Encrypt/Decrypt enables a character to create and break codes. Note that these codes cannot be things within themselves, and must exist within a device or document of some kind.

For each purchase of this skill, a character gains a number of Encrypt/Decrypt tags. These tags may be expended in any combination on the tasks listed below or on other tasks at Plot Discretion. The number listed in parenthesis () is the number of tags required to perform a designated task. Encryption is one use of Encrypt/Decrypt, while Decryption is another. Encryption is the coding of data to prevent access, while decryption is breaking through said codes. In most cases, when decrypting data, spending as many decryption tags as encryption tags were spent immediately breaks the code. Breaking the code allows the character access to the encrypted data. By spending twice as many tags of decryption as encryption, the character gains Moderator Access. Moderator Access reduces all further decryption tag costs within a system by half, and allows the character to change passcodes within any part of the system he has decrypted. If the character decrypting the data does not spend enough tags to get basic or Moderator access, an encryption test ensues. If a character has standard access, they may attempt to get moderator access through an encryption test. Encrypting or Decrypting data takes as long as doing the test takes or a ten-count, whichever is longer.

Encryption Tests- Place one green bead in the envelope containing the information, plus one red bead for each rating of the encryption. Prior to attempting to decrypt, the character may, for a single test, remove one red bead per decryption tag spent, or add one green bead per decryption tag spent. The character then may draw one bead per decryption tag spent. If the character draws a green bead, they now have the passcode and can break through the encryption. If the character draws only red beads, they do not break the passcode. Whether successful or not, for each red bead drawn, the character must expend one additional tag. If they do not do this, then an alert is triggered within the system. This will cause protocols, if set, to activate. Only a moderator with access to the system can stop the protocols, and doing so takes 5-count per protocol once in the system. (O) – Operate Item, no currency requirement

Encrypt Information (Ox)
This allows the character to encrypt a document, either using electronic methods, such as file encryption, or through the creation of codes. Note that a character must have moderator access to a system to encrypt any information therein. To encrypt information, the character must put the information to be encrypted inside of an envelope, writing the encryption rating on the outside. The encryption rating is equal to the number of tags spent. On the inner lip of the envelope, the passcode is written. This passcode can be any phrase, piece of information, or even a picture. Knowledge of this passcode represents the ability to decode the information, and any with knowledge of this passcode can access the information in the envelope. A second passcode exists as well, and if this information is known, then moderator status is granted. Encrypted information will alert if the wrong passcode is given, or if the decryption attempt sets of the alert. Note that neither moderator status, protocols, nor alerts apply to non-electronic encryptions, such as coded letters.

Encryption Codes (Ox)
This allows the character to apply an encryption code to a coding device, such as an electronic lock. Note that a character must have moderator access to a system to add or subtract encryption codes. For electronic locks, use an envelope with the encryption number and lock-type on the front of the lock as the phys-rep. Inside the envelope, put either the passcode, list of passkeys, or list of people allowed entry. Passkeys are used in the case of Keycard Locks, Passcodes in the case of Code Locks, and a list of persons is used in the case of Fingerprint, Retinal, and Biometric locks. In the case of passcodes, the passcode can be any phrase, piece of information, or even a picture. A second passcode exists as well, and if this information is known, then moderator status is granted. Knowledge of this passcode allows one to open the lock. For other locks, certain keycards or persons might have moderator access, with an appropriate list described inside the lock. Only moderators can look at or change any lists in a lock.

Simple Protocols (O1)
This allows the character to enable security protocols. Note that a character must have moderator access to a system to set up protocols. Protocols may cause any number of effects, as long as they are linked within a system. This may include the turning on or off of devices, including alarms, robots, cameras, and any other device linked to the system. This may also include the locking or releasing of data, including files and computer viruses, or any number of other effects. For each protocol set up, this must be used again. Setting up a protocol takes a ten-count. Protocols activate whenever an alert is triggered.

Disaster Protocols (O2)
This allows the character to enable disaster protocols. Disaster Protocols function in every way like Simple Protocols, but also activate if a break effect targets the device holding the data.

Stop Alert (O0)
This allows a character to stop alerts in his system, and requires moderator access. A character need not have tags of encrypt-decrypt to use this ability. Using this ability takes a five-count.

Subvert Protocol (O0)
This allows the character to disable protocols in a system. Disabling a protocol takes a ten-count. A character must have moderator access to use this ability.

Decrypt Information (Ox)
This allows the character to decrypt a document, whether it was encrypted though electronic methods or codes. A character must have access to the mechanism holding the data to use this ability. To decrypt information, the character must either pay the amount listed on the envelope, or begin an encryption test. If the character does a second test, or spends twice as many tags as are listed, the character gets moderator access. Basic access comes with a passcode representing the ability to decode the information, and any with knowledge of this passcode can access the information in the envelope. Moderator access comes with a passcode as well, and if this information is known, then moderator status is granted. Encrypted information will alert if the wrong passcode is given, or if the decryption attempt sets of the alert. Note that neither moderator status, protocols, nor alerts apply to non-electronic encryptions, such as coded letters.

Decrypt Codes (Ox)
This allows the character to defeat an encryption code in a coding device, such as an electronic lock. Note that a character must have access to the mechanism holding the data to use this ability. If the pays the amount listed on the lock or succeeds at an encryption test, the character has the ability to access the lock. This comes in the form of a passcode, the ability to “fake” a keycard, or being on the list of acceptable persons, depending on the lock. If the character pays double the listed amount or succeeds at two encryption checks, the character gains moderator status, either in the form of a second passcode, an enhanced ability to “fake” a keycard, or being added to the moderator list.