Shortwave
Default speakers: Constructs, drones, wingbots, exocortex-linked devices, station AIs.
Availability: Not a normal bonus language; must be gained via ancestry/heritage, class feature, feat, or specialized equipment.
Channel: Local wireless (line-of-sight or habitat-limited), typically up to a few hundred feet indoors; farther with relays.
Shortwave counts as a language for rules purposes, but only creatures with the Tech trait, and characters with special training or gear can use it. Where Galactic Standard Language (GSL) handles diplomacy and contracts, Shortwave handles machine-side coordination, covert traffic, and accelerated tactical signaling.
Send Burst ◇
You transmit a Shortwave packet to any Shortwave-capable receiver in range. If sender and receiver both speak Shortwave, this is instantaneous conversation; no check required for simple communication.
For combat commands to allied drones or wingbots, you may use this instead of spoken commands, ignoring line-of-sight penalties if a network path exists.
Intercept Shortwave ⮌
Trigger: A Shortwave burst is sent within sensor range.
You attempt a Computers check vs. a DC set by signal strength and encryption
Success: You understand the content if you “speak” Shortwave, or you at least glean meta-data (origin, urgency, approximate intent).
Critical Success: You also detect spoofing, man-in-the-middle attacks, or embedded malware signatures.
Spoof Shortwave ◈◈
You forge a Shortwave burst as if from another construct or node. Attempt a Computers check vs. the Perception DC or Computers DC of the target system.
On success, you can issue one simple command (e.g., stand down, change patrol route, open door) to a bot or simple security mesh.