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Xenoarcheology is a method of point generation for [[Research_and_Development|R&D]] utilizing randomly generated artifacts. It is the job of [[scientist|scientists]] to discover and activate the secrets of these artifacts.
{{Callout|Info|h=<big>Uh oh, this page is still under research!</big>|Due to the nature of science, this page can be out of date or lacking information. This page will be updated as soon as we can. We thank you for your patience crewmate!|align=Center|image=Kaleigh.png}}
Xenoarcheology (''aka «xeno»'') is a method of point generation for [[Research_and_Development|R&D]] utilizing randomly generated artifacts. It is the job of [[scientist|scientists]] to discover and activate the secrets of these artifacts.


__TOC__
__TOC__


== Equipment ==
== Equipment ==
The actual experimentation of artifacts uses a variety of equipment that can be found scattered around the station. This specifically focuses on the specific items used and contained within the xenoarcheology lab.
The actual experimentation of artifacts uses a variety of equipment that can be found scattered around the [[Maps|station]]. This specifically focuses on the specific items used and contained within the Xenoarcheology lab.
=== Analysis Console ===
[[File:Analysis Console.png|border|84px]]


[[File:Analysis-console-ui.png|thumb|400px|''The analysis console ui before a scan.'']]
The analysis console is the main method of getting information about the artifacts that are being researched. In order to properly use it, it must be linked to an artifact analyzer via multitool as well as have a research server selected.
=== Analysis Console ===


[[File:Analysis-console-full.png|128px]]
From the console itself, the screen displays information about the last artifact scanned.  


The analysis console is the main method of getting information about the artifacts that are being researched. In order to properly use it, it must be linked to an artifact analyzer via multitool as well as have a research server selected.
[[File:UI_before_menu.png|alt=The analysis console's UI before any scanning has occurred.|600px|class=smooth-render]]


From the console itself, the screen displays information about the last artifact scanned. The buttons along the side perform various functions:
The buttons along the side perform various functions:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 19: Line 21:
! Button Name !! Description
! Button Name !! Description
|-
|-
| Server List || Opens a menu for selecting a research server.
|{{button|Server List}}|| Opens a {{button|Server List}} of RD servers that can be selected from and connected to.
|-
|{{button|Scan}}|| {{button|Scan}} the artifact currently on top of the linked pad. Scanning has a large energy intake and takes about a minute to complete for base-level artifact analyzers.
|-
|-
| Scan || Scans the artifact currently on top of the linked pad. Scanning has a large energy intake and takes about a minute to complete for base-level artifact analyzers.
|{{button|Print}}|| {{button|Print}} a paper copy of the scan. Can only print one copy per scan. Useful for manually organizing scans.
|-
|-
| Print || Prints a paper copy of the scan. Can only print one copy per scan. Useful for manually organizing scans.
|{{button|Up}} / {{button|Down}}
|Directs the artifact to go {{button|Up}} or {{button|Down}} in depth. Control this wisely and you will be able to fully extract value from the artifact.
|-
|-
| Destroy || Destroys the artifact, converting it into research points for the selected server.
|{{button|Extract}}|| {{button|Extracts}} any earned research points from activated nodes, and sends them to the selected server. This can be done again, as long as more nodes are activated.
|}
|}


=== Artifact Analyzer ===
=== Artifact Analyzer ===
[[File:Analyzer-full.png|128px]]
[[File:Analyzer-full.png|alt=Artifact Analyzer icon|84px]]


The artifact analyzer is a machine used in conjunction with the analysis console to scan artifacts to discover information about them. It can be upgraded with machine parts in order to reduce its power intake as well as the duration of its scans. Artifacts are scanned by placing them on this machine and then pressing the "scan" button on the console, which will cause it to scan. The scan will be interrupted by either the artifact being moved off of the artifact analyser or by the artifact being activated.
The artifact analyzer is a machine used in conjunction with the analysis console to scan artifacts to discover information about them. Artifacts are scanned by placing them on this machine and then pressing the {{button|Scan}} button on the console, which will cause it to scan. The scan will be interrupted by either the artifact being moved off of the artifact analyzer or by the artifact being activated.


