Rolf Shepherd's Mentor Application

[SonOfAShepherd]

Usual character name: Rolf Shepherd

BYOND username: Oblivisteam

Discord username (if you are on our discord): Driftered

Recommended by (if applicable):
Chasu23
minhacorevioleta
moddedsurvivor
gustab
Eonz
Azwald
Guardianpotato

Goon servers you play: Morty (Roleplay 3) and Sylvester (Roleplay 4)

Reason for application + game experience (300 word minimum):
I've been playing since May 28th of 2024 (according to my Fish medal, anyway) and since I joined I've developed quite the love for SS13. The depth of mechanics and amount of directions you can take towards what you want to do is astounding, and I've poured about 920 hours actively diving through anything I could. The best feeling I get nowadays isn't discovering something new or being the best at something, but instead taking all that I know and putting it towards everyone having a good time no matter what side of the crew they're on.

The decision to apply for mentorship came after a recent round where I used LOOC to help another player learn how to properly use a switchblade and take someone hostage - that "someone" being me. I played it up and resisted, but ultimately I made sure they got to have their big moment as the antagonist of the round. I thought about it afterwards and realized that I've taken it upon myself to help people at every step I could, and I believe being a Mentor is yet another tool I can use to further that goal.

As for the expertise that I've amassed, I think I'm most well-versed in three aspects: MatSci, Mining, and bombs. I've taken plenty of new Miners under my wing to show them the various ways you can go about the trade. Most often that boils down to custom tools, different mining methods, what ores you need for what items, and how to use the gear you're given. It can be a dangerous job, but it's also a very fun and relaxing one if someone knows what's going on! Being a person that can guide them through is my pride and joy.

When it comes to making things get very loud very fast, I've gotten pretty good at knowing what explosives might be too much or too little to have an impact. I can tell you what items do what if you put them into a pipebomb, how to rig a series of explosions, or even how to play creampie roulette if that's what you're after. I try to explain all of these things to people so that everyone's on an equal playing field; the last thing I want to do is hoard information and make it unfun for someone.

Ultimately, the decision to become a Mentor stems from the idea that I already find a lot of joy in helping others. Becoming a Mentor and having another avenue to assist players both inside and out of the game is a badge I'd wear with honor.

Previous bans (while this will not affect your application lying about it will): None!

[Skotcher]

My interactions with Red have always been very positive, and I think they would make an excellent mentor for the server. While I would like to see a wider breadth of knowledge of game mechanics from them, I think they bring invaluable insight and expertise in the role playing and character engagement side of things for the MRP servers. I have seen them coach many players, new and old, on how to heighten the elements of RP like how to build tension or dread, and how to escalate antagonism. I haven't directly witnessed them teach a newer player any game mechanics, but all my prior interactions with them lead me to believe that they would have the necessary patience and understanding to help newer players get their bearings and would allow them to learn at their own pace. A very solid +1 from me.

[Azules]

For me this is an easy +1

You are completely devoted to teaching people anything you know as well as learning more and more about this game. I've seen you teach people stuff more times than I can remember and you are always very patient and try your best to explain stuff in a way that not only is really easy to understand but is also interesting, to the point that your passion about the game can be quite contagious.

But not only have I seen you teach stuff, you've taught me plenty as well. I will always remember the first lesson you ever taught me and the first time we ever met, where you taught me telescience when I had never really played science before, thus opening up a new department for me to play. Some time later you also taught me about artifacts and I have to say that not only was it very informative, it was a blast.

Being a mentor will allow you to turn that drive for helping people up to 11 and honestly I think you'd be an amazing addition to the mentor team.

[Drunkangel]

I've seen Red react well to me when I show up as a completely fresh character/name and offer to interact/teach things, I've seen Red spend plenty of time teaching others, I've seen him use LOOC to help people. And I've seen him flying about as a ghost and think if he had the ability to turn into a mouse and help somebody who needed it, he'd take the chance. A big thing in my head about mentors is "Would this person teach a new ling/vampire how to use their powers if it meant they would die and be pushed out of the round?" and I think Red would.

[Chasu]

I still stand by my recommendation, although I can‘t say much that hasn‘t already been mentioned (motivation to teach, expertise, friendliness). I rarely see you ingame, probably due to the difference in time zones, so most interactions happen over the discord, where you‘re welcoming, offering general advice and answers in both the rp and the questions channel.
As skotcher mentioned, more experience with other departments would be great, but in my opinion, it isn’t much of a problem. Mentors also have different areas of expertise too, and can improve by reading other people‘s mentorhelp replies. Both the ability and the motivation to teach are definitely there, which are the key elements for being a mentor. This application gets a solid +1 from me, you‘d make a great addition to the team!

[Telareti]

I've had a few interactions with Red and Observed very positive behaviour, In game Red is very interactive and chatty, I often see him starting convo's and checking in on people quite often, even faces he might not be familiar with, engaging with and teaching people, I've mostly seen Red teaching mining, but I feel he's geniunely passionate about helping people that he's willing to offer a helping hand with pretty much anything, even support over looc to antags actively trying to kill him, Out of game, Red is active and friendly in discord, I can't recall any negative interaction in game or out.

I feel with Red's positive and welcoming attitude and his passion towards supporting people, even willing to put his own plans on hold while he helps someone elses, he'll be a very positive influence and mentor in the community! Like the other replies bring up, any gaps in knowledge I feel you'd be able to build and refine as time goes on either through playing or learning from other mentors!

+1