No. Messages are encrypted with the thread's PGP public key before being sent to the server. The server only stores encrypted data. Only participants who possess the thread's private key can decrypt and read messages. Even with full server access, a mayor cannot decrypt them.

Without your passphrase or private key, no. However, if your private key is stored locally without a passphrase, anyone with access to your device could decrypt messages. Always protect your private key with a strong passphrase and avoid storing it on shared devices.

Yes. By sharing the thread's private key with the new alias, they gain access. Since all messages are encrypted with the same key, the new participant can decrypt the entire message history from the first message onward.

All threads are always encrypted regardless of visibility. "Public" only means the thread's location (tribe/town) is discoverable by other pagans in the nation. The content is never in plain text — PGP encryption is applied before any data reaches the server. You cannot toggle encryption off; it is permanent.

Messages are stored indefinitely until the thread creator deletes the thread. Creators can also set an auto-destruction date (dt_autodestruction) on messages, after which they are automatically removed from the server.

Yes. Attachments are also encrypted with the thread's PGP key and stored alongside messages. Images, videos, and other files are encrypted before upload, so the server never sees their content.