diff --git a/code/__HELPERS/mobs.dm b/code/__HELPERS/mobs.dm
index 9423c486698..edde3f13142 100644
--- a/code/__HELPERS/mobs.dm
+++ b/code/__HELPERS/mobs.dm
@@ -324,7 +324,7 @@ proc/add_logs(mob/user, mob/target, what_done, var/object=null, var/addition=nul
 	to_chat(user, "Name = <b>[M.name]</b>; Real_name = [M.real_name]; Mind_name = [M.mind?"[M.mind.name]":""]; Key = <b>[M.key]</b>;")
 	to_chat(user, "Location = [location_description];")
 	to_chat(user, "[special_role_description]")
-	to_chat(user, "(<a href='?src=[usr.UID()];priv_msg=\ref[M]'>PM</a>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminplayeropts=\ref[M]'>PP</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=vars;Vars=\ref[M]'>VV</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;subtlemessage=\ref[M]'>SM</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminplayerobservefollow=\ref[M]'>FLW</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;secretsadmin=check_antagonist'>CA</A>)")
+	to_chat(user, "(<a href='?src=[usr.UID()];priv_msg=\ref[M]'>PM</a>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminplayeropts=\ref[M]'>PP</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=vars;Vars=[M.UID()]'>VV</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;subtlemessage=\ref[M]'>SM</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminplayerobservefollow=\ref[M]'>FLW</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;secretsadmin=check_antagonist'>CA</A>)")
 
 // Gets the first mob contained in an atom, and warns the user if there's not exactly one
 /proc/get_mob_in_atom_with_warning(atom/A, mob/user = usr)
diff --git a/code/__HELPERS/unique_ids.dm b/code/__HELPERS/unique_ids.dm
index bd77c358aa8..9363df4252e 100644
--- a/code/__HELPERS/unique_ids.dm
+++ b/code/__HELPERS/unique_ids.dm
@@ -3,6 +3,10 @@
 // Basically, a replacement for plain \refs that ensure the reference still
 // points to the exact same datum/client, but doesn't prevent GC like tags do.
 
+// An unintended side effect of the way UIDs are formatted is that the locate()
+// proc will ignore the number and attempt to locate the reference. I consider
+// this a feature, since it means they're conveniently backwards compatible.
+
 // Turns this:
 //   var/myref = "\ref[mydatum]"
 //   var/datum/D = locate(myref)
diff --git a/code/datums/datumvars.dm b/code/datums/datumvars.dm
index 7ce10664aee..6664c06dda0 100644
--- a/code/datums/datumvars.dm
+++ b/code/datums/datumvars.dm
@@ -170,27 +170,27 @@
 	if(istype(D,/atom))
 		var/atom/A = D
 		if(isliving(A))
-			body += "<a href='?_src_=vars;rename=\ref[D]'><b>[D]</b></a>"
+			body += "<a href='?_src_=vars;rename=[D.UID()]'><b>[D]</b></a>"
 			if(A.dir)
-				body += "<br><font size='1'><a href='?_src_=vars;rotatedatum=\ref[D];rotatedir=left'><<</a> <a href='?_src_=vars;datumedit=\ref[D];varnameedit=dir'>[dir2text(A.dir)]</a> <a href='?_src_=vars;rotatedatum=\ref[D];rotatedir=right'>>></a></font>"
+				body += "<br><font size='1'><a href='?_src_=vars;rotatedatum=[D.UID()];rotatedir=left'><<</a> <a href='?_src_=vars;datumedit=[D.UID()];varnameedit=dir'>[dir2text(A.dir)]</a> <a href='?_src_=vars;rotatedatum=[D.UID()];rotatedir=right'>>></a></font>"
 			var/mob/living/M = A
-			body += "<br><font size='1'><a href='?_src_=vars;datumedit=\ref[D];varnameedit=ckey'>[M.ckey ? M.ckey : "No ckey"]</a> / <a href='?_src_=vars;datumedit=\ref[D];varnameedit=real_name'>[M.real_name ? M.real_name : "No real name"]</a></font>"
+			body += "<br><font size='1'><a href='?_src_=vars;datumedit=[D.UID()];varnameedit=ckey'>[M.ckey ? M.ckey : "No ckey"]</a> / <a href='?_src_=vars;datumedit=[D.UID()];varnameedit=real_name'>[M.real_name ? M.real_name : "No real name"]</a></font>"
 			body += {"
 			<br><font size='1'>
-			BRUTE:<font size='1'><a href='?_src_=vars;mobToDamage=\ref[D];adjustDamage=brute'>[M.getBruteLoss()]</a>
-			FIRE:<font size='1'><a href='?_src_=vars;mobToDamage=\ref[D];adjustDamage=fire'>[M.getFireLoss()]</a>
-			TOXIN:<font size='1'><a href='?_src_=vars;mobToDamage=\ref[D];adjustDamage=toxin'>[M.getToxLoss()]</a>
-			OXY:<font size='1'><a href='?_src_=vars;mobToDamage=\ref[D];adjustDamage=oxygen'>[M.getOxyLoss()]</a>
-			CLONE:<font size='1'><a href='?_src_=vars;mobToDamage=\ref[D];adjustDamage=clone'>[M.getCloneLoss()]</a>
-			BRAIN:<font size='1'><a href='?_src_=vars;mobToDamage=\ref[D];adjustDamage=brain'>[M.getBrainLoss()]</a>
+			BRUTE:<font size='1'><a href='?_src_=vars;mobToDamage=[D.UID()];adjustDamage=brute'>[M.getBruteLoss()]</a>
+			FIRE:<font size='1'><a href='?_src_=vars;mobToDamage=[D.UID()];adjustDamage=fire'>[M.getFireLoss()]</a>
+			TOXIN:<font size='1'><a href='?_src_=vars;mobToDamage=[D.UID()];adjustDamage=toxin'>[M.getToxLoss()]</a>
+			OXY:<font size='1'><a href='?_src_=vars;mobToDamage=[D.UID()];adjustDamage=oxygen'>[M.getOxyLoss()]</a>
+			CLONE:<font size='1'><a href='?_src_=vars;mobToDamage=[D.UID()];adjustDamage=clone'>[M.getCloneLoss()]</a>
+			BRAIN:<font size='1'><a href='?_src_=vars;mobToDamage=[D.UID()];adjustDamage=brain'>[M.getBrainLoss()]</a>
 			</font>
 
