Identifier chip

An Identifier Chip is one of the four core implants given to all new racers who arrive on Offworld, as well as all slaves and servants of the controllers who rule the planet of Offworld. It is used for a variety of purposes, although its primary intended purpose is simply to identify an individual to the Resource Nodes and other controller systems scattered all throughout the planet. Loss of this device, at least for racers, means instant disqualification, and in some cases, even death. The same is true for any slave of the controllers who tries to remove it, or has it removed by someone else.

Chip Color Codes

Identifier chips come with a variety of color codes, giving the viewer an instantaneous understanding of the status and position of the individual wearing the dot on their arm. While most wearers of the identifier chip have a red identification dot, others with special permissions, privileges or standing are given other colors to denote their rank, standing, privileges or freedoms. Although this is rare, it is well known to happen occasionally. There are sixteen different colors codes that can be activated at any time. And, while extremely rare, there are some who carry two or more colors, denoting special abilities or privileges above and beyond the two already listed. For the majority of people on the planet, however, both Syndicate, and non-syndicate, the color red is the only color they wear, or are ever given.

Known Colors

•   Red    - This color is the default color worn by the majority of those who carry an identifier chip. It is the generalized mark identifying one as either a racer, or a servant of the controllers.
   
•   Green    - This a very special color and one that denotes an individual as protected by the controllers and receiving special treatment by them. This also protects the wearer from ever being harmed by human or controller alike.
   
•   Yellow    - This color denotes one of special standing within the Syndicate. Details on the full range of privileges and restrictions, though, is not specified in the books. But it is implied that one who carries this mark holds greater standing, and protections, than those with a red mark, but less than those with a green mark.
   
•   Black    - This is the worst possible color to have. It means you've been "blacklisted", "black marked", or generally marked as either a traitor or a criminal in the eyes of the controllers. Those who carry this mark are at risk of death from anyone who is a controller loyalist, and so is anyone who associates with someone wearing this mark. Those given this mark are often tortured severely, and rarely live long after receiving this color. Generally traitors and the most severely disobedient receive this mark.
   
•   Blue    - This mark is unique in the fact that it gives the wearer a special form of protection. Namely, if you are attacked, the controllers will directly and specifically intervene to protect you. But, if you attack first, your protection is temporarily revoked until the fight is over and/or the period of exception ends. This unique state of protection also extends to a handful of specially protected cities, such as Bremen Te Barro. These are usually cities owned by those protected with the blue mark.