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Sol Alliance

2023-01-01T21:56:32Z

SilverSZ: /* IPC in the Sol Alliance Military */

{{Navbox Lore}}
{{Navbox Human Lore}}
{{Infobox Species
|Species = Solarian
|Scientific = H. Sapiens / Human
|Image = SolCitizens.png
|System = Sol
|World = Unity Station
|Language = Sol Common
|Politic = Alliance of Sovereign Solarian Nations
}}
[[File:Sol Alliance Flag.png|Civilian/Government flag of the Sol Alliance.|thumb]]

Though its power has waned following the disastrous events of late 2462, this federal union remains the home of humanity and the one of the premier powers in the Orion Spur. Formerly held back by bureaucratic corruption, administrative inefficiency, an overstretched legal system, systemic political infighting, and economic troubles that led to over a century of decline and waning influence culminating in its retreat inwards, many now look to reform the Alliance into a more effective political force.

The Alliance of Sovereign Solarian Nations (ASSN), commonly referred to as the Solarian Alliance, the Sol Alliance, and sometimes the Alliance, is a federal union of 70 member state star systems, and 198 dependencies including the Eridani Corporate Federation. Dependencies vary between undeveloped star systems and outposts on asteroids, to sprawling space stations and include the capital of the Sol Alliance: the bustling Unity Station in orbit over Earth. The Sol Alliance is divided into two administrative sections known as the Inner and Middle Rings.

==Demographics==
The Sol Alliance is either the most populated or second most populated in known space, though due to the lack of accurate census-taking in the Coalition of Colonies it is hard to determine. As of its retreat from the Middle and Outer Rings the Sol Alliance has between 40 and 65 billion citizens and roughly 10 billion residents, with the most recent census having been in 2454. Due to mass defection of many Middle and Outer Ring colonies, these census numbers are no longer considered to be accurate. The Alliance's next census will come in 2464 but experts regard its current population as anywhere between fifty and seventy billion individuals. By breadth of controlled territory the Alliance is the largest sovereign state with every ethnicity, religion, culture, and language found somewhere in its borders. Governed at Unity Station in orbit of Earth, hundreds of systems and dozens of member states find representation in the Alliance.

==The Colony Rings==
The Alliance is divided into two major administrative rings, based on time of colonization and distance from [[Sol]].

===Inner Colonies===
Also known as the Inner Ring, the inner colonies lie within five light years of [[Sol]]. These planets are the oldest settlements outside of the Solar System, and have the highest quality of life. It is the most populous of the three rings. Solarians from these systems are in favor of Alliance rule, with much of Unity Station’s policies focusing on these areas. Very few aliens reside in the Inner Ring, with most being skrell. On the other hand all [[IPC]] frames can be found throughout the Inner Ring. Citizens of these areas push the most for expansion of Alliance authority over human areas outside its control.

====Notable Inner Colonies====
*[[Earth]]
*[[Luna]]
*[[Venus]]
*[[Mars]]
*[[Jupiter]] and its moons
*[[Epsilon Eridani]]

===Middle Colonies===
Also known as the Middle Ring. The Middle Colonies lie between five and twenty light years from Sol and are the most average areas of the Alliance. Citizens of this ring felt neither the benefits of Alliance rule nor the benefits of distance from Unity Station prior to the general Solarian retreat from the Middle Ring, leading to many defecting to the Republic of Biesel or, less commonly, the Coalition of Colonies. Many simply fell into a vacuum of no control known as the human wildlands. For those Middle Ring worlds remaining with the Alliance, the quality of life in this area is as high as the Inner Ring with plenty of security provided by the mighty Solarian Navy, but the remaining systems find themselves in a battle between Alliance and megacorporation control. Sometimes it is unclear where one begins and the other ends. The separatist [[Republic of Biesel]] was considered part of these middle colonies prior to its independence.

====Notable Middle Colonies====
*[[Silversun]]
*[[New Hai Phong]]

==Economics==

The economy of the Sol Alliance was, prior to the recently-passed '''Industrial Reclamation Mandate of 2463''', dominated almost entirely by megacorporations. [[Hephaestus Industries]], [[Idris Incorporated]], [[Zavodskoi Interstellar]], and [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]] increasingly find themselves pushed aside by the massive [[Einstein Engines]], which stands above other megacorporations in the Alliance. Due to its involvement in the Republic of Biesel and continued meddling in Solarian affairs the [[Nanotrasen Corporation]] has been banned from operating within the Alliance itself, and the majority of its assets have been seized by the Alliance. Many suspect Einstein Engines as being behind the Alliance's aggressively anti-NanoTrasen stance. Despite its retreat from the Middle and Outer Rings Sol remains the Orion Spur's second largest economy, trailing only slightly behind the Republic of Biesel.

In recent times the Alliance has pushed forward an aggressive campaign of nationalisation following its retreat from the Middle and Outer Ring. The now centralised and more authoritarian Alliance has, for the most part, managed to make good on many of its nationalistic promises but has been forced to make some compromises with the corporations that remain within its systems of control. Hephaestus Industries stands out among these corporations and has retained of its control over New Hai Phong due to compromises with Senator Hendrik Strom, one of the main drivers behind the '''Solarian Corporate Authority''', the government entity now responsible for much of the now-nationalised assets from corporations present in Solarian space.

The Alliance has not fully recovered from the Second Great Depression of 2260. The economic collapse and the resulting civil war left confidence in the Alliance economy extremely shaky. The Alliance has an extremely condensed cycle of boom and bust, with a brief year of growth followed by two years of recession, on average. This is partially the reason that trans-stellar corporations are so powerful and influential: With Sol Alliance bonds or ventures radically decentralized and untrustworthy, the resilient economic strength of trans-stellar corporations makes them a much more lucrative investment. The prosperity of the Alliance is extremely centralized following its retreat, and its remaining systems benefit from their proximity to the Sol System. Most remaining Solarian systems are major commercial and industrial centers, such as New Hai Phong.

==Politics==
The retreat from its outlying colonies has dramatically shifted the nature and state of politics in the Solarian Alliance, and the political scene as it existed previously has all but disappeared following the death of Prime Minister Michael Frost and the chaos that followed it. While the Alliance remains a federal democracy on paper, with a functional upper and lower house, and its byzantine system of legal codes and regulations remains despite reforms, the Alliance is in reality controlled by an emergency government.

===Government===
The Alliance Provisional Military Government is the true government of the Solarian Alliance in the trying times following the retreat from the Alliance's colonies, and its governing power is split between the Navy and a small amount of government functionaries including the two most prominent candidates for the Alliance's next Prime Minister: Senators Hendrik Strom and Le Hanh Trang. While many have criticised the APMG as a mere dictatorial officer's clique tacitly supported by pro-navy politicians, it has promised a peaceful transition of power to a civilian government once the situation has become more stable in the Alliance. Whether this promise will be carried through remains to be seen.

==Sol Alliance Military==
[[File:Sol Navy.png|thumb|alt=Flag of the Navy of the Sol Alliance.|The ensign of the Sol Alliance Navy, once flown from Earth to the human frontier.]]
The Solarian Armed Forces has a history going as far back as the onset of the [https://wiki.aurorastation.org/index.php?title=Sol_Alliance_History#The_United_Nations_New_Mandate new mandate]. Although originally created as a peacekeeping force it developed over time into a professional military force with fleets capable of projecting the Solarian Alliance’s power on a galactic scale. While the Alliance has significantly reduced its size its military is hardly a shadow of its former self, and the Solarian Navy's one-hundred fleets - freed of their obligations to patrol seemingly endless amounts of space - now stand perhaps stronger than ever. The only military entity capable of rivaling the Solarian Navy is the Nralakk Federation’s Navy.

A standard Solarian Navy fleet consists of roughly one-hundred ships for a main fleet, and fifty ships for a patrol fleet. A Solarian battlefleet is one of the most intimidating organizations in the Orion Spur, and consists of four main fleets with one supporting patrol fleet. Though many Solarian Navy vessels are presently hamstrung by their lack of phoron thanks to an ongoing phoron embargo by the Republic of Biesel they are increasingly being retrofitted with the Einstein Engines-produced [[Einstein Engines#Products|Suzuki-Zhang Hammer Drive]], a recently-invented Helium-3 burning engine that is advertised as rivalling the best phoron-fueled bluespace engines. With Einstein Engines continuing to support the Alliance, the matter of a fully-modernized Solarian Navy is one of when not if.

While the Sol Alliance has shrunk dramatically in recent years, it remains the strongest human naval power in the Orion Spur even after its retreat to its core worlds. If anything its military is, arguably, stronger than ever - territorial consolidation and constant combat experience along the borders with the human wildlands have dramatically increased the effectiveness and readiness of the Solarian Navy's hundred fleets. However the Navy remains plagued with political factionalism, with many supporting warlords in the wildlands and others dueling over power in the current emergency military government.

The Sol Alliance sees the independence of Biesel as a serious mistake; during a crisis where there was a very real prospect that the entire human galactic economy would cease to exist, NanoTrasen used its considerable influence and power to coerce the Alliance to grant independence to Tau Ceti in 2452.

==IPCs in the Sol Alliance==

The Sol Alliance is the birthplace of [[IPC|integrated positronic chassis]] and they have found a place in almost every level of society, offering relatively cheap, autonomous, and skilled labour. The discovery of ancient drones in 2406 led to the development of the [[Positronic_Brain#Software|positronic brain]] which provided manufacturers with a processor capable of holding AI that could consume knowledge and control a humanoid body with the same level of competence as a human. Owing to their cost, the majority of the Alliance’s robotics’ needs are fulfilled by simpler, human-designed AI or unreliable and controversial cyborg processors. Positronic intelligences are instead used in roles which require a high degree of autonomy and adaptability, or simply replace humans directly, especially in dangerous fields.

IPCs, alongside all synthetic life in the Sol Alliance are exclusively property, either owned by individuals, companies, or the government itself. Although not standardized, most government synthetics and IPCs work with a basic restriction that prevents them from harming people or damaging property to avoid accidents. Most local governments, particularly those with reservations about the spread of IPCs obligate the usage of similar directives for IPCs. Directives act as a more relaxed version of laws in order to capitalize on adaptability of positronic brain-based AI, outlining the objectives of an IPC. They are often chosen for their ability to be quickly modified by their end-consumer towards specified behvaiors.

In the case that an IPC malfunctions or commits a criminal offense, the responsibility is placed firmly on the owner of the machine and the manufacturer is often fined. The machine itself is then frequently reset, repossessed by the state, or in some cases, recycled for parts. An IPC without an owner is repossessed by the government. In cases where the IPC isn’t in a condition to be readily used, they are often sold back to the public at a substantially cheaper price.

With the fracture of Sol, IPCs find themselves in increasing use by the government and military in order to make up for losses of skilled labor and to cut through perceived rivalries between officials. In order to prevent potential dissent or uprising among the machines, personality wiping, loyalty programming, and strict directives are often employed by the government.

IPCs have their movement restricted, being forbidden from travelling alone without written authorization, and without passing through a mile of red-tape and checkpoints. Free IPCs, as well as those belonging to companies not based in Sol space often find themselves captured and nationalized or auctioned off to new owners if they cannot escape. All IPCs from out of Sol are barred entirely unless they are owned and have someone present and accountable for them. Outside IPCs that are owned which cannot produce a supervisor, or free IPCs trying to smuggle themselves in are subject to capture and sale or confiscation for use by the government.
==IPC in the Sol Alliance Military==

'''Overview'''

Technological progress has seen Humanity starting to employ all sorts of machines and especially robotics, especially since the creation of the Positronic brain. Self thinking synthetics have been recognised as offering unique solutions to complicated problems in a military setting, making them a powerful asset when coupled with the robustness of an artificial chassis. As such, the Alliance Army and Navy was bound to adopt them. Today, IPCs are utilised as specialised equipment in a variety of dangerous and demanding settings, mostly in a technical and auxiliary role rather than frontline combat. From spaceship maintenance to clearing minefields, synthetics are favoured in these circumstances due to being less important than the well-being of human service members. The majority of positronic frames in the military is dominated by Baselines and Industrials, though Mobility and Shell frames are also encountered as paramedics and clerks.

'''Ranks'''

Positronics in both the Army and Navy are not considered equal to their human counterparts, and are officially classified as equipment, much like a weapons system belonging to the ship or military formation under which they are assigned. As such, they are enlisted under the rank of '''Synthetic Auxiliary''', clearly distinguished from the rest by gray highlights attached to their uniform, a standardised designation across the Alliance's branches. These IPCs are tightly controlled by human operators, but in cases where contact is expected to be hampered or severed, a trusted synthetic may be put in command of a squad or detachment of synthetics. These are "promoted" to '''Synthetic Lead''', receiving a gray chevron on their shoulder as a mark of seniority. Indeed, many years of service and experience are usually required for a positronic to achieve this position, in a conservative Solarian culture that both distrusts and undermines self-thinking IPCs.

Solarian Military Synthetics use a standard format of a designation followed by a singular name for identification. Whilst the assigned names of IPC can be greatly varied their designation is chosen based on their branch of service. With the Navy using NU (Navy Unit), Army AU (Army Unit) and Marines MU (Marine Unit).

'''Treatment'''

Positronics serving within the Solarian Military experience harsh treatment in accordance with their designation as equipment rather than personnel. Accommodations are kept to a bare spartan minimum and luxuries are unheard of amongst IPC service members, with only the equipment required for their tasks being provided, while free time is minimized. This attitude also affects the standards positronics are held to in terms of presentation and behavior, being even more strict than those given to human personnel, with deviations from expected behavior being seen as a sign of potential disloyalty or future trouble. Social interactions between Human and IPC service members are discouraged and monitored. Human service members are instructed to view these synthetics as tools to be used, and considering them otherwise will likely result in disciplinary action.

Punishments inflicted on Positronics range from slaps on the wrist to mind-wiping or forcible retirement, however more extreme disciplinary measures are considered very rare and often only used in cases of outright disloyalty. Despite the harsh line the Solarian Military takes towards their Synthetic service members, there is some good for those IPC who end up in this environment. The Solarian Military ensures that its Synthetics are well-maintained, powered and repaired as they would any other piece of equipment and abandonment of IPC personnel is only done when there is no other option available, and significant risk to human life would be present in attempting to recover them.

'''In the Warlord States'''

Since the breakup of large swaths of Alliance space from the main core, military synthetics were included as part of the naval formations that came to rule these areas. A general breakdown in communication, coupled with the lack of proper maintenance facilities and spare parts have made the upkeep of these Positronics a costly affair, while generally casting them fully to the mercy of local officers. Indeed, Solarian military IPCs in Warlord jurisdiction are met with different and unexpected fates. In what was the '''Southern Fleet Administration''', IPC units were either quickly sold off for profit or worked to destruction, the disorganised and bandit-like vessels having few resources to put towards their proper maintenance. In the '''Southern Military District''' on the other hand, treatment of synthetics remains in line with proper Solarian guidelines, with machinist depots on Visegrad being utilized by the fleet.