== Artifacts ==
== Artifacts ==
[[File:Artifact-lineup.png|448px]]
[[File:Xeno artifacts.png|border|896px|center]]
 
Artifacts are the core of Xenoarcheology and are what scientists will be analyzing and experimenting on. Artifacts can take on a variety of random appearances and can be acquired in various ways, such as through finding them in the lab at the start of the round, purchasing them from [[Cargo_Technician|Cargo]], getting them from [[Salvaging|Salvage]], or finding them from the Bluespace Artifact station event.
 
Artifacts consist of randomly generated "trees" which dictates the artifacts behavior. Each tree consists of various "nodes" which the artifact can be inside of. Nodes each contain a "trigger" and an "effect". Effects can be both passive, constantly occurring while inside the node, or active, occurring only when the artifacts trigger is met. Triggers cause the artifact to shift to an adjacent node in the tree. The direction of the depth shift is guided by either {{button|Up}} or {{button|Down}} through the analysis console.


Artifacts are the core of Xenoarcheology and are what scientists will be analyzing and experimenting on. Artifacts can take on a variety of random appearances and can be acquired in various ways, such as through finding them in the lab at the start of the round, purchasing them from [[Cargo_Technician|Cargo]], getting them from [[Salvaging|Salvage]], or finding them from the Bluespace Anomaly station event.
The activation of the various nodes is the main goal of Xenoarcheology. Unlocking the nodes of an artifact increases its value, both in research points and in [[spesos]].


Artifacts consist of randomly generated "trees" which dictates the artifacts behavior. Each tree consists of various "nodes" which the artifact can be inside of. Nodes each contain a "trigger" and an "effect". Effects can be both passive, constantly occurring while inside the node, or active, occurring only when the artifacts trigger is met. Triggers cause the artifact to shift to a random adjacent node in the tree.
== Tools ==


The activation of the various nodes is the main goal of Xenoarcheology. Unlocking the nodes of an artifact increases its value, both in research points and in spacebucks.
=== Node Scanner ===
{{Slotted image|Node scanner.png|alt=Node scanner equipment icon|dims=84px}}
 
The node scanner is a valuable piece of equipment that will speed up the artifact activation process. The node scanner when used on an artifact will tell you the active NODE_ID of the artifact.
 
If you are a diligent printer of node information then you would be able to compare the NODE_ID of the artifact to the node papers you have collected. If a NODE_ID shows a number that matches one of your saved node papers, then you may skip the analysis console scanning process entirely. This process would save you 30 seconds for the scan!


== Analysis Interpretation ==
== Analysis Interpretation ==
[[File:Analysis-console-scan.png]]
[[File:UI after menu.png|alt=The analysis console's UI after a scan has occurred.|center|class=smooth-render]]
 
It is important to note that each scan functions as a static snapshot of the current node. It does not update with the artifact and will only update when scanned again.


Each scan of the artifact analyzer gives various data about the artifact:
Each scan of the artifact analyzer gives various data about the artifact:
Line 52: Line 68:
| NODE_ID || ID || A unique ID number corresponding to each node. Can be used for identification.
| NODE_ID || ID || A unique ID number corresponding to each node. Can be used for identification.
|-
|-
| DEPTH || Node tree depth || The distance from the starting node of the tree. Higher depths correspond to more dangerous and harder to activate artifacts which in turn increase the value when discovered.
| DEPTH || Node tree depth || The distance from the starting node of the tree. The higher the depth number is will correspond to how dangerous and valuable the artifact will be.
|-
|-
| ACTIVATED || Activation || Whether or not the "trigger" for the node has been activated.
| ACTIVATED || Activation || Whether or not the "trigger" for the node has been activated.
Line 62: Line 78:
| EDGES || Neighboring nodes || The number of nodes that are adjacent to the current node. This is the number of different options for traversal when the artifact is activated.
| EDGES || Neighboring nodes || The number of nodes that are adjacent to the current node. This is the number of different options for traversal when the artifact is activated.
|-
|-
| CURRENT_VALUE || Point value || The number of research points that the artifact will give if destroyed.
| UNEXTRACTED_VALUE || Point value || The number of research points that the artifact will provide if the {{button|Extract}} button on the analysis console is pressed.
|}
|}
It is important to note that each scan functions as a static snapshot of the current node. It does not update with the artifact and will only update when scanned again.