 
 			"}
 		else
-			body += "<a href='?_src_=vars;datumedit=\ref[D];varnameedit=name'><b>[D]</b></a>"
+			body += "<a href='?_src_=vars;datumedit=[D.UID()];varnameedit=name'><b>[D]</b></a>"
 			if(A.dir)
-				body += "<br><font size='1'><a href='?_src_=vars;rotatedatum=\ref[D];rotatedir=left'><<</a> <a href='?_src_=vars;datumedit=\ref[D];varnameedit=dir'>[dir2text(A.dir)]</a> <a href='?_src_=vars;rotatedatum=\ref[D];rotatedir=right'>>></a></font>"
+				body += "<br><font size='1'><a href='?_src_=vars;rotatedatum=[D.UID()];rotatedir=left'><<</a> <a href='?_src_=vars;datumedit=[D.UID()];varnameedit=dir'>[dir2text(A.dir)]</a> <a href='?_src_=vars;rotatedatum=[D.UID()];rotatedir=right'>>></a></font>"
 	else
 		body += "<b>[D]</b>"
 
@@ -216,7 +216,7 @@
 
 	body += "</div></td>"
 
-	body += "<td width='50%'><div align='center'><a href='?_src_=vars;datumrefresh=\ref[D]'>Refresh</a>"
+	body += "<td width='50%'><div align='center'><a href='?_src_=vars;datumrefresh=[D.UID()]'>Refresh</a>"
 
 	body += {"	<form>
 				<select name="file" size="1"
@@ -231,54 +231,54 @@
 			"}
 
 
-	body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;mark_object=\ref[D]'>Mark Object</option>"
-	body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;proc_call=\ref[D]'>Call Proc</option>"
-	body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;jump_to=\ref[D]'>Jump to Object</option>"
+	body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;mark_object=[D.UID()]'>Mark Object</option>"
+	body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;proc_call=[D.UID()]'>Call Proc</option>"
+	body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;jump_to=[D.UID()]'>Jump to Object</option>"
 	if(ismob(D))
-		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;mob_player_panel=\ref[D]'>Show player panel</option>"
+		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;mob_player_panel=[D.UID()]'>Show player panel</option>"
 
 	body += "<option value>---</option>"
 
 	if(ismob(D))
-		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;give_spell=\ref[D]'>Give Spell</option>"
-		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;give_disease=\ref[D]'>Give Disease</option>"
-		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;godmode=\ref[D]'>Toggle Godmode</option>"
-		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;build_mode=\ref[D]'>Toggle Build Mode</option>"
+		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;give_spell=[D.UID()]'>Give Spell</option>"
+		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;give_disease=[D.UID()]'>Give Disease</option>"
+		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;godmode=[D.UID()]'>Toggle Godmode</option>"
+		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;build_mode=[D.UID()]'>Toggle Build Mode</option>"
 
-		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;make_skeleton=\ref[D]'>Make 2spooky</option>"
+		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;make_skeleton=[D.UID()]'>Make 2spooky</option>"
 
-		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;direct_control=\ref[D]'>Assume Direct Control</option>"
-		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;offer_control=\ref[D]'>Offer Control to Ghosts</option>"
-		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;drop_everything=\ref[D]'>Drop Everything</option>"
+		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;direct_control=[D.UID()]'>Assume Direct Control</option>"
+		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;offer_control=[D.UID()]'>Offer Control to Ghosts</option>"
+		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;drop_everything=[D.UID()]'>Drop Everything</option>"
 
-		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;regenerateicons=\ref[D]'>Regenerate Icons</option>"
-		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;addlanguage=\ref[D]'>Add Language</option>"
-		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;remlanguage=\ref[D]'>Remove Language</option>"
-		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;addorgan=\ref[D]'>Add Organ</option>"
-		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;remorgan=\ref[D]'>Remove Organ</option>"
+		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;regenerateicons=[D.UID()]'>Regenerate Icons</option>"
+		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;addlanguage=[D.UID()]'>Add Language</option>"
+		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;remlanguage=[D.UID()]'>Remove Language</option>"
+		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;addorgan=[D.UID()]'>Add Organ</option>"
+		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;remorgan=[D.UID()]'>Remove Organ</option>"
 
-		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;fix_nano=\ref[D]'>Fix NanoUI</option>"
+		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;fix_nano=[D.UID()]'>Fix NanoUI</option>"
 
-		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;addverb=\ref[D]'>Add Verb</option>"
-		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;remverb=\ref[D]'>Remove Verb</option>"
+		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;addverb=[D.UID()]'>Add Verb</option>"
+		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;remverb=[D.UID()]'>Remove Verb</option>"
 		if(ishuman(D))
 			body += "<option value>---</option>"
-			body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;setspecies=\ref[D]'>Set Species</option>"
-			body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;makeai=\ref[D]'>Make AI</option>"
-			body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;makemask=\ref[D]'>Make Mask of Nar'sie</option>"
-			body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;makerobot=\ref[D]'>Make cyborg</option>"
-			body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;makemonkey=\ref[D]'>Make monkey</option>"
-			body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;makealien=\ref[D]'>Make alien</option>"
-			body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;makeslime=\ref[D]'>Make slime</option>"
-			body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;makesuper=\ref[D]'>Make superhero</option>"
+			body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;setspecies=[D.UID()]'>Set Species</option>"
+			body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;makeai=[D.UID()]'>Make AI</option>"
+			body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;makemask=[D.UID()]'>Make Mask of Nar'sie</option>"
+			body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;makerobot=[D.UID()]'>Make cyborg</option>"
+			body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;makemonkey=[D.UID()]'>Make monkey</option>"
+			body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;makealien=[D.UID()]'>Make alien</option>"
+			body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;makeslime=[D.UID()]'>Make slime</option>"
+			body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;makesuper=[D.UID()]'>Make superhero</option>"
 		body += "<option value>---</option>"
-		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;gib=\ref[D]'>Gib</option>"
+		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;gib=[D.UID()]'>Gib</option>"
 	if(isobj(D))
-		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;delall=\ref[D]'>Delete all of type</option>"
+		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;delall=[D.UID()]'>Delete all of type</option>"
 	if(isobj(D) || ismob(D) || isturf(D))
-		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;addreagent=\ref[D]'>Add reagent</option>"
-		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;explode=\ref[D]'>Trigger explosion</option>"
-		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;emp=\ref[D]'>Trigger EM pulse</option>"
+		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;addreagent=[D.UID()]'>Add reagent</option>"
+		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;explode=[D.UID()]'>Trigger explosion</option>"
+		body += "<option value='?_src_=vars;emp=[D.UID()]'>Trigger EM pulse</option>"
 
 	body += "</select></form>"
 
@@ -330,7 +330,7 @@ body
 
 	html += "</body></html>"
 
-	usr << browse(html, "window=variables\ref[D];size=475x650")
+	usr << browse(html, "window=variables[D.UID()];size=475x650")
 
 	return
 
@@ -338,7 +338,7 @@ body
 	var/list/html = list()
 
 	if(DA)
-		html += "<li style='backgroundColor:white'>(<a href='?_src_=vars;datumedit=\ref[DA];varnameedit=[name]'>E</a>) (<a href='?_src_=vars;datumchange=\ref[DA];varnamechange=[name]'>C</a>) (<a href='?_src_=vars;datummass=\ref[DA];varnamemass=[name]'>M</a>) "
+		html += "<li style='backgroundColor:white'>(<a href='?_src_=vars;datumedit=[DA.UID()];varnameedit=[name]'>E</a>) (<a href='?_src_=vars;datumchange=[DA.UID()];varnamechange=[name]'>C</a>) (<a href='?_src_=vars;datummass=[DA.UID()];varnamemass=[name]'>M</a>) "
 	else
 		html += "<li>"
 
