Gara Ramis

Comlink (handheld)

A common device found across the galaxy, comlinks come in a variety of forms depending on their function and user. Each allows for audio messaging between two parties though advanced models can transmit multiple users or network groups together. Personal comlinks are often small, hand-held cylinders capable of communicating over distances into low orbit. Some models are built into helmets and armor segments. Longer-range versions are usually carried as large satchels or in backpacks, and can reach across a planet and to ships in high orbit (or even elsewhere in the same star system). Most operate on a standard net of frequencies that can be adjusted as desired to elude detection.

<font size=1>Please see page 171 of Edge of the Empire for details.</font>

Datapad

Datapads are common on most technologically civilized planets, and are used to record, store, display, and organize almost any kind of data from basic text to holographic recordings. Most come with a small display screen, though some use holoprojectors and are small enough to be easily carried in one or two hands, depending on the model. They are commonly encoded or encrypted so that only the actual owner can operate them; some are even set to wipe all data if unauthorized users attempt access.

Models Include: Numerous Variants.

<font size=1>Please see page 181 of Edge of the Empire for details.</font>

Insider's Guide

Seasoned travelers can avoid obvious tourist traps and find the establishments frequented by locals, but asking about particularly unusual needs sometimes arouses suspicion. Fortunately, most planets produce a number of guides to major locations, including the best cafes, restaurants, temporary residences, and tips on how to get the best deals and avoid trouble. Some guides include the less publicized sites where one can purchase illegal items. These guides are regional, and useful only in the particular areas they cover.

A character using an insider's guide adds automatic to any check to find a specific location or service within the region the guide covers.

Models include: Vlaso's Guides to the Galaxy.

<font size=1>Please see page 52 of the Desperate Allies Sourcebook for details.</font>

Cultural Etiquette Manual

Diplomats rely on protocol droids to ensure not only fluent translation, but also to prevent embarrassing cultural incidents. However, when a protocol droid is not available, or a situation is too specific for a general-purpose droid, emissaries turn to cultural etiquette manuals, specialized datapads with nearly every potentially relevant cultural detail for a given group. A cultural etiquette manual can, for example, help a diplomat choose the perfect opening gift when greeting an unfamiliar society, or avoid accidentally insulting a visiting diplomat. Of course, actively consulting a datapad during an important function creates a level of awkwardness, but the manual does enable a diplomat to extensively prepare beforehand or during a handy lull in conversation.

A character with a cultural etiquette manual adds automatic to social checks made to interact with members of the culture to which the manual pertains.

Models include: Baobab Archives Compendiums.

<font size=1>Please see page 50 of the Desperate Allies Sourcebook for details.</font>

Species Database

Every encounter with a new species offers the possibility of biological offense, embarrassment, or even accidental poisoning. To avoid this, many organizations equip their diplomats with custom-built datapads loaded with specific biological details of every known species. In theory, such compendiums help operatives avoid injuring a sensitive body part or inadvertently wearing a known allergen as floral decoration. Cynical individuals have noted, however, that such information can also be used for more nefarious purposes. Most species databases also contain cursory cultural notes, but the core focus of such texts is biology rather than historical or societal studies.

A character using a species database adds to Knowledge (Xenology) checks.

Models include: The writings of Mammon Hoole.

<font size=1>Please see page 53 of the Desperate Allies Sourcebook for details.</font>

Blackops Data Breaker

Data breakers are common tools used by slicers to force their way into secure systems. Essentially a data battering ram, they are unsubtle tools used for expedience instead of finesse and stealth. Many are also data harvesting devices, recording everything encountered in a system while the slicer roots around for nuggets of information. Most organic Slicers carry one or two of these devices, but droid Slicer Player Characters can have them installed in their internal computer systems as well. Data breakers add to any Computers check made to slice computers, but they also add to any attempts to locate use of a data breaker in a computer system due to the "noise" these devices make. Data breakers are highly illegal, and possession or use of one can land a Rebel operative in a maximum security Imperial prison for a very long stay.

Models Include: Numerous variants.

<font size=1>Please see page 193 of the Age of Rebellion Core Rulebook for details.</font>