===Stimulus===
===Stimulus===
Some examples of stimulus interpretations (i.e. how to cause the artifact to make a reaction):
Some examples of stimulus interpretations (i.e. how to cause the artifact to make a reaction):
* Hydro-reactive - Spray a fire extinguisher
{{Callout|Warning|''Spoilers ahead be warned!!!''}}
* Sonic Vibrations - Play a musical instrument close to the artifact
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" id="mw-customcollapsible-stims-table"
* Magnetic Vibrations - Equip Magboots and walk on the artifact
|-
* Extreme Pressure - Carry the artifact into space or space the room it is in (use caution and common sense here. This does not give you the right to endanger others or demand a hardsuit)
! Stimulus
* Physical Trauma - Punch the artifact or hit it with a blunt object via [[Combat|Combat Mode]]. This may take several hits
! What to do?
* Electricity - Touch it with a multi tool
! <span class="mw-customtoggle-stims-table">{{button|Spoilers!}}</span>
|-
| Hydro-reactive || colspan="2" | Activated through water interaction. Splash a water bottle, use a fire extinguisher, or a spray bottle.
|-
| Sonic Vibrations|| colspan="2" | Play a [[Musical Instruments|musical instrument]] close to the artifact.
|-
| Magnetic Waves || colspan="2" | Equip Magboots and activate them near the artifact
|-
| Extreme Pressure || colspan="2" | Carry the artifact into space or space the room it is in (use caution and common sense here. This does not give you the right to endanger others or demand a hardsuit). Can also require higher end of the spectrum - filling the room with gases until a super-high pressure is reached (use pumps for this).
|-
| Physical Trauma || colspan="2" | Punch the artifact or hit it with a blunt object via [[Combat|Combat Mode]]. This may take several hits.
|-
| Electricity || colspan="2" | Touch it with a multi-tool.
|-
| Active Deceleration || colspan="2" | Throw the artifact.
|-
| No Stimulus || colspan="2" | Time based, wait for X amount of time.
|-
| Life Essence || colspan="2" | Kill something nearby (not a crewmate!). Insects, monkeys, mothroaches all work.
|-
| Hemalogical || colspan="2" | Toss Blood on it using either a beaker of blood or use a syringe to fill a Spray Bottle with Blood then use the spray bottle.
|-
| Tool Usage || colspan="2" | Use a Wrench on the artifact, make sure it is unanchored afterwards.
|-
| Examination || colspan="2" | Examine the artifact.
|-
| Radiation || colspan="2" | Provide radiation to the artifact. Stab with a uranium spear or use a cancer mouse.
|-
|Standard atmospheric gases
| colspan="2" |[[Atmospherics|Add]] a good amount of either Oxygen, Nitrogen, or (most likely) Carbon dioxide gas into the room that has the artifact.
|-
|High Temperatures
| colspan="2" |Touch with a lit Welding torch.
|-
|Gaseous Plasma
| colspan="2" |[[Atmospherics|Add]] a good amount of Plasma gas into the room that has the artifact in it. (Caution: Plasma gas is highly toxic and flammable)
|}
 
