The Art of Attraction

Courtship is the delicate and often dangerous process of seeking a deep, interpersonal bond with another. It is the social dance that precedes the formation of a formal Relationship, a complex negotiation of desire, vulnerability, and compatibility.

Within ATET, Courtship is not a separate mini-game; it is a high-stakes application of the Social Arena system. Attraction is not a random chance, but a complex Appraisal, a two-layered cognitive process where an agent’s logical mind and resonant soul both cast their votes.

Attraction as Appraisal

When an agent considers another as a potential partner, its CognitiveSystem performs a two-stage Attraction Appraisal. This appraisal determines whether the agent will develop a [Romantic Interest] or [Sexual Interest] Belief and initiate courtship behaviors.

The Logical Filter (The Mind’s Vetting)

This is the conscious, rational assessment. The agent’s mind runs through a checklist of criteria, filtering potential partners based on its core programming of belief and experience. A “no” on any of these checks will typically halt the process.

• Orientation Match: Does the target’s perceived gender and/or biological sex align with the agent’s sexual/romantic orientation?
• Belief & Faith Compatibility: Do the target’s core Faiths and Beliefs (as revealed through conversation) align with the agent’s own? A devout zealot is unlikely to be attracted to an outspoken heretic.
• Social Tag Synergy: Do the target’s Social Tags synergize with the agent’s? An agent with a strong [social:honorable] tag will be more attracted to others who project similar virtues.
• Memory & Reputation: Does the agent’s AgentMemoryStore contain positive or negative memories of the target? A history of trust makes attraction more likely; a history of betrayal makes it nearly impossible.

The Resonance Check (The Soul’s Chemistry)

This is the subconscious, intuitive assessment. It is the “chemistry,” the spark, the unquantifiable pull that can sometimes defy logic. This check is a refined application of the core Resonance Check mechanic.

• The Mechanic (Symbolic Match): The system compares the deep Symbol Tags of the agent’s core Psychic Components with those of the target. This is a measure of soul-level compatibility.
• The Override: A powerful, positive Resonance Check can override minor negative flags from the Logical Filter. This is the mechanic that models the “enemies to lovers” trope or the “I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t help myself” drama. An agent might logically know a partner is a “bad idea,” but a deep, resonant connection between their souls can generate an attraction anyway.
• The Veto: Conversely, a powerful, negative Resonance Check (a clash of core archetypes) can veto an otherwise perfect logical match. This models the “they’re perfect on paper, but I just feel nothing” experience.

Courtship in the Social Arena

Once an agent has established an [Interest], they can begin the active process of courtship within the Social Arena. This involves using the full suite of social tools to build a bond and propose a formal relationship.

• Building Rapport: The agent will use Conversation to share personal Memories, express vulnerability, and learn about the target’s own internal world.
• Gift Giving: The agent will use the Trading system to offer gifts, items chosen to appeal to the target’s known Needs and Beliefs.
• The Proposal: The final act of courtship is to use the Negotiation verb to propose a formal [Relationship Agreement]. The success of this proposal is determined by the bond they have built and the Consent Integrity of the final decision.