When passive mode is active, other users outside of your chat range won't see your chat text. The chat will also appear in a different color, to remind yourself and others that you are in passive mode.
To activate passive mode, type h:passive on. Note that you do not have to start a session with h:begin; h:passive will automatically start a Hermes session if you have not already done so.
To deactivate passive mode, type h:passive off.
To send a message to other Hermes users in passive mode, use the h:: command. For example:
h:: Jaguar Hahn = Higher than a kite with wheels him O_O
Beginning with Hermes build 12, h:: is now only usable in passive mode. h:: can also be used to determine if you have activated passive mode by simply typing only "h::".
Beginning with Hermes build 26, passive mode is now remembered between sessions.
Beginning with Hermes build 29, joining and leaving the Extended Chat Network in passive mode will no longer be announced.