==Alliance Anthem==

“Our United Alliance” - ASSN Anthem

Our Solarian Sovereignty undisputed
Our vision, transcendent
Our heads high, our will strong
Arise my Alliance, for we are supreme
From Sol to the frontier, our right

We are humanity, our vision great
The stars, our destiny manifest
Through the toil of our people
We expand to the horizon
For our Humanity, we expand

Our Solarian Sovereignty undisputed
Our vision, transcendent
Our heads high, our will strong
Arise my Alliance, for we are supreme
From Sol to the frontier, our right

We are humanity, our vision great
Proud people under your leadership
Through the blood of our people
Always ready to give our due
For our unity, we stand strong

==[[Languages]]==
Sol Common is, shockingly, the dominant language of the Sol Alliance across all classes of society. Tau Ceti Basic is commonly available in schools, though it is generally regarded as a second language for Solarians. Tradeband is uncommon outside certain areas such as the Sol System and the Eridani Corporate Federation but, thanks to the economic power of these systems, remains a common language for interstellar trade. Freespeak, otherwise known as Gutter, is viewed as the language of lower-class individuals, such as now extinct Martian separatists and dregs and barely-civilised frontiersmen from the Coalition of Colonies. Solarian Sign Language is a popular elective course in higher education in the Sol Alliance and can be found throughout the Alliance itself, in addition to forming the basis of modern Galactic Sign Language.

==[[Sol Alliance History]]==

The Sol Alliance's relatively long history holds the origins of many of the current nations, megacorporations, and current conflicts within it. For a detailed overview, see the [[Sol Alliance History|Sol Alliance history page]].

{{Navbox Human Lore}}
{{Navbox Lore}}

[[Category:Factions]]
[[Category:Pages]]
[[Category:Humanity]]

Sol Alliance

2022-12-10T16:28:26Z

SilverSZ: Added information on Synthetics in the Alliance Military

{{Navbox Lore}}
{{Navbox Human Lore}}
{{Infobox Species
|Species = Solarian
|Scientific = H. Sapiens / Human
|Image = SolCitizens.png
|System = Sol
|World = Unity Station
|Language = Sol Common
|Politic = Alliance of Sovereign Solarian Nations
}}
[[File:Sol Alliance Flag.png|Civilian/Government flag of the Sol Alliance.|thumb]]

Though its power has waned following the disastrous events of late 2462, this federal union remains the home of humanity and the one of the premier powers in the Orion Spur. Formerly held back by bureaucratic corruption, administrative inefficiency, an overstretched legal system, systemic political infighting, and economic troubles that led to over a century of decline and waning influence culminating in its retreat inwards, many now look to reform the Alliance into a more effective political force.

The Alliance of Sovereign Solarian Nations (ASSN), commonly referred to as the Solarian Alliance, the Sol Alliance, and sometimes the Alliance, is a federal union of 70 member state star systems, and 198 dependencies including the Eridani Corporate Federation. Dependencies vary between undeveloped star systems and outposts on asteroids, to sprawling space stations and include the capital of the Sol Alliance: the bustling Unity Station in orbit over Earth. The Sol Alliance is divided into two administrative sections known as the Inner and Middle Rings.

==Demographics==
The Sol Alliance is either the most populated or second most populated in known space, though due to the lack of accurate census-taking in the Coalition of Colonies it is hard to determine. As of its retreat from the Middle and Outer Rings the Sol Alliance has between 40 and 65 billion citizens and roughly 10 billion residents, with the most recent census having been in 2454. Due to mass defection of many Middle and Outer Ring colonies, these census numbers are no longer considered to be accurate. The Alliance's next census will come in 2464 but experts regard its current population as anywhere between fifty and seventy billion individuals. By breadth of controlled territory the Alliance is the largest sovereign state with every ethnicity, religion, culture, and language found somewhere in its borders. Governed at Unity Station in orbit of Earth, hundreds of systems and dozens of member states find representation in the Alliance.

==The Colony Rings==
The Alliance is divided into two major administrative rings, based on time of colonization and distance from [[Sol]].

===Inner Colonies===
Also known as the Inner Ring, the inner colonies lie within five light years of [[Sol]]. These planets are the oldest settlements outside of the Solar System, and have the highest quality of life. It is the most populous of the three rings. Solarians from these systems are in favor of Alliance rule, with much of Unity Station’s policies focusing on these areas. Very few aliens reside in the Inner Ring, with most being skrell. On the other hand all [[IPC]] frames can be found throughout the Inner Ring. Citizens of these areas push the most for expansion of Alliance authority over human areas outside its control.

====Notable Inner Colonies====
*[[Earth]]
*[[Luna]]
*[[Venus]]
*[[Mars]]
*[[Jupiter]] and its moons
*[[Epsilon Eridani]]

===Middle Colonies===
Also known as the Middle Ring. The Middle Colonies lie between five and twenty light years from Sol and are the most average areas of the Alliance. Citizens of this ring felt neither the benefits of Alliance rule nor the benefits of distance from Unity Station prior to the general Solarian retreat from the Middle Ring, leading to many defecting to the Republic of Biesel or, less commonly, the Coalition of Colonies. Many simply fell into a vacuum of no control known as the human wildlands. For those Middle Ring worlds remaining with the Alliance, the quality of life in this area is as high as the Inner Ring with plenty of security provided by the mighty Solarian Navy, but the remaining systems find themselves in a battle between Alliance and megacorporation control. Sometimes it is unclear where one begins and the other ends. The separatist [[Republic of Biesel]] was considered part of these middle colonies prior to its independence.

====Notable Middle Colonies====
*[[Silversun]]
*[[New Hai Phong]]

==Economics==

The economy of the Sol Alliance was, prior to the recently-passed '''Industrial Reclamation Mandate of 2463''', dominated almost entirely by megacorporations. [[Hephaestus Industries]], [[Idris Incorporated]], [[Zavodskoi Interstellar]], and [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]] increasingly find themselves pushed aside by the massive [[Einstein Engines]], which stands above other megacorporations in the Alliance. Due to its involvement in the Republic of Biesel and continued meddling in Solarian affairs the [[Nanotrasen Corporation]] has been banned from operating within the Alliance itself, and the majority of its assets have been seized by the Alliance. Many suspect Einstein Engines as being behind the Alliance's aggressively anti-NanoTrasen stance. Despite its retreat from the Middle and Outer Rings Sol remains the Orion Spur's second largest economy, trailing only slightly behind the Republic of Biesel.

In recent times the Alliance has pushed forward an aggressive campaign of nationalisation following its retreat from the Middle and Outer Ring. The now centralised and more authoritarian Alliance has, for the most part, managed to make good on many of its nationalistic promises but has been forced to make some compromises with the corporations that remain within its systems of control. Hephaestus Industries stands out among these corporations and has retained of its control over New Hai Phong due to compromises with Senator Hendrik Strom, one of the main drivers behind the '''Solarian Corporate Authority''', the government entity now responsible for much of the now-nationalised assets from corporations present in Solarian space.

The Alliance has not fully recovered from the Second Great Depression of 2260. The economic collapse and the resulting civil war left confidence in the Alliance economy extremely shaky. The Alliance has an extremely condensed cycle of boom and bust, with a brief year of growth followed by two years of recession, on average. This is partially the reason that trans-stellar corporations are so powerful and influential: With Sol Alliance bonds or ventures radically decentralized and untrustworthy, the resilient economic strength of trans-stellar corporations makes them a much more lucrative investment. The prosperity of the Alliance is extremely centralized following its retreat, and its remaining systems benefit from their proximity to the Sol System. Most remaining Solarian systems are major commercial and industrial centers, such as New Hai Phong.

==Politics==
The retreat from its outlying colonies has dramatically shifted the nature and state of politics in the Solarian Alliance, and the political scene as it existed previously has all but disappeared following the death of Prime Minister Michael Frost and the chaos that followed it. While the Alliance remains a federal democracy on paper, with a functional upper and lower house, and its byzantine system of legal codes and regulations remains despite reforms, the Alliance is in reality controlled by an emergency government.

===Government===
The Alliance Provisional Military Government is the true government of the Solarian Alliance in the trying times following the retreat from the Alliance's colonies, and its governing power is split between the Navy and a small amount of government functionaries including the two most prominent candidates for the Alliance's next Prime Minister: Senators Hendrik Strom and Le Hanh Trang. While many have criticised the APMG as a mere dictatorial officer's clique tacitly supported by pro-navy politicians, it has promised a peaceful transition of power to a civilian government once the situation has become more stable in the Alliance. Whether this promise will be carried through remains to be seen.

==Sol Alliance Military==
[[File:Sol Navy.png|thumb|alt=Flag of the Navy of the Sol Alliance.|The ensign of the Sol Alliance Navy, once flown from Earth to the human frontier.]]
The Solarian Armed Forces has a history going as far back as the onset of the [https://wiki.aurorastation.org/index.php?title=Sol_Alliance_History#The_United_Nations_New_Mandate new mandate]. Although originally created as a peacekeeping force it developed over time into a professional military force with fleets capable of projecting the Solarian Alliance’s power on a galactic scale. While the Alliance has significantly reduced its size its military is hardly a shadow of its former self, and the Solarian Navy's one-hundred fleets - freed of their obligations to patrol seemingly endless amounts of space - now stand perhaps stronger than ever. The only military entity capable of rivaling the Solarian Navy is the Nralakk Federation’s Navy.

A standard Solarian Navy fleet consists of roughly one-hundred ships for a main fleet, and fifty ships for a patrol fleet. A Solarian battlefleet is one of the most intimidating organizations in the Orion Spur, and consists of four main fleets with one supporting patrol fleet. Though many Solarian Navy vessels are presently hamstrung by their lack of phoron thanks to an ongoing phoron embargo by the Republic of Biesel they are increasingly being retrofitted with the Einstein Engines-produced [[Einstein Engines#Products|Suzuki-Zhang Hammer Drive]], a recently-invented Helium-3 burning engine that is advertised as rivalling the best phoron-fueled bluespace engines. With Einstein Engines continuing to support the Alliance, the matter of a fully-modernized Solarian Navy is one of when not if.

While the Sol Alliance has shrunk dramatically in recent years, it remains the strongest human naval power in the Orion Spur even after its retreat to its core worlds. If anything its military is, arguably, stronger than ever - territorial consolidation and constant combat experience along the borders with the human wildlands have dramatically increased the effectiveness and readiness of the Solarian Navy's hundred fleets. However the Navy remains plagued with political factionalism, with many supporting warlords in the wildlands and others dueling over power in the current emergency military government.

The Sol Alliance sees the independence of Biesel as a serious mistake; during a crisis where there was a very real prospect that the entire human galactic economy would cease to exist, NanoTrasen used its considerable influence and power to coerce the Alliance to grant independence to Tau Ceti in 2452.

==IPCs in the Sol Alliance==

The Sol Alliance is the birthplace of [[IPC|integrated positronic chassis]] and they have found a place in almost every level of society, offering relatively cheap, autonomous, and skilled labour. The discovery of ancient drones in 2406 led to the development of the [[Positronic_Brain#Software|positronic brain]] which provided manufacturers with a processor capable of holding AI that could consume knowledge and control a humanoid body with the same level of competence as a human. Owing to their cost, the majority of the Alliance’s robotics’ needs are fulfilled by simpler, human-designed AI or unreliable and controversial cyborg processors. Positronic intelligences are instead used in roles which require a high degree of autonomy and adaptability, or simply replace humans directly, especially in dangerous fields.

IPCs, alongside all synthetic life in the Sol Alliance are exclusively property, either owned by individuals, companies, or the government itself. Although not standardized, most government synthetics and IPCs work with a basic restriction that prevents them from harming people or damaging property to avoid accidents. Most local governments, particularly those with reservations about the spread of IPCs obligate the usage of similar directives for IPCs. Directives act as a more relaxed version of laws in order to capitalize on adaptability of positronic brain-based AI, outlining the objectives of an IPC. They are often chosen for their ability to be quickly modified by their end-consumer towards specified behvaiors.

In the case that an IPC malfunctions or commits a criminal offense, the responsibility is placed firmly on the owner of the machine and the manufacturer is often fined. The machine itself is then frequently reset, repossessed by the state, or in some cases, recycled for parts. An IPC without an owner is repossessed by the government. In cases where the IPC isn’t in a condition to be readily used, they are often sold back to the public at a substantially cheaper price.

With the fracture of Sol, IPCs find themselves in increasing use by the government and military in order to make up for losses of skilled labor and to cut through perceived rivalries between officials. In order to prevent potential dissent or uprising among the machines, personality wiping, loyalty programming, and strict directives are often employed by the government.

IPCs have their movement restricted, being forbidden from travelling alone without written authorization, and without passing through a mile of red-tape and checkpoints. Free IPCs, as well as those belonging to companies not based in Sol space often find themselves captured and nationalized or auctioned off to new owners if they cannot escape. All IPCs from out of Sol are barred entirely unless they are owned and have someone present and accountable for them. Outside IPCs that are owned which cannot produce a supervisor, or free IPCs trying to smuggle themselves in are subject to capture and sale or confiscation for use by the government.
==IPC in the Sol Alliance Military==

'''Overview'''

Technological progress has seen Humanity starting to employ all sorts of machines and especially robotics, especially since the creation of the Positronic brain. Self thinking synthetics have been recognised as offering unique solutions to complicated problems in a military setting, making them a powerful asset when coupled with the robustness of an artificial chassis. As such, the Alliance Army and Navy was bound to adopt them. Today, IPCs are utilised as specialised equipment in a variety of dangerous and demanding settings, mostly in a technical and auxiliary role rather than frontline combat. From spaceship maintenance to clearing minefields, synthetics are favoured in these circumstances due to being less important than the well-being of human service members. The majority of positronic frames in the military is dominated by Baselines and Industrials, though Mobility and Shell frames are also encountered as paramedics and clerks.

'''Ranks'''

Positronics in both the Army and Navy are not considered equal to their human counterparts, and are officially classified as equipment, much like a weapons system belonging to the ship or military formation under which they are assigned. As such, they are enlisted under the rank of '''Synthetic Auxiliary''', clearly distinguished from the rest by gray highlights attached to their uniform, a standardised designation across the Alliance's branches. These IPCs are tightly controlled by human operators, but in cases where contact is expected to be hampered or severed, a trusted synthetic may be put in command of a squad or detachment of synthetics. These are "promoted" to '''Synthetic Lead''', receiving a gray chevron on their shoulder as a mark of seniority. Indeed, many years of service and experience are usually required for a positronic to achieve this position, in a conservative Solarian culture that both distrusts and undermines self-thinking IPCs.

'''Treatment'''

Positronics serving within the Solarian Military experience harsh treatment in accordance with their designation as equipment rather than personnel. Accommodations are kept to a bare spartan minimum and luxuries are unheard of amongst IPC service members, with only the equipment required for their tasks being provided, while free time is minimized. This attitude also affects the standards positronics are held to in terms of presentation and behavior, being even more strict than those given to human personnel, with deviations from expected behavior being seen as a sign of potential disloyalty or future trouble. Social interactions between Human and IPC service members are discouraged and monitored. Human service members are instructed to view these synthetics as tools to be used, and considering them otherwise will likely result in disciplinary action.

Punishments inflicted on Positronics range from slaps on the wrist to mind-wiping or forcible retirement, however more extreme disciplinary measures are considered very rare and often only used in cases of outright disloyalty. Despite the harsh line the Solarian Military takes towards their Synthetic service members, there is some good for those IPC who end up in this environment. The Solarian Military ensures that its Synthetics are well-maintained, powered and repaired as they would any other piece of equipment and abandonment of IPC personnel is only done when there is no other option available, and significant risk to human life would be present in attempting to recover them.

'''In the Warlord States'''

Since the breakup of large swaths of Alliance space from the main core, military synthetics were included as part of the naval formations that came to rule these areas. A general breakdown in communication, coupled with the lack of proper maintenance facilities and spare parts have made the upkeep of these Positronics a costly affair, while generally casting them fully to the mercy of local officers. Indeed, Solarian military IPCs in Warlord jurisdiction are met with different and unexpected fates. In what was the '''Southern Fleet Administration''', IPC units were either quickly sold off for profit or worked to destruction, the disorganised and bandit-like vessels having few resources to put towards their proper maintenance. In the '''Southern Military District''' on the other hand, treatment of synthetics remains in line with proper Solarian guidelines, with machinist depots on Visegrad being utilized by the fleet.

