Clarification on "Voice ID"

I've had a few discussions with staff and other players and it seems that no one can come to a consensus on whether or not Voice ID is powergaming or some other rulebreak.

Some clarification on whether or not Voice ID is a rule break would be great, could include caveats such as only invalid if person is wearing masks etc.

+1 would be good to get some clarification on this!

I'd say, it depends. If you recognize the voice, perhaps clothes, walking style, etc - you could assume Voice ID from that. I.e they sound like X and have similar traits to X, probably X. 

If they're totally out of character, but just have the same voice you could just ask the question - is this 'X'? If they say no, follow the normal procedure for ID'ing someone. 

I wouldn't say it's powergaming - powergaming is where you'll ultimately win a situation because of actions you've taken. Not really sure it fits into any other rulebreak apart from G 3.5 Character separation, this is where you could claim you know someone and perhaps make a situation when it might not actually be them. 

Following this, interesting topic! 

ExScylla said:

I'd say, it depends. If you recognize the voice, perhaps clothes, walking style, etc - you could assume Voice ID from that. I.e they sound like X and have similar traits to X, probably X. 

If they're totally out of character, but just have the same voice you could just ask the question - is this 'X'? If they say no, follow the normal procedure for ID'ing someone. 

I wouldn't say it's powergaming - powergaming is where you'll ultimately win a situation because of actions you've taken. Not really sure it fits into any other rulebreak apart from G 3.5 Character separation, this is where you could claim you know someone and perhaps make a situation when it might not actually be them. 

Following this, interesting topic! 

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Yeah this is why I think some clarification is needed. It leaves too much up to ambiguity imo. For example, if I'm UC as a cop, different clothes, mask etc. identifying me by my voice is technically valid. But given that I've gone to lengths to alter my appearance, posture etc. It could quite easily be me on another character which is where I think it falls short for me.

iirc it has been said many times you can voice id but not soley. you have to have another reason to ID them.  suchas tattoo or gang affliation etc. You cant just go "yu sound like"

I usually go for a, you sound familiar if they reply with something like oh shit is that you Samuel then yea it's them, if they don't i sometimes Add on a is that you ??? Or you sound alot like this person I know called ??? But only if it's appropriate like someone haveing a messaround

Alot of it will also be situational, so if they are dressed up and messing about for fun I see no reason for me not to be like is that you ??? But if it was someone robbing me and they are armed I wouldent try and be like that you under that mask as they will probably dump you

This post has had no activity, from either players or the staff team, since 2023. Since then, rule suggestions and discussions have moved to Discord. I’m reviewing and processing the older suggestions here so they don’t remain open indefinitely.

As a general rule of thumb, a character's voice cannot be the sole (only) identifying feature to justify further roleplay with them, in most cases, being some form of hostile roleplay. However, many things can identify a character. For example, you recognise a character's voice and are seeking revenge due to prior roleplay with them. However, the only thing you are certain about is that they sound the same, with no other identifying features connected to the 'wanted' character. There is a likelihood they may be on a different character entirely.

There is nothing wrong with engaging in further roleplay, such as questioning their identity or putting them under pressure; however, if it becomes clear that it's not them, you should consider that it may not be them and part ways.

What identifies a character? There are many specific and nuanced aspects that can identify someone, ultimately depending on how well the 'aggressor' knows the character. For example, their dress style, walk style, voice inflections, use of different language (slang included), mood style, mannerisms, tattoos, and belongings (vehicles, house, other associated items). Then, for example, some aspects, such as dress style, language style, and belongings, can be specific to their character's background, like a UC police officer. A UC police officer isn't difficult to spot if you know the signs, so although they may only have spoken to you, every other nuanced aspect can be a giveaway. This includes how they behave, who they interact with, etc.

It's difficult to encapsulate every nuanced aspect that identifies who someone is, so take this as a non-exhaustive list. The takeaway from this is that even though you may think you've concealed your identity, you very well may not have, unless you consider every aspect that makes your character, your character, and in a way, it's nigh on impossible to achieve completely.

Given this wasn't a rules suggestion, but a clarification, I will pop this "suggestion" into the rejected category. For those who have questions or are still uncertain about voice IDing, don't hesitate to open a ticket on Discord and ask away.