A bot who logs with a username that is apparently identical to that of a mod (<ER> or w/e) and sits in spectator mode. Intended to discourage teamkilling and cheating. Only kicks in when no mods are online, or after X minutes pass and no mod handles a ?cheater event. Also does not kick in 100% of the time, and logs out after random(2,7) minutes, for the sake of realism. We don't want to fuel the impression that mods are logged in and refusing to host. It is critical to maintain the illusion of human simulation, albeit without going too far. So the plastic owl must have many names, and follow other humanizing protocols (see below).
Snazzy options:
(1) Let each mod activate his/her own bot impersonator upon logging out or going afk. So when e.g. Taxi <ER> logs out, his impersonator is activated in the impersonator pool, to be summoned if needed (see below).
(2) Include basic human simulation:
* Parse private messages and pub chat for the inevitable pleas for hosting. For PMs, respond with a variation of "not right now, just doing some police work". For pub chat, "don't have time, just logged in for a minute". Response should be somewhat delayed, not immediate, to create illusion that mod is busy. Some messages ignored.
* Small talk: "Has anyone seen (movie recently released)?" (minute later) "not sure what I think"/ "(Famous actress) is so hot" or "Who saw the (sports team who played recently) game?"
(3) Combine a "summon" functionality with TK detection. If a player commits, e.g., 3 or more TKs within a 10 minute period, or receives 2 or more ?cheater calls in a 10 minute period, one of the bots from the pool of impersonators is summoned to the arena.
(4) Mild TK intervention: If a TK or ?cheater call is received on the same offending player(s) who triggered the summons while the impersonator is "watching," send a PM to the offender something like "watch the TKs, buddy" or "baaaad %tickname!" Also, intercept and enhance the repeat ?cheater calls on offending players so that there is a note of greater urgency and a greater likelihood of real human intervention.
I could elaborate but I think you get the idea.