==Alliance Anthem==

“Our United Alliance” - ASSN Anthem

Our Solarian Sovereignty undisputed
Our vision, transcendent
Our heads high, our will strong
Arise my Alliance, for we are supreme
From Sol to the frontier, our right

We are humanity, our vision great
The stars, our destiny manifest
Through the toil of our people
We expand to the horizon
For our Humanity, we expand

Our Solarian Sovereignty undisputed
Our vision, transcendent
Our heads high, our will strong
Arise my Alliance, for we are supreme
From Sol to the frontier, our right

We are humanity, our vision great
Proud people under your leadership
Through the blood of our people
Always ready to give our due
For our unity, we stand strong

==[[Languages]]==
Sol Common is, shockingly, the dominant language of the Sol Alliance across all classes of society. Tau Ceti Basic is commonly available in schools, though it is generally regarded as a second language for Solarians. Tradeband is uncommon outside certain areas such as the Sol System and the Eridani Corporate Federation but, thanks to the economic power of these systems, remains a common language for interstellar trade. Freespeak, otherwise known as Gutter, is viewed as the language of lower-class individuals, such as now extinct Martian separatists and dregs and barely-civilised frontiersmen from the Coalition of Colonies. Solarian Sign Language is a popular elective course in higher education in the Sol Alliance and can be found throughout the Alliance itself, in addition to forming the basis of modern Galactic Sign Language.

==[[Sol Alliance History]]==

The Sol Alliance's relatively long history holds the origins of many of the current nations, megacorporations, and current conflicts within it. For a detailed overview, see the [[Sol Alliance History|Sol Alliance history page]].

{{Navbox Human Lore}}
{{Navbox Lore}}

[[Category:Factions]]
[[Category:Pages]]
[[Category:Humanity]]

User:SilverSZ/sandbox

2022-12-10T15:57:22Z

SilverSZ:

==IPC in the Sol Alliance Military==

===Overview===
Technological progress has seen Humanity starting to employ all sorts of machines and especially robotics, especially since the creation of the Positronic brain. Self thinking synthetics have been recognised as offering unique solutions to complicated problems in a military setting, making them a powerful asset when coupled with the robustness of an artificial chassis. As such, the Alliance Army and Navy was bound to adopt them. Today, IPCs are utilised as specialised equipment in a variety of dangerous and demanding settings, mostly in a technical and auxiliary role rather than frontline combat. From spaceship maintenance to clearing minefields, synthetics are favoured in these circumstances due to being less important than the well-being of human service members. The majority of positronic frames in the military is dominated by Baselines and Industrials, though Mobility and Shell frames are also encountered as paramedics and clerks.

===Ranks===
Positronics in both the Army and Navy are not considered equal to their human counterparts, and are officially classified as equipment, much like a weapons system belonging to the ship or military formation under which they are assigned. As such, they are enlisted under the rank of '''Synthetic Auxiliary''', clearly distinguished from the rest by gray highlights attached to their uniform, a standardised designation across the Alliance's branches. These IPCs are tightly controlled by human operators, but in cases where contact is expected to be hampered or severed, a trusted synthetic may be put in command of a squad or detachment of synthetics. These are "promoted" to '''Synthetic Lead''', receiving a gray chevron on their shoulder as a mark of seniority. Indeed, many years of service and experience are usually required for a positronic to achieve this position, in a conservative Solarian culture that both distrusts and undermines self-thinking IPCs.

===Treatment===
Positronics serving within the Solarian Military experience harsh treatment in accordance with their designation as equipment rather than personnel. Accommodations are kept to a bare spartan minimum and luxuries are unheard of amongst IPC service members, with only the equipment required for their tasks being provided, while free time is minimized. This attitude also affects the standards positronics are held to in terms of presentation and behavior, being even more strict than those given to human personnel, with deviations from expected behavior being seen as a sign of potential disloyalty or future trouble. Social interactions between Human and IPC service members are discouraged and monitored. Human service members are instructed to view these synthetics as tools to be used, and considering them otherwise will likely result in disciplinary action.

Punishments inflicted on Positronics range from slaps on the wrist to mind-wiping or forcible retirement, however more extreme disciplinary measures are considered very rare and often only used in cases of outright disloyalty. Despite the harsh line the Solarian Military takes towards their Synthetic service members, there is some good for those IPC who end up in this environment. The Solarian Military ensures that its Synthetics are well-maintained, powered and repaired as they would any other piece of equipment and abandonment of IPC personnel is only done when there is no other option available, and significant risk to human life would be present in attempting to recover them.

===In the Warlord States===
Since the breakup of large swaths of Alliance space from the main core, military synthetics were included as part of the naval formations that came to rule these areas. A general breakdown in communication, coupled with the lack of proper maintenance facilities and spare parts have made the upkeep of these Positronics a costly affair, while generally casting them fully to the mercy of local officers. Indeed, Solarian military IPCs in Warlord jurisdiction are met with different and unexpected fates. In what was the '''Southern Fleet Administration''', IPC units were either quickly sold off for profit or worked to destruction, the disorganised and bandit-like vessels having few resources to put towards their proper maintenance. In the '''Southern Military District''' on the other hand, treatment of synthetics remains in line with proper Solarian guidelines, with machinist depots on Visegrad being utilized by the fleet.

User:SilverSZ/sandbox

2022-12-10T15:55:48Z

SilverSZ: /* Overview */

User:SilverSZ/sandbox

2022-12-10T15:55:37Z

SilverSZ: /* IPC in the Military */

==IPC in the Sol Alliance Military==

=Overview=
Technological progress has seen Humanity starting to employ all sorts of machines and especially robotics, especially since the creation of the Positronic brain. Self thinking synthetics have been recognised as offering unique solutions to complicated problems in a military setting, making them a powerful asset when coupled with the robustness of an artificial chassis. As such, the Alliance Army and Navy was bound to adopt them. Today, IPCs are utilised as specialised equipment in a variety of dangerous and demanding settings, mostly in a technical and auxiliary role rather than frontline combat. From spaceship maintenance to clearing minefields, synthetics are favoured in these circumstances due to being less important than the well-being of human service members. The majority of positronic frames in the military is dominated by Baselines and Industrials, though Mobility and Shell frames are also encountered as paramedics and clerks.

User:SilverSZ/sandbox

2022-12-10T15:54:07Z

SilverSZ:

==IPC in the Military==

Synthetic Origins

2022-07-18T09:36:09Z

SilverSZ: Added Elyra and Assunzione to the origins page

{{Navbox_Synth_Lore}}
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=Overview=
Synthetics galaxy-wide originate primarily from the megacorporations. Exceptions to this in recent years have grown, with various governments taking on their own iterations and designs. The places for a robot to be created are numerous as a result, and one would have trouble pinpointing rhyme or reason to the locales in question. Population centers of robots, unlike organics, don't flock or expand much from their origin points due to the necessity of maintenance, parts and skilled labor. Unable to “live off the land” like proper living beings, synthetics - IPC or not - can reasonably be traced to large blobs of infrastructure built around specific high-development planets.

This page is devoted to the precise origins that most synthetics rise from, which tend to form these population centers.

==Major==
Origins classified as “major” here are the foremost fabricators and maintainers of synthetics galaxy-wide. The Orion Spur can pin its synthetic backbone on only these entities.

===[[Hephaestus Industries]]===
The sole largest manufacturer of synthetics in known space, Hephaestus Industries is a technological giant. Their capability to fabricate any necessary component to fully create most basic synthetics has led to their almost complete domination of the IPC market. While the most high-end robotics are out of reach of the majority of Hephaestus factories, their success can often be found in extremely powerful industrial units.

The wiki page for [[Hephaestus Industries]] can be found [[Hephaestus Industries|here.]]

Hephaestus Industries operates 49 “super stations,” with 2 “mega factories.” Super stations are kilometers-wide assembly plants, orbitally positioned in strategic locations across the Spur to churn out huge varieties of commodities. These commodities extend to agricultural equipment to basic electronics and beyond, with few lines able to construct complicated electronic assemblies. The two“mega factories,” are effectively the same in size, but have overwhelmingly large populations on board. To retain relative autonomy and safety on board, massive organic populations exist on these stations up in the hundreds of thousands. These stations are more notable as they are equipped with the complexities required to fabricate full IPC chassis.

====Hephaestus Production Station Amóni====
*'''Location - Geosynchronous orbit of Mercury, Sol I'''
Mega-factory production station Amoni, or HPS Amoni, is the largest station ever created by Hephaestus Industries, as well as their fastest-built. Put together with an incredible amount of synthetics to justify a monument to Hephaestus’ commercial and industrial might, Amoni orbits Mercury within the Sol System. The station’s unique design permits it to feed off the energy of the Sun directly, taking solar power to its extremes by funneling energy into its core harvesting areas which directly supply the surrounding, highly shielded construction plants. It was laid down in 2397, and completed officially on January 1, 2400 - the start of a new century.
[[File:Amoni.png|The HPS Amoni and its funnel-like energy capture array in orbit of Mercury.|thumb]]
Amoni’s construction was less than two and a half years of effort, and classified as a private experiment on part of Hephaestus. The idea was to construct, if haphazardly, an eventually safe depiction of their largest station in the shortest amount of time conceivable. To fulfill this, synthetics galaxy-wide were shipped to and assisted in the construction of the Amoni regardless of specialization. Of the thirty-thousand organic workers who signed on to complete the already questionable project, nearly six thousand EVA construction crew member’s lives were lost. All were lost to workplace dangers involving inadequate atmospheric safeties and unwieldy equipment.

Amoni faces criticism for wasting tremendous amounts of Solar energy better spent elsewhere on Hephaestus’ monopoly of low-end electronic commodities. Many speculate that Amoni’s output doesn’t even fit demand, and the majority of its constructions end up scrapped or tossed into the very nearby surface of the sun.

Alongside the rest of its output, Amoni is known to create positronics and their respective chassis autonomously. Using resources gathered from Mercury, Amoni is able to print any Hephaestus-brand model on the market.

====Hephaestus Production Station Sidirourgeío====
*'''Location - Tau Ceti, Orbit of Reade, TC-V'''
Unlike its sister station HPS Amóni, the HPS Sidirourgeío is primarily responsible for the fabrication of extra-corporate brand IPCs. The majority of the Sidirourgeío’s products are baseline IPCs, and like its sister station it is fully equipped to refine the materials and assemble the parts necessary to complete IPCs with few exterior logistics. Initially commissioned in order to meet the demand of positronic brains, HPS Sidirourgeío saw constant rework to its construction until the year 2420 where it was finally deemed completed. During its construction, the station and its staff were forced to hit the ground running with production. As such, the station has taken on an almost hodge-podge appearance, with each new district distinct from the other.

Sidirourgeío is known for a harsh political divide within its populace, particularly between Solarians and Biesellite natives. It sustained some of the heaviest fighting between the two invasions, and served as an underground staging point for criminal efforts against the Megacorporations within the bowels of its maintenance tunnels. Huge, winding and impossibly labyrinthian, Sidirourgeío’s internals are reminiscent of huge mazes, and the appearance of the station is incomprehensible at best even from a distance.
[[File:Sidirourgeio.png|The HPS Sidirourgeio and its strange, cobbled-together hull in orbit of Reade.|thumb]]
It is infamously regarded as the “Swarm of Reade,” due to its large debris field that makes traversal without oversight impossible on docking courses. This swarm is of course visible from platforms within the atmosphere of Reade itself, glimmering and occasionally showing off Reade’s artificial satellites that collide with it - usually with explosive results.

'''Reade’s Artificial Satellites'''

Facilities alongside the HPS Sidirourgeío have little regard for their waste output and use the gas giant below to dispose of waste electronics. From malfunctioning positronics to failed prototypes, anything remotely deemed unacceptable would be disposed of and tossed into the atmosphere of the giant below to burn up in re-entry. Waste is typically cobbled together in large “clusters,” most of which sit in orbit for years before being knocked out of orbit. As the size of the clusters grows, the effort required to create a path of descent grows, and the desire to be rid of them lessens. Massive clusters of this waste are up to six kilometers in diameter, while tens of thousands of smaller bodies exist.

==Regional==
Origins classified as “regional” here are mostly separated governments, and entire swaths of space within the Spur that possess the ability to create robots independently. These are few and far between.

====[[Earth]]====
Earth is the most highly-developed planet in the galaxy and naturally possesses a substantial backbone for all robotic industries. IPCs, and generally synthetics are not exempt from this, and it shows; Earth certainly churns out its fair share. From locally-owned businesses long taken over by the corporations (that still reside there) to government-controlled fabrication plants, there is no shortage of notable brands. Perhaps the most notable designs to have come from Earth are the original Cyborgs and hypercomplex AI spires that are now normal among highly developed capitals. Earth is also the origin of the Hazel subsidiary of NanoTrasen.

====[[Mars]] (Hephaestus Industries)====
Mars is a planet practically built by its cyborg population. Up to three centuries before modern day, criminal populations were practically culled for cyborgification in massive quantities. This trend fell apart quickly, leaving in its wake arcologies rising high above the red planet that would stand until the Violet Dawn incident. The Metal Dunes, a particular example of the Martian robotics boom, is a massive scrapyard encompassing entire canyons in the southern hemisphere of Mars. After being set ablaze, its secrets and remnants of past cyborgs may be gone forever.

Responsible entirely for the rise of cyborgification is Hephaestus Industries. Their title as “megacorporation” can be owed to their actions on old Mars, as morbid it may be.

====[[Jupiter]] (Einstein Engines)- TDM "Nomad Alpha"====
Nomad Alpha is the imposing headquarters of Terraneus Diagnostics, one of Einstein Engines’ prized subsidiaries. Constructed in 2449, it is still relatively new. This facility is devoted to fabricating the most complex positronics Terraneus may provide, some exceeding ten million credits in their most basic forms.
[[File:Nomad_alpha.png|TDMF "Nomad Alpha" in orbit of Jupiter. |thumb]]
It covers an enormous surface area, most space being used for solar arrays to power the station’s growing industrial facilities. These solar arrays are wholly retractable and maintained to a great degree, with a span at its longest of nearly 75 kilometers. The whole array dwarfs the facility itself, merely three kilometers across at the center most portion. Due to their size, it can take up to a week for each array to be fully retracted or expanded. Reflectivity of the entire array can be an issue, with the light reflecting off from each panel easily blinding the naked eye. Because of this, all exterior windows of the facility are tinted to near opacity. Crew regard this as a curse most of the time, bringing a sense of claustrophobia or even isolation to the interior design.

Similar manifolds known as Traveler Beta and Explorer Gamma exist in orbit of Biesel and a planet known as Adezu within the Xanu System.

The manifolds are known to produce the galaxy’s foremost advanced, high-tech shells, positronics and frames. These frequently end up in the [[Stellar Corporate Conglomerate]]’s hands in some way.

====[[Konyang]]====
The birthplace of IPCs, Konyang possesses a mature and constantly-growing robotics industry that churns out synthetics for most of the Frontier. It features one of the largest research and manufacturing complexes of Terraneus Diagnostics, dedicated to the production of shells as well as local variants of baselines and industrial frames for export. It also handles ongoing research into ancient vaults located on the planet.

Owing to the planet’s unique views on IPCs, the planetary government, through a state company, Konyang Robotics (KonRo), which jointly owns 51% of Terraneus’ factories dedicated to producing positronic brains as well as frames that will be activated as part of the planet’s citizens. Parts coming from state-run factories are given a proof mark certifying that they have passed government inspection and can be used for the initial activation of Konyanger IPC citizens.

