damned_radios Guide and FAQ

[damned_info]

As many of you may be aware, we’ve made an as-of-yet unused damned_radios community, and have alluded to a new feature being introduced to the game. Well, that time has come, so please take a moment to read this!

In a nutshell, damned_radios will be to Nightshift as damned_bulletin is to Dayshift. In other words, patients can use damned_radios to communicate with each other during Nightshift, even if they’re not speaking face-to-face.

However, due to the linear nature of Nightshift, damned_radios will be operating on slightly different rules in order to maintain continuity.

This post will address the main issues regarding radios, and will also be added to in order to clarify any questions players may have.

Who can use damned_radios?

Any character with a modified radio can use their radio to communicate with other patients. A modified radio looks identical to the radios currently in use, but has a “serial number” at the bottom that is in actuality that radio’s unique frequency. How can a patient obtain a modified radio? Either from a rebel in Farwell (damned_city), OR from a patient who has smuggled some of these devices from Farwell. There may also be in-game events where patients can get a modified radio.

Do I have to follow damned_radios in order to read future radio broadcasts from NPCs like Marc?

Nope! As always, NPC radio broadcasts will be posted in damned_institute. On the other hand, damned_radios will be used almost exclusively for patient-to-patient interaction, and, much like damned_bulletin, is completely optional.

Can characters in Farwell use a modified radio to communicate with patients in Landel’s and viceversa?

No. The modified radios simply don’t have that kind of range. If someone in Farwell wants to check up on a buddy trapped in Landel’s, they will likely have to return to the Institute to do so.

How does my character use a modified radio?

As stated earlier, each radio has a "serial number" at the bottom that is actually its unique frequency. If your character wants to directly contact another patient, they will need to know the specific frequency of that character’s radio. They will then need to turn their radio to that frequency and talk through the "speaker". Both parties will then be able to communicate with each other. In other words, it’s not necessary for two characters to know each other’s frequencies if they want to communicate via radio, but both characters will need to be on the same frequency to talk directly to one other.

If your character wants to make a general broadcast, then they will simply need to turn their frequency to 88.8. All characters with a radio will be able to hear this general broadcast (unless, of course, you don’t want your character to hear it). However, if anyone wants to respond, they will need to change their radio to frequency 88.8 (a public channel; all patients can potentially hear it) or the OP’s unique frequency (private transmission).

My character has a modified radio and wants to use it. Do I always use damned_radios when my character is on their radio?

I. If your character is having a private conversation with one or more patients over a private channel...

You have 2 choices!

Choice 1: Done in prose, in a single thread, over at damned_institute. When merging threads, treat it as though your character is changing locations by linking the threads together in some way or another. (You can either make the link in the prose itself, or at the end of your post -- whichever you think works best!)

For example: Guy and Claude are talking to each other over the radio. Either Guy's thread can link to Claude's location, or Claude's thread can link to Guy's location. Beyond that, players can choose how to approach the thread (whether to focus on how someone sounds through the radio, how much introspection to include, etc.)

Here is a demonstration of Choice 1:



Choice 2: Like damned_bulletin, you will make a new top post with your character’s journal in damned_radios. This can either be in prose or written in a style similar to damned_bulletin -- it’s up to you!

HOWEVER, due to Nightshift’s structure, you must link your damned_radios post to your damned_institute thread, and viceversa. You ought to be taking the time to have your character make a broadcast in your damned_institute prose post as well. How much detail you want to put into your prose post is entirely up to you. For example, it would be acceptable to just briefly mention that your character made a general broadcast about whatever subject, hastily answered a few comments, and then moved onto another hall without going into many specifics. Either way you would need to link to your character’s broadcast in damned_radios somewhere in your damned_institute post.

For continuity’s sake, we strongly discourage against loosely “handwaving” when a transmission is made like we do for damned_bulletin notes. Not making this distinction very clear is akin to having your character physically be in two places at once, which can become terribly confusing for players and characters alike!!

Here is a demonstration of Choice 2:




2) If your character is making a public broadcast on the public channel...

Like damned_bulletin, you will make a new top post with your character’s journal in damned_radios. This can either be in prose or written in a style similar to damned_bulletin -- it’s up to you! Just remember that your character must be ICly tuned into the 88.8 frequency to do this.

Once again, you MUST link your damned_institute post to the damned_radios thread, and the damned_radios thread to your damned_institute thread, in some capacity. Your damned_institute post must make some mention of your character talking to someone on the radio.

Just like with scenario I, please do not “handwave” when public broadcasts take place.

Here is a demonstration of a public broadcast:



Yes, we realize some of this is repetitive, but we want to be very clear about what each situation entails.

3) If your character is responding to a public broadcast, or a comment within a public broadcast...

You must link your damned_institute post to the damned_radios thread, and the damned_radios thread to your damned_institute thread, in some capacity. Your damned_institute post must make some mention of your character talking to someone on the radio.

Just like with scenarios I and II, please do not “handwave” when responses to public broadcasts take place.

Here is a demonstration of someone responding to a public broadcast:





Remember, though, that your character must ICly be tuned into the 88.8 frequency to directly communicate with other people who are using that channel. It is also a public channel, which means all patients are capable of hearing it, regardless of their current frequency.

If your character wants to speak to the OP privately, they must know their private frequency (which we’ve already covered under this section).

Rebels who give modified radios over to patients will explain how they work, and it will be up to patients to teach each other how to use them.

Aaand that should cover everything! We hope you’re as excited about the plot potential as we are! If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to let us know.

Thank you!