Interaction Mechanics

Looting and Theft

Obtaining new items is always fun. Since Ardent Spacers is a PvE game, we want to discourage players from stealing from each other. However, we have these rules for any looting or theft, whether it’s targeted at players or crew characters.

• Only game-provided things may be stolen: Lammies, Resources, Money, etc.
• You must always report what you have stolen to a referee or the Command Hub, regardless of what it was.
• Physreps can only be taken temporarily:
  • Physreps may only be taken if you cannot remove the lammie safely; they must be handed to a referee or the Command Hub within five minutes of picking them up.
  • Small items like coin bags and wallets aren’t free. If you pick one of these up, you must leave the bag where it was if it looks intentionally placed, or take it to the Command Hub if it was dropped on the floor.
  • You cannot use someone else’s physrep without gaining their permission first.
  • If you steal something on a mission, you must hand the physrep to a referee and show them the lammie/tell them who it belongs to so it doesn’t get lost.
• Crew physreps should not be taken unless the crew member says you can.
  • You will be given a Lammie to represent the item.
  • We have limited crew kit; if you take their blasters to hand in at the Command Hub, they won’t have anything to respawn with.
• Items cannot be taken from closed tents.
• Locked boxes must not be broken open without the owner’s permission.

It is against the AES Ardent’s constitution to steal from other members of the ship. Do so at your own risk.

Hiding objects and searching

There are two main ways to hide objects currently; physically and using an item effect.

If you physically hide an object, it can be found by someone using the “Search” call on you.

To use the “Search” call, you must spend at least five seconds roleplaying searching an area. The target must tell or show you every item they have stored in that area. If you search someone’s coat, they don’t have to tell you what they have in their trouser pocket, so be sure to make it clear where you’re searching. Always ask before physically touching someone, and if in doubt, roleplay above the area.

If something is hidden using an item, such as a container or equipment with an effect specifically for obscuring objects, you only have to show them the outer object. A BioContainer won’t show what it’s storing inside unless opened, and a Concealment Box will only show the box, and not give any clue about its contents.

Stealth

Some characters are unnervingly good at hiding. Others have dermal implants to help blend with their environment. Whatever the source, Stealth is an incredibly useful ability to have when you don’t want to be noticed. This mechanic requires items to use as a player character, but some NPCs may be able to use it without items.

This mechanic relies on a hand signal. If you have the ability to enter Stealth, raise one finger above your head.

When someone has one finger raised, they are invisible to everyone else with one exception: someone who uses “Detect Stealth” will be able to see them (some items may grant this detection effect without the need to announce “Detect Stealth”, so be warned!). If you hear this call, there’s no need to announce yourself; if they can physically see you, they can see through the stealth. So if you’re really well hidden already and the person out-of-character doesn’t know you’re there, the Detect call won’t help them find you!

Typically, players will need to be half hidden behind an object to use this ability, but will remain hidden even if someone walks around the object. More advanced items may remove this requirement for players, and there will be a variety of restrictions for each item that allows use of Stealth. This can even extend to someone walking through camp with one finger raised because they are wearing an invisibility shield!