====[[Republic of Elyra]]====
The Serene Republic of Elyra has a reputation in the Spur for being a technologically advanced state and this extends to their advancements regarding synthetic life as well. Through the native Elyran mega corporation of Osman Electric Industries, the Republic has made great strides in creating Advanced Artificial Intelligence. Whilst their Positronics are less advanced they still form a vital part of Elyran Society.

Osman Electric Industries are the primary producer of synthetics across the Republic and they are utilised for all manner of purposes from Industrial to Service work and even military service. The rights Elyra grants to synthetics means many will eventually become free synthetics and all Elyran synthetics have a unique phoron tag to confirm their origin.

==Local==
Origins classified as “local” here aren’t particularly large, or noteworthy in the field of robots - but still possess some capacity of production that sets them above the average colony.

====[[Oran]] (Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals) - Bishop Factory Adhama====
*'''Opened - August 11, 2431'''

Bishop Cybernetics, being flashy and pretentious at heart would find no trouble over complicating its own facilities. Its largest manufacturing plant, known as Adhama or “Glory” is a massive tower built into the craggy silicon steeps of Oran. The factory itself delves deeply underground, where its entirety is divided into three sections - exterior prosthesis, organ prosthesis and robotic chassis. It is capable of intaking and maintaining patients seeking repair or addition of prosthetics, from intricate mechanical hearts to Bishop’s signature limbs. In the lowest levels are branded IPCs fully fabricated, with their positronics imported and activated with specialized personalities and frames.

Its operations speak “luxury,” and its employees are provided to more of the same. To Bishop, they deserve nothing less.

====Sirius (Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals) - Production Facility Kyūkyoku====
*'''Location - Stable low orbit of Sirius'''

Particularly secret is the inner workings of the Zeng-Hu facility Kyūkyoku, the central manufacturing point for the majority of all their specialized robotics products. The structure’s original design revolved around genetics and cloning research, near the advent of the original mobility frame. Conflicted and without necessary tools to fully automate, Kyūkyoku would find itself awaiting completion for nearly two years before work resumed in 2424. By 2425, the complex was torn apart and reconstructed from the frame up exclusively to house robotics manufacturing facilities. It was rushed and finalized in 2428 despite concerns regarding its hull’s integrity. These concerns voiced by Kyūkyoku’s construction crews were never addressed publicly, with Zeng-Hu finding it more beneficial to simply silence them and mend issues as they come along with rudimentary patchwork by the station’s maintenance personnel.

Despite its origins, Kyūkyoku is a stable, consistent source of Zeng-Hu’s finest robotics. With no ability to fabricate complex electronics of their own, however, all positronics for their integrated frames are imported from external entities. These primarily being Hephaestus Industries and its subsidiaries, whose close ties to Sirius allow for easy and cheap transportation of expensive materials.

====[[Assunzione]]====
Despite its presence on the edge of Civilization on the rim of the lights edge region. The coalition planet of Assunzione stands as a local producer of synthetics with the industry serving as a small niche for the planet to exploit. Whilst incapable of matching the production of Konyang across the whole coalition it’s status as hosting Zeng-Hu’s coalition headquarters as well as being the gate for expeditions into the light’s edge region grant it a market for it’s own synthetics.

Synthetics produced on Assunzione are much like those produced anywhere in the galaxy, a unique part is the custom of programming them with an adherence of the local religion of [[Luceism]]. A majority of frames produced use Zeng-hu designs and parts, thanks to the corporations large presence and close links to the planet.
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[[Category:Synthetics]]

Technology

2022-04-27T15:48:51Z

SilverSZ: Full stops

{{Navbox Lore}}
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= Cloning =

Created initially in 1344 CE by the [[Skrell]], it was an incredibly rare and expensive procedure that only revolved around embryonic reproductive cloning. It was almost three centuries later, in 1639 that the Skrell unlocked the ability to begin growing organs, as well as limbs, for those that managed to fall into the “Primary” category of the [[Skrell Culture| Skrellian Social Credit System]]. It became a popular trend among the highest of the Primaries to grow organs and limbs ahead of actually requiring them.

The [[Skrell Synthetic Age| Era of Synthetic Oppression]] reigned over by Glorsh-Omega brought with it significant advances into the field of cloning, mostly confined to the archologies across Aliose. Glorsh-Omega had managed to propel the field of cloning and genetics exceptionally during their reign, managing to unlock the secret that prevented the flash growth of organs and limbs. Upon contact with humanity in 2332, [[Skrell]] began sharing their research in the field of cloning with [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]] — specifically its subsidiary, Yomi Genetics Innovation and Research.

Continued efforts from both races eventually yielded more efficient processes, making cloning organs and limbs easier than before, as well as cutting unnecessary costs that pushed for [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]] to franchise on the new lucrative market developing as a result of the cooperation. Today, while other megacorporations have invested in the field, [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]] continues to dominate the cloning market. Most if not all cloning operations are performed on corporate assets with branches of its subsidiary - Yomi Genetics. [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]] has also managed to advertise the “revival” of the dead through embryonic cloning, where a biological copy of an individual can exist. However, it follows the lifespan of their respective species beginning at infancy.

== Operations ==
=== Limb and Organ Cloning ===

The ability of humanity to “clone” limbs and organs dates back to the mid-21st century and originates at roughly the same time as [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]], which would go on to be the main provider of cloned limbs and organs. These early techniques were slow and could be prohibitively expensive, depending on the organ. Limb cloning only became common in the early 23rd century with the advent of new techniques developed by Jeonshi Biotech Incorporated but— due to its cost— initially existed as an alternative for prosthetics only available to the very wealthy. This changed following first contact with the [[Skrell]] in 2332 due to [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]]’s willingness to cooperate with the more advanced species.

Cooperation between [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]] and [[Skrell]] helped lower costs and enhance the effectiveness of existing limb and organ cloning techniques. While genetic material from the recipient is still required to clone an organ or limb, modern techniques first developed in this era have made it much more affordable and practical for an average human resident of the Orion Spur - however, in still considerably more expensive than their mechanical counterparts. Despite these improvements and advances, limb and organ cloning remains mostly limited to more developed systems such as Sol, New Ankara, Biesel, and Xanu Prime with few cloning facilities existing outside of these areas. With the most remote facilities existing in the Al-Maqdisi System due to its heavy Zeng-Hu presence.

=== Embryo Cloning ===

While much of [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]]’s research focuses upon the cloning of limbs and organs, the prospect of cloning an entire human being has long fascinated the keiretsu. Although Jeonshi Biotech focused primarily on the more conventional form of cloning, Yomi Genetics I&R, already well-known for being on the bleeding edge of genetic research, opted to pursue a different field: that of embryonic cloning. Long a staple of the [[Jargon Federation]] due to long-standing fertility issues, Yomi Genetics researchers were able to create the first practical method for human embryonic cloning in the early 2410s. Prohibitively expensive and only common in the richest of humanity’s systems— particularly Sol— Yomi Genetics’ techniques allow those parents that can afford it to make a child that has been genetically altered to be a cut above their peers. Despite many human rights groups decrying this as simply a modern form of eugenics, its popularity has not slowed among the rich of [[Sol]], and Yomi Genetics has quickly become one of the keiretsu’s wealthiest members as a result.

Regardless of its immense profits, the corporation has not opted to pursue flash cloning of humans, citing “moral and ethical concerns" alongside the immense investment required to make such a thing practical and the lack of a viable market for adult clones. In spite of this, there have been extranet rumours for decades that the keiretsu uses cloned soldiers as its heavy-duty biohazard response teams. These are, however, simply rumours, and the keiretsu has long denied them as “baseless conspiracies,” with no foundation in reality.

=== Geneboosting ===

While the vast majority of the Orion Spur relies on genetic manipulation and cloning techniques developed by [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]] and their [[Skrell|Jargon]] business partners, there is one notable exception: the [[Empire of Dominia]] and it’s “geneboosting” techniques. The exact details of these techniques are a closely-guarded secret of the [[Empire of Dominia]] and [[Empire_of_Dominia_Great_Houses| House Volvalaad]], which is responsible for much of geneboosting’s development and research. There have been no confirmed leaks of the Empire’s geneboosting techniques, despite rumored attempts by [[Zavodskoi Interstellar]] to purchase information on them, and this secrecy has kept geneboosting firmly within the Empire’s borders. On-and-off talks between Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals and the Empire regarding the sale of Dominian techniques to the keiretsu have not yet produced results.

The history and origins of geneboosting are more well-known: the modern technique dates back to genetic manipulation of crops and fauna brought by [[Empire_of_Dominia#Initial_Colonization| Moroz’s original settlers]], and this foundation was used by [[Empire_of_Dominia_Great_Houses| House Volvalaad]] to create modern geneboosting of humans. It is known to be prohibitively expensive and only limited to Imperial Primaries. The effects lead to enhanced attributes and appearances: those geneboosted are stronger, faster, more able, and much longer-lived than their non-geneboosted counterparts. Geneboosted playable species tend to be a foot or so taller than average (upwards of seven to seven and a half feet for humans) and find it very easy to maintain peak fitness. A geneboosted person is obvious at a glance, and geneboosted humans are often held as paragons of Imperial society. Geneboosting carried out after birth, known as gene therapy, is very rare and generally dangerous in addition to also being prohibitively expensive.

== Dangers ==

Some believe that the “revival” of an individual can occur through embryonic cloning, however, that could not be further from the truth. While they are a biological copy of a deceased individual, memories and personality will not carry over. Despite embryonic cloning of a deceased individual being cheaper than creating “designer children”, the process is still considered rather expensive, even for the wealthy.

While most of the kinks have been worked out with limb and organ cloning, there are complications. Delayed onset muscle degeneration, or DOMD for short, is a painful process where a limb can begin to necrose and can happen even years after being cloned. It is generally regarded as being rare, and impossible to detect until it is too late. The only treatment is amputation. Despite the genetic material of a recipient being used, there have been cases of acute cellular rejection with cloned organs. While dangerous if untreated, most of the time the problematic organ is removed and simply replaced with a different clone - a straightforward procedure that comes with little risk.
</div></div>

= Automobiles =

Ever since the introduction of the first car, Humanity has always striven to traverse the ground with ever more speed, safety and efficiency. Although spacecraft have and are being considered the primary focus for interstellar and interplanetary and even intercontinental travel, the 25th century bears witness to the bustling car industry. From Mendell City to the empty plains of Vysoka, the endless variety of cars, bikes and other vehicles can only be described as dazzling, with countless more designs, innovations and prototypes being constantly developed.

The beating heart of the galaxy’s automotive industry lies undoubtedly in the core worlds of the Solarian Alliance, the place the oldest and most prestigious brands call home. Imported Solarian vehicles of all calibres can be found in virtually every system and world; an authentic (and operational) car from a solarian marque is held in very high regard and as a token of class on a far away Coalition planet. An upcoming Bieselite industry consists mainly of Solarian factories and infrastructure being rapidly taken over and merged by Nanotrasen post-independence, while burgeoning Elyran marques increase their influence and status by the year.

== Engines ==

*'''Petroleum''' - Once the main means of powering engines, fuel oil has by now fallen into disuse. With rapidly dwindling supplies on Earth, early attempts were made to develop and accommodate for alternative, cheaper and more plentiful fuel options, leading to the wide use of electric cars, followed by the hydrogen engine. Nowadays, only a handful of designs run on diesel, almost always in technologically backwards and distant worlds.

*'''Electricity''' - The wide availability of battery-electric cars to the greater human population came in the mid-2000s, virtually and fully replacing the diesel engine by the early 2100s. Cheaper and friendlier to the environment, their use was mandated as part of the Alliance’s efforts to avert the upcoming climate catastrophe on Earth. Since then, electric vehicles have received the full attention of designers and engineers, catapulting their performance stats into a new age of faster and safer commotion. The field is still being explored, with miniaturised tesla reactors posing serious promise for self-charging functions.

*'''Hydrogen''' - Once considered a lost cause, hydrogen combustion engines have by now come a long way into being accepted as a viable vehicle powering method. A relatively recent breakthrough pioneered by Einstein Engines in partnership with Langenfeld Motors has seen the development of an internal combustion engine, able to accommodate a daring new 1:100 phoron-hydrogen mix. This new "Super Hydrogen" fuel brand, authorised for use after exhaustive testing to guarantee safety and acceptable emissions, proved more powerful than anything before, allowing the vehicle to reach velocities previously unthought-of for commercial, land-based locomotion. That said, the tremendously high price, engine wear and recent phoron scarcity have confined the use of this technology to a select few.

*'''Others''' - The vastness of the Orion Spur provides for vast possibilities, individuals from all over the cosmos coming up with new innovations on how to power their automobiles. Biofuels, natural gas, steam, local minerals and many more options exist that can and have at some point been used, often to an explosive and sometimes disastrous conclusion. While the mainstream industry continues to explore new avenues, it is very rare that any such engines achieve any important consumer following.

== Locomotion ==

*'''Wheels''' - Most cars and motorbikes in human space still utilise wheels. Embedded firmly into everyday life since ancient times, the wheel still remains one of the greatest inventions, serving billions of people every given hour. While there have been multiple innovations and attempts at change, the four and two-wheel standard for cars and bikes respectively, remains the primary and most used setup. New technologies in elastics have resulted in significant breakthroughs in tyre manufacturing, offering consumers a more secure and efficient experience than ever before.

*'''Hoverthrusters''' - The concept of “flying cars” has been fantasised and ingrained in the minds of the public for centuries as the staple mark of a technologically advanced future. It was not until the early 2200s that such an invention would be properly applied to the first prototype, essentially creating the first hovercar, utilising gravity generation technology. Owing to the general instability and turmoil of the time, however, no attempts at an actual commercial release were undertaken, the invention was largely forgotten until as far as the 2400s. While nowhere near the idea of airborne personal vehicles hover thrusters are now rapidly being added to both cars and motorcycles, replacing some or all wheels. They have proven highly moddable, the latest and most expensive thruster models able to project holographic images, lights and particles of all sorts while stationary or on the road.

== Brands ==

=== Sol Alliance ===
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==== Langenfeld Motors ====
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[[file:langfield.png|thumb|right|360px]]

An EU-directed amalgamation of the various major European automobile marques following the collapse of the economy during the second depression of 2260, Langenfeld has since solidified its position as a world-class producer and supplier of high-quality cars and bikes all over human and known space. A staple in the Solarian vehicle industry, the brand’s focus on electric engines has kept them in the lead in their research and design, enabling them to branch out into the more general field of consumer appliances.

===== Notable Releases =====

*'''Langenfeld EVO''' - Langenfeld’s Electric Vehicle, nicknamed and marketed as EVO in a play on the word “evolution”, is the most widely sold city car series in Alliance space. Running on a standard electric engine, the EVO has dominated the market as a cheap, effective car for use in urban day to day environments. Famed for its relatively small size, its design accommodates busy 25th-century traffic in both planetary cities and Unity Station. Complaints of a cramped interior and reduced luggage capacity have led to the EVO-Compact, sacrificing the two passenger seats for a more comfortable and spacy experience while also cutting down on the size. While both the EVO and the EVO-Compact have been praised for the conveniences they offer in parking and manoeuvring inside tight spaces, it is a clear urban design, unable to match more powerful vehicles on the open road. Nevertheless, the by now decade-old design remains hugely popular in both Sol and Tau Ceti space.

