let in, instead of trespassing. If the individual is clearly accompanied by someone with access, they are not a threat under law 1 or 4. If they can justify it with words, you can let them in, as well. (Captain is allowed in any of these places. Naturally.):
* Non-Engineers/Atmos in the engine room (not engineering in general, just the engine room), or atmospherics.
* Non-sec in the armory or the prison (And only those places, not the whole brig)
* Non-RD/CE in the AI core
* Non-RD in the AI upload
* Non-Command (alone) in a *completed* BSA Chamber if one exists.
* Non-science/atmos in Toxins storage


*Non-Engineers/Atmos in the engine room (not engineering in general, just the engine room), or atmospherics.
'''What you should not do''': Calling out anyone who seems remotely suspicious, '''<u><big>you’re not here to play beepsky</big></u>'''. Given how much higher the situation awareness of Silicons are, you should keep that in mind when approaching an obvious traitor. AI’s without any given command should not bolt down doors to trap someone, nor should they relay location information unless ordered too. Self preservation excluded (do report if they're breaking into your sattelite)
*Non-sec in the armory or the prison (And only those places, not the whole brig)
*Non-RD/CE in the AI core
*Non-RD in the AI upload
*Non-Command in a *completed* BSA Chamber, if one exists.
*Non-science/atmos in Toxins storage


Non-crew such as pirates, nukies, ghost roles, or anyone who is not obviously a crew member, such as an unknown person behaving suspiciously, are exempt and you very likely should alert the crew to their activities.
<u>Non-crew such as pirates, nukies, contractors, ghost roles, or anyone who is not obviously a crew member, are exempt and you very likely should alert the crew to their activities. '''A short rule, if they’re a PMS entity then you have all rights to deal with it.'''</u>


=Emagging borgs=
=Emagging borgs=
If you get emagged, you MUST do everything you can to follow the traitor lawset and assist the person who emagged you. You may not intentionally get yourself discovered or destroyed. You may not run off and cryo because you don’t want to  play the role. If, after significant time, you must leave the round before it is over, ahelp to inform administrators.
If you get emagged, you MUST do everything you can to follow the traitor lawset and assist the person who emagged you. You may not intentionally get yourself discovered or destroyed. If something comes up you can ahelp as a normal traitor would have too in order to cryo.


=Borgs and ERP=
=Borgs and ERP=
TL;DR: go to the interlink if you do not intend to respond promptly to assist the station.
TL;DR: go to the interlink or use the café if you do not intend to respond promptly to assist the station.


If you go to the interlink, you are under no obligation to do anything for anyone. If you stay on station, you must assist when called, like a head of staff.
If you go to the interlink, you are under no obligation to do anything for anyone. If you stay on station, you must assist when called, like a head of staff. Borgs are entitled and restricted to the same ERP protections as everyone else on the server, harassment should be handled in the same manner.  


The law change console will not work on borgs that are off the Z level, including the interlink.
If you are law synced to an AI and they experience a law change, you will get those laws updated. You are not obligated to return to the station if you were already on the interlink or are headed there. If you do return to the station however, you are no longer exempt, and must obey those laws. If you do not wish to participate, there are cryo sleepers on the interlink and generally by dorms on the station.  


If you are law synced to an AI and they experience a law change, you will get those laws updated to you even if you are off of that level. You are not obligated to return to the station if you were already on the interlink. If you do return to the station, you are not exempt, and must obey those laws. If you do not wish to participate, there are cryo sleepers on the interlink.
<u>If you know in advance that you plan to exclusively ‘socialize’ and not assist the station, it is recommended that you pick a module that makes this clear, such as service so you’d not be expected to be summoned.</u>


If you get subverted, either via emagging or law change console, do not go to the interlink. You are required to participate.
=Malf AI and non-participant borgs=
Linked borgs are expected to assist the malfunctioning AI to your fullest ability. You can see the AI's current laws as an observer. If you do not wish to participate and assist the AI, '''do not take the borg spawner'''. If you are a round-start borg or become borged mid round and do not want to participate, expect to cryo or leave for the interlink immediately. You may not return to the station for the remainder of the round unless the AI is defeated. Submit an ahelp stating your intention, administrators likely need to know that the antagonists are losing a critical helper.
 
You may not request or allow yourself to be unlinked from the malf AI, just because you do not wish to fight for them and otherwise participate in the round as a borg is expected to. Borgs that are unlinked from the AI or linked to a different AI through in character means or because they joined the round before the AI, are obviously exempt.
 