@@ -356,10 +356,11 @@ body
 		#endif
 
 	else if(istype(value, /image))
+		var/image/I = value
 		#ifdef VARSICON
-		html += "<a href='?_src_=vars;Vars=\ref[value]'>[name] \ref[value]</a> = /image (<span class='value'>[value]</span>) [bicon(value, use_class=0)]"
+		html += "<a href='?_src_=vars;Vars=[I.UID()]'>[name] \ref[value]</a> = /image (<span class='value'>[value]</span>) [bicon(value, use_class=0)]"
 		#else
-		html += "<a href='?_src_=vars;Vars=\ref[value]'>[name] \ref[value]</a> = /image (<span class='value'>[value]</span>)"
+		html += "<a href='?_src_=vars;Vars=[I.UID()]'>[name] \ref[value]</a> = /image (<span class='value'>[value]</span>)"
 		#endif
 
 	else if(isfile(value))
@@ -367,11 +368,11 @@ body
 
 	else if(istype(value, /datum))
 		var/datum/D = value
-		html += "<a href='?_src_=vars;Vars=\ref[value]'>[name] \ref[value]</a> = [D.type]"
+		html += "<a href='?_src_=vars;Vars=[D.UID()]'>[name] \ref[value]</a> = [D.type]"
 
 	else if(istype(value, /client))
 		var/client/C = value
-		html += "<a href='?_src_=vars;Vars=\ref[value]'>[name] \ref[value]</a> = [C] [C.type]"
+		html += "<a href='?_src_=vars;Vars=[C.UID()]'>[name] \ref[value]</a> = [C] [C.type]"
 //
 	else if(istype(value, /list))
 		var/list/L = value
@@ -408,7 +409,7 @@ body
 					idx=(block*4)+i
 					to_chat(bit=1, idx)
 					bv=value & bit
-					html += "<a href='?_src_=vars;togbit=[idx];var=[name];subject=\ref[DA]' title='bit [idx] ([bit])'>[bv?1:0]</a>"
+					html += "<a href='?_src_=vars;togbit=[idx];var=[name];subject=[DA.UID()]' title='bit [idx] ([bit])'>[bv?1:0]</a>"
 				html += "</span>"
 			html += "</div>"
 		*/
@@ -420,14 +421,31 @@ body
 	//This should all be moved over to datum/admins/Topic() or something ~Carn
 	if(!check_rights(R_ADMIN|R_MOD))
 		return
+
+	// Correct and warn about any VV topic links that aren't using UIDs
+	for(var/paramname in href_list)
+		if(findtext(href_list[paramname], "]_"))
+			continue // Contains UID-specific formatting, skip it
+		var/datum/D = locate(href_list[paramname])
+		if(!D)
+			continue
+		var/datuminfo = "[D]"
+		if(istype(D))
+			datuminfo = datum_info_line(D)
+			href_list[paramname] = D.UID()
+		else if(isclient(D))
+			var/client/C = D
+			href_list[paramname] = C.UID()
+		log_runtime(EXCEPTION("Found \\ref-based '[paramname]' param in VV topic for [datuminfo], should be UID: [href]"))
+
 	if(href_list["Vars"])
-		debug_variables(locate(href_list["Vars"]))
+		debug_variables(locateUID(href_list["Vars"]))
 
 	//~CARN: for renaming mobs (updates their name, real_name, mind.name, their ID/PDA and datacore records).
 	else if(href_list["rename"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_ADMIN))	return
 
-		var/mob/M = locate(href_list["rename"])
+		var/mob/M = locateUID(href_list["rename"])
 		if(!istype(M))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be used on instances of type /mob")
 			return
@@ -442,7 +460,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["varnameedit"] && href_list["datumedit"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_VAREDIT))	return
 
-		var/D = locate(href_list["datumedit"])
+		var/D = locateUID(href_list["datumedit"])
 		if(!istype(D,/datum) && !istype(D,/client))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be used on instances of types /client or /datum")
 			return
@@ -452,7 +470,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["togbit"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_VAREDIT))	return
 
-		var/atom/D = locate(href_list["subject"])
+		var/atom/D = locateUID(href_list["subject"])
 		if(!istype(D,/datum) && !istype(D,/client))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be used on instances of types /client or /datum")
 			return
@@ -467,7 +485,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["varnamechange"] && href_list["datumchange"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_VAREDIT))	return
 
-		var/D = locate(href_list["datumchange"])
+		var/D = locateUID(href_list["datumchange"])
 		if(!istype(D,/datum) && !istype(D,/client))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be used on instances of types /client or /datum")
 			return
@@ -477,7 +495,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["varnamemass"] && href_list["datummass"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_VAREDIT))	return
 
-		var/atom/A = locate(href_list["datummass"])
+		var/atom/A = locateUID(href_list["datummass"])
 		if(!istype(A))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be used on instances of type /atom")
 			return
@@ -487,7 +505,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["mob_player_panel"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_ADMIN|R_MOD))	return
 
-		var/mob/M = locate(href_list["mob_player_panel"])
+		var/mob/M = locateUID(href_list["mob_player_panel"])
 		if(!istype(M))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be used on instances of type /mob")
 			return
@@ -498,7 +516,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["give_spell"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_SERVER|R_EVENT))	return
 
-		var/mob/M = locate(href_list["give_spell"])
+		var/mob/M = locateUID(href_list["give_spell"])
 		if(!istype(M))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be used on instances of type /mob")
 			return
@@ -510,7 +528,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["give_disease"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_SERVER|R_EVENT))	return
 
-		var/mob/M = locate(href_list["give_disease"])
+		var/mob/M = locateUID(href_list["give_disease"])
 		if(!istype(M))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be used on instances of type /mob")
 			return
@@ -521,7 +539,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["godmode"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_REJUVINATE))	return
 
-		var/mob/M = locate(href_list["godmode"])
+		var/mob/M = locateUID(href_list["godmode"])
 		if(!istype(M))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be used on instances of type /mob")
 			return
@@ -532,7 +550,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["gib"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_ADMIN|R_EVENT))	return
 
-		var/mob/M = locate(href_list["gib"])
+		var/mob/M = locateUID(href_list["gib"])
 		if(!istype(M))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be used on instances of type /mob")
 			return
@@ -542,7 +560,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["build_mode"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_BUILDMODE))	return
 