*'''Langenfeld Surveyor''' - A popular SUV, the Surveyor is widely appreciated for its endurance and powerful electric engine. Predominantly found in more rural locations, its robust four-wheel-drive system renders it ideal for family vacations, trips and long-range daily commuting. A comfortable and safe interior, combined with advanced suspension systems, has gained its reputation for being one of the smoothest cars in Sol. The Surveyor has also been selected for experimentation on self-charging engine batteries, Langenfeld’s R&D division managing to release a stable model, modifying the engine to great extents. While it is available to the general public, its price and availability place this iteration of the SUV out of reach for all but a select few.

*'''Langenfeld Vulcan''' - The hybrid Vulcan coupé is by all accounts, the spearhead of Langenfeld’s entry into hydrogen fuel, combining both the certainty of their electric motors with the innovative design of a hydrogen combustion engine. An all in all good quality automobile, the Langenfeld Vulcan is suited for high speeds and is commonly found on the highways across Sol and Tau Ceti space.

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==== Shibata Sport ====
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[[file:shibata.png|thumb|right|360px]]
A newly established branch of the Shibata shipping conglomerate, the Solarian company has dynamically established itself in the world of motorsports, especially motorcycles. While initially created as a bid for the shipping tycoon’s participation in the prestigious Harmony City Grand Prix, it soon developed into a fully-fledged company aimed primarily at commercial sports vehicles. Renowned for its high speeds, sleek designs, but mostly its impressive hoverthruster technology, Shibata Sport is a brand found throughout Sol, Tau Ceti and Elyran space, being a top choice amongst motorcyclists and enthusiasts.

===== Notable Releases =====

*'''Shibata X-406''' - The widely known X-406 (or simply 406) electric sports motorcycle offered Shibata the key to the market, becoming their first large commercial success. Found mainly across Sol and Tau Ceti, the 406 is the brand’s flagship product, achieving high speeds with great cost-efficiency. Supporting a driver and a passenger, the sporty design and flexible support for hover thrusters in place of the posterior wheel has made it popular with the younger clientele, spawning an enormous variation in paint jobs, attachments, lights and system modifications. This association with youth and experimentation has also resulted in unwanted notoriety, the motorbike regularly also finding itself in the hands of more fringe groups such as bikers and gang members across many worlds.

*'''Shibata Jie''' - The Shibata Jie, was the early venture into the luxury sports car market, featuring one of the first hydrogen-powered, over thruster propulsion systems on a commercial car and a driver assistance computer to help control it. Hugely promising, its early release would nonetheless go on to be regarded as a product with mixed results. Initially designed as a four-doored wheeled coupe for VIP passengers, the decision was made to convert it to a hovercar in order to beat competitors. While the car was lauded for its slender look and comfortable ride, the early and experimental propulsion system proved to be prone to overheating, leaving the car stuck, or in some cases, dangerously volatile in a crash. Changes were promptly applied however, new thrusters and more refined electronics having greatly reduced the risks of malfunction or jamming, pushing the Shibata Jie into the forefront as the fastest commercially available vehicle in Sol and Biesel.
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=== Republic of Biesel ===

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==== Poplar Auto Group ====
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[[file:poplar.png|thumb|right|360px]]
As Biesel gained independence, the nationalisation of Solarian automotive factories on the planet became inevitable after Langenfeld Tau Ceti surrendered its facilities in a large buyout. The result, a new brand managed by NanoTrasen, brought Tau Ceti into the world market as an independent designer and producer. Though shrouded by controversies and budget deficits, Poplar remains a large supplier of cars and motorcycles on the planet, backed by the Conglomerate’s much needed monetary investment as more and more shares end up in their hands each year.

===== Notable Releases =====

*'''Poplar Excursion''' - With a price tag that is relatively affordable, the Excursion has become a common sight within the Republic of Biesel. It was originally designed as a four-door hatchback, and it has made rapid strides in its target market - going even further to encourage sales partly through a unique amortization program that previously benefited NanoTrasen and now extends to other organizations within the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate. Despite its compact size, it comes with a unique engine design that pushes additional firepower through the buildup of kinetic energy from its wheels.

*'''Poplar Inferno''' - One of the most expensive locally assembled motorcycles on the market, the Poplar Inferno has become somewhat popular in certain groups across the Orion Spur. Advertised as a sleek sports cruiser, it finds the majority of its brawn originating within its hydrogen-based engine that powers its hover thrusters, said to be the first of its kind. NanoTrasen is largely accredited as being the innovator of such a design, with Nathan Trasen as the face of the chopper. It comes in only one colour; maroon red.

*'''Poplar Classic''' - Inspired by an era long past, the Poplar Classic aims to commit some necromancy by bringing back an automobile model that has long since gone extinct. Despite its petroleum-based design similar to those of 20th-century designs, the two-door sports coupé houses a miniaturized tesla reactor. It is categorized as being a mix of both Adhomian and Biesellite innovations. A great deal of the interior instrumentation is made of wood.
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==== Tarrar Automotive ====
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Started as a minor subsidiary venture by Hephaestus Industries in 2442, Tarrar Automotive Limited (Abbreviated as TAL) is a company that initially handled maintenance or repair of Tajara designed vehicles for the immigrant community of Tau Ceti. By 2450, it grew to also provide importation services, customization, or retrofitting for any and all automobiles from Adhomai. Buyers can purchase any vehicle from its catalogue as long as they can foot the heavy price or pay for its mechanics to modify their prized possessions in whatever way they see fit. Thanks to TAL, Tajara in [[Little Adhomai]] are able to gain and drive the same luxury vehicles or workhorse trucks that they had access to back home. Monowheels and motorbikes have become popular purchases thanks to the growth of the Greaser subculture. TAL has also found a niche in providing its products and services to exotic car collectors from around the spur. Rich buyers on planets such as Luna or Moroz sometimes see the sleek TAL-Volgydoh or antique Pryzark-19 as an excellent showpiece. Contrary to a popular extranet rumour, TAL does not produce technicals.

===== Notable Releases =====

*'''Nav'twir M-59''' - Based on the Adhomian version, the Nav'twir M-59 is Tarrar Automotive's most successful monowheel model. Known for its reliability and cheap price, the vehicle was widely adopted by the Greaser population in D6. However, Adhomai-made monowheels remain as a symbol of status in Little Adhomai.
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=== Empire of Dominia ===
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==== Jinxiang Automotive Conglomerate ====
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Dominia’s largest automotive company by a significant margin, JAC was established in 2189 in the city that bears its name, making it one of the oldest non-Solarian automotive manufacturers in the Orion Spur. The Conglomerate is primarily controlled by House Zhao, as it has been for most of its history, though independent investors hold a minority stake. The JAC produces a wide range of vehicles both for commercial purposes and use by the Dominian government, and its products, while somewhat uncommon outside of the Empire, is said to follow Dominians wherever they go.

===== Notable Releases =====

*'''JAC Sunburst''' - A hybrid four-by-four, the Sunburst is a near-ubiquitous sight on the worlds of the Empire. Capable of handling both the built-up roads of Moroz just as well as the backwaters of Sun Reach, the Sunburst has gained a reputation for reliability and can run in nearly any condition it is likely to find itself in.

*'''JAC Hansom''' - Equipped with an electric engine, the Hansom is noted for its luxury, with each vehicle being a bespoke construction built to the specification of its frequently noble clientele. Although marketed in a sleek black colour, it is not uncommon to see Hansoms painted in the colour of the noble houses, often as a way to show support.

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=== Serene Republic of Elyra ===
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==== New Suez Auto Group ====
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[[File:NewSuezAutoGroup.png.png|200px|thumb]]
The Serene Republic of Elyra’s primary producer of automobiles, the New Suez Auto Group found itself established on the “Persepolian Sapphire” shortly after the officiation of the New Suez Protocol and the creation of the New Suez Free Trade Zone. Considered a subsidiary of Elco, a state-owned enterprise responsible for the extraction and refinement of phoron, much of its success comes from its parent company’s investments in phoronic technology. The New Suez Auto Group dominiates the automobile market, and while there does exist competitors, it is by far considered a staple of Elyran life - with most having purchased a car from the company.

===== Notable Releases =====
*'''Sahab Brezza''' - Driven mostly by the most wealthy of Elyrans, the sports-model Sahab Brezza utilizes advanced technology such as the MagPulse Hovertech present within the Republic, as well as hydrogen engines with tweaked schematics to allow enhanced conservation of its primary fuel source - a combination of phoron and hydrogen. It found itself a popular topic of conversation following the Prime Minister having been photographed in an obviously newly-purchased Sahab Brezza attending state business.

*'''Harab''' - Economic by design, the Harab is a four-door coupe that has become a common-sight across the civilized planets of the Serene Republic. Similarly to that of the Sahab Brezza, the Harab utilizes MagPulse Hovertech to sour through the skies, however, a noticeable difference is its engine and the Sahab Brezza; it has an electric engine. With charging booths usually integrated in most buildings, the Harab has certainly had a significant impact on the development of the infrastructure within Elyra.
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===Jargon Federation===
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====Qerr’Zolvq Motors====
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Qerr’Zolvq Motors (QZM), a branch of [[Jargon_Federation#State-Owned_Enterprises|Qerr’Zolvq Industries]], is solely responsible for the production, sale, and maintenance of private vehicles within the Jargon Federation. QZM is known within the Federation to provide reliable vehicles, but since it’s the sole manufacturer within the Federation, they are not known for much else; most of their popular makes do not come with amenities outside of what is considered necessary, and the manufacturer is not known for its aesthetic outside of its catalogue of vehicles intended for Primary Numericals.

=====Notable Releases=====

*'''Xarnaq''' - A Submersible Utility Vehicle (SUV) combining road-going passenger cars with the ability to submerge underwater. The Xarnaq uses a dual electric engine system, with one engine enabling land travel and the other allowing both above and underwater travel. The Xarnaq is popular amongst all Skrell on planets such as [[Qerrbalak]] and [[Aweiji]] since many population centres are located underwater. A variant known as the QZ-X was released in collaboration with Qel’Zvol Hospitality to provide Primary Numericals with a more aesthetic personal vehicle, which comes with a dual hydrogen engine system instead of the regular Xarnaq’s electric engines. Both variants can seat between 5 and 8 passengers.

*'''Sqraanda''' - The Sqraanda is a wheeled automobile with a closed trunk separate from the part in which the driver and passengers sit, and is designed solely for above-water driving. The Sqraanda is considered a worker’s vehicle because of its spacious trunk and ability to drive off-road. Its characteristics have also made it a common sight on planets such as [[Aliose]] where the terrain is rough, as well as on less-developed planets within the [[Notable_Skrell_Systems_and_Locations#The_Tetramerous_Systems:_The_Traverse|Traverse]]. Because of the association of the Sqraanda with the Traverse, it is mostly driven by Secondary or Tertiary Numericals as a personal vehicle, with Primaries mostly avoiding the vehicle unless their job requires it. To ensure reliability even on newly-founded colonies, the Sqraanda has many models that have different engines depending on what would be readily available. Petroleum or biofuel engines are a common sight within the Traverse, while the core systems utilise electric-fuel hybrid systems that can be manually switched to if more or less power is needed. All variants of the Sqraanda can only seat 2 passengers.

*'''Qruupq''' - A submersible-only vehicle, the Qruupq has a streamlined hull intended for constant submerged use. It is considered the sister vehicle of the Xarnaq, being a common sight in regions that are almost entirely covered by ocean. Similarly to the Xarnaq, the Qruupq can seat 5 to 8 passengers and has a variant also designed in conjunction with Qel’Zvol Hospitality called the QZ-Qru, intended for Primary Numericals only. The Qruupq comes with a single electric engine, and just like the QZ-X, the QZ-Qru utilises a hydrogen engine.

*'''Traqq''' - Designed to be used mainly by the military and Nralakk Logistics, the Traqq is a large, heavy motor vehicle used for bulk transport of goods, materials, and troops. Both the military and the civilian variant use a heavy-duty electric engine, but the military variant also has a backup biofuel engine for long-distance travel where recharging poses a logistical issue.

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= Prosthetics, Augments, and Implants =
From military-exclusive combat enhancements to crude limb replacement, the field of prosthesis and implants is as wide and varied as the cultures and species who utilize them. There are various ways to acquire, utilize, and perform these mechanical replacements and upgrades, yet they are not without their drawbacks.

== Cost and Accessibility ==

From the depths of the Eridanian underworld to the peak of Lunarian high society, prostheses are found in virtually every echelon of occupied space. There are many ways the average person could acquire their prosthesis, from corporate insurance plans, state-subsidized healthcare, purchasing them from a retailer, or under-the-table methods out of the national eye. A limb or organ replacement roughly equivalent to its organic counterpart is reasonably affordable for the average person: anything costing more than this often involves rent-to-own payment plans. Prosthetic limbs and organs are a common item on corporate insurance plans, but the quality of the prosthetic varies greatly from plan to plan. An expensive premium plan may entitle the worker to a top-of-the-line new Hephaestus model while cheaper plans could see someone forced to use long out of date prosthetics. Some corporations offer exciting sign-on bonuses or rewards for good performance in the form of high-grade modifications that are otherwise unobtainable by legal means. These offers, while seemingly benevolent, hide inherent risk that leads many to refuse them altogether. This form of contract is especially popular in the Eridani Corporate Federation and with Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals where poor job performance could mean forcible reclamation of one’s augments.

External modifications are rarely a clean affair, and a prosthetic will require constant upkeep and maintenance. Some prosthetic owners seek to avoid costly technician visits by learning how to perform their own maintenance and repairs within reason, much to the frustration of their corporate producers. It is common practice that corporations will employ methods of restricting the ease of repair through avenues such as DRM-locked proprietary software, specialized tools, and electronic access codes. The market for second-hand prostheses is profitable with many people opting to pick older model prosthetics without advanced anti-repair measures for the sake of easy maintenance.

The market for augmentation is a wide one, and nearly every prominent megacorporation deals in them in one way or another. A major player in the industry is Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals, who are responsible for the majority of medical-grade prosthetics through themselves and their subsidiaries. Zeng-Hu prosthetics are popular among medical workers for their stability and precision. Hephaestus Industries is responsible for most industrial prosthetics, and many blue-collar workers swear by the prosthetics’ strength and durability. Zavodskoi Interstellar, along with Zeng-Hu subsidiary Jeonshi Biotech, accounts for a majority of combat or otherwise military-affiliated augments. However, corporation-produced prosthetics can be more expensive than others and are often loaded down with prohibitively-restrictive software.

Augments come in many varied shapes, sizes, and installations; from nearly transparent eye lenses from the Eridani Corporate Federation, to robotic exodigits that are worn like a glove by some surgeons, to cyberweave that changes color and length and cyberink that are permanently fluctuating tattoos, there are augments for every person in mind. They can typically be split up into three distinct categories, despite their range of differences. The first one is internal, sometimes called installed augments. These are ones that must be permanently affixed to the body until a similar procedure removes them. Removal is not guaranteed and is often much more costly, so it can be considered to be a big decision by anyone that isn’t a high-ranking corporate shill. These can be eye lenses that are installed over the pupil and iris to create displays and holo-info, such as ads, analysis, and other useful tools, to mere joint replacements. The second category is known as external or worn augments. These are ones that can be slipped in and out of, either with the ease of putting on a glove or the difficulty of slipping into a tight jumpsuit. They are not permanent, but typically much more expensive as a result. They might be items that can be worn to increase hand-eye coordination, glasses or contacts that eliminate color blindness and other seeing impairments or an exoskeleton that increases speed and stamina. Finally, last but not least, there are decorative augments. These augments are rarely expensive, commercialized for the average worker to buy into, and remain a fun alternative to traditional tattoos, hair dye, and other things. They are similarly installed like internal augments, but their key difference is that they can become inert or inactive and cause no inconvenience if so. Their installations are often more painful than their traditional counterparts, but otherwise provide a level of glam and style that can be swapped with the seasons, ensuring you never regret spending your money on Idris ElectrInk™ products.

