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Field Manual: Contact Protocol
Your guide to deciphering the unknown and surviving first contact.

The Mission & The Traitor

We have received a transmission from an extraterrestrial civilization. A team of experts (you) has been assembled to decode their intent. Are they Benevolent friends here to uplift humanity, or Malevolent conquerors planning our demise? You must translate their messages, research their culture, and cast your vote before time runs out.

Warning: Potential Sabotage

There is a chance that one of your fellow agents is a Traitor. This is not guaranteed, but you should always be vigilant. If a Traitor exists, their goal is to ensure the team votes incorrectly or runs out of time.

Departments & Roles

Agents are drawn from three key departments. (Note: Unique role abilities will be available in a later update.)

The Sciences

  • Astronomer
  • Biologist
  • Physicist
  • Chemist

The Humanities

  • Linguist
  • Anthropologist
  • Artist
  • Historian

The Government

  • Politician
  • General
  • Engineer
  • Cryptographer

Traitor Archetypes

If a Traitor is present, their motivation depends on their department.

The Scientist (Lust for Fame)

Wants to keep the discovery for themselves. Cannot be on a Collaboration Team. They win if the team fails.

The Government (Lust for Power)

Wants to secure the technology for their nation. Must be on a Collaboration Team. They win if the team fails.

The Humanities (Alienation)

Believes humanity is flawed and the aliens are superior. They can see the true Alien Intention from the start. They win if the team fails.

Gameplay

Translation & Research

Decrypt characters to reveal the message. Perform research to uncover Facts about the aliens. Be warned: Research consumes mission time.

Collaboration

Agents can form Collaboration Teams. Working together allows you to share resources and validate findings more efficiently. However, be careful who you invite—a Traitor in your collaboration network can do significant damage.

Polls

The Host can call for a Sentiment Poll at any time. This is a non-binding vote to gauge the room's current theory (Benevolent vs Malevolent). Use this to see where consensus is building—or faltering.

Accusation & Isolation

Starting from Round 3, agents can formally Accuse another player of being a Traitor.

  • If the accusation reaches a 2/3 majority vote, the accused player is Isolated.
  • Isolated players are removed from active duty: they cannot Vote or perform Research.
  • If the vote fails, valuable time is lost, but play continues.

Voting

When the time is right, cast your final binding vote. The majority decision determines the outcome of the mission.

Winning & Losing

  • Victory: The majority votes for the CORRECT intention.
  • Defeat: The majority votes for the WRONG intention, or time runs out.

Trust no one. Verifying the data is your only safety line. Good luck, Agent.