savmods | COMMUNICATIONS

Communications: A. C. E.

Built from the remains of old Savrii tech, the Avagi Communication Extensions function as the station's default method of remote contact. They offer text, audio, and video communication through both mass broadcasts and private calls, and can be filtered to or away from any subset of the available directory. They also (uniquely) can transmit through Avagi's portals—unless an event states otherwise, you can broadcast to and from the station when exploring.

Physically, most ACEs appear as a slim, streamlined wristband. When touched, they project a holo-screen and keyboard that can be customized further to an individual's needs. Badge-mounted options are available as well for those too large or too non-humanoid to make use of the wristband, and some variation does exist in color and shape. While moderately durable and proof against casual submersion, ACEs can be smashed, drowned, or otherwise destroyed.

Where do I get one?

A room down the hall from the Ingress Memorial has been converted to a storage space. The workbench there contains a stockpile that is regularly replenished by the Tech Team. Taskbots in the area have been programmed to direct new arrivals to this space. This is generally where they will hear the pre-recorded explanation of their circumstance as well.

So I can take fifty?

In theory! In practice, each ACE is equipped with the same (bio)signature detection as the locks. While a person could own multiple devices, they would only be accepted on the network under a single ID. Unless, of course, they found some way to fake, forge, or otherwise bypass this.

Can I at least use a fake ID?

You absolutely can! On first activating an ACE, characters will be prompted to enter their name. Whatever they supply at that point in time will be how the network knows them. Please note that a character cannot change their network ID without an administrative override—if they enter "Laser Shark" as their name, they'll be stuck with it until an admin can perform a reset.

For simplicity's sake, characters will be assumed to be using their real names unless mentioned otherwise.

Who are these admins?

The network admins are Avagi's Tech Team! Responsible for retrofitting the technology to work on Avagi in the first place, they also perform network maintenance, troubleshoot problems, and provide occasional functionality upgrades. At present, the group consists of Nova Barnett, Alan Bradley, Cayde-6, Kevin Flynn, Nihlus Kryik, Rey, Tony Stark, and Yori.

You mentioned a directory?

Yep! Every ACE has access to the station directory: a list of all the contacts currently added to the network by the names they registered when they signed on. Characters who have lost or broken their ACEs will be listed, but greyed out, as will characters who have dropped. Once a character is confirmed to be no longer on the station, the admin team will remove their ID—generally, within a week or two of their disappearance.

Can I hook my ACE up to my [omni-tool, TV, gun...]?

Generally, no. While the previous communicators (TABs) were built to access a variety of devices, they could also be accessed in return—and were, by the Savrii. The ACEs operate on a security-first principle. While additional functions are in development, ACEs are communicators first, and ones restricted to their own network.

Can I hack an ACE?

Yes and no. OOCly, hacking attempts are allowed—as long as the person initiating has OOC permission from all other players involved. If your character wants to prank a friend, you need the OOC okay from that friend's player. If they want to hack a private call between five people, all five of the players involved need to okay the eavesdropping attempt.

ICly, it's a matter of capability. While anyone on the network has a massive leg up on those who might try to get in privately, it still takes a skilled hacker to bypass even default privacy filters. Tech-savvy users may add their own encryption as well. Failure doesn't inherently mean detection, but if a character is ICly caught hacking, they can be reported to the admin team, who may place restrictions on their network use going forward. OOCly, it's up to the players involved—we trust you to use common sense regarding what your character is or isn't capable of.

What other features do they have?

All ACEs come with some accommodation for different physical configurations: voice-to-text, text-to-voice is available, and a wide array of customization for the holographic display. As described on the FAQ, they also translate between languages. Apart from that, the upgrades so far consist of:
Maps and Schematics: Saved files offering a layout of the currently accessible regions of Avagi.

GPS: APS? PS? When activated, this feature will show your current location on Avagi. It can also be used to let someone else to locate your device, though (barring hacking) permission must be enabled in advance.

Emergency Distress: Easy to activate with a simple touch, this option sends an automated distress alert to either a preset list of contacts or all nearby ACEs (user preference). The message won't convey the nature of the emergency, but it will communicate clearly what ID it comes from.

I have other questions!

Drop them off below!

COMMUNICATIONS

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