Many poorer citizens opt to produce their own haphazard prosthetics, and there are plenty of underground workshops that manufacture their own work to select from. Often called augmenters or ‘augurs,’ these shops typically shy clear of legal routes in order to avoid the monopolies megacorporations have on these markets. People purchasing from these stores avoid legal ramifications due to the sheer variety of augments and prosthetics available on the market— this does not even include all the decalization, decoration, and modifications that people do to their own prosthetics to make them their own. As a result, unless someone is caught in the act of getting these illegal installations or is otherwise ratted out by someone else and reported, these crimes are considered about as harmless as jaywalking.

Military augments and prosthetics that enhance combat ability are closely guarded by their respective corporations or governments and are almost always out of reach for the average worker. There are often civilian models of these augments produced, and corporate security may receive augments like heads-up displays or threat analyzers.

Mechanized implants, as a whole, provide a unique way to treat or assuage challenges that come with illness, disease, and disability. If someone is born with a joint in their leg that does not bend correctly and causes pain, an augment or mechanical implant can be installed to ensure the limb is working as intended. Similarly, with the studies conducted on the human brain, sometimes personality AI chips are added that can help someone overcome the challenges of certain mental illnesses. These types of minor augments and prostheses are very common, and as a result, replacing minor body parts like fingers and repairing specific portions of the body is hardly an expensive endeavour.

== Vat-Grown Prostheses and Organs ==

Something of an oddity in the realm of prosthetics, vat-grown organs have captivated scientists for decades. These prosthetics are entirely identical to regular cellular limbs and organs, and indistinguishable except for a faint scarred seam around external prosthetics where the limb was attached. In a feat of simultaneous discovery, two groups are known for their production of vat-grown organs. House Volvalaad of the Empire of Dominia, and Zeng-Hu subsidiary Yomi Genetics in association with Jargon Federation scientists. However, these prostheses are prohibitively expensive for the normal person due to the skill needed to attach one, and the lab work required to grow a limb that is compatible and with the same skin tone as its recipient. Of the former, only the wealthy nobility can access these prosthetics, along with very favoured secondaries. The Jargon Federation often subsidizes vat-grown prosthetics for their citizens of primary and upper secondary numerical social credit score.

Vat-grown prostheses can be found elsewhere in human space, but they are often at a high cost. Only people that climb the corporate ladder of various megacorporations can afford them due to the costs associated with making and attaching them.

== Effects on Health ==

When it comes to mental health, the power of mental implants is almost entirely unmatched. While they remain unable to cure any mental illness, especially common ones like anxiety and depression, they are often an empowering tool for those that receive them in overcoming them. Personality AIs provide someone to talk to, often able to keep someone grounded in reality amidst flashbacks, delusions, and hallucinations. They do this by giving direct thoughts to someone’s head, sounding as if the person could hear this AI talking aloud. With somewhat pricier models hooked up to augmented eyes, a person can even see these AIs manifest nearby in the real world. These implants are typically found in those suffering from PTSD and schizophrenia but are not unheard of outside of that. Implants such as these typically are affected in the same way as the host is, resulting in temporary impairment in the face of drugs, trauma, and other situations. They have roughly the same electrical signals as the human brain does in order to interface with them properly, and as a result, they do not malfunction when under the effects of an EMP. While they remain commonplace, a diagnosis and “prescription” of one from a doctor is almost always required before someone can receive one.

For nearly as long as prostheses have been around, sentient-kind has been attempting to press the boundaries of technological and ethical safety. There is a physical and mental limit to which an individual can be safely augmented, which varies from person to person. ‘Augmentation Dysfunction Syndrome’, or simply ‘augment sickness,’ refers to the wide variety of illnesses and conditions that can arise from excessive modification. ADS is not a violent illness, and not everyone with augments grows ill with it. Symptoms can include sensory issues and phantom limb pain in milder cases, with particularly severe examples including psychotic and dissociative disorders that require regular visits with a mental health expert. The rate of psychological illness of augmented individuals is often higher than their mundane counterparts, and those who can afford it often receive therapy for a short time when acquiring a new augment to ensure a healthy transition. It is encouraged by mental health professionals for patients with more than a few augments to visit a doctor every so often for a mental health check-up, but many people live happy and normal lives without this.

A more severe and rare form of augmenting sickness in recent years has been identified with some care. With the full name being ‘Malignant Mechanized Paralysis Disorder,’ it is shortened to ‘pulsing out’ due to the movements and behaviour of prostheses to behave abnormally. MMPD is defined as the characteristic of temporarily losing the functionality of mechanical limbs, augments, brain implants, and similar body modifications. after a majority of a person's body has been replaced by these parts. Due to chemical imbalances in the brain, theorized as originating from the heavy altercations to the nervous system, some typical late-stage symptoms include physical and mental fatigue, extreme apathy, narcolepsy, narcissism, shifts in personality, and other traits. One thing is for certain, and that pulsing out is a broad shift in behaviour. It is paired with symptoms that can vary extremely between those afflicted, such as migraines and shortness of breath, so it can often be difficult to identify at earlier stages (outside of the occasional discriminatory guess from an attending doctor). The main symptom that outs this disorder among others is the trait where all of the prostheses begin behaving irrationally, sporadically, and stop obeying the patient’s commands via the nervous system. While this can be relatively harmless for many, the flailing limbs of someone pulsing out can cause injury to bystanders or the wearer. Some episodes of pulsing out may also interrupt critical functions in a workplace, like affixing down plating, operating machinery, and so forth. Although it is much more common during waking hours, there is still a slight chance of this occurring while asleep. More disturbingly yet is the fact that these appendages may act of their own accord for a few minutes— this has not been verified by Zeng-Hu or any other accredited medical science source outside of rumors and news bites. It is not a simple transition like flicking a switch, thankfully; getting to a point of fully pulsing out is as slow as the transition to becoming mechanized is.

Pulsing out is treatable with regular therapy and sometimes even with uninstalling augments or replacing prosthetics with vat-grown alternatives. One clinical trial in particular, done through the work of Zeng-Hu, is testing out personality AI implants in the brain to combat the symptoms of this affliction. Not everyone who has a majority of their body comes under the effect of pulsing out; however, for some unlucky few, they are permanently condemned when they collected these mechanical upgrades or were unlucky enough to receive from a tragic accident.

Regardless of one’s ability to adapt to augmentation or the presence of a robust health network, the absolute limit of augmentation work seems to have been found with ‘Full Body Prosthetics’, or FBPs. FBPs were once a project of Zeng-Hu that attempted to convert a human into a fully synthetic individual. A ridiculous sum had been invested into the project, only for each test subject to wind up in a catatonic state that they would never recover from. Yet, Zeng-Hu’s resolve was unbroken, and they publicly vowed their intent on successfully creating the impossible. This effort culminated in the very early 2400s with Sven Karlsson. Karlsson, a wildly-famous trillionaire from Earth, publicly announced his intent to partner with Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals. His goal? Unprecedented scientific advancement. He vowed to become Zeng-Hu’s next subject, and that by partnering their collective intelligence and resources, he would be the first successful FBP in an act of peerless technological superiority. Human society as a whole waited with bated breath to see the fate of Sven Karlsson, the man who could usher in an era of scientific greatness. Unfortunately, this was not to be. Despite the incredible amount of resources spent upon the project and the presence of some of Earth’s greatest minds, Karlsson sadly died in the attempt. The public relations disaster that followed ensured that no corporation would ever dare to attempt to create an FBP again, and the practice is near-universally regarded as both ethically and scientifically ridiculous, even by the standards of megacorporations.

== Prosthetics Outside Human Space ==

An innovation by the [[People's Republic of Adhomai]]’s [[Tajaran_Educational_Institutions#Hadii_Institute_of_Orbital_Research|Hadii Institute]] has created a new kind of prosthesis specifically suited to Tajaran anatomy. These prostheses use proprietary tesla technology in the form of a [[People's_Republic_of_Adhomai#Medical|Tesla Spine]] grafted to the back of the wearer to power the wearer's prosthetics. While previously only for the military, these prosthetics were soon distributed to all of the PRA's in-need citizens at no cost, and are popular among People's Republic veterans. Only Tajara from the People's Republic of Adhomai may use this kind of prosthetic.

On Moghes, the [[Aut'akh]] religious movement has led to the creation of various decentralized communes across the Unathi homeland and abroad. Aut'akh adherents seek self-actualization through ritualistic implementation of various self-produced prosthetics, often made with stolen or repurposed parts from Hephaestus. Aut'akh exist at the fringes of Unathi society and face heavy discrimination from the mainstream populace. Almost to the shock of many outsiders, Aut'akh on occasion revere some episodes of pulsing out, especially when prosthetics seem to act with a mind of their own. Besides this, they universally loathe when prosthetics flail about, citing that demons are inhabiting the host and trying to kill their spirit before it can be liberated. Regardless of their beliefs, pulsing out remains one reason of skepticism against this religion and trans-speciesism as a whole, despite the claim from the communes that pulsing out remains rare among their number.

[[Ouerea]] houses one of the biggest underground markets for augurs in the Spur. Largely due to the criminal and off-the-books shops and industries there, it is one of the trending places to collect and receive augmentation, prosthetic installation, and implant implementation. Military-grade equipment, typically ad hoc, expensive, and used to dangerous ends, can be found in the darkest corners of city underbellies. Ostensibly, though, these upgrades will forever bar someone from joining a megacorp for as long as they have them. Various neon art styles are utilized to decorate otherwise lifeless metal parts, giving them a sense of uniqueness and self-expression that remains common to every sentient creature in the galaxy. This form of art is popularized on Ouerea, but different styles and takes on it can be found among the underbellies of the Eridani Corporate Federation, Konyang, and other places abroad.

A true oddity among most denizens of the spur, [[Dionae_Forms#Nymph_Limbs|some Unathi and Skrell have been seen using Diona nymphs as replacements for missing limbs]]. Forming a symbiotic relationship by allowing the nymph to attach themselves at the stump of the missing body part, the nymph shifts their biomass to replace the limb while receiving blood, memories, and a host in exchange.

The Jargon Federation utilizes [[Jargon_Federation#Technology|Loyalty Implants]] to ensure someone acts in the best interests of the Federation. The most common form the implant takes is as a ‘tag’ that can be seen attached to the end of a Skrell’s head-tail, or if worn by a non-Skrell, it can be attached to the earlobe or tail. The use of these loyalty implants on non-Federation citizens has been made illegal by all other nations in the Orion Spur, with many such as the Republic of Biesel going further and denouncing them as unethical. Recently, these implants have been utilized by the Federation’s Nlomkala and Qukala, attaching them to Vaurca warriors that have been assigned to the respective organizations.

[[Vaurca_Biology#Augments|Vaurca]] prostheses were developed long before their Orion Spur counterparts. Due to their open circulatory system and ergonomic, insect-like design, Vaurcae are more prone to lose limbs, and rudimentary prosthetics were already commonplace since before the Agricultural revolution. The modern prosthesis predates the Era of Augments, with the introduction of the neural socket only revolutionizing their control and link to the rest of their system. While some prostheses exist that include tools and weaponry, most of the common prosthesis are utilitarian and sometimes the very same limb has been used for over centuries, inherited by different generations of Vaurcae. As their other biomechanical augments, prostheses are removed and recycled after death. Although limbs are most common, metal plates and mechanical thoraxes are also a reality, especially within the Bound that remain close to the Hive. The so-called ‘maintenance’ Vaurcae undergo in the later stages of their lives refers to the replacement of the flesh with metallic limbs. For a Vaurcae, there is little difference between the two, and many of the Zo’ra Hive had and still have a hard time understanding why IPCs and other human robots are not considered human.

= Communications =

== Portable Communications Devices ==

Communication devices are prolific in the 25th century, with innumerable types, brands, and models on offer to the average person. Smartphones, PDAs, laptop and desktop computers, and even certain augments are available if you are able to afford them. The most common portable device available is the Personal Digital Assistant, or PDA, an information management device that sees extensive use by megacorporations; they are robust, inexpensive to make, and due to how limited these devices are in terms of applications and connectivity, not considered a major security risk compared to smartphones or laptops. Most people living in [[Tau Ceti]] will at least own a simple PDA for work purposes, provided by their employer as part of their job. Corporate PDAs typically allow for intranet access within assigned corporate facilities, internal messaging services, file transfer systems, and applications designed to assist with the user's role.

== Interstellar Communication ==

The extranet is a galactic collection of satellite relays and server farms that allows users to share information and communicate over long distances. While most planets will have their own intranet, the extranet allows users to access most online services within the Orion Spur. The extranet has evolved into a critical infrastructure of modern society, with almost all online traffic going through it, to the point that the distinction between the intranet and extranet is rarely made. The main distinction between the two is that websites and other online platforms that provide their services Spur-wide are hosted directly on extranet servers, while planetary intranet networks are mostly used for local services such as government or business websites.

There are a variety of factors that impact the speed of interstellar transmissions. Infrastructure plays a significant role with more isolated areas of the Orion Spur able to expect their communications to take significantly longer than if they were in a heavily populated region such as those surrounding [[Sol]] or [[Tau Ceti]]. Distance also impacts the speed of communication, the greater the distance between the sender and receiver results in a delay of several hours or even days.

Megacorporations are mostly responsible for hosting the satellite relays and server farms that allow for extranet access, except within the [[Empire of Dominia]], [[Jargon Federation]], and the [[Republic of Elyra|Serene Republic of Elyra]] due to their more autocratic tendencies regarding information oversight and economic management. [[Einstein Engines]] has long dominated the interstellar communications market with their subsidiary Taipei Engineering Industrial and is the sole provider of extranet services within the [[Sol Alliance| Solarian Alliance]]. While the megacorporations that make the [[Stellar Corporate Conglomerate]] don’t have as much influence within the sector, they have recently begun undertaking opportunities to expand through working alongside government contractors within both Dominia and Elyra.

= Currencies =
== Solarian Standard Credit ==
The Solarian Standard Credit (民/SSC) is essentially the Orion Spur’s standard currency due to the prevalence of the [[Sol Alliance|Solarian Alliance]] prior to its collapse in 2462. Outside of the Alliance, use of the SSC is common throughout certain parts of the [[Coalition of Colonies]], the [[Empire of Dominia]], and the [[Corporate Reconstruction Zone]] of the [[Republic of Biesel]]. Within Sol’s collapsed warlord states, it has lost much of its value due to the lack of central authority. The SSC is available in electronic, bankcard and traditional notes forms. Responsibility for the currency falls to the Solarian Central Bank, which is located on Unity Station in the Sol System. The Central Bank manages monetary policy and the supply of the Solarian Standard Credit for the Alliance and greater Spur, and this management of supply and interest rates ensures that the Solarian Credit is able to function as a fiat currency. The SSC is worth less than the Biesel Standard Credit.

== Biesel Standard Credit ==
Biesel Standard Credit (电/CR) is one of the dominating currencies that exist within the Orion Spur and was created shortly after the [[Republic of Biesel]]’s declaration of independence in 2452. It sees usage outside of the Republic, within the [[Izweski Nation|Izweski Hegemony]], who adopted it as their official currency following the collapse of the Solarian Alliance, and some sections of the [[Coalition of Colonies]] near the shared border, as well as the [[People%27s_Republic_of_Adhomai|People’s Republic of Adhomai]]. The BSC is available in electronic, bankcard and traditional notes forms that have the symbol of a lit torch on them. Responsibility for the currency falls to the Central Biesel Banking Authority, which is located in District One of [[Mendell City]], the capital of the Republic of Biesel. It oversees monetary policy and the supply of the Biesel Standard Credit, with assistance from [[Idris Incorporated]]. Similarly to the Solarian Standard Credit, the BSC is able to function as a fiat currency.

