Provide a tcp connection method which automatically sends the character information of the connected character. Any format for this initial message is fine.

This is the best idea I could come up to resolve an issue where a server needs to confirm a character identity (not a player ID or account info). Such that a nefarious user of the plugin cannot spoof a server.

Something like this, or a better idea would be very helpful.

I would like to use a server to allow characters to connect to other characters by name or ID and share any number of activities and announcements provided by the api.

For instance:

"Goerge sold 200cu of positron blasters to Dau L-10 for 400k profit!"

This type of information can be risky in a pvp game if we can't secure the identity at least at the character level.

The only option currently that I can see is using loadstring to receive an encryption key and charid sending function from the server but that is distasteful.

No, this is way outside intended scope for usage of the tcp api in plugins.

It was created to allow lightweight, anonymous retrieval of public information.

Anything more complex than that needs to be officially integrated into the game client by Guild Software, and available to all.

We had a fairly unpleasant discussion that touched on this a few months ago.