Adds consciousness exchange device #18891
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This is very reminiscent of the old Wizard power Mind Swap, which was renowned for being the least enjoyable ability in the entire repertoire of one of the most controversial antag types in server history - to the point where the antag type itself lasted longer than the power did to my awareness. It was a power that could singlehandedly make people hate Wizards entirely, akin to the also removed transformation sting for Changelings which had an arguably similar effect. In turn, I don’t really think I can offer any positive feedback, especially when it’s designed to be difficult to reverse and isn’t temporary in effect. |
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From what I've heard, wizard's mind swap was an infinite get out of jail free card with a side of no player agency. This device would make it so that you can only forcefully swap with people that are restrained, and also has the possibility of swapping back, even if the same body swap prevention is implemented. I see how the wizard was frustrating, but this device has way less potential for that. If you dislike the idea of body swapping in any form, then that's one thing, but saying this will be bad because the wizard was bad isn't really fair imo. |
It’s less the get out of jail that people hated, as many antagonists had a feature like that, but rather the body swap entirely. I brought up the similarly despised transformation sting as an example because, despite only changing appearance of the target, it was hated for essentially taking away the character you’re actively playing. In many a regard it would utterly ruin the round of any recipient even more than outright murdering them would. Furthermore, these old body swap or appearance change abilities existed in the era of genetics where a capable geneticist could more or less easily return you to your original appearance, voice and so forth. Despite this they were still hated. |
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Right, but most get out of jail free cards aren't usable while cuffed, and aren't usually completely unstoppable like the wizard swap was. I can see how even a workaround with the geneticist would be frustrating, because it's still not your body, and the antag has your real one still. But since, with this device, there is a possibility of using it to put things right, it encourages continuing engagement with the antag. I think this device is different enough that the only real argument is if the experience of being swapped is really that terrible, but I think that since this is only one tool, and since it is difficult to pull off, way less people will be effected by it than the wizard, so it won't feel as oppressive or constant, if it's used at all. |
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As it stands, the only current arguably similar mechanics are Borers and Changelings. With Borers you can resist out of their direct control (or die), and with Changelings you’re under no obligation to keep playing (they killed you). The former is notably not in secret and the latter has been disincentivized by no longer tying most powers to DNA. I have nothing further to add as I’ve made my point on this being a deeply unenjoyable experience in every historical example cited. A feedback thread may be prudent if you desire more of it. |
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(I forgot to hit send on this the other day) With Borers, you're losing control of your body, completely unable to act. It's similar, but not quite the same as losing your body, but gaining a new one, and being able to act and RP and try to get your body back. As well, you can struggle and resist the same way you would any kidnapping attempt, before the swap happens. With ling, you're dead. You can try to provide crew interaction in morph form, or roleplay with the ling in their head, but you're much more limited than body swapping would make you. If people would rather be dead, there could be a popup that asks if you want to die. If you die, the transfer still happens, but the body you would've transferred into becomes brain dead. If enough people would rather be dead than interacting with the gimmick, then it's not a good gimmick or mechanic. I see people who dislike this feel very strongly about it. I've also seen some people excited by the idea, as I personally am. My hope is that we can see it in the game, and see a few gimmicks, and then see how the general playerbase feels about it in practice. |
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I think it's neat. Even if not wanted for use by everyday antags, could be used for adminbus gimmicks, or by offships, or the new oracle gamemode, or etc. |
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Seems likens interesting thing to have. |
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This pull request has conflicts, please resolve those before we can evaluate the pull request. |
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Not really wanted, sorry. Consciousness transfer is not something I want to see done on Aurora (we removed the staff of change for similar reasons). |
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I was so close to finishing this up in the last week, v glad I didn't waste my time |
This adds a new device to the traitor uplink, a consciousness exchange device. Once both devices are worn, it will try to swap the minds with each other, optionally delivering a jolt before or after the transfer.
I was inspired by Synn's identity theft gimmick, and thought this device might open up some interesting opportunities.
It's not implemented yet, but I intend to prevent two bodies to swap with each other more than once, a la Futurama's The Prisoner of Benda so that any potential to swap back is more convoluted and can perhaps be intrerupted, causing further hijinks.
This device couldn't actually exist without having large lore implications, so I've called it a prototype. Perhaps it should come with some kind of drawback.
Feedback welcome!