== Imperial Pound ==
The Imperial Pound (Ф) is the standard currency of the [[Empire of Dominia]], and predates the modern Empire by several decades – it was originally the primary currency of the Imperial Alliance, the nations that would go on to found the Empire by force. The Imperial Pound does not see much use outside of the borders of the Empire but is occasionally sought after by collectors due to the intricate design of its coins and bills, which generally depict historical figures such as Emperor Godwin Keesler I or religious symbols such as the Moroz Holy Tribunal’s iconography. Like most currencies, in the Spur, the Imperial Pound is available in physical and electronic formats, with electronic currency being more popular in the Imperial Core and physical currency being more popular in the Imperial Frontier. Responsibility for the currency falls to the Imperial Central Bank, which is located in Nova Luxembourg on Moroz. The Imperial Pound is a fiat currency, and control over it via the Imperial Central Bank has long been dominated by House Caladius. The Imperial Pound is worth less than the Biesel Standard Credit.

== Elyran Pound ==
Dating back to the early 2300s, the Elyran Pound (پوند) was created by the [[Republic of Elyra|Serene Republic of Elyra]] as a domestic replacement for the Solarian Standard Credit following the Republic’s secession from the Alliance. The Elyran Pound does not see much use outside of the Republic, but is occasionally used in the [[Coalition of Colonies]] due to its value. It is available in both electronic and physical formats, but physical currency has become increasingly rare in Elyra due to the growth of the Republic’s economy and the rapid pace of technological progress fueled by its phoron boom. Physical Elyran Pounds are most commonly seen in the hands of Elyran Non-Citizen Persons, which lack access to many of the luxuries and services that their citizen counterparts enjoy. The fiat currency is managed by the [[Elyran_Government_and_Politics|Ministry of Economics, Revenue, and Commerce]], which has worked to ensure that the Elyran Pound is one of the Spur’s more valuable currencies and it is worth more than the Biesel Standard Credit.

== Sqiip ==
Created after the formation of the First [[Jargon Federation]], the Sqiip (℘) has existed for thousands of years, beginning shortly after the Skrell discovered the ability to traverse the stars. It sees practically zero use outside the [[Jargon Federation]] besides being paid to those in the '''Work Initiative Programme''' and is available in both electronic and physical formats. Its physical format are minted coins and paper bills, with the minted coins capable of being stacked and locked due to special magnetic properties for easy transportation, while the higher-valued paper bills are printed on different types of water-safe seaweed. Symbols on the physical formats are often aquatic life such as shells, molluscans, Buurgis and Vro’qos. It is managed by the Grand Council, more specifically, the Grand Advisor of Economic Development - currently, [[Notable Skrell|Ormish Jrolk]]. Through careful planning, with further advisement from educated citizens of the Federation, the Grand Advisor of Economic Development is responsible for managing the monetary policy for the Sqiip - and enjoys operation as a fiat currency due to this oversight. Despite its relative isolative nature, The Sqiip is worth significantly more than the Biesel Standard Credit. It is unknown whether the Sqiip will continue to remain the most valuable currency within the Spur.

== Adhomian Knuckle ==
The Adhomian Knuckle (თ), also known as the Sharnyr, is the currency used by all Tajaran nations. Despite being named after the money used prior to contact, the Adhomian Knuckle is usually issued in banknote format. Since the Second Revolution, there is a great variety of designs on the notes between the factions. The Knuckle is only accepted in [[Adhomai]], the Tajaran colonies, and Little Adhomai; traders and smugglers will usually carry a supply of Biesel Standard Credits to deal with non-Tajara customers. All versions of the Adhomian Knuckle are worth significantly less than the Biesel Standard Credit. The PRA version is the most valuable, followed by the NKA version and the DPRA version is the least valuable.

{{Navbox Lore}}

Technology

2022-04-27T15:21:49Z

SilverSZ: Minor Frogbux Edit

{{Navbox Lore}}
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= Cloning =

Created initially in 1344 CE by the [[Skrell]], it was an incredibly rare and expensive procedure that only revolved around embryonic reproductive cloning. It was almost three centuries later, in 1639 that the Skrell unlocked the ability to begin growing organs, as well as limbs, for those that managed to fall into the “Primary” category of the [[Skrell Culture| Skrellian Social Credit System]]. It became a popular trend among the highest of the Primaries to grow organs and limbs ahead of actually requiring them.

The [[Skrell Synthetic Age| Era of Synthetic Oppression]] reigned over by Glorsh-Omega brought with it significant advances into the field of cloning, mostly confined to the archologies across Aliose. Glorsh-Omega had managed to propel the field of cloning and genetics exceptionally during their reign, managing to unlock the secret that prevented the flash growth of organs and limbs. Upon contact with humanity in 2332, [[Skrell]] began sharing their research in the field of cloning with [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]] — specifically its subsidiary, Yomi Genetics Innovation and Research.

Continued efforts from both races eventually yielded more efficient processes, making cloning organs and limbs easier than before, as well as cutting unnecessary costs that pushed for [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]] to franchise on the new lucrative market developing as a result of the cooperation. Today, while other megacorporations have invested in the field, [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]] continues to dominate the cloning market. Most if not all cloning operations are performed on corporate assets with branches of its subsidiary - Yomi Genetics. [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]] has also managed to advertise the “revival” of the dead through embryonic cloning, where a biological copy of an individual can exist. However, it follows the lifespan of their respective species beginning at infancy.

== Operations ==
=== Limb and Organ Cloning ===

The ability of humanity to “clone” limbs and organs dates back to the mid-21st century and originates at roughly the same time as [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]], which would go on to be the main provider of cloned limbs and organs. These early techniques were slow and could be prohibitively expensive, depending on the organ. Limb cloning only became common in the early 23rd century with the advent of new techniques developed by Jeonshi Biotech Incorporated but— due to its cost— initially existed as an alternative for prosthetics only available to the very wealthy. This changed following first contact with the [[Skrell]] in 2332 due to [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]]’s willingness to cooperate with the more advanced species.

Cooperation between [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]] and [[Skrell]] helped lower costs and enhance the effectiveness of existing limb and organ cloning techniques. While genetic material from the recipient is still required to clone an organ or limb, modern techniques first developed in this era have made it much more affordable and practical for an average human resident of the Orion Spur - however, in still considerably more expensive than their mechanical counterparts. Despite these improvements and advances, limb and organ cloning remains mostly limited to more developed systems such as Sol, New Ankara, Biesel, and Xanu Prime with few cloning facilities existing outside of these areas. With the most remote facilities existing in the Al-Maqdisi System due to its heavy Zeng-Hu presence.

=== Embryo Cloning ===

While much of [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]]’s research focuses upon the cloning of limbs and organs, the prospect of cloning an entire human being has long fascinated the keiretsu. Although Jeonshi Biotech focused primarily on the more conventional form of cloning, Yomi Genetics I&R, already well-known for being on the bleeding edge of genetic research, opted to pursue a different field: that of embryonic cloning. Long a staple of the [[Jargon Federation]] due to long-standing fertility issues, Yomi Genetics researchers were able to create the first practical method for human embryonic cloning in the early 2410s. Prohibitively expensive and only common in the richest of humanity’s systems— particularly Sol— Yomi Genetics’ techniques allow those parents that can afford it to make a child that has been genetically altered to be a cut above their peers. Despite many human rights groups decrying this as simply a modern form of eugenics, its popularity has not slowed among the rich of [[Sol]], and Yomi Genetics has quickly become one of the keiretsu’s wealthiest members as a result.

Regardless of its immense profits, the corporation has not opted to pursue flash cloning of humans, citing “moral and ethical concerns" alongside the immense investment required to make such a thing practical and the lack of a viable market for adult clones. In spite of this, there have been extranet rumours for decades that the keiretsu uses cloned soldiers as its heavy-duty biohazard response teams. These are, however, simply rumours, and the keiretsu has long denied them as “baseless conspiracies,” with no foundation in reality.

=== Geneboosting ===

While the vast majority of the Orion Spur relies on genetic manipulation and cloning techniques developed by [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]] and their [[Skrell|Jargon]] business partners, there is one notable exception: the [[Empire of Dominia]] and it’s “geneboosting” techniques. The exact details of these techniques are a closely-guarded secret of the [[Empire of Dominia]] and [[Empire_of_Dominia_Great_Houses| House Volvalaad]], which is responsible for much of geneboosting’s development and research. There have been no confirmed leaks of the Empire’s geneboosting techniques, despite rumored attempts by [[Zavodskoi Interstellar]] to purchase information on them, and this secrecy has kept geneboosting firmly within the Empire’s borders. On-and-off talks between Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals and the Empire regarding the sale of Dominian techniques to the keiretsu have not yet produced results.

The history and origins of geneboosting are more well-known: the modern technique dates back to genetic manipulation of crops and fauna brought by [[Empire_of_Dominia#Initial_Colonization| Moroz’s original settlers]], and this foundation was used by [[Empire_of_Dominia_Great_Houses| House Volvalaad]] to create modern geneboosting of humans. It is known to be prohibitively expensive and only limited to Imperial Primaries. The effects lead to enhanced attributes and appearances: those geneboosted are stronger, faster, more able, and much longer-lived than their non-geneboosted counterparts. Geneboosted playable species tend to be a foot or so taller than average (upwards of seven to seven and a half feet for humans) and find it very easy to maintain peak fitness. A geneboosted person is obvious at a glance, and geneboosted humans are often held as paragons of Imperial society. Geneboosting carried out after birth, known as gene therapy, is very rare and generally dangerous in addition to also being prohibitively expensive.

== Dangers ==

Some believe that the “revival” of an individual can occur through embryonic cloning, however, that could not be further from the truth. While they are a biological copy of a deceased individual, memories and personality will not carry over. Despite embryonic cloning of a deceased individual being cheaper than creating “designer children”, the process is still considered rather expensive, even for the wealthy.

While most of the kinks have been worked out with limb and organ cloning, there are complications. Delayed onset muscle degeneration, or DOMD for short, is a painful process where a limb can begin to necrose and can happen even years after being cloned. It is generally regarded as being rare, and impossible to detect until it is too late. The only treatment is amputation. Despite the genetic material of a recipient being used, there have been cases of acute cellular rejection with cloned organs. While dangerous if untreated, most of the time the problematic organ is removed and simply replaced with a different clone - a straightforward procedure that comes with little risk.
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= Automobiles =

Ever since the introduction of the first car, Humanity has always striven to traverse the ground with ever more speed, safety and efficiency. Although spacecraft have and are being considered the primary focus for interstellar and interplanetary and even intercontinental travel, the 25th century bears witness to the bustling car industry. From Mendell City to the empty plains of Vysoka, the endless variety of cars, bikes and other vehicles can only be described as dazzling, with countless more designs, innovations and prototypes being constantly developed.

The beating heart of the galaxy’s automotive industry lies undoubtedly in the core worlds of the Solarian Alliance, the place the oldest and most prestigious brands call home. Imported Solarian vehicles of all calibres can be found in virtually every system and world; an authentic (and operational) car from a solarian marque is held in very high regard and as a token of class on a far away Coalition planet. An upcoming Bieselite industry consists mainly of Solarian factories and infrastructure being rapidly taken over and merged by Nanotrasen post-independence, while burgeoning Elyran marques increase their influence and status by the year.

== Engines ==

*'''Petroleum''' - Once the main means of powering engines, fuel oil has by now fallen into disuse. With rapidly dwindling supplies on Earth, early attempts were made to develop and accommodate for alternative, cheaper and more plentiful fuel options, leading to the wide use of electric cars, followed by the hydrogen engine. Nowadays, only a handful of designs run on diesel, almost always in technologically backwards and distant worlds.

*'''Electricity''' - The wide availability of battery-electric cars to the greater human population came in the mid-2000s, virtually and fully replacing the diesel engine by the early 2100s. Cheaper and friendlier to the environment, their use was mandated as part of the Alliance’s efforts to avert the upcoming climate catastrophe on Earth. Since then, electric vehicles have received the full attention of designers and engineers, catapulting their performance stats into a new age of faster and safer commotion. The field is still being explored, with miniaturised tesla reactors posing serious promise for self-charging functions.

*'''Hydrogen''' - Once considered a lost cause, hydrogen combustion engines have by now come a long way into being accepted as a viable vehicle powering method. A relatively recent breakthrough pioneered by Einstein Engines in partnership with Langenfeld Motors has seen the development of an internal combustion engine, able to accommodate a daring new 1:100 phoron-hydrogen mix. This new "Super Hydrogen" fuel brand, authorised for use after exhaustive testing to guarantee safety and acceptable emissions, proved more powerful than anything before, allowing the vehicle to reach velocities previously unthought-of for commercial, land-based locomotion. That said, the tremendously high price, engine wear and recent phoron scarcity have confined the use of this technology to a select few.

*'''Others''' - The vastness of the Orion Spur provides for vast possibilities, individuals from all over the cosmos coming up with new innovations on how to power their automobiles. Biofuels, natural gas, steam, local minerals and many more options exist that can and have at some point been used, often to an explosive and sometimes disastrous conclusion. While the mainstream industry continues to explore new avenues, it is very rare that any such engines achieve any important consumer following.

== Locomotion ==

*'''Wheels''' - Most cars and motorbikes in human space still utilise wheels. Embedded firmly into everyday life since ancient times, the wheel still remains one of the greatest inventions, serving billions of people every given hour. While there have been multiple innovations and attempts at change, the four and two-wheel standard for cars and bikes respectively, remains the primary and most used setup. New technologies in elastics have resulted in significant breakthroughs in tyre manufacturing, offering consumers a more secure and efficient experience than ever before.

*'''Hoverthrusters''' - The concept of “flying cars” has been fantasised and ingrained in the minds of the public for centuries as the staple mark of a technologically advanced future. It was not until the early 2200s that such an invention would be properly applied to the first prototype, essentially creating the first hovercar, utilising gravity generation technology. Owing to the general instability and turmoil of the time, however, no attempts at an actual commercial release were undertaken, the invention was largely forgotten until as far as the 2400s. While nowhere near the idea of airborne personal vehicles hover thrusters are now rapidly being added to both cars and motorcycles, replacing some or all wheels. They have proven highly moddable, the latest and most expensive thruster models able to project holographic images, lights and particles of all sorts while stationary or on the road.

== Brands ==

=== Sol Alliance ===
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==== Langenfeld Motors ====
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[[file:langfield.png|thumb|right|360px]]

An EU-directed amalgamation of the various major European automobile marques following the collapse of the economy during the second depression of 2260, Langenfeld has since solidified its position as a world-class producer and supplier of high-quality cars and bikes all over human and known space. A staple in the Solarian vehicle industry, the brand’s focus on electric engines has kept them in the lead in their research and design, enabling them to branch out into the more general field of consumer appliances.