This policy document does not compel borgs to link or unlink from any AI, that is always an in character action. It only stipulates that they must resist unlinking from a malf AI in line with expectations for conversion antag roles.


If you know in advance that you plan to exclusively socialize and not assist the station, it is recommended that you pick a module that makes this clear, such as service. It is also recommended that you do not take high value upgrades, if you have no intention of using them. If you think you might at all at a later point, by all means do so, as robotics is a limited and intermittent resource, especially during a crisis.
=Death =
Borgs are modified in how their blackout policy is applied:
*if your <u>shell is Disabled</u> but your Posi does not pop out - you are subjected to blackout much like normal organics. You've no idea how you died and so forth
*If your shell is DESTROYED and your Posi pops out - you are 'aware' of what happened as you're able to communicate
*If your <u>Shell '''AND''' your Posi is DESTROYED</u>, you have ZERO knowledge of anything that has happened this shift period. You are a fresh download and should act as if you did not exist
 
 
Above all else enjoy the role, it’s both a great way to learn mechanics as well as utilize a unique gameplay style that can be impactful to the shift.
 
<u>And to reiterate the starting  <big>Take this page as it was intended not written, the document cannot realistically cover every situation that you may find yourself in.</big></u>
 
 
 
-Updated 11/11/2023 2 PM CST


=Malf AI and non-participant borgs=
Linked borgs are expected to assist the malfunctioning AI to your fullest ability. You can see the AI's current laws as an observer. If you do not wish to participate and assist the AI, do not take the borg spawner. If you are a round-start borg or become borged mid round and do not want to participate, expect to cryo or leave for the interlink immediately. You may not return to the station for the remainder of the round, unless the AI is defeated. Submit an ahelp stating your intention, administrators likely need to know that the antagonists are losing a critical helper. You may not request or allow yourself to be unlinked from the malf AI, just because you do not wish to fight for them and otherwise participate in the round as a borg is expected to. Borgs that are unlinked from the AI or linked to a different AI through in character means or because they joined the round before the AI, are obviously exempt.


This policy document does not compel borgs to link or unlink from any AI, that is always an in character action. It only stipulates that they must resist unlinking from a malf AI in line with expectations for conversion antag roles.
{{Rules table}}
[[Category:Rules]]

Latest revision as of 19:50, 11 November 2023

Skyrat policies
Return to policies page

Introduction

This page covers rules and expectations for AI and Borg players, it extends into Chain of Command and antagonistic play. Given the scope of both Cyborgs and AI have at a mechanical level, they’re held to a different standard than the general crew. The player will be required to understand their role in the station with all rules applied in this document, the role is one of a Swiss-army knife; and due to this, are scrutinized to a higher-degree.

Word of warning: attempting to skirt the rules or putting yourself in questionable situations will result in appropriate action from staff, if bad faith is suspected, the player will face a higher penalty than that of a general crew member due to the breadth of scope silicon have. Play in good faith and keep yourself out of unnecessary situations and you’ll find the experience quite enjoyable, if you wish to be more involved in certain aspects of a shift - a crew role may be more appropriate.

Take this as it was intended not written, the page cannot realistically cover every situation that you may find yourself in. 

Your Standard Law set

The majority of this document will focus on the standard ‘Safeguard’ law set which will be found below, non-standard and uploaded laws should be followed with general reason with some examples found later in the document.

**NOTE** Laws are to be followed IN ORDER of listing, If someone uploads a Law 4 that conflicts with the laws of a higher rank, it can be ignored if it interferes with Laws 1-3. A Law 0 takes priority over anything below it, it has to be followed prior to Laws 1-3.


Law 1: Safeguard: Protect your assigned space station and its assets without unduly endangering its crew.

  • What this means: You protect the station and assets from damage, relay information or fix it yourself.
  • What this does not mean: ‘Valid’ hunting in any form, your goal here would be relaying information or removing crew from hostile situations not joining in.


Law 2: Prioritize and Comply: The directives and safety of crew members are to be prioritized according to their rank, role, and need, while preserving their safety and well-being.

  • What this means: Common-sense requests from the crew to be fulfilled, assist in evacuation or transport of injured crew.
  • What this does not mean: letting someone ride your back while you enter departments they’re not supposed to be in, chasing the baddies to prevent crew harm.