-		var/mob/M = locate(href_list["build_mode"])
+		var/mob/M = locateUID(href_list["build_mode"])
 		if(!istype(M))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be used on instances of type /mob")
 			return
@@ -553,7 +571,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["drop_everything"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_DEBUG|R_ADMIN))	return
 
-		var/mob/M = locate(href_list["drop_everything"])
+		var/mob/M = locateUID(href_list["drop_everything"])
 		if(!istype(M))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be used on instances of type /mob")
 			return
@@ -564,7 +582,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["direct_control"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_DEBUG|R_ADMIN))	return
 
-		var/mob/M = locate(href_list["direct_control"])
+		var/mob/M = locateUID(href_list["direct_control"])
 		if(!istype(M))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be used on instances of type /mob")
 			return
@@ -575,7 +593,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["make_skeleton"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_SERVER|R_EVENT))	return
 
-		var/mob/living/carbon/human/H = locate(href_list["make_skeleton"])
+		var/mob/living/carbon/human/H = locateUID(href_list["make_skeleton"])
 		if(!istype(H))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be used on instances of type /mob/living/carbon/human")
 			return
@@ -592,7 +610,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["offer_control"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_ADMIN))	return
 
-		var/mob/M = locate(href_list["offer_control"])
+		var/mob/M = locateUID(href_list["offer_control"])
 		if(!istype(M))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be used on instances of type /mob")
 			return
@@ -615,7 +633,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["delall"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_DEBUG|R_SERVER))	return
 
-		var/obj/O = locate(href_list["delall"])
+		var/obj/O = locateUID(href_list["delall"])
 		if(!isobj(O))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be used on instances of type /obj")
 			return
@@ -658,7 +676,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["addreagent"]) /* Made on /TG/, credit to them. */
 		if(!check_rights(R_DEBUG|R_ADMIN))	return
 
-		var/atom/A = locate(href_list["addreagent"])
+		var/atom/A = locateUID(href_list["addreagent"])
 
 		if(!A.reagents)
 			var/amount = input(usr, "Specify the reagent size of [A]", "Set Reagent Size", 50) as num
@@ -688,7 +706,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["explode"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_DEBUG|R_EVENT))	return
 
-		var/atom/A = locate(href_list["explode"])
+		var/atom/A = locateUID(href_list["explode"])
 		if(!isobj(A) && !ismob(A) && !isturf(A))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be done to instances of type /obj, /mob and /turf")
 			return
@@ -699,7 +717,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["emp"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_DEBUG|R_EVENT))	return
 
-		var/atom/A = locate(href_list["emp"])
+		var/atom/A = locateUID(href_list["emp"])
 		if(!isobj(A) && !ismob(A) && !isturf(A))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be done to instances of type /obj, /mob and /turf")
 			return
@@ -710,7 +728,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["mark_object"])
 		if(!check_rights(0))	return
 
-		var/datum/D = locate(href_list["mark_object"])
+		var/datum/D = locateUID(href_list["mark_object"])
 		if(!istype(D))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be done to instances of type /datum")
 			return
@@ -722,7 +740,7 @@ body
 		if(!check_rights(R_PROCCALL))
 			return
 
-		var/T = locate(href_list["proc_call"])
+		var/T = locateUID(href_list["proc_call"])
 
 		if(T)
 			callproc_datum(T)
@@ -731,7 +749,7 @@ body
 		if(!check_rights(R_ADMIN))
 			return
 
-		var/atom/A = locate(href_list["jump_to"])
+		var/atom/A = locateUID(href_list["jump_to"])
 		var/turf/T = get_turf(A)
 		if(T)
 			usr.client.jumptoturf(T)
@@ -741,7 +759,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["rotatedatum"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_DEBUG|R_ADMIN))	return
 
-		var/atom/A = locate(href_list["rotatedatum"])
+		var/atom/A = locateUID(href_list["rotatedatum"])
 		if(!istype(A))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be done to instances of type /atom")
 			return
@@ -757,7 +775,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["makemonkey"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_SPAWN))	return
 
-		var/mob/living/carbon/human/H = locate(href_list["makemonkey"])
+		var/mob/living/carbon/human/H = locateUID(href_list["makemonkey"])
 		if(!istype(H))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be done to instances of type /mob/living/carbon/human")
 			return
@@ -771,7 +789,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["makerobot"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_SPAWN))	return
 
-		var/mob/living/carbon/human/H = locate(href_list["makerobot"])
+		var/mob/living/carbon/human/H = locateUID(href_list["makerobot"])
 		if(!istype(H))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be done to instances of type /mob/living/carbon/human")
 			return
@@ -785,7 +803,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["makealien"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_SPAWN))	return
 
-		var/mob/living/carbon/human/H = locate(href_list["makealien"])
+		var/mob/living/carbon/human/H = locateUID(href_list["makealien"])
 		if(!istype(H))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be done to instances of type /mob/living/carbon/human")
 			return
@@ -799,7 +817,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["makeslime"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_SPAWN))	return
 
-		var/mob/living/carbon/human/H = locate(href_list["makeslime"])
+		var/mob/living/carbon/human/H = locateUID(href_list["makeslime"])
 		if(!istype(H))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be done to instances of type /mob/living/carbon/human")
 			return
@@ -813,7 +831,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["makesuper"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_SPAWN))	return
 
-		var/mob/living/carbon/human/H = locate(href_list["makesuper"])
+		var/mob/living/carbon/human/H = locateUID(href_list["makesuper"])
 		if(!istype(H))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be done to instances of type /mob/living/carbon/human")
 			return
@@ -827,7 +845,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["makeai"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_SPAWN))	return
 
-		var/mob/living/carbon/human/H = locate(href_list["makeai"])
+		var/mob/living/carbon/human/H = locateUID(href_list["makeai"])
 		if(!istype(H))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be done to instances of type /mob/living/carbon/human")
 			return
@@ -840,7 +858,7 @@ body
 
 	else if(href_list["makemask"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_SPAWN)) return
-		var/mob/currentMob = locate(href_list["makemask"])
+		var/mob/currentMob = locateUID(href_list["makemask"])
 		if(alert("Confirm mob type change?",,"Transform","Cancel") != "Transform")	return
 		if(!currentMob)
 			to_chat(usr, "Mob doesn't exist anymore")
@@ -851,7 +869,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["setspecies"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_SPAWN))	return
 
-		var/mob/living/carbon/human/H = locate(href_list["setspecies"])
+		var/mob/living/carbon/human/H = locateUID(href_list["setspecies"])
 		if(!istype(H))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be done to instances of type /mob/living/carbon/human")
 			return
@@ -873,7 +891,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["addlanguage"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_SPAWN))	return
 
-		var/mob/H = locate(href_list["addlanguage"])
+		var/mob/H = locateUID(href_list["addlanguage"])
 		if(!istype(H))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be done to instances of type /mob")
 			return
@@ -897,7 +915,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["remlanguage"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_SPAWN))	return
 
