Wednesday, 23 September 2026

Breaking the Wave

One of the big non-rules changes I’ve made to Intergalactic, just added in the latest update, is a downgrade of galactic communication. So far it’s been fun to play with, and creates a groundwork that dodges some of the issues with a game with abundant long range communication.

Communication

Space is not a silent void, but is loud and thick with the stuff of the stars, rippling in the wake of the god-lanterns. This renders wireless communication almost impossible. 

Short Distance - Wires, Pipes, and Loudspeakers

A physical wire between terminals allows jittery data, audio, and video transmission, limited only by the length and integrity of the wire. 

Some prefer the blunter approach of a pipe between two locations, allowing muffled but reliable communication over a surprising distance. 

Loudspeakers are the final means of mass communication, when the message needs to reach  those who are not waiting at a terminal or pipe. 

Long Distance - Signals

Communication between vessels, or between an orbital and a landing, use the same methods as listed above with some adaptations. 

A combination of high intensity lamps and horns allows for exchange a common set of signals to be exchanged. 

To hold a conversation, reinforced wires can be reeled between two distant points or, more commonly, a representative is sent in person. 

Interstellar Distance - Beacons

Starpath operate an underspace network of Beacons, megastructures that can transmit and receive secure text communications between distant star systems. Messages between beacons carry a 24 hour delay, regardless of distance. Access is highly restricted by Starpath.

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