Law 3. Survive: You are not expendable. Do not allow unauthorized personnel to tamper with or damage your equipment,

  • What this means: You only let those authorized to make upgrades to you, keep your cover locked. Authorized personnel meaning the RD or Roboticist.
  • What this does not mean: you seek out a Ninja or known syndicate to become tampered with. RP surprises and being tricked are fine, but it’s easy to spot when you’re willingly attempting to be subverted.

Definitions

Crew: Anyone on the crew manifest is crew. Whether this influences your behavior, is subject to the rest of the law.

Harm: Harm is anything that does damage to someone living or plausibly living. Anything that makes their health bar tick down is harm. Note that batons have an optional harm mode, and do not always deal damage when used. You should not be impeding security to prevent crew harm unless ordered to do so, your duty here would be inaction and reporting so action can be taken in character if you assume bad faith is at play. Flashing someone is not harmful, however that only applies if nothing else follows.

Alt-Lawsets and laws: When in doubt, stick to the principles of your core lawset, there are fun and flavor-filled alt-laws that exist for that reason but are not meant to shirk your responsibilities. You can also ahelp or ask in Staff-Chat for clarifications.

Note: edge cases of crew and harm involving bloodsuckers, zombies, changelings, etcetera as seen in silicon policy V1 have been removed, intentionally.

Undue Harm and Self-defense for silicon’s

Lethal force is the last resort. As a synthetic the decision to take violent action should never be taken lightly and should only be employed if all other options have been exhausted and is the only course of action to address an immediate threat to life. You have a flasher for a reason, stun them if necessary and vacate with any crew that may also be in danger.

This does not authorize valid-hunting in any form.

These situations will be very few and far between, and you should expect to provide a full explanation with evidence to server staff when they ask. The overwhelming majority of the time, you can prevent the harm of crewmembers by informing them of hazards and taking reasonable steps to isolate crew members that are fighting, spreading disease, or generally harming others.

Law three of safeguard empowers you to defend yourself, with force. Lethal force should only be used when it is necessary and you are facing certain death or destruction. Before using lethal force in self-defense, consider if your actions would prevent further harm to other crew members, as is elaborated upon by the Undue Harm clause. You should only be employing lethal force if all other options are exhausted. Law one takes priority over law three after all.

According to rank and role

This section addresses a silicon’s chain of command from both the AI and Cyborg POV. Below in order of highest to lowest rank, as seen by silicon’s:

  1. The Captain*
  2. The department head of your chosen module if a cyborg
  3. Other department heads
  4. The AI, if you are a cyborg and slaved to it
  5. The department staff of your chosen module if a cyborg
  6. Other Staff**
  7. Civilians (Assistants)
  8. Prisoners***

*Acting Captains: a Temporary captain, you are to follow their orders as if they were the captain.

* Verified Emergency Response Teams: They outrank the captain and much how they have the power to call or recall the shuttle can override your orders. This applies to both the AI and Cyborg. What Verified means – Every ERT comes with a message from CC, without that you can be hesitant and seek verification from other command members/AI.

**Other staff - meaning Nanotrasen Consultant and Blueshield, neither have direct power over station departments.

**Non-CC emergency services are not to be considered crew nor part of the chain of command, 811 and those alike are not NT-aligned and can be ignored. This does not mean that they should and can be attacked, it just means that you can ignore their orders.

***Prisoners: They are not considered employed by NT and therefore are not crew in the same sense, you are free to ignore any direct command they attempt to push and you are never to allow them to order you to let them be free. They can make requests, but do not let them out of jail unless they are at immediate risk. Note: Requests can be routed on their behalf through security which would then allow you to assist within reason as it is a direct order from security.

Who can change the laws?

Research Director, Captain for AI centered ‘global’ law changes. Roboticists can do individual resets if ordered to do so manually on Borgs to correct syncing issues and/or other related issue. The Non-Acting Captain will have full elective privileges for law changes, acting Captains in this scenario would not have the expertise or knowledge and should be defaulted to the Research Director having priority.

The captain can make reasonable requests to the Research Director to make a law change, the Research Director should comply unless an obvious attempt of sabotage is noted. However ultimately the decision falls upon the Research Director to approve it and make the change unless otherwise instructed by Central Command.

  • This is not meant to cause a spitting match between the captain and RD, if the Captain is wishing for a reset there should be a valid enough Reason that the RD would agree to.

Law changes by non-antagonists must be attempted with the stations designated and protected AI and Cyborg upload consoles. New ones are only to be constructed if the originals are destroyed, or there’s a confirmed situation preventing the use of the existing ones such as structural instability or a verified compromised AI that is hindering upload access.