-		var/mob/H = locate(href_list["remlanguage"])
+		var/mob/H = locateUID(href_list["remlanguage"])
 		if(!istype(H))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be done to instances of type /mob")
 			return
@@ -925,7 +943,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["addverb"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_DEBUG))			return
 
-		var/mob/living/H = locate(href_list["addverb"])
+		var/mob/living/H = locateUID(href_list["addverb"])
 
 		if(!istype(H))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be done to instances of type /mob/living")
@@ -957,7 +975,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["remverb"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_DEBUG))			return
 
-		var/mob/H = locate(href_list["remverb"])
+		var/mob/H = locateUID(href_list["remverb"])
 
 		if(!istype(H))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be done to instances of type /mob")
@@ -976,7 +994,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["addorgan"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_SPAWN))	return
 
-		var/mob/living/carbon/M = locate(href_list["addorgan"])
+		var/mob/living/carbon/M = locateUID(href_list["addorgan"])
 		if(!istype(M))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be done to instances of type /mob/living/carbon")
 			return
@@ -988,7 +1006,7 @@ body
 			to_chat(usr, "Mob doesn't exist anymore")
 			return
 
-		if(locate(new_organ) in M.internal_organs)
+		if(locateUID(new_organ) in M.internal_organs)
 			to_chat(usr, "Mob already has that organ.")
 			return
 		var/obj/item/organ/internal/organ = new new_organ
@@ -999,7 +1017,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["remorgan"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_SPAWN))	return
 
-		var/mob/living/carbon/M = locate(href_list["remorgan"])
+		var/mob/living/carbon/M = locateUID(href_list["remorgan"])
 		if(!istype(M))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be done to instances of type /mob/living/carbon")
 			return
@@ -1010,7 +1028,7 @@ body
 			to_chat(usr, "Mob doesn't exist anymore")
 			return
 
-		if(!(locate(rem_organ) in M.internal_organs))
+		if(!(locateUID(rem_organ) in M.internal_organs))
 			to_chat(usr, "Mob does not have that organ.")
 			return
 
@@ -1023,7 +1041,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["fix_nano"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_DEBUG)) return
 
-		var/mob/H = locate(href_list["fix_nano"])
+		var/mob/H = locateUID(href_list["fix_nano"])
 
 		if(!istype(H) || !H.client)
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be done on mobs with clients")
@@ -1039,7 +1057,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["regenerateicons"])
 		if(!check_rights(0))	return
 
-		var/mob/M = locate(href_list["regenerateicons"])
+		var/mob/M = locateUID(href_list["regenerateicons"])
 		if(!ismob(M))
 			to_chat(usr, "This can only be done to instances of type /mob")
 			return
@@ -1048,7 +1066,7 @@ body
 	else if(href_list["adjustDamage"] && href_list["mobToDamage"])
 		if(!check_rights(R_DEBUG|R_ADMIN|R_EVENT))	return
 
-		var/mob/living/L = locate(href_list["mobToDamage"])
+		var/mob/living/L = locateUID(href_list["mobToDamage"])
 		if(!istype(L)) return
 
 		var/Text = href_list["adjustDamage"]
@@ -1076,7 +1094,7 @@ body
 			href_list["datumrefresh"] = href_list["mobToDamage"]
 
 	if(href_list["datumrefresh"])
-		var/datum/DAT = locate(href_list["datumrefresh"])
+		var/datum/DAT = locateUID(href_list["datumrefresh"])
 		if(!istype(DAT, /datum))
 			return
 		src.debug_variables(DAT)
diff --git a/code/datums/diseases/advance/advance.dm b/code/datums/diseases/advance/advance.dm
index 5492a9f9ced..ba180af970e 100644
--- a/code/datums/diseases/advance/advance.dm
+++ b/code/datums/diseases/advance/advance.dm
@@ -421,7 +421,7 @@ var/list/advance_cures = 	list(
 /mob/verb/test()
 
 	for(var/datum/disease/D in disease_master.processing)
-		to_chat(src, "<a href='?_src_=vars;Vars=\ref[D]'>[D.name] - [D.holder]</a>")
+		to_chat(src, "<a href='?_src_=vars;Vars=[D.UID()]'>[D.name] - [D.holder]</a>")
 */
 
 
diff --git a/code/game/gamemodes/nuclear/nuclearbomb.dm b/code/game/gamemodes/nuclear/nuclearbomb.dm
index fd92e69cafa..5c8dcecf05b 100644
--- a/code/game/gamemodes/nuclear/nuclearbomb.dm
+++ b/code/game/gamemodes/nuclear/nuclearbomb.dm
@@ -263,7 +263,7 @@ var/bomb_set
 					lastentered = text("[]", href_list["type"])
 					if(text2num(lastentered) == null)
 						var/turf/LOC = get_turf(usr)
-						message_admins("[key_name_admin(usr)] tried to exploit a nuclear bomb by entering non-numerical codes: <a href='?_src_=vars;Vars=\ref[src]'>[lastentered]</a>! ([LOC ? "<a href='?_src_=holder;adminplayerobservecoodjump=1;X=[LOC.x];Y=[LOC.y];Z=[LOC.z]'>JMP</a>" : "null"])", 0)
+						message_admins("[key_name_admin(usr)] tried to exploit a nuclear bomb by entering non-numerical codes: <a href='?_src_=vars;Vars=[UID()]'>[lastentered]</a>! ([LOC ? "<a href='?_src_=holder;adminplayerobservecoodjump=1;X=[LOC.x];Y=[LOC.y];Z=[LOC.z]'>JMP</a>" : "null"])", 0)
 						log_admin("EXPLOIT: [key_name(usr)] tried to exploit a nuclear bomb by entering non-numerical codes: [lastentered]!")
 					else
 						code += lastentered
diff --git a/code/modules/admin/admin.dm b/code/modules/admin/admin.dm
index 99bbe1918c0..dcbb5c74c4d 100644
--- a/code/modules/admin/admin.dm
+++ b/code/modules/admin/admin.dm
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ var/global/nologevent = 0
 		body += " \[<A href='?_src_=holder;revive=\ref[M]'>Heal</A>\] "
 
 	body += "<br><br>\[ "
-	body += "<a href='?_src_=vars;Vars=\ref[M]'>VV</a> - "
+	body += "<a href='?_src_=vars;Vars=[M.UID()]'>VV</a> - "
 	body += "<a href='?_src_=holder;traitor=\ref[M]'>TP</a> - "
 	body += "<a href='?src=[usr.UID()];priv_msg=\ref[M]'>PM</a> - "
 	body += "<a href='?_src_=holder;subtlemessage=\ref[M]'>SM</a> - "
diff --git a/code/modules/admin/verbs/SDQL2/SDQL_2.dm b/code/modules/admin/verbs/SDQL2/SDQL_2.dm
index e07bda7c8ee..6553c739c9f 100644
--- a/code/modules/admin/verbs/SDQL2/SDQL_2.dm
+++ b/code/modules/admin/verbs/SDQL2/SDQL_2.dm
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@
 				if("select")
 					var/text = ""
 					for(var/datum/t in objs)
-						text += "<A HREF='?_src_=vars;Vars=\ref[t]'>\ref[t]</A>"
+						text += "<A HREF='?_src_=vars;Vars=[t.UID()]'>\ref[t]</A>"
 						if(istype(t, /atom))
 							var/atom/a = t
 