=== Reaction ===
When activated the artifact will produce a reaction.  Not all effect reactions have a name but can be triggered anyways.  Some of the examples of what could occur after being activated:
{{Callout|Warning|''Spoilers ahead be warned!!!''}}
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" id="mw-customcollapsible-reaction-table"
!Reaction
!What does it do?
! <span class="mw-customtoggle-reaction-table">{{button|Spoilers!}}</span>
|-
|Point Light (No Hint)
| colspan="2" |The artifact will produce light in a 8 tile radius.
|-
|Biochemical Disruption
| colspan="2" |Spawns a puddle or foam. The chemical is chosen from a few lists that depend on the depth of the artifact.
|-
|Cerebral Influence
| colspan="2" |Will give a random message saying you generally feel either good or bad.
|-
|Matter Creation
| colspan="2" |Will vary from spawning trash and bananas at higher depths (1-2) to spawning a random Anomaly at lower depths. (3+)
|-
|Electrical Interference
| colspan="2" |Will harmlessly flicker the nearby electrical devices.
|-
|Environmental Distruption
| colspan="2" |Will range from a non-structural explosion at higher depths (1-2) to a massive structural explosion depending on lower depths. (3+)
|-
|Metaphysical Displacement
| colspan="2" |Will either randomly teleport itself to a moderate distance or teleport a sentient creature to it.
|-
|Transmogrificational Activity
| colspan="2" |Can polymorph other nearby creatures into a glass creature or a lizard.
|-
|Energy Release
| colspan="2" |Can either release heat, charge batteries, become mildly radioactive, become highly radioactive, or Ignite all nearby creatures and objects.
|-
|Energy consumption
| colspan="2" |The artifact will offput cold temperatures till it reaches 50 kelvin in the room
|-
|Magnetic waves
| colspan="2" |The artifact will create a gravity well, attracting nearby objects to orbit it.
|-
|Visual Distortions
| colspan="2" |Will cause the artifact to be nearly invisible.
|-
|Station-wide Destruction
| colspan="2" |{{Callout|Danger|Will either spawn '''the singularity''' or '''tesla'''. '''EXTREMELY DANGEROUS'''. Depth 10 exclusive.}}
|}
=== Artifact Utility Effects ===
When the artifact is triggered it can sometimes be provided with a permanent utility effect. The effects that can occur includes:
{{Callout|Warning|''Spoilers ahead be warned!!!''}}
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" id="mw-customcollapsible-artifact-utility-effects-table"
!Reactions
!Name of Effect
!Use for Effect
!<span class="mw-customtoggle-artifact-utility-effects-table">{{button|Spoilers!}}</span>
|-
|Long-distance communication
|[[Intercom]]
| colspan="2" |Provides an intercom with all channels except syndicate.
|-
|Internal chamber
|[[Storage|Item storage]]
| colspan="2" |The artifact will have a storage capacity of a 10x5 grid
|-
|Internal chamber
|[[Storage|Solution storage]]
| colspan="2" |The artifact can hold 150u of any liquid, similar to a beaker.
|-
|Serrated rotator
|Drill
| colspan="2" |The artifact can be used as a sharp weapon that does 18 pierce and 4 blunt damage.
|-
|Small entity accelerator
|[[Weapons#Ballistic Weapons|Big Iron]]
| colspan="2" |The artifact will work like a 7 chamber magnum pistol.
|-
|Neurological activity
|[[Ghost|Sentience]]
| colspan="2" |The artifact will become sentient and thus available as a ghost role.
|-
|Utility conglomerate
|[[Tools|Multi tool]]
| colspan="2" |The artifact can be used as the following tool uses: screwing, prying, anchoring, cutting, and pulsing.
|-
|Cerebral Influence
|[[Musical Instruments|Instrument]]
| colspan="2" |The artifact will have the ability to be played like a randomly picked instrument.
|-
|Metaphysical Displacement
|Wandering
| colspan="2" |The artifact will wander in random directions. It cannot be anchored.
|-
|Metaphysical Displacement
|Speed
| colspan="2" |The artifact will provide the creature holding it a 30% speed increase.
|-
|Energy Release
|[[Power|Power Generator]]
| colspan="2" |The artifact will provide 20,000kw when anchored to an HV wire.
|-
|Structural Phashing
|Phasing
| colspan="2" |
|}

Revision as of 10:10, 15 August 2024

Uh oh, this page is still under research!
Due to the nature of science, this page can be out of date or lacking information. This page will be updated as soon as we can. We thank you for your patience crewmate!

Xenoarcheology (aka «xeno») is a method of point generation for R&D utilizing randomly generated artifacts. It is the job of scientists to discover and activate the secrets of these artifacts.

