Content Suggestion RSD Quality of Life Rework

[MasonKW]

What does this suggestion change/add/remove:
The RSD QoL Rework will hold over several items of suggestion.

1. RSD Crediting Others:
-RSD should be able to credit E-11, Nu-7, and ISD.

=The reasoning is that these 3 groups assist RSD in tests, they join a researcher's party for what they need them to do. To make their time worthy and fruitful, it would better incentivize them if not just reward them for their time and effort. We already can credit GSD and Medical, i see no real reason to why MTF and ISD shouldnt be credited by helping. Speaking to these departments, they also question why they cant be credited either.


2. RSD protection:
-RSD no longer has the ability to get firearms larger than a handgun (besides in special instances). So, give them armor.

=RSD still gets kidnapped, cross fired, shiv'd by D-Class, and shwacked by SCPs. Without the ability to get larger firearms for a while now (understandable why), RSD should be able to receive a larger amount of body armor than it already does. The dispensers only provide a small fixed amount which is understandable, but most of the time, myself and my other Execs get to an armory and throw on Full body armor. This provides only about 25 armor (or something around there).
In my time as a specialist researcher. We were able to put on a full 100 armor, and this helped me escape sudden gunfights or an SCP alot better. I would have lost many documents if not for it. If not all of RSD, then at the least leadership of Specialists and up.
I would like Researchers to be able to get at least 70 armor or more from Full body armor from armories.


3. RSD Job Slots:
-RSD has grown, the slots should now too.

=RSD introducing the Specialists, rebounding back with more executives from that, and those who wish to run Bio Res or Sr Res due to their longer interactions on the site have come to a problem. There are not enough slots.
Specialist 4 -> 6 (theres 12 positions for specialist in RSD)
Sr Res 5 -> 6 (alot of people have hit that upper point)
Bio 3 -> 5 (RSD Chemical wing is very active)
Cart 2 -> 3~4
Thaum 2 -> 3~4


4. RSD loadout:
-RSD should all have the same basic inventory. They dont.

=Pretty self explanatory. The biggest point is the lack of radios and specialists have head cams when they spawn in. Every job in RSD should have a radio and headcam. That or remove the headcams and/or radios.


5. RSD Equipment:
-Members of RSD conduct tests every day, across all means and all types of SCPs in all kinds of environments.

=The RSD wing should have a stock point of Scramblers, and NVGs, and a medical box.
Or a custom armory that provides needed equipment for tests so we arnt barging into other department's armories for a riot shield, scramblers, NVGs, armor, or medical supplies. This armory shouldnt hold any firearms.


6. RSD Seat Restructuring:
-RSD does alot in the background. ALOT. And it needs help. Heres my suggestion.

=Currently, having to manage briefing logs, grading logs, merit logs, making sure all sources/proofs are true, making sure all people are paid out that are graded excellent+, the constant meetings, updating rosters, watching the RSD watchlist, dealing with on-site issues, trying to run as RSD PR, receiving numerous projects every week from other departments, trying to keep the peace between RSD and other departments, finding people to help find things for Jrs to Sr researchers to do, making sure RSD staff as is are updated and in-line, dealing with RSD members that mess up, and the constant trek forward to look like RSD is doing something... is alot for not just 1 but 2 Directors.
Becoming Director basically removes you completely from doing your own projects or studies, removing you from the meat of the game as a researcher due to all the other work and stress put on you.
So, a restructure of the RSD job leadership system to be 3 or 5 heads. it can be the RSD Director Board. Scientist and Research wings dont really have a 'head' they have a board. A board of directors. Each one is incharge of something. As Executive, i am currently in charge of the Specialist program, Paying out RSD as the treasurer (not holding of the main funds), maintaining and creating modern docs. and so forth.
The reason for 3 or 5 is so if there is a vote, its not tied. Simple.
I have now seen 4 RSD Directors struggle and its hard to watch. I have put in my own application as DoR because i want to help, but getting into this, along side talks with all other Executives, we see that the DoRs are always overworked and underpaid. I am taking one for the team, giving up all my ability to now do projects and tests... For doing paperwork, overwatching the department, and helping managing it.


Has something similar been suggested before? If so, why is your suggestion different?:
Probably, i looked around for each section i suggested, i might be blind if there is.

Possible Positives of the suggestion (At least 2):
1. E-11, Nu-7, ISD get credit for helping RSD on tests or other matters.
2. Longer lifespan of RSD personnel and a little forgiveness if they mess up or are ambushed.
3. More slots lets people play what they've earned and have access to the SCPs they want to RP with.
4. Proper equipment for communications between all of RSD.
5. Ability to collect what you need before a test the best you can, or more if you need (such as syringes for sampling).
6. Spread out workload for more efficient and timely completed tasks. Allowing more people edit access to the logs and roasters.

