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.

The Mechanics of Desire: 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.

Stage 1: 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.

Stage 2: 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.