Linking callsigns
If two call log on with any of their Callsigns onto the same machine then both accounts will be linked.
If one user uses two seperate machines (or more) both will be tagged as belonging to him. Now anybody that logs into either machine will be linked to the first user.
You DO NOT want this to happen because the ASGS system thinks both accounts are the same person and so will only allow one user to be logged on at the same time.
How the callsign system works
When you create an ASGS callsign, that's all it is: a callsign with no authentication information other than the password, and no links to other callsigns. The moment ASGS decides what callsign belongs to what machine is when you log in: ASGS generates an unique, anonymous identifying hardware hash and sends it to the ASGS servers -- from that moment that callsign and that machine are tied, and ASGS assumes nobody else than you will play Allegiance with that machine.
ASGS assumes that all the requests coming from the same hardware hash will belong to the same machine, which is very convenient when creating hiders: you just create a new account and log in with it; ASGS figures out the callsigns come from the same machine (thus the same person) and links the callsigns together. This ensures you will be credited your correct rank and stats will count towards your callsigns' stats.
There's more to it than that. If a callsign log in with your login with another machine, ASGS will link both machines to that callsign and all of its links. This means that now only you can play on either machine. This for example prevents the same person from logging in two times at the same time, again to prevent abuse (DoS, doubleteaming, etc.).
Another aspect that needs to be considered is callsign resets. While an user is allowed to "own" as many callsign as he desires, they may only keep three active callsigns. You activate a callsign by logging in with it, with this important exception: if your machine has already three active callsigns, activating (and logging in) with a fourth callsign will not succeed. This helps limiting abuse, and three hiders is more than enough to go around boots and to play "stealthily".
This all sounds good and comfy, until two different people try to use the same machine to play. Most of the above assumptions ASGS make will not be true, and you will get unexpected results. For example:
- You will get kicked from the game by ASGS ("ASGS Protection Tripped" or similar error message) when somebody tries to log in with another machine that is linked to you.
- When you log in on this page you will see callsign that are not yours.
- You just cannot login (because you are linked to three already active callsigns that are not "yours").
Q: But those assumptions are ridiculous! This is a family computer, why can't my family or my friends play here?
A: We're sorry, but those assumptions are required to maintain the system safety and integrity. Too many people tried to kill Allegiance, and ASGS has proved very effective at keeping banned people banned and keeping the gameplay secure. Until a better solution is engineered or a major failure ensues, ASGS and its "ridiculous assumptions" are here to stay. A small sacrifice for the wellness of the community :)
Q: I don't want to link my callsigns! I want to start from scratch and have my (0)!
A: Callsign links are required for ASGS Enforcement; working around it constitutes a non-trivial violation of the Terms of Service. Abuse will thus result in lengthy ASGS bans, sorry.
What does this mean for you?
- Don't log onto someone elses computer using your callsign - use one of their Hiders instead.
- Don't let anyone else log on to your computer using their callsign - make them use one of your Hiders.
- Don't give your old machine away to someone if they're going to play Allegiance on it.
- If you've got a 2nd hand computer and aren't sure if it's linked to the original owner's account, make a new Callsign here and log on using that. Once you've successfully logged on, sign into the ASGS website and check if it's been linked. If it hasn't, then you're clear. If it has you need to get unlinked from the other user.
If you do manage to stuff yourself PM Tigereye and explain. Once he has some free time he will unlink your accounts.
Unlinking accounts does NOT mean that they won't become linked again. Don't keep linking your account to your best friends just because you're a moron - it's been known to happen.