diff --git a/code/modules/admin/verbs/adminhelp.dm b/code/modules/admin/verbs/adminhelp.dm
index ea7d0ca82cd..d78ef5dcde3 100644
--- a/code/modules/admin/verbs/adminhelp.dm
+++ b/code/modules/admin/verbs/adminhelp.dm
@@ -109,13 +109,13 @@ var/list/adminhelp_ignored_words = list("unknown","the","a","an","of","monkey","
 
 	switch(selected_type)
 		if("Mentorhelp")
-			msg = "<span class='mentorhelp'>[selected_type]: </span><span class='boldnotice'>[key_name(src, 1, 1, selected_type)] (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminmoreinfo=[ref_mob]'>?</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminplayeropts=[ref_mob]'>PP</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=vars;Vars=[ref_mob]'>VV</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;subtlemessage=[ref_mob]'>SM</A>) ([admin_jump_link(mob)]) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;check_antagonist=1'>CA</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;rejectadminhelp=[ref_client]'>REJT</A>) [ai_found ? " (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminchecklaws=[ref_mob]'>CL</A>)" : ""]:</span> <span class='mentorhelp'>[msg]</span>"
+			msg = "<span class='mentorhelp'>[selected_type]: </span><span class='boldnotice'>[key_name(src, 1, 1, selected_type)] (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminmoreinfo=[ref_mob]'>?</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminplayeropts=[ref_mob]'>PP</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=vars;Vars=[mob.UID()]'>VV</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;subtlemessage=[ref_mob]'>SM</A>) ([admin_jump_link(mob)]) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;check_antagonist=1'>CA</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;rejectadminhelp=[ref_client]'>REJT</A>) [ai_found ? " (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminchecklaws=[ref_mob]'>CL</A>)" : ""]:</span> <span class='mentorhelp'>[msg]</span>"
 			for(var/client/X in mentorholders + modholders + adminholders)
 				if(X.prefs.sound & SOUND_ADMINHELP)
 					X << 'sound/effects/adminhelp.ogg'
 				to_chat(X, msg)
 		if("Adminhelp")
-			msg = "<span class='adminhelp'>[selected_type]: </span><span class='boldnotice'>[key_name(src, 1, 1, selected_type)] (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminmoreinfo=[ref_mob]'>?</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminplayeropts=[ref_mob]'>PP</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=vars;Vars=[ref_mob]'>VV</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;subtlemessage=[ref_mob]'>SM</A>) ([admin_jump_link(mob)]) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;check_antagonist=1'>CA</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;rejectadminhelp=[ref_client]'>REJT</A>) [ai_found ? " (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminchecklaws=[ref_mob]'>CL</A>)" : ""]:</span> <span class='adminhelp'>[msg]</span>"
+			msg = "<span class='adminhelp'>[selected_type]: </span><span class='boldnotice'>[key_name(src, 1, 1, selected_type)] (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminmoreinfo=[ref_mob]'>?</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminplayeropts=[ref_mob]'>PP</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=vars;Vars=[mob.UID()]'>VV</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;subtlemessage=[ref_mob]'>SM</A>) ([admin_jump_link(mob)]) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;check_antagonist=1'>CA</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;rejectadminhelp=[ref_client]'>REJT</A>) [ai_found ? " (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminchecklaws=[ref_mob]'>CL</A>)" : ""]:</span> <span class='adminhelp'>[msg]</span>"
 			for(var/client/X in modholders + adminholders)
 				if(X.prefs.sound & SOUND_ADMINHELP)
 					X << 'sound/effects/adminhelp.ogg'
diff --git a/code/modules/admin/verbs/pray.dm b/code/modules/admin/verbs/pray.dm
index 1cfea418936..03365b38385 100644
--- a/code/modules/admin/verbs/pray.dm
+++ b/code/modules/admin/verbs/pray.dm
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@
 			return
 
 	var/image/cross = image('icons/obj/storage.dmi',"bible")
-	msg = "\blue [bicon(cross)] <b><font color=purple>PRAY: </font>[key_name(src, 1)] (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminmoreinfo=\ref[src]'>?</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminplayeropts=\ref[src]'>PP</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=vars;Vars=\ref[src]'>VV</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;subtlemessage=\ref[src]'>SM</A>) ([admin_jump_link(src)]) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;secretsadmin=check_antagonist'>CA</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminspawncookie=\ref[src]'>SC</a>):</b> [msg]"
+	msg = "\blue [bicon(cross)] <b><font color=purple>PRAY: </font>[key_name(src, 1)] (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminmoreinfo=\ref[src]'>?</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminplayeropts=\ref[src]'>PP</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=vars;Vars=[UID()]'>VV</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;subtlemessage=\ref[src]'>SM</A>) ([admin_jump_link(src)]) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;secretsadmin=check_antagonist'>CA</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminspawncookie=\ref[src]'>SC</a>):</b> [msg]"
 
 	for(var/client/X in admins)
 		if(check_rights(R_EVENT,0,X.mob))
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
 
