IC UPDATES
So those updates the CPU is making to Genessia? They aren't just an excuse to shut down the Sub-Archways. With the amount of people that are now in the cities, it feels it is time for one and what better time than the New Year to do it? But as you know, in doing this, the upgrades will lead to the closure of Sub-Archways for several days to allocate more powers to pushing the updates. Holes in security will be closed out and improved to better protect the CPU and its system. So while the update is going through, the CPU itself will be unavailable for the duration of the update process.

But one thing that will be the most relevant and the easiest thing for the characters to notice will be the new communication devices. Say hello to it! This is what the communication device will look like from now on. It contains the same functionality that the previous communication device had with some new additions.

The security on the device itself is greatly improved. A special lock can be placed on it (when characters use the device for the first time, it will offer the option) so that the device will shut down if someone else were to try to use it. Restoring its functions is impossible without the true owner.

All devices are registered to the character that they belong to, this is done automatically. They can be replaced if broken, but a character can't have more than one device registered to them. If they try to register a second one, one or both devices will become nonfunctional. Characters also can't make posts from other characters devices. The other features can be used (Unless the device is Security Locked), but the posting feature will be locked and will only be unlocked in the hands of its owner.

The map feature has been updated to allow a person to broadcast their location to a single person at a time should they want to. There will be an icon that allows for sending of their location when they are speaking to someone. Where they are will appear on the map feature on the person that is receiving the location's device. But it's not a tracker. If the person leaves that location, the map feature won't show this in real time. The device can also speak directions if someone is having a hard time finding their way somewhere.

It will also have an Emergency Broadcast Function that can be used by anyone. The EBF can be activated by pressing and holding the “Emergency” key with your thumb. From there it will broadcast your device starting with the City Guardians. If none of them respond, then a minute or two later, the broadcast will be opened up and repeated to everyone that has a device. A preference can be set ahead of time so it will broadcast to friends or family first instead of the Guardians, but this is something that has to be setup in the options menu.

Another feature that it has is voice to text, for those characters that don't necessarily have the right appendages needed to operate a touch device without error. This is something that can be set on the first use of the device once it has moved through the basic startup functions.

The look of the devices are clear, but a character can give their device a tint of color if they like. The option itself is in the settings menu. Candy Crush Saga also comes pre-installed on all devices.

The update will last from January 1st - January 4th. The device won't be available until January 4th at 11:59PM EST.




MINI-EVENT: I FEEL LIKE A KID AGAIN!
From January 3rd through January 5th, experience your youth again! Or rather, your character can. This is a de-aging event with a few different options:

1. Physical Only- Your character can physically de-age to a younger age than they currently are. Any age you'd like. If they're 60 years old, they can be 18 again. if they're 18, go for 7. Regardless of your characters' actual age(s), this one is a physical change. Mental age would stay the same.

2. Mental Only- Your character still stays 28, but they're inwardly a 12- or however old you decide to do them to. This one will not result in any physical changes unless your character's child version really likes tattoos or something and decides they're physically an adult now they can do what they want.

3. Mental and Physical- The whole package. Your character has reverted to their 5 year old self in entirety, down to the missing front tooth and adoration of catching beetles. Good luck with that one.

4. Age Up- for children only! Any combination of #1-3 is reserved for characters who are already children 13 and under. They can age up instead of down at your discretion. It would be a chance for them to see just who they are when they grow up! And maybe take care of some of the new kids on the block who need a little help...

Keep in mind that this event is meant to be a significant difference for your character. If your character only ages back a couple of months because you want to play with canon points, it's not really in the spirit of the event. Otherwise, have a blast and let us know if you have any questions about any of the topics in this post by replying to it!

ACTIVITY CHECK-IN: JANUARY 2016


Just kidding. It's nowhere near that stressful.

Welcome to the easiest Activity Check ever! Comment with your name AND the full names of the characters you're still interested in playing. You have until January 31st at 11:59pm PST to do this. Don't procrastinate or put it off, just toss on your info and enjoy an awesome day! New characters who entered the game Jan. 1st or later and players who are on a declared and active hiatus (dates must reach or exceed January 31st to count) for this month are not required to check in, but may do so if they wish just to keep/get into the habit.

This post will be linked to in the sticky note at the top of the OOC comm so it's easy to find.