Alien Psychology

[David Johnston2]

OK so there's this species of aliens. Racially they hate direct interaction with any large lifeform outside of their clan. They don't want to be seen. THey won't talk to you directly if they can avoid it, preferring to use cybernetic proxies or the written word. They fight by setting traps as much as possible, but will fiercely attack if denied the opportunity to hide or withdraw.

So...what do you think? Obsession?

[Gold & Appel Inc]

Sounds like Xenophobia to me.

[Flyndaran]

Originally Posted by Gold & Appel Inc

Sounds like Xenophobia to me.

Definitely a limited form of severe social phobia aka Xenophobia.

I often wondered about making fairies like that. They don't necessarilly hate people, but absolutely cannot stand direct in person interactions.
In most contexts, Xenophobia includes intolerances and hate more than reticence or avoidance fear.

[Gold & Appel Inc]

Originally Posted by Flyndaran

In most contexts, Xenophobia includes intolerances and hate more than reticence or avoidance fear.

Sure, but this is GURPS. If you want them fearful but tolerant, don't give them Intolerance.

[Flyndaran]

Originally Posted by Gold & Appel Inc

Sure, but this is GURPS. If you want them fearful but tolerant, don't give them Intolerance.

That would require a very inhuman alien mindset. Ha.
As it's nearly impossible for us to fear but not dislike and eventually despise what we fear.

[vicky_molokh]

Originally Posted by Flyndaran

As it's nearly impossible for us to fear but not dislike and eventually despise what we fear.

Horror films. Parachuting. Some sexual activities for some people.
At least some fraction of humans have things that they persistently fear and keep fearing even after multiple repeat exposure, while simultaneously liking them.

[Frost]

Originally Posted by Flyndaran

That would require a very inhuman alien mindset. Ha.
As it's nearly impossible for us to fear but not dislike and eventually despise what we fear.

It still seems appropriate, it actually sounded like one of the examples of alternative interpretations for disadvantages from pyramid 3/35. It isn't but it is very much in keeping with them. If you need a further convincer perhaps team it with either low aggression (probably represented by something off the lower end of he pacifism spectrum) and or curiosity (for Vicky's disgusted fascination).

All this makes me very curious about these guys generally. Do you plan on posting more on them?

[(E)]

There is a race in Jack Cambell's lost fleet series that has the same psychology.

[vicky_molokh]

Originally Posted by Frost

It still seems appropriate, it actually sounded like one of the examples of alternative interpretations for disadvantages from pyramid 3/35. It isn't but it is very much in keeping with them. If you need a further convincer perhaps team it with either low aggression (probably represented by something off the lower end of he pacifism spectrum) and or curiosity (for Vicky's disgusted fascination).

All this makes me very curious about these guys generally. Do you plan on posting more on them?

For the record, I didn't mean disgusted fascination. I meant exactly what I wrote:
People who fear some things but want them, spend effort on overcoming the fear and getting what they want, are happy with the whole affair, but don't get rid of the fear, and thus spend effort again to overcome it again. It's really emotionally close to the parachuting example (for people who never quite get rid of fear of heights despite multiple jumps).

[David Johnston2]

Originally Posted by Gold & Appel Inc

Sounds like Xenophobia to me.

The mechanics aren't those of a phobia. No fright checks. Instead they become coldly enraged if you don't humour their aversion.