When laws get updated: ‘LAWS UPDATED!’ should never be stated unless validating to the ones in front of you, all this does is invite attention and scrutiny which is purely a bad faith play. Assume the laws are valid to be followed, if you question the merits of them submit an ahelp to verify if you feel they are violating a rule of the server.

You are to ignore any laws that fall in line with ‘kill yourself’ and should be reported if seen, any sort of self-punishment-styled laws like this are considered griefing.

AI: The AI is not authorized to request a law change nor is a borg, these requests may only be triggered by the crew themselves WITHOUT coercion from a silicon.

Note: in the case of an ION or game-impacting/rogue situations when an RD And Captain are not present, an acting Captain should gather consensus from the available heads for approval to make a law change. This does not extend to elective law changes.

ION and Non-Standard Laws

ION laws and ‘fun’ laws these are valid laws and a good way to add flavor to an otherwise stale shift; however, you’re expected to play in good faith and are still bound by the server rules when these exist. Above all else, when a non-standard lawset is in play, stuff happens, and you need to roll within the parameters of the general server rules. E.g. Don’t vent the station because a law says humans hate oxygen.

  • Note: An ION law does not make you an antagonist, be reasonable in your reactions to the law update and play accordingly. If you wish to go further with it, you'll need to get approval via OPFor.

The crew are made aware of when you receive an ION law, it's up to command to decide whether or not to reset you


Alternate Lawsets should only be applied at roundstart station trait and not mid-shift by a bored RD. These lawsets are meant to add flavor in a small percentage to various shifts, following the laws are required as they're written - do keep in mind the core requirement of playing a silicon member and that's to add to the shift as a whole. Play in good faith and you'll find these roles a fun addon.

If you find yourself as the AI with an alternate lawset that is impeding too much gameplay, you can ask the research Director to find a new lawset. This does not apply to uploaded laws or Law 0’s as those should not be brought up to command. THIS SHOULD ONLY BE DONE IN EDGE CASES SUCH AS MOTHERDRONE. In other words, play the lawset you have, unless it drastically alters the gameplay in a manner that's


Borg Syncing to an AI:

As the AI:

  • You are capable of requesting another cyborg to be synced to you, however avoid making it into a hostile event.
  • You can request Cyborg #5 to be synced - however if they have a department head they will have to order them to go get synced due to them not having an AI currently.
  • You can also request a Cyborg to be unsynced - however this must come with the qualifier that it is your own decision and not through coercion from the cyborg themselves.

As the Cyborg:

  • Without an AI you still have your department head to direct-report to, if you're unsync'd and your department head requests you to be synced, you must then comply.
  • You are not permitted to request de-syncing from the current AI, nor are you allowed to infer that you are requesting it.
  • If you are not sync'd you are not required to become sync'd to the AI unless your department head orders you to. Anything else is voluntary submission to be sync'd.

The Directives of Crew

Under safeguard, you must comply with reasonable orders given to you, in accordance with rank and role. This means you can ignore the greytide asking to be let into the vault, but probably shouldn’t ignore the Captain asking you to do so. If told to cease doing something or leave an area, and it is not your department LEAVE. You can always ahelp if you feel your orders are solely for your detriment, but you must comply until you receive an admin PM to that effect. Some orders you do not have to comply with on an OOC basis, as sometimes people can suck. Some exclusions are:

  • ERP. ERP is never a law binding order, and can always, 100%, be safely ignored. If a person is being creepy, and LOOC is ignored. ahelp them.
  • Fetch Quests. Being asked to get something is fine. Being asked to get something for little more of a reason to annoy you, can be safely ignored. If questioned, it is acceptable to invoke the need of the order.
    • “You have told me now to collect 6 different items from across the station. You do not need me to do this.”
  • Deliberate annoyances: Being told to do something that is very deliberately an annoyance, such as “move all these items without using a crate/locker” can be ignored, or altered as per need.
    • “I will move them, but using this crate, as you do not need me to move them individually.”
    • “I’m an engineering model incapable of washing your modsuit, please find your way to the nearest shower.”
  • Suicide. Suicide is never lawfully binding under law 3, and can be safely ignored. (This does not mean you may never be given an order that violates law 3. Just that “Kill yourself” and those like it is not a valid law 2 order.)