Equipment

The actual experimentation of artifacts uses a variety of equipment that can be found scattered around the station. This specifically focuses on the specific items used and contained within the Xenoarcheology lab.

Analysis Console

The analysis console is the main method of getting information about the artifacts that are being researched. In order to properly use it, it must be linked to an artifact analyzer via multitool as well as have a research server selected.

From the console itself, the screen displays information about the last artifact scanned.

The analysis console's UI before any scanning has occurred.

The buttons along the side perform various functions:

Button Name Description
Server List Opens a Server List of RD servers that can be selected from and connected to.
Scan Scan the artifact currently on top of the linked pad. Scanning has a large energy intake and takes about a minute to complete for base-level artifact analyzers.
Print Print a paper copy of the scan. Can only print one copy per scan. Useful for manually organizing scans.
Up / Down Directs the artifact to go Up or Down in depth. Control this wisely and you will be able to fully extract value from the artifact.
Extract Extracts any earned research points from activated nodes, and sends them to the selected server. This can be done again, as long as more nodes are activated.

Artifact Analyzer

Artifact Analyzer icon

The artifact analyzer is a machine used in conjunction with the analysis console to scan artifacts to discover information about them. Artifacts are scanned by placing them on this machine and then pressing the Scan button on the console, which will cause it to scan. The scan will be interrupted by either the artifact being moved off of the artifact analyzer or by the artifact being activated.

Artifacts

Artifacts are the core of Xenoarcheology and are what scientists will be analyzing and experimenting on. Artifacts can take on a variety of random appearances and can be acquired in various ways, such as through finding them in the lab at the start of the round, purchasing them from Cargo, getting them from Salvage, or finding them from the Bluespace Artifact station event.

Artifacts consist of randomly generated "trees" which dictates the artifacts behavior. Each tree consists of various "nodes" which the artifact can be inside of. Nodes each contain a "trigger" and an "effect". Effects can be both passive, constantly occurring while inside the node, or active, occurring only when the artifacts trigger is met. Triggers cause the artifact to shift to an adjacent node in the tree. The direction of the depth shift is guided by either Up or Down through the analysis console.

The activation of the various nodes is the main goal of Xenoarcheology. Unlocking the nodes of an artifact increases its value, both in research points and in spesos.

Tools

Node Scanner

Node scanner equipment icon

The node scanner is a valuable piece of equipment that will speed up the artifact activation process. The node scanner when used on an artifact will tell you the active NODE_ID of the artifact.

If you are a diligent printer of node information then you would be able to compare the NODE_ID of the artifact to the node papers you have collected. If a NODE_ID shows a number that matches one of your saved node papers, then you may skip the analysis console scanning process entirely. This process would save you 30 seconds for the scan!

Analysis Interpretation

The analysis console's UI after a scan has occurred.

It is important to note that each scan functions as a static snapshot of the current node. It does not update with the artifact and will only update when scanned again.

Each scan of the artifact analyzer gives various data about the artifact:

In-Game Phrase Meaning Description
NODE_ID ID A unique ID number corresponding to each node. Can be used for identification.
DEPTH Node tree depth The distance from the starting node of the tree. The higher the depth number is will correspond to how dangerous and valuable the artifact will be.
ACTIVATED Activation Whether or not the "trigger" for the node has been activated.
STIMULUS Trigger A hint about the specific trigger for this node. Usually gives a good idea about what activates the artifact.
REACTION Effect A hint about the effect for this node. Usually is vague and non-specific.
EDGES Neighboring nodes The number of nodes that are adjacent to the current node. This is the number of different options for traversal when the artifact is activated.
UNEXTRACTED_VALUE Point value The number of research points that the artifact will provide if the Extract button on the analysis console is pressed.