Possible Negatives of the suggestion:
1. I see no downside.
2. I see no downside.
3. I see no downside.
4. Possibility of misuse of communication.
5. Location of where to put a locker (if armory used).
6. Maybe more time for initially putting someone in said position of RSD Board of Directors (BoD).

Based on the Positives &; Negatives, why should this suggestion be accepted:
RSD hasnt seen much of an update for a while. Some of these suggestions for a revamp might sound too much or need more questioning around them. I dont mind. But this is my current view since i was a Junior till now applying for DoR. Things that have become more of an issue than others. Most things her are for Quality of Life. Some of these may get through, some may not, its understandable. But i feel RSD needs a rework right about now. I see more positives in this rework than negatives.
The ability to do all this is Jobs code, placing some entities and configurating them, some script edits for the crediting, and changing some google docs.

 

[Mmmm_Cookies]

+Support

Really big emphasis on the board thing, as that would be nice. I've seen similar situations with Directors being overworked, or simply losing joy at being a Director due to the amount of things you need to constantly be doing, with no time to conduct personal projects. This is coming from someone who has been doing research since 2025 and only quit this year.

E-11 and ISD do help constantly, and thus we should be able to credit them; as it stands rn I believe only E-11 COs and ISD inspectors can credit their own men (I could be wrong). NU-7 I could see, but they help a lot less; there are rare occasions with surface anomalies or transportation to GOC or something, however.

The armor rework I would love: you can get a max of 30 armor as a non-combative, and that's roughly.... one? Maybe two gunshots, and when it comes to an SCP? It's no different. 70 armor would be more than enough to at least have a chance at surviving. Maybe a D-class has a gun in the testing line and shoots as soon as the door opens; GSD would be able to hopefully kill him in time; worst case, you go down. But your super secret 008 document that needs signatures survives.

Mason here loves research like no other and is innovative; if he thinks it'd benefit research, it would.

 

[peep69]

1. RSD Crediting Others:
-RSD should be able to credit E-11, Nu-7, and ISD.

Fair enough.

2. RSD protection:
-RSD no longer has the ability to get firearms larger than a handgun (besides in special instances). So, give them armor.

RSD should absolutely not be getting armor. You're a noncombative, it makes no sense for you to be wearing a bulletproof vest everywhere you go. The argument of "we can't get big guns" is fruitless here as well. You, as a noncombative, shouldn't be throwing yourself into combat situations.

3. RSD Job Slots:
-RSD has grown, the slots should now too.

Read the FAQ.

4. RSD loadout:
-RSD should all have the same basic inventory. They dont.

You can roleplay without a bodycamera, and if you really need one, they're available from dispensers. Adding more entity bloat (lag) would worsen the experience for all other players. Having bodycams spawn on cl4 only is good enough.

5. RSD Equipment:
-Members of RSD conduct tests every day, across all means and all types of SCPs in all kinds of environments.

RSD Wing shoukd not have a stock of everything you could ever need. You'll live if you have to interact with other departments by visiting their armory or go to a dispenser now and again.

6. RSD Seat Restructuring:
-RSD does alot in the background. ALOT. And it needs help. Heres my suggestion.

This can already be achieved by properly distributing tasks among the Executive team.

Your suggestion seems to come from a place of "I want RSD to have it as easy as possible". A lot of these changes screw up the current balance on the server by solely aiding RSD.

 

[Callahan]

+Support

Research is the primary function of the SCP Foundation generally and isn’t focused on enough

 

[MasonKW]

RSD should absolutely not be getting armor. You're a noncombative, it makes no sense for you to be wearing a bulletproof vest everywhere you go. The argument of "we can't get big guns" is fruitless here as well. You, as a noncombative, shouldn't be throwing yourself into combat situations.

Having body armor doesn't mean we can now run into combat. We can already get body armor, the target is defensive protection, that presents no offensive incentive. The combat usually comes to researchers and their safety is important, so their ability to get hit a few times while trying to get out of the fight should be obvious.

You can roleplay without a bodycamera, and if you really need one, they're available from dispensers. Adding more entity bloat (lag) would worsen the experience for all other players. Having bodycams spawn on cl4 only is good enough.

Alright, then remove them all if they are an issue, I wont mind. But radios is another point to this section.