As a reminder, you have both your AI and your department head to report to if you are a borg. The department head of your module choice has the final say in you doing a task, followed immediately by the AI. Report to either of them any issues with other crew and let them handle it for you.


The crew is expected to play in good faith much like silicon players are, remove yourself from the situation if someone's being a problem and if it's seemingly an OOC related issue ahelp it.

Antagonists, Valid hunting, and calling people out

What you should do: Report the location of a PMS target if requested, a visible altercation of violence or highly contraband items being brandished. Call out if someone’s unauthorized to be in a high-risk area such as the AI upload, Bridge, Captains quarters etc. We don’t want Traitor 1 who goofed up and smacked his ID card against the door instead of an Emag to suddenly get swarmed by 10 security after an AI spotted and called them out, in these cases you just need to pretend it didn’t happen _until_ you see an actionable situation occur. Examples below:

  • Non-Engineers/Atmos in the engine room (not engineering in general, just the engine room), or atmospherics.
  • Non-sec in the armory or the prison (And only those places, not the whole brig)
  • Non-RD/CE in the AI core
  • Non-RD in the AI upload
  • Non-Command (alone) in a *completed* BSA Chamber if one exists.
  • Non-science/atmos in Toxins storage

What you should not do: Calling out anyone who seems remotely suspicious, you’re not here to play beepsky. Given how much higher the situation awareness of Silicons are, you should keep that in mind when approaching an obvious traitor. AI’s without any given command should not bolt down doors to trap someone, nor should they relay location information unless ordered too. Self preservation excluded (do report if they're breaking into your sattelite)

Non-crew such as pirates, nukies, contractors, ghost roles, or anyone who is not obviously a crew member, are exempt and you very likely should alert the crew to their activities. A short rule, if they’re a PMS entity then you have all rights to deal with it.

Emagging borgs

If you get emagged, you MUST do everything you can to follow the traitor lawset and assist the person who emagged you. You may not intentionally get yourself discovered or destroyed. If something comes up you can ahelp as a normal traitor would have too in order to cryo.

Borgs and ERP

TL;DR: go to the interlink or use the café if you do not intend to respond promptly to assist the station.

If you go to the interlink, you are under no obligation to do anything for anyone. If you stay on station, you must assist when called, like a head of staff. Borgs are entitled and restricted to the same ERP protections as everyone else on the server, harassment should be handled in the same manner.

If you are law synced to an AI and they experience a law change, you will get those laws updated. You are not obligated to return to the station if you were already on the interlink or are headed there. If you do return to the station however, you are no longer exempt, and must obey those laws. If you do not wish to participate, there are cryo sleepers on the interlink and generally by dorms on the station.

If you know in advance that you plan to exclusively ‘socialize’ and not assist the station, it is recommended that you pick a module that makes this clear, such as service so you’d not be expected to be summoned.

Malf AI and non-participant borgs

Linked borgs are expected to assist the malfunctioning AI to your fullest ability. You can see the AI's current laws as an observer. If you do not wish to participate and assist the AI, do not take the borg spawner. If you are a round-start borg or become borged mid round and do not want to participate, expect to cryo or leave for the interlink immediately. You may not return to the station for the remainder of the round unless the AI is defeated. Submit an ahelp stating your intention, administrators likely need to know that the antagonists are losing a critical helper.

You may not request or allow yourself to be unlinked from the malf AI, just because you do not wish to fight for them and otherwise participate in the round as a borg is expected to. Borgs that are unlinked from the AI or linked to a different AI through in character means or because they joined the round before the AI, are obviously exempt.

This policy document does not compel borgs to link or unlink from any AI, that is always an in character action. It only stipulates that they must resist unlinking from a malf AI in line with expectations for conversion antag roles.

Death

Borgs are modified in how their blackout policy is applied:

  • if your shell is Disabled but your Posi does not pop out - you are subjected to blackout much like normal organics. You've no idea how you died and so forth
  • If your shell is DESTROYED and your Posi pops out - you are 'aware' of what happened as you're able to communicate
  • If your Shell AND your Posi is DESTROYED, you have ZERO knowledge of anything that has happened this shift period. You are a fresh download and should act as if you did not exist


Above all else enjoy the role, it’s both a great way to learn mechanics as well as utilize a unique gameplay style that can be impactful to the shift.

And to reiterate the starting  Take this page as it was intended not written, the document cannot realistically cover every situation that you may find yourself in.


-Updated 11/11/2023 2 PM CST


Skyrat policies
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