SchreckNet

SchreckNet is a computer network created and maintained by Clan Nosferatu.

History

SchreckNet 1.0

Originally created by the New York-based Nosferatu Gerard Rafin (Uncle Smelly) as a sort of special network "piggybacked" on the regular Internet. SchreckNet was originally used exclusively for communications among the Nosferatu, primarily as a means for the Nosferatu to keep their intelligence gathering operations up-to-date. The Nosferatu use SchreckNet to share secrets and information, as well as discuss plans and goals - and other Nosferatu information networks (such as Trajan's Net, which later was known as Warwick's Web), are now connected to it. Membership was not limited to Camarilla-aligned Nosferatu, but was open to the Nosferatu antitribu as well. During the Camarilla's siege of Sabbat-occupied New York, the Nosferatu grudgingly gave other Camarilla clans limited access to SchreckNet, though the lion's share of its usage by far remains with the Nosferatu.

SchreckNet 2.0

Shrecknet 2.0 was created in the early 2000's under the direction of Powell, Stanford Warwick, Kurt Densch, and a group of Nosferatu programmers. In order to be adopted, the group behind its creation went though a rigorous testing process until even the Inner Council were assured of its legitimate security.

Instead of the cobbled, early SchreckNet, the new version was an actual computer application suite created by Nosferatu programmers specifically to facilitate Kindred use of the Internet. It included both a basic web design kit and a web browser, but the general design continues to resemble message boards and IRC chat rooms. Content created through the design kit allowed for hidden sections and links on each page that would be invisible to mortal perception but that could be seen easily with Auspex and that were automatically visible to anyone using the secure SchreckNet browser. This allowed young Kindred to explore the web with some confidence that they would not accidentally breach the Masquerade. The programmers received significant boons from the Inner Circle, though some of the more conservative members still grumbled at the risks posed by the Internet.

SchreckNet 2.5

Schrecknet 2.5 was released in the early 2010's, with added features. Among these was the ability to send and receive encrypted direct messages, create private message rooms, and others. The trustless security of Shrecknet prevents it from being spied on, even by the system's own administrators. It also allowed third-party applications to use Shrecknet's encryption. Since that time, many clans and groups have adopted the use of Shrecknet, including those outside the Camarilla.