TGMC:Guide to Research

This page is a part of the TGMC wiki. TGMC is a project based on the CM-SS13 codebase.

H.E.L.I.O.S. says: "Welcome, doctor. Would you like to play a game... of chance?"

Abstract

The days of sitting in medbay begging for Xenomorph eggs are over. Thanks to a substantial grant from the heads at Nanotransen, as well as an increased need for surface artifact samples, the parameters of the researcher's operational guidelines have been redefined.

While performing artifact surveys is your primary duty, keep in mind that you're still a member of medical staff. As such, it will still be prudent to provide groundside medical assistance to the marines during your downtime.

So, take up your trowel, because we've got analysis to do. Best to armor up; you'll hate to lose your head.

Materials and Methods

Your studies will revolve around collecting Subterranean Artifacts. These are collected using a distinct tool, the Subterranean Scanner and Excavator; in the event you lose your set, there are 5 spares in the NanotrasenMed Plus vendor.

The subterranean excavator, used for drilling into groundside artifact sites.

Subterranean Artifacts

By reviewing your minimap, you'll see a number of marked positions throughout the colony. These are excavation points. Travel to them, and use your excavator near the zone by pressing your Unique Action hotkey. As long as you're within 3 tiles of the artifact, you'll begin excavating.

The yellow icons indicate unusual substance excavation sites. These will yield between 2-4 unusual samples, represented by pink orbs.

The green icons indicate xenomorph sample excavation sites. These will yield between 2-4 xenomorph samples.

Excavation will generate research artifacts after a short delay. These artifacts will be stored for future study; make sure to have ample storage space to avoid making repetitive trips. Consider taking an empty backpack with you on excursions.

Each artifact spot can only be used once. There will only ever be 10 spots active at a time, and vacant slots will be relocated and removed after a 5 minute timer.

Sample Analysis

Once you have collected a sample, it will require research before it can yield anything useful. This research is performed through the research console:

The Research Console

Assuming the research console is empty, click on it with a collected sample to insert it. Then, interact with the console to open its interface, and press the Research button to begin researching. After a short delay, you'll receive a reward.

Results

The rewards for research are divided into four categories of rarity: Basic, Common, Uncommon, and Rare. When research is performed on a sample, you have a percentage chance to receive a reward based on increasing rarity levels.

Note that the rewards for unusual substance research and xenomorph research are independent of each other. For example, the cloaking implant is unique to the xenomorph research field, while the armblade is unique to the unusual substance research field.

The various rarities and reward tiers are as follows:

Sample Rarity Tiers

Rarity	Xenomorph Sample	Unusual Sample
Basic	100%	100%
Common	15%	30%
Uncommon	7%	20%
Rare	1%	5%

Rewards are determined by rolling your probability from the top-down. For example, when rolling for an unusual sample, the analyzer first rolls a 5% probability for a rare quality reward. If successful, that will be the output for the sample; if failed, the analyzer will progress down the list, rolling a 20% for an uncommon quality reward. This downward path continues in the event of continuous failures, until the analyzer hits the 100% chance for a basic reward after failing all higher tiers.

Rewards

The most common reward for researching samples is a currency subsidy, represented by a green coin. These are of varying values, depending on the rolled rarity of the analyzed sample. These can be sold by requisitions in order to convert their value into research points.

In addition to the research subsidy points granted from research samples, you may encounter various unique items from your scanning. These include:

• Blood Recovery Implant, passively increasing the rate of blood regeneration in its host.
• Cloaking Implant, granting a latent cloaking ability to its host. Activate through the HUD.
• Mantis Blade, giving the user an extendable forceps blade implanted into an arm. Activate through the HUD.

Research Reward Tiers

Research Tier:	Xenomorph Samples:	Unusual Samples:
Basic: (100%|100%)	A basic research subsidy, worth 50 points. A common research subsidy, worth 150 points.	A basic research subsidy, worth 50 points. A common research subsidy, worth 150 points.
Common: (15%|30%)	An uncommon research subsidy, worth 250 points.	A common research subsidy, worth 150 points. An uncommon research subsidy, worth 250 points.
Uncommon: (7%|20%)	An uncommon research subsidy, worth 250 points. A Blood Recovery Implanter.	An uncommon research subsidy, worth 250 points. A Mantis Blade Implanter.
Rare: (1%|5%)	A rare research subsidy, worth 800 points. A Cloaking Implanter.	A rare research subsidy, worth 800 points.

Discussion

• Many of your artifact sites may be distant from the marine lines. Bring ample defense weaponry or marine support before attempting to recover, or you may have to deal with an ambush.
• There's no need to return to the research lab every time you're full on samples. The locks on the research console are easily removable from its interface, so you can bring the entire apparatus to the surface with you.
• In essence, research is a game of chance. To maximize your odds of getting useful equipment, procure as many samples as possible.