I definitely intend for there to be diplomacy opportunities on the network post, but I reckon our characters'/NPCs' knowledge base far exceeds our own IRL, and RP should be fun not just drudgey research. I reckon that more in-depth academic conversations can take place off-screen, but if you want to hit the network when it goes up on Tuesday, you could make reference to it? Ask for a private audience, or mention it later. Alternatively, we can do at least a little bit on-screen if you want! (Or a lot!) (I can do research/make more things up.) (Get them sencs!) Up to you. :)
I plan for there to be 3 NPCs overall. 1 brusque, stodgy, older warrior type; another young, bright-eyed kidlet with thinly-veiled curiosity; then a reserved coding/building-oriented type who is more obviously xenophobic than the others. Perhaps Miller can engage one off-screen then talk to the others publically, or something of this nature?
OK as for their history!
The Artifixx's history isn't thoroughly documented to outsiders, but the gist of it is: they were originally created by another, organic race, that was heavily hierarchical, capitalistic, yet also emotionally labile and which basically self-destructed from an over-emphasis on Darwinistic, violent capitalism #sj. The Artifixx were their war machines, but eventually managed to break away before war destroyed their makers. Rather than attempt revenge or such, they internalized a strong sense of honor (especially honesty), proportionate mercy, collectivism, and dedication to the greater good.
But of course, balance isn't that easy! Over the past 1000 years since their civilization rose, there have been 2-3 invasion attempts by other peoples, 1 of which very nearly succeeded in exploiting them. Art, emotional expression, etc., have gradually become quite stifled as they focused on keeping strangers out and perpetually preparing defense for the next great onslaught.
It would be interesting to them if Miller could perhaps discuss Earth's cultural ways in which humanities-type disciplines and/or organic circumstances (e.g., climate, terrain, which the Artifixx don't experience on their planet) and combat have been integrated. He could evoke samurai swordcraft, Napoleon and Sun Tzu's use of climate to facilitate warfare, tai chi and other wellness types of martial arts, mind-body integration (mindfulness), etc. He could go about it tons of different ways, from 'you are unprepared to fight these other enemies so you need to learn,' from a pragmatic, warfare standard, to a holistic view of strength (nurturing both body and spirit, etc.).
The beauty of these things will move them. (Actually, the beauty of lots of things will move the youngest one! But that's up to you how you want to play it.)
History of Artifixx
I plan for there to be 3 NPCs overall. 1 brusque, stodgy, older warrior type; another young, bright-eyed kidlet with thinly-veiled curiosity; then a reserved coding/building-oriented type who is more obviously xenophobic than the others. Perhaps Miller can engage one off-screen then talk to the others publically, or something of this nature?
OK as for their history!
The Artifixx's history isn't thoroughly documented to outsiders, but the gist of it is: they were originally created by another, organic race, that was heavily hierarchical, capitalistic, yet also emotionally labile and which basically self-destructed from an over-emphasis on Darwinistic, violent capitalism #sj. The Artifixx were their war machines, but eventually managed to break away before war destroyed their makers. Rather than attempt revenge or such, they internalized a strong sense of honor (especially honesty), proportionate mercy, collectivism, and dedication to the greater good.
But of course, balance isn't that easy! Over the past 1000 years since their civilization rose, there have been 2-3 invasion attempts by other peoples, 1 of which very nearly succeeded in exploiting them. Art, emotional expression, etc., have gradually become quite stifled as they focused on keeping strangers out and perpetually preparing defense for the next great onslaught.
It would be interesting to them if Miller could perhaps discuss Earth's cultural ways in which humanities-type disciplines and/or organic circumstances (e.g., climate, terrain, which the Artifixx don't experience on their planet) and combat have been integrated. He could evoke samurai swordcraft, Napoleon and Sun Tzu's use of climate to facilitate warfare, tai chi and other wellness types of martial arts, mind-body integration (mindfulness), etc. He could go about it tons of different ways, from 'you are unprepared to fight these other enemies so you need to learn,' from a pragmatic, warfare standard, to a holistic view of strength (nurturing both body and spirit, etc.).
The beauty of these things will move them. (Actually, the beauty of lots of things will move the youngest one! But that's up to you how you want to play it.)
If you need more, let me know. :]