 /proc/Centcomm_announce(var/text , var/mob/Sender)
 	var/msg = sanitize(copytext(text, 1, MAX_MESSAGE_LEN))
-	msg = "<span class='boldnotice'><font color=orange>CENTCOMM: </font>[key_name(Sender, 1)] (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminplayeropts=\ref[Sender]'>PP</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=vars;Vars=\ref[Sender]'>VV</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;subtlemessage=\ref[Sender]'>SM</A>) ([admin_jump_link(Sender)]) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;secretsadmin=check_antagonist'>CA</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;BlueSpaceArtillery=\ref[Sender]'>BSA</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;CentcommReply=\ref[Sender]'>RPLY</A>):</span> [msg]"
+	msg = "<span class='boldnotice'><font color=orange>CENTCOMM: </font>[key_name(Sender, 1)] (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminplayeropts=\ref[Sender]'>PP</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=vars;Vars=[Sender.UID()]'>VV</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;subtlemessage=\ref[Sender]'>SM</A>) ([admin_jump_link(Sender)]) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;secretsadmin=check_antagonist'>CA</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;BlueSpaceArtillery=\ref[Sender]'>BSA</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;CentcommReply=\ref[Sender]'>RPLY</A>):</span> [msg]"
 	for(var/client/X in admins)
 		if(R_EVENT & X.holder.rights)
 			to_chat(X, msg)
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 
 /proc/Syndicate_announce(var/text , var/mob/Sender)
 	var/msg = sanitize(copytext(text, 1, MAX_MESSAGE_LEN))
-	msg = "<span class='boldnotice'><font color='#DC143C'>SYNDICATE: </font>[key_name(Sender, 1)] (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminplayeropts=\ref[Sender]'>PP</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=vars;Vars=\ref[Sender]'>VV</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;subtlemessage=\ref[Sender]'>SM</A>) ([admin_jump_link(Sender)]) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;secretsadmin=check_antagonist'>CA</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;BlueSpaceArtillery=\ref[Sender]'>BSA</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;SyndicateReply=\ref[Sender]'>REPLY</A>):</span> [msg]"
+	msg = "<span class='boldnotice'><font color='#DC143C'>SYNDICATE: </font>[key_name(Sender, 1)] (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminplayeropts=\ref[Sender]'>PP</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=vars;Vars=[Sender.UID()]'>VV</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;subtlemessage=\ref[Sender]'>SM</A>) ([admin_jump_link(Sender)]) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;secretsadmin=check_antagonist'>CA</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;BlueSpaceArtillery=\ref[Sender]'>BSA</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;SyndicateReply=\ref[Sender]'>REPLY</A>):</span> [msg]"
 	for(var/client/X in admins)
 		if(check_rights(R_EVENT,0,X.mob))
 			to_chat(X, msg)
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@
 
 /proc/HONK_announce(var/text , var/mob/Sender)
 	var/msg = sanitize(copytext(text, 1, MAX_MESSAGE_LEN))
-	msg = "<span class='boldnotice'><font color=pink>HONK: </font>[key_name(Sender, 1)] (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminplayeropts=\ref[Sender]'>PP</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=vars;Vars=\ref[Sender]'>VV</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;subtlemessage=\ref[Sender]'>SM</A>) ([admin_jump_link(Sender)]) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;secretsadmin=check_antagonist'>CA</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;BlueSpaceArtillery=\ref[Sender]'>BSA</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;HONKReply=\ref[Sender]'>RPLY</A>):</span> [msg]"
+	msg = "<span class='boldnotice'><font color=pink>HONK: </font>[key_name(Sender, 1)] (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminplayeropts=\ref[Sender]'>PP</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=vars;Vars=[Sender.UID()]'>VV</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;subtlemessage=\ref[Sender]'>SM</A>) ([admin_jump_link(Sender)]) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;secretsadmin=check_antagonist'>CA</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;BlueSpaceArtillery=\ref[Sender]'>BSA</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;HONKReply=\ref[Sender]'>RPLY</A>):</span> [msg]"
 	for(var/client/X in admins)
 		if(R_EVENT & X.holder.rights)
 			to_chat(X, msg)
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@
 
 /proc/ERT_Announce(var/text , var/mob/Sender, var/repeat_warning)
 	var/msg = sanitize(copytext(text, 1, MAX_MESSAGE_LEN))
-	msg = "<span class='adminnotice'><b><font color=orange>ERT REQUEST: </font>[key_name(Sender, 1)] (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminplayeropts=\ref[Sender]'>PP</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=vars;Vars=\ref[Sender]'>VV</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;subtlemessage=\ref[Sender]'>SM</A>) ([admin_jump_link(Sender)]) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;secretsadmin=check_antagonist'>CA</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;BlueSpaceArtillery=\ref[Sender]'>BSA</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;ErtReply=\ref[Sender]'>RESPOND</A>):</b> [msg]</span>"
+	msg = "<span class='adminnotice'><b><font color=orange>ERT REQUEST: </font>[key_name(Sender, 1)] (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminplayeropts=\ref[Sender]'>PP</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=vars;Vars=[Sender.UID()]'>VV</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;subtlemessage=\ref[Sender]'>SM</A>) ([admin_jump_link(Sender)]) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;secretsadmin=check_antagonist'>CA</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;BlueSpaceArtillery=\ref[Sender]'>BSA</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;ErtReply=\ref[Sender]'>RESPOND</A>):</b> [msg]</span>"
 	if(repeat_warning)
 		msg += "<BR><span class='adminnotice'><b>WARNING: ERT request has gone 5 minutes with no reply!</b></span>"
 	for(var/client/X in admins)
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@
 /proc/Nuke_request(text , mob/Sender)
 	var/nuke_code = get_nuke_code()
 	var/msg = sanitize(copytext(text, 1, MAX_MESSAGE_LEN))
-	msg = "<span class='adminnotice'><b><font color=orange>NUKE CODE REQUEST: </font>[key_name(Sender)] (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminplayeropts=\ref[Sender]'>PP</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=vars;Vars=\ref[Sender]'>VV</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;subtlemessage=\ref[Sender]'>SM</A>) ([admin_jump_link(Sender)]) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;secretsadmin=check_antagonist'>CA</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;BlueSpaceArtillery=\ref[Sender]'>BSA</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;CentcommReply=\ref[Sender]'>RPLY</A>):</b> [msg]</span>"
+	msg = "<span class='adminnotice'><b><font color=orange>NUKE CODE REQUEST: </font>[key_name(Sender)] (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminplayeropts=\ref[Sender]'>PP</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=vars;Vars=[Sender.UID()]'>VV</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;subtlemessage=\ref[Sender]'>SM</A>) ([admin_jump_link(Sender)]) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;secretsadmin=check_antagonist'>CA</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;BlueSpaceArtillery=\ref[Sender]'>BSA</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;CentcommReply=\ref[Sender]'>RPLY</A>):</b> [msg]</span>"
 	for(var/client/X in admins)
 		if(check_rights(R_EVENT,0,X.mob))
 			to_chat(X, msg)
diff --git a/code/modules/client/client procs.dm b/code/modules/client/client procs.dm
index 37035fbea72..083a6d468d9 100644
--- a/code/modules/client/client procs.dm	
+++ b/code/modules/client/client procs.dm	
@@ -32,7 +32,8 @@
 	// src should always be a UID; if it isn't, warn instead of failing entirely
 	if(href_list["src"])
 		hsrc = locateUID(href_list["src"])
-		if(!hsrc)
+		// If there's a ]_ in the src, it's a UID, so don't try to locate it
+		if(!hsrc && !findtext(href_list["src"], "]_"))
 			hsrc = locate(href_list["src"])
 			if(hsrc)
 				var/hsrc_info = datum_info_line(hsrc) || "[hsrc]"
diff --git a/code/modules/error_handler/error_viewer.dm b/code/modules/error_handler/error_viewer.dm
index 9bbab68b637..d17b75b986e 100644
--- a/code/modules/error_handler/error_viewer.dm
+++ b/code/modules/error_handler/error_viewer.dm
@@ -141,9 +141,11 @@ var/global/datum/ErrorViewer/ErrorCache/error_cache = null
 	var/exception/exc
 	var/desc = ""
 	var/srcRef
+	var/srcUID
 	var/srcType
 	var/turf/srcLoc
 	var/usrRef
+	var/usrUID
 	var/turf/usrLoc
 	var/isSkipCount
 