RSD Wing shoukd not have a stock of everything you could ever need. You'll live if you have to interact with other departments by visiting their armory or go to a dispenser now and again.

Maybe not everything we ever need, but some of the basics. Also, here, let me direct you to the Access Policy. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...H3sySAn0T52s/edit?gid=322774430#gid=322774430

RSD is not allowed into any location with an armory that carries firearms. Understandable. We have been stopped and questioned about accessing these areas before. RSD does have a really good relationship with Medical and they dont mine, but were still stopped and questioned by Combat medics, kicked out by GenSec, and arrested by ISD.
But then that also leads to RSD having to always hit medical if they need something from that armory. Scramblers, NVGs, riot shield for a test, armor. ect. RSD having to rely on having D-class enter an armory and hope they pick up the riot shield for a 076-2 sword test rather than a gun is not a good idea all together. Just having a knocked down armory that only has equipment was the point.

This can already be achieved by properly distributing tasks among the Executive team.

Ya, i agree. But you think theyll give executives powers to edit docs? I feel they would only give that to specific job holders - as they currently do. Its also a security thing as its easier to become an Executive than a Director. Having a few very trusted to maintain everything over people with good apps.

Your suggestion seems to come from a place of "I want RSD to have it as easy as possible". A lot of these changes screw up the current balance on the server by solely aiding RSD.

Yes. very much so. 100%. Thats kinda what suggestions are for. making things easier and better for others. Maybe cooler or better to play with. Like how they nerfed the CI Grenadier. then slightly buffed it. This is a game, were trying to have fun. Maybe bring some logic in to help the immersion were in.

And of course the changes solely aid RSD. its called the 'RSD Quality of Life Rework'. I'm not seeing or reading anything about balancing that it would effect negatively, or from you. Construct your Criticism.

 

[YandereMuffin]

Currently, having to manage briefing logs, grading logs, merit logs, making sure all sources/proofs are true, making sure all people are paid out that are graded excellent+, the constant meetings, updating rosters, watching the RSD watchlist, dealing with on-site issues, trying to run as RSD PR, receiving numerous projects every week from other departments, trying to keep the peace between RSD and other departments, finding people to help find things for Jrs to Sr researchers to do, making sure RSD staff as is are updated and in-line, dealing with RSD members that mess up, and the constant trek forward to look like RSD is doing something... is alot for not just 1 but 2 Directors.

I am not here to underestimate the amount of work that Dpt Directors go through because I recognise it is a large task.

However so many of these things can be done super easily by a team of Execs and should not soley be on the shoulders of the DoRs.

Briefing, Merit, and Grading logs should mostly run themselves - an occasional check to ensure it is not misused or an Exec is not inactive is all that is needed. A deep dive into specific ones if complaints or reports are made can be done to further understand.

Making sure all sources/proofs are true - I don't see why Execs wouldn't be trusted to do this themselves, and if issues arise then the DoR can look further into it.

Making sure docs are paid out - I can see this being more a DoR job, but surely an Exec with a clip proof is fine then the DoR can refund the Exec.

If a DoR is doing all of these things (and others) alone then they need to use their Exec team more.

 

[peep69]

I am not here to underestimate the amount of work that Dpt Directors go through because I recognise it is a large task.

However so many of these things can be done super easily by a team of Execs and should not soley be on the shoulders of the DoRs.

Briefing, Merit, and Grading logs should mostly run themselves - an occasional check to ensure it is not misused or an Exec is not inactive is all that is needed. A deep dive into specific ones if complaints or reports are made can be done to further understand.

Making sure all sources/proofs are true - I don't see why Execs wouldn't be trusted to do this themselves, and if issues arise then the DoR can look further into it.

Making sure docs are paid out - I can see this being more a DoR job, but surely an Exec with a clip proof is fine then the DoR can refund the Exec.

If a DoR is doing all of these things (and others) alone then they need to use their Exec team more.

Ex DoR here.

The roster (on UK, at least) is automatic. All the DoR's have to do is strike execs who don't reach their merits.

Docs being paid out is kept track of by a discord thread for "Reimbursement Requests". An Exec provides a picture of them paying a guy and they get reimbursed.

A good 90% of the "responsibilities" of a Director of Research are things that can be done just fine by an Executive team.

And of course the changes solely aid RSD. its called the 'RSD Quality of Life Rework'. I'm not seeing or reading anything about balancing that it would effect negatively, or from you. Construct your Criticism.

Okay, sure!

