supportadmin | insight into the drift

What factors into Drift Compatibility?

Mutual trust, first and foremost. Implicit trust in your partner. Drift Compatible individuals trust each other reflexively without having to stop and think about that trust.

Friendship is the foundation of successful drifting. Respect thus becomes imperative. Individuals who do not respect each other will not be Drift Compatible. Individuals constantly competing with each other with no mutual basis of respect and trust will not be Drift Compatible.

What things in the context of the game world help determine Drift Compatibility?

In addition to the above, Drift Compatibility is mostly based on psychological compatibility. Secrets come out during the Drift, and everything that could be a big deal will be one due to the nature of the connection. Relationships can, and do, get shattered.

To that ends, extensive personality tests, psychological tests, and stress tests.

Sparring is used to get a feel for the extent that two individuals can anticipate each others movements. Dancing is another area that can show this sort of connection, and is pursued as an elective on top of sparring, with traditional gender roles switched around and left at the wayside.

Is it difficult for people who aren't blood related to avoid falling in love when they're Drift Compatible?

Not exactly. Sexualities may or may not line up, and Drift Compatible partners may or may not be mutually physically attracted to each other. Being good at the drift carries a good deal of trust as it is, so adding in mutual physical attraction can and is potent.

It comes down to people's individual decisions. The question of "Is there any reason not to?" will depend on the individuals involved, and may be simple, or may be complicated. It's not uncommon for non-related pairs with mutual attraction toward each other to have a few late night dalliances, but it may or may not go anywhere as a relationship. It's every bit as common for non-related pairs with mutual attraction to never do anything about it. Drift Compatibility is not a statement on romantic compatibility, nor is it any sort of soul-mate situation. Mind mates? Possibly! It's important to note that cadets are strongly advised against forming romantic relationships with their drifting partners. In fact, during the initial 3 month training period it is not allowed between any potential drifting partners, and is a strongly enforced, punishable offense. After the initial period, however, no punishment will come of these romantic trysts unless they interfere with the work at hand. It is still highly frowned upon in official capacity, but aside from a few notes in your characters permanent record they have very little to fear as they freely pursue their casual and/or long term relationships with whomever they chose.

Exactly how intimate is drifting with someone?

Drifting is more intimate than sex in one sense, being a raw and completely unfiltered joining of minds, memories, and consciousness. That doesn't make it a pleasurable experience, simply a more intense one.

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