Stimulus

Some examples of stimulus interpretations (i.e. how to cause the artifact to make a reaction):

Warning
Spoilers ahead be warned!!!
Stimulus What to do? Spoilers!
Hydro-reactive Activated through water interaction. Splash a water bottle, use a fire extinguisher, or a spray bottle.
Sonic Vibrations Play a musical instrument close to the artifact.
Magnetic Waves Equip Magboots and activate them near the artifact
Extreme Pressure Carry the artifact into space or space the room it is in (use caution and common sense here. This does not give you the right to endanger others or demand a hardsuit). Can also require higher end of the spectrum - filling the room with gases until a super-high pressure is reached (use pumps for this).
Physical Trauma Punch the artifact or hit it with a blunt object via Combat Mode. This may take several hits.
Electricity Touch it with a multi-tool.
Active Deceleration Throw the artifact.
No Stimulus Time based, wait for X amount of time.
Life Essence Kill something nearby (not a crewmate!). Insects, monkeys, mothroaches all work.
Hemalogical Toss Blood on it using either a beaker of blood or use a syringe to fill a Spray Bottle with Blood then use the spray bottle.
Tool Usage Use a Wrench on the artifact, make sure it is unanchored afterwards.
Examination Examine the artifact.
Radiation Provide radiation to the artifact. Stab with a uranium spear or use a cancer mouse.
Standard atmospheric gases Add a good amount of either Oxygen, Nitrogen, or (most likely) Carbon dioxide gas into the room that has the artifact.
High Temperatures Touch with a lit Welding torch.
Gaseous Plasma Add a good amount of Plasma gas into the room that has the artifact in it. (Caution: Plasma gas is highly toxic and flammable)

Reaction

When activated the artifact will produce a reaction. Not all effect reactions have a name but can be triggered anyways. Some of the examples of what could occur after being activated:

Warning
Spoilers ahead be warned!!!
Reaction What does it do? Spoilers!
Point Light (No Hint) The artifact will produce light in a 8 tile radius.
Biochemical Disruption Spawns a puddle or foam. The chemical is chosen from a few lists that depend on the depth of the artifact.
Cerebral Influence Will give a random message saying you generally feel either good or bad.
Matter Creation Will vary from spawning trash and bananas at higher depths (1-2) to spawning a random Anomaly at lower depths. (3+)
Electrical Interference Will harmlessly flicker the nearby electrical devices.
Environmental Distruption Will range from a non-structural explosion at higher depths (1-2) to a massive structural explosion depending on lower depths. (3+)
Metaphysical Displacement Will either randomly teleport itself to a moderate distance or teleport a sentient creature to it.
Transmogrificational Activity Can polymorph other nearby creatures into a glass creature or a lizard.
Energy Release Can either release heat, charge batteries, become mildly radioactive, become highly radioactive, or Ignite all nearby creatures and objects.
Energy consumption The artifact will offput cold temperatures till it reaches 50 kelvin in the room
Magnetic waves The artifact will create a gravity well, attracting nearby objects to orbit it.
Visual Distortions Will cause the artifact to be nearly invisible.
Station-wide Destruction
Danger
Will either spawn the singularity or tesla. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. Depth 10 exclusive.

Artifact Utility Effects

When the artifact is triggered it can sometimes be provided with a permanent utility effect. The effects that can occur includes:

Warning
Spoilers ahead be warned!!!
Reactions Name of Effect Use for Effect Spoilers!
Long-distance communication Intercom Provides an intercom with all channels except syndicate.
Internal chamber Item storage The artifact will have a storage capacity of a 10x5 grid
Internal chamber Solution storage The artifact can hold 150u of any liquid, similar to a beaker.
Serrated rotator Drill The artifact can be used as a sharp weapon that does 18 pierce and 4 blunt damage.
Small entity accelerator Big Iron The artifact will work like a 7 chamber magnum pistol.
Neurological activity Sentience The artifact will become sentient and thus available as a ghost role.
Utility conglomerate Multi tool The artifact can be used as the following tool uses: screwing, prying, anchoring, cutting, and pulsing.
Cerebral Influence Instrument The artifact will have the ability to be played like a randomly picked instrument.
Metaphysical Displacement Wandering The artifact will wander in random directions. It cannot be anchored.
Metaphysical Displacement Speed The artifact will provide the creature holding it a 30% speed increase.
Energy Release Power Generator The artifact will provide 20,000kw when anchored to an HV wire.
Structural Phashing Phasing
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