You present this as a QoL suggestion when in reality it's a direct buff to RSD with no downsides. RSD are meant to be noncombatives; squishy, weak, vulnerable. It makes zero sense, both IC and OOC, why a researcher would have armor. "More survivability" is a pointless argument because RSD (and other noncombative roles for that matter) are not MEANT to be survivable. You're not meant to get in harm's way the way a combative is. Your argument for why you want RSD to have armor is either cope from dying too much or a grand misunderstanding of the reason the max armor amount for noncombative roles was lowered.

I'm not seeing or reading anything about balancing that it would effect negatively

An RSD with armor would survive longer while getting shot at which could give them more time to call out CI raids, or they survive the initial altercation and call it out as well. An RSD with armor could survive more hits from an SCP, leading to them calling the breach out.

An RSD with armor makes zero sense in-universe, as well, unless there's an active Chaos Insurgency hit out on them.

Maybe not everything we ever need, but some of the basics. Also, here, let me direct you to the Access Policy. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...H3sySAn0T52s/edit?gid=322774430#gid=322774430

US server only issue. Take it up with IC leadership.

Also, if you require equipment for a test which you don't usually have access to, it actually creates more roleplay to have to get approval for the equipment, then get someone to fetch it for you, etc. rather than just grabbing it yourself.

 

[Avery Snow]

1. RSD Crediting Others:
-RSD should be able to credit E-11, Nu-7, and ISD.

+Support
E-11 , NU-7 and ISD all aid in testing, Often very directly. They should be creditable. (In addition, It would stop people from metagaming ISD disguises when they can't credit someone who should be normally creditable.)

 

[RandolfHans]

It makes sense to credit e11 since they are always coming on test as it’s mandatory in HCZ however not isd they volunteer they don’t even need to be there. In fact they don’t need to be on any test. They just show up so I think that they should not be credited whatsoever.

 

[Avery Snow]

It makes sense to credit e11 since they are always coming on test as it’s mandatory in HCZ however not isd they volunteer they don’t even need to be there. In fact they don’t need to be on any test. They just show up so I think that they should not be credited whatsoever.

On the USA server, ISD is mandatory for 1162 tests and 914 tests.
ISD, like any job, should be able to be credited for the tests that they help with. They don't "just show up" they are requested for these specific tests.

 

[MasonKW]

I am not here to underestimate the amount of work that Dpt Directors go through because I recognise it is a large task.

However so many of these things can be done super easily by a team of Execs and should not soley be on the shoulders of the DoRs.

Briefing, Merit, and Grading logs should mostly run themselves - an occasional check to ensure it is not misused or an Exec is not inactive is all that is needed. A deep dive into specific ones if complaints or reports are made can be done to further understand.

Making sure all sources/proofs are true - I don't see why Execs wouldn't be trusted to do this themselves, and if issues arise then the DoR can look further into it.

Making sure docs are paid out - I can see this being more a DoR job, but surely an Exec with a clip proof is fine then the DoR can refund the Exec.

If a DoR is doing all of these things (and others) alone then they need to use their Exec team more.

The work is already spread out. I am the one in charge of the specialist program. But after the interview and background, then the rest of the Execs look into it, and make a vote; It still falls to the DoR to Update rosters & locate said person to assure whitelist. I am also in charge of paying out others for grading docs. And modernizing the Docs we have (Standard Template, Cross-testing Temp, Sampling Temp, anything else that would be standardized.) This will most likely be passed down to another person if im pushed up to DoR. Im used to this kind of work irl. Others, I can see doing it - but comfort, not so much.

Briefing and merit require a proof check and then a checkmark that theyre real. Grading logs require a proof check to get a checkmark if its a paid out grade, that proof being a screenshot of said person being paid out.

Ya, there was an issue with it in the past i hear, its why the checkmark system exists. I can see the Sr Execs having power to do doc stuff. But i dont know how well the Server leadership will look at it. Thats why i wanted to expand the number of DoRs to 3 or 5. 3 be tenable.

--

Ex DoR here.

The roster (on UK, at least) is automatic. All the DoR's have to do is strike execs who don't reach their merits.

Docs being paid out is kept track of by a discord thread for "Reimbursement Requests". An Exec provides a picture of them paying a guy and they get reimbursed.

A good 90% of the "responsibilities" of a Director of Research are things that can be done just fine by an Executive team.

Oh, ya. We need that. right now, its just send a pic to the DoR and hope he can get to it when he wakes up. Our system isnt automatic in the US.

Okay, sure!