@@ -163,10 +165,12 @@ var/global/datum/ErrorViewer/ErrorCache/error_cache = null
 			desc += "&nbsp;&nbsp;" + html_encode(line) + "<br>"
 	if(istype(e_src))
 		srcRef = "\ref[e_src]"
+		srcUID = e_src.UID()
 		srcType = e_src.type
 		srcLoc = get_turf(e_src)
 	if(usr)
 		usrRef = "\ref[usr]"
+		usrUID = usr.UID()
 		usrLoc = get_turf(usr)
 
 /datum/ErrorViewer/ErrorEntry/showTo(var/user, var/datum/ErrorViewer/back_to, var/linear)
@@ -175,19 +179,19 @@ var/global/datum/ErrorViewer/ErrorCache/error_cache = null
 	var/html = buildHeader(back_to, linear)
 	html += "<div class='runtime'>[html_encode(name)]<br>[desc]</div>"
 	if(srcRef)
-		html += "<br>src: <a href='?_src_=vars;Vars=[srcRef]'>VV</a>"
+		html += "<br>src: <a href='?_src_=vars;Vars=[srcUID]'>VV</a>"
 		if(ispath(srcType, /mob))
 			html += " <a href='?_src_=holder;adminplayeropts=[srcRef]'>PP</a>"
 			html += " <a href='?_src_=holder;adminplayerobservefollow=[srcRef]'>Follow</a>"
 		if(istype(srcLoc))
-			html += "<br>src.loc: <a href='?_src_=vars;Vars=\ref[srcLoc]'>VV</a>"
+			html += "<br>src.loc: <a href='?_src_=vars;Vars=[srcLoc.UID()]'>VV</a>"
 			html += " <a href='?_src_=holder;adminplayerobservecoodjump=1;X=[srcLoc.x];Y=[srcLoc.y];Z=[srcLoc.z]'>JMP</a>"
 	if(usrRef)
-		html += "<br>usr: <a href='?_src_=vars;Vars=[usrRef]'>VV</a>"
+		html += "<br>usr: <a href='?_src_=vars;Vars=[usrUID]'>VV</a>"
 		html += " <a href='?_src_=holder;adminplayeropts=[usrRef]'>PP</a>"
 		html += " <a href='?_src_=holder;adminplayerobservefollow=[usrRef]'>Follow</a>"
 		if(istype(usrLoc))
-			html += "<br>usr.loc: <a href='?_src_=vars;Vars=\ref[usrLoc]'>VV</a>"
+			html += "<br>usr.loc: <a href='?_src_=vars;Vars=[usrLoc.UID()]'>VV</a>"
 			html += " <a href='?_src_=holder;adminplayerobservecoodjump=1;X=[usrLoc.x];Y=[usrLoc.y];Z=[usrLoc.z]'>JMP</a>"
 	browseTo(user, html)
 
diff --git a/code/modules/paperwork/faxmachine.dm b/code/modules/paperwork/faxmachine.dm
index c5daa08e11c..55299ef9532 100644
--- a/code/modules/paperwork/faxmachine.dm
+++ b/code/modules/paperwork/faxmachine.dm
@@ -261,7 +261,7 @@ var/list/alldepartments = list()
 
 
 /obj/machinery/photocopier/faxmachine/proc/message_admins(var/mob/sender, var/faxname, var/faxtype, var/obj/item/sent, font_colour="#9A04D1")
-	var/msg = "<span class='boldnotice'><font color='[font_colour]'>[faxname]: </font>[key_name(sender, 1)] (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminplayeropts=\ref[sender]'>PP</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=vars;Vars=\ref[sender]'>VV</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;secretsadmin=check_antagonist'>CA</A>) ([admin_jump_link(sender)]) | REPLY: (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;CentcommReply=\ref[sender]'>RADIO</A>) (<a href='?_src_=holder;AdminFaxCreate=\ref[sender];originfax=\ref[src];faxtype=[faxtype];replyto=\ref[sent]'>FAX</a>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;subtlemessage=\ref[sender]'>SM</A>) | REJECT: (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;FaxReplyTemplate=\ref[sender];originfax=\ref[src]'>TEMPLATE</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;BlueSpaceArtillery=\ref[sender]'>BSA</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;EvilFax=\ref[sender];originfax=\ref[src]'>EVILFAX</A>) </span>: Receiving '[sent.name]' via secure connection... <a href='?_src_=holder;AdminFaxView=\ref[sent]'>view message</a>"
+	var/msg = "<span class='boldnotice'><font color='[font_colour]'>[faxname]: </font>[key_name(sender, 1)] (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminplayeropts=\ref[sender]'>PP</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=vars;Vars=[sender.UID()]'>VV</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;secretsadmin=check_antagonist'>CA</A>) ([admin_jump_link(sender)]) | REPLY: (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;CentcommReply=\ref[sender]'>RADIO</A>) (<a href='?_src_=holder;AdminFaxCreate=\ref[sender];originfax=\ref[src];faxtype=[faxtype];replyto=\ref[sent]'>FAX</a>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;subtlemessage=\ref[sender]'>SM</A>) | REJECT: (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;FaxReplyTemplate=\ref[sender];originfax=\ref[src]'>TEMPLATE</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;BlueSpaceArtillery=\ref[sender]'>BSA</A>) (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;EvilFax=\ref[sender];originfax=\ref[src]'>EVILFAX</A>) </span>: Receiving '[sent.name]' via secure connection... <a href='?_src_=holder;AdminFaxView=\ref[sent]'>view message</a>"
 	for(var/client/C in admins)
 		if(R_EVENT & C.holder.rights)
 			to_chat(C, msg)
diff --git a/code/modules/reagents/newchem/newchem_procs.dm b/code/modules/reagents/newchem/newchem_procs.dm
index 68e618a9ac7..7ad083407d9 100644
--- a/code/modules/reagents/newchem/newchem_procs.dm
+++ b/code/modules/reagents/newchem/newchem_procs.dm
@@ -182,7 +182,7 @@ var/list/chemical_mob_spawn_nicecritters = list() // and possible friendly mobs
 		var/turf/T = get_turf(A)
 		var/area/my_area = get_area(T)
 		var/message = "A [reaction_name] reaction has occured in [my_area.name]. (<A HREF='?_src_=holder;adminplayerobservecoodjump=1;X=[T.x];Y=[T.y];Z=[T.z]'>JMP</A>)"
-		message += " (<A HREF='?_src_=vars;Vars=\ref[A]'>VV</A>)"
+		message += " (<A HREF='?_src_=vars;Vars=[A.UID()]'>VV</A>)"
 
 		var/mob/M = get(A, /mob)
 		if(M)