You present this as a QoL suggestion when in reality it's a direct buff to RSD with no downsides. RSD are meant to be noncombatives; squishy, weak, vulnerable. It makes zero sense, both IC and OOC, why a researcher would have armor. "More survivability" is a pointless argument because RSD (and other noncombative roles for that matter) are not MEANT to be survivable. You're not meant to get in harm's way the way a combative is. Your argument for why you want RSD to have armor is either cope from dying too much or a grand misunderstanding of the reason the max armor amount for noncombative roles was lowered.

RSD has lacked behind others for a long while, its simply trying to catch up now.

And yes, RSD are non-combatants. But body armor also protects from SCPs just a little bit. Increasing survivability. OOC, it is very understandable of a person to wear body armor. Journalists, VIPs, politicians, generally police start giving armor to people who get death threats every now-and-then, ect.
In universe, the foundation isnt attacked everyday and doesnt have a breach every 15~60 minutes like we do. IC They wont start with this armor either, and thats the biggest point of this. They still have to go and get it from other department's armories, if it wont be added to a RSD equipment armory. I dont mind that, but thats also just for the Armory part of that suggestion, the other point was giving Scrambles, NVGs, and a med box on the wall in RSD if an armory is too much.

SCPs can still mess up researchers. If you think 70 is too much. then. 50? 682 1-taps 70 armor already. Other instances like 966 already require several hits do kill you, so more armor wouldnt even matter if worried about a call out. And most panic buttons arnt for SCPs as is.
CI now have to use 4 more bullets to kill you, oh no~.
Armor absorbing 80% of all damage received. Health receives 20% of incoming damage no matter what.
Armor points decrease by 40% of the incoming damage.
It takes 8 bullets of 34 damage to reduce 70 armor and 100 health to 0.
30 damage, 50 armor and 100hp is still 8 hits. 28 damage at 35 armor and 100hp is 7 hits.

I would understand your take more or back off more, if this was about Janitors, the technicians, or such getting more armor. But it is not. RSD doesnt get firearms or a combat unit like Medical thats dedicated to protecting them. If you say its supposed to be the paid job Cartographer, then you would suggest increasing their slot number to that of Combat Medics and giving them a proper engagement operational guide while on that job?

US server only issue. Take it up with IC leadership.

Also, if you require equipment for a test which you don't usually have access to, it actually creates more roleplay to have to get approval for the equipment, then get someone to fetch it for you, etc. rather than just grabbing it yourself.

Cant drop equipment you get from armories. Still having a D-class touching an armory that has armaments is not a good idea ever, but its what we currently have to do if they need specific equipment.

 

[Flynn 'Slayer' Taggart]

Fair enough.

RSD should absolutely not be getting armor. You're a noncombative, it makes no sense for you to be wearing a bulletproof vest everywhere you go. The argument of "we can't get big guns" is fruitless here as well. You, as a noncombative, shouldn't be throwing yourself into combat situations.

Read the FAQ.


You can roleplay without a bodycamera, and if you really need one, they're available from dispensers. Adding more entity bloat (lag) would worsen the experience for all other players. Having bodycams spawn on cl4 only is good enough.

RSD Wing shoukd not have a stock of everything you could ever need. You'll live if you have to interact with other departments by visiting their armory or go to a dispenser now and again.

This can already be achieved by properly distributing tasks among the Executive team.

Your suggestion seems to come from a place of "I want RSD to have it as easy as possible". A lot of these changes screw up the current balance on the server by solely aiding RSD.

You are literally blacklisted, this doesn't apply to you lmfao

 

[Pyrite]

Yeah you should probably have more meriting power, anyone at a test should be able to be credited by the Research staff.

You guys wear lab coats and suits. I could make the argument for Exec+ getting at least 25 armor like ISD operatives and such, but that's about it. If you get hurt, go to a medic, medical has its own gameplay loop to uphold and taking away from them is not going to solve a lot. If you desperately need armor for the purposes of a test, ask GSD or Combat Medics to use their armory. If I'm remembering correctly even ECM's don't get armor, I had to run into O-1 bunks every time I spawned to grab some armor.

Job slots are a tricky subject, not going to comment much but if they did increase them I'd be surprised.

I agree, every RSD should get a headcam and radio, or at the very least a radio. The fact they don't all get radio's off rip is a bit confusing.

You should not get a section for scrambles or NVG's. There are armories for those that you an ask access to. As for medical supplies, I've already mentioned medicals gameplay loop, don't try and take away from them. If you need medical for a test, then ask over comms for someone to attend.

There is an entire Exec team that the DoR's should be utilizing. I don't really understand what this part is suggesting, but the DoR's should not be doing absolutely everything, only the things that they should be doing. If other people can do it then they should be the ones doing it.