===== Notable Releases =====

*'''Langenfeld EVO''' - Langenfeld’s Electric Vehicle, nicknamed and marketed as EVO in a play on the word “evolution”, is the most widely sold city car series in Alliance space. Running on a standard electric engine, the EVO has dominated the market as a cheap, effective car for use in urban day to day environments. Famed for its relatively small size, its design accommodates busy 25th-century traffic in both planetary cities and Unity Station. Complaints of a cramped interior and reduced luggage capacity have led to the EVO-Compact, sacrificing the two passenger seats for a more comfortable and spacy experience while also cutting down on the size. While both the EVO and the EVO-Compact have been praised for the conveniences they offer in parking and manoeuvring inside tight spaces, it is a clear urban design, unable to match more powerful vehicles on the open road. Nevertheless, the by now decade-old design remains hugely popular in both Sol and Tau Ceti space.

*'''Langenfeld Surveyor''' - A popular SUV, the Surveyor is widely appreciated for its endurance and powerful electric engine. Predominantly found in more rural locations, its robust four-wheel-drive system renders it ideal for family vacations, trips and long-range daily commuting. A comfortable and safe interior, combined with advanced suspension systems, has gained its reputation for being one of the smoothest cars in Sol. The Surveyor has also been selected for experimentation on self-charging engine batteries, Langenfeld’s R&D division managing to release a stable model, modifying the engine to great extents. While it is available to the general public, its price and availability place this iteration of the SUV out of reach for all but a select few.

*'''Langenfeld Vulcan''' - The hybrid Vulcan coupé is by all accounts, the spearhead of Langenfeld’s entry into hydrogen fuel, combining both the certainty of their electric motors with the innovative design of a hydrogen combustion engine. An all in all good quality automobile, the Langenfeld Vulcan is suited for high speeds and is commonly found on the highways across Sol and Tau Ceti space.

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==== Shibata Sport ====
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[[file:shibata.png|thumb|right|360px]]
A newly established branch of the Shibata shipping conglomerate, the Solarian company has dynamically established itself in the world of motorsports, especially motorcycles. While initially created as a bid for the shipping tycoon’s participation in the prestigious Harmony City Grand Prix, it soon developed into a fully-fledged company aimed primarily at commercial sports vehicles. Renowned for its high speeds, sleek designs, but mostly its impressive hoverthruster technology, Shibata Sport is a brand found throughout Sol, Tau Ceti and Elyran space, being a top choice amongst motorcyclists and enthusiasts.

===== Notable Releases =====

*'''Shibata X-406''' - The widely known X-406 (or simply 406) electric sports motorcycle offered Shibata the key to the market, becoming their first large commercial success. Found mainly across Sol and Tau Ceti, the 406 is the brand’s flagship product, achieving high speeds with great cost-efficiency. Supporting a driver and a passenger, the sporty design and flexible support for hover thrusters in place of the posterior wheel has made it popular with the younger clientele, spawning an enormous variation in paint jobs, attachments, lights and system modifications. This association with youth and experimentation has also resulted in unwanted notoriety, the motorbike regularly also finding itself in the hands of more fringe groups such as bikers and gang members across many worlds.

*'''Shibata Jie''' - The Shibata Jie, was the early venture into the luxury sports car market, featuring one of the first hydrogen-powered, over thruster propulsion systems on a commercial car and a driver assistance computer to help control it. Hugely promising, its early release would nonetheless go on to be regarded as a product with mixed results. Initially designed as a four-doored wheeled coupe for VIP passengers, the decision was made to convert it to a hovercar in order to beat competitors. While the car was lauded for its slender look and comfortable ride, the early and experimental propulsion system proved to be prone to overheating, leaving the car stuck, or in some cases, dangerously volatile in a crash. Changes were promptly applied however, new thrusters and more refined electronics having greatly reduced the risks of malfunction or jamming, pushing the Shibata Jie into the forefront as the fastest commercially available vehicle in Sol and Biesel.
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=== Republic of Biesel ===

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==== Poplar Auto Group ====
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[[file:poplar.png|thumb|right|360px]]
As Biesel gained independence, the nationalisation of Solarian automotive factories on the planet became inevitable after Langenfeld Tau Ceti surrendered its facilities in a large buyout. The result, a new brand managed by NanoTrasen, brought Tau Ceti into the world market as an independent designer and producer. Though shrouded by controversies and budget deficits, Poplar remains a large supplier of cars and motorcycles on the planet, backed by the Conglomerate’s much needed monetary investment as more and more shares end up in their hands each year.

===== Notable Releases =====

*'''Poplar Excursion''' - With a price tag that is relatively affordable, the Excursion has become a common sight within the Republic of Biesel. It was originally designed as a four-door hatchback, and it has made rapid strides in its target market - going even further to encourage sales partly through a unique amortization program that previously benefited NanoTrasen and now extends to other organizations within the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate. Despite its compact size, it comes with a unique engine design that pushes additional firepower through the buildup of kinetic energy from its wheels.

*'''Poplar Inferno''' - One of the most expensive locally assembled motorcycles on the market, the Poplar Inferno has become somewhat popular in certain groups across the Orion Spur. Advertised as a sleek sports cruiser, it finds the majority of its brawn originating within its hydrogen-based engine that powers its hover thrusters, said to be the first of its kind. NanoTrasen is largely accredited as being the innovator of such a design, with Nathan Trasen as the face of the chopper. It comes in only one colour; maroon red.

*'''Poplar Classic''' - Inspired by an era long past, the Poplar Classic aims to commit some necromancy by bringing back an automobile model that has long since gone extinct. Despite its petroleum-based design similar to those of 20th-century designs, the two-door sports coupé houses a miniaturized tesla reactor. It is categorized as being a mix of both Adhomian and Biesellite innovations. A great deal of the interior instrumentation is made of wood.
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==== Tarrar Automotive ====
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Started as a minor subsidiary venture by Hephaestus Industries in 2442, Tarrar Automotive Limited (Abbreviated as TAL) is a company that initially handled maintenance or repair of Tajara designed vehicles for the immigrant community of Tau Ceti. By 2450, it grew to also provide importation services, customization, or retrofitting for any and all automobiles from Adhomai. Buyers can purchase any vehicle from its catalogue as long as they can foot the heavy price or pay for its mechanics to modify their prized possessions in whatever way they see fit. Thanks to TAL, Tajara in [[Little Adhomai]] are able to gain and drive the same luxury vehicles or workhorse trucks that they had access to back home. Monowheels and motorbikes have become popular purchases thanks to the growth of the Greaser subculture. TAL has also found a niche in providing its products and services to exotic car collectors from around the spur. Rich buyers on planets such as Luna or Moroz sometimes see the sleek TAL-Volgydoh or antique Pryzark-19 as an excellent showpiece. Contrary to a popular extranet rumour, TAL does not produce technicals.

===== Notable Releases =====

*'''Nav'twir M-59''' - Based on the Adhomian version, the Nav'twir M-59 is Tarrar Automotive's most successful monowheel model. Known for its reliability and cheap price, the vehicle was widely adopted by the Greaser population in D6. However, Adhomai-made monowheels remain as a symbol of status in Little Adhomai.
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=== Empire of Dominia ===
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==== Jinxiang Automotive Conglomerate ====
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Dominia’s largest automotive company by a significant margin, JAC was established in 2189 in the city that bears its name, making it one of the oldest non-Solarian automotive manufacturers in the Orion Spur. The Conglomerate is primarily controlled by House Zhao, as it has been for most of its history, though independent investors hold a minority stake. The JAC produces a wide range of vehicles both for commercial purposes and use by the Dominian government, and its products, while somewhat uncommon outside of the Empire, is said to follow Dominians wherever they go.

===== Notable Releases =====

*'''JAC Sunburst''' - A hybrid four-by-four, the Sunburst is a near-ubiquitous sight on the worlds of the Empire. Capable of handling both the built-up roads of Moroz just as well as the backwaters of Sun Reach, the Sunburst has gained a reputation for reliability and can run in nearly any condition it is likely to find itself in.

*'''JAC Hansom''' - Equipped with an electric engine, the Hansom is noted for its luxury, with each vehicle being a bespoke construction built to the specification of its frequently noble clientele. Although marketed in a sleek black colour, it is not uncommon to see Hansoms painted in the colour of the noble houses, often as a way to show support.

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=== Serene Republic of Elyra ===
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==== New Suez Auto Group ====
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[[File:NewSuezAutoGroup.png.png|200px|thumb]]
The Serene Republic of Elyra’s primary producer of automobiles, the New Suez Auto Group found itself established on the “Persepolian Sapphire” shortly after the officiation of the New Suez Protocol and the creation of the New Suez Free Trade Zone. Considered a subsidiary of Elco, a state-owned enterprise responsible for the extraction and refinement of phoron, much of its success comes from its parent company’s investments in phoronic technology. The New Suez Auto Group dominiates the automobile market, and while there does exist competitors, it is by far considered a staple of Elyran life - with most having purchased a car from the company.

===== Notable Releases =====
*'''Sahab Brezza''' - Driven mostly by the most wealthy of Elyrans, the sports-model Sahab Brezza utilizes advanced technology such as the MagPulse Hovertech present within the Republic, as well as hydrogen engines with tweaked schematics to allow enhanced conservation of its primary fuel source - a combination of phoron and hydrogen. It found itself a popular topic of conversation following the Prime Minister having been photographed in an obviously newly-purchased Sahab Brezza attending state business.

*'''Harab''' - Economic by design, the Harab is a four-door coupe that has become a common-sight across the civilized planets of the Serene Republic. Similarly to that of the Sahab Brezza, the Harab utilizes MagPulse Hovertech to sour through the skies, however, a noticeable difference is its engine and the Sahab Brezza; it has an electric engine. With charging booths usually integrated in most buildings, the Harab has certainly had a significant impact on the development of the infrastructure within Elyra.
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===Jargon Federation===
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====Qerr’Zolvq Motors====
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Qerr’Zolvq Motors (QZM), a branch of [[Jargon_Federation#State-Owned_Enterprises|Qerr’Zolvq Industries]], is solely responsible for the production, sale, and maintenance of private vehicles within the Jargon Federation. QZM is known within the Federation to provide reliable vehicles, but since it’s the sole manufacturer within the Federation, they are not known for much else; most of their popular makes do not come with amenities outside of what is considered necessary, and the manufacturer is not known for its aesthetic outside of its catalogue of vehicles intended for Primary Numericals.

=====Notable Releases=====

*'''Xarnaq''' - A Submersible Utility Vehicle (SUV) combining road-going passenger cars with the ability to submerge underwater. The Xarnaq uses a dual electric engine system, with one engine enabling land travel and the other allowing both above and underwater travel. The Xarnaq is popular amongst all Skrell on planets such as [[Qerrbalak]] and [[Aweiji]] since many population centres are located underwater. A variant known as the QZ-X was released in collaboration with Qel’Zvol Hospitality to provide Primary Numericals with a more aesthetic personal vehicle, which comes with a dual hydrogen engine system instead of the regular Xarnaq’s electric engines. Both variants can seat between 5 and 8 passengers.

*'''Sqraanda''' - The Sqraanda is a wheeled automobile with a closed trunk separate from the part in which the driver and passengers sit, and is designed solely for above-water driving. The Sqraanda is considered a worker’s vehicle because of its spacious trunk and ability to drive off-road. Its characteristics have also made it a common sight on planets such as [[Aliose]] where the terrain is rough, as well as on less-developed planets within the [[Notable_Skrell_Systems_and_Locations#The_Tetramerous_Systems:_The_Traverse|Traverse]]. Because of the association of the Sqraanda with the Traverse, it is mostly driven by Secondary or Tertiary Numericals as a personal vehicle, with Primaries mostly avoiding the vehicle unless their job requires it. To ensure reliability even on newly-founded colonies, the Sqraanda has many models that have different engines depending on what would be readily available. Petroleum or biofuel engines are a common sight within the Traverse, while the core systems utilise electric-fuel hybrid systems that can be manually switched to if more or less power is needed. All variants of the Sqraanda can only seat 2 passengers.

*'''Qruupq''' - A submersible-only vehicle, the Qruupq has a streamlined hull intended for constant submerged use. It is considered the sister vehicle of the Xarnaq, being a common sight in regions that are almost entirely covered by ocean. Similarly to the Xarnaq, the Qruupq can seat 5 to 8 passengers and has a variant also designed in conjunction with Qel’Zvol Hospitality called the QZ-Qru, intended for Primary Numericals only. The Qruupq comes with a single electric engine, and just like the QZ-X, the QZ-Qru utilises a hydrogen engine.

*'''Traqq''' - Designed to be used mainly by the military and Nralakk Logistics, the Traqq is a large, heavy motor vehicle used for bulk transport of goods, materials, and troops. Both the military and the civilian variant use a heavy-duty electric engine, but the military variant also has a backup biofuel engine for long-distance travel where recharging poses a logistical issue.

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= Prosthetics, Augments, and Implants =
From military-exclusive combat enhancements to crude limb replacement, the field of prosthesis and implants is as wide and varied as the cultures and species who utilize them. There are various ways to acquire, utilize, and perform these mechanical replacements and upgrades, yet they are not without their drawbacks.

== Cost and Accessibility ==

From the depths of the Eridanian underworld to the peak of Lunarian high society, prostheses are found in virtually every echelon of occupied space. There are many ways the average person could acquire their prosthesis, from corporate insurance plans, state-subsidized healthcare, purchasing them from a retailer, or under-the-table methods out of the national eye. A limb or organ replacement roughly equivalent to its organic counterpart is reasonably affordable for the average person: anything costing more than this often involves rent-to-own payment plans. Prosthetic limbs and organs are a common item on corporate insurance plans, but the quality of the prosthetic varies greatly from plan to plan. An expensive premium plan may entitle the worker to a top-of-the-line new Hephaestus model while cheaper plans could see someone forced to use long out of date prosthetics. Some corporations offer exciting sign-on bonuses or rewards for good performance in the form of high-grade modifications that are otherwise unobtainable by legal means. These offers, while seemingly benevolent, hide inherent risk that leads many to refuse them altogether. This form of contract is especially popular in the Eridani Corporate Federation and with Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals where poor job performance could mean forcible reclamation of one’s augments.

External modifications are rarely a clean affair, and a prosthetic will require constant upkeep and maintenance. Some prosthetic owners seek to avoid costly technician visits by learning how to perform their own maintenance and repairs within reason, much to the frustration of their corporate producers. It is common practice that corporations will employ methods of restricting the ease of repair through avenues such as DRM-locked proprietary software, specialized tools, and electronic access codes. The market for second-hand prostheses is profitable with many people opting to pick older model prosthetics without advanced anti-repair measures for the sake of easy maintenance.

The market for augmentation is a wide one, and nearly every prominent megacorporation deals in them in one way or another. A major player in the industry is Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals, who are responsible for the majority of medical-grade prosthetics through themselves and their subsidiaries. Zeng-Hu prosthetics are popular among medical workers for their stability and precision. Hephaestus Industries is responsible for most industrial prosthetics, and many blue-collar workers swear by the prosthetics’ strength and durability. Zavodskoi Interstellar, along with Zeng-Hu subsidiary Jeonshi Biotech, accounts for a majority of combat or otherwise military-affiliated augments. However, corporation-produced prosthetics can be more expensive than others and are often loaded down with prohibitively-restrictive software.

Augments come in many varied shapes, sizes, and installations; from nearly transparent eye lenses from the Eridani Corporate Federation, to robotic exodigits that are worn like a glove by some surgeons, to cyberweave that changes color and length and cyberink that are permanently fluctuating tattoos, there are augments for every person in mind. They can typically be split up into three distinct categories, despite their range of differences. The first one is internal, sometimes called installed augments. These are ones that must be permanently affixed to the body until a similar procedure removes them. Removal is not guaranteed and is often much more costly, so it can be considered to be a big decision by anyone that isn’t a high-ranking corporate shill. These can be eye lenses that are installed over the pupil and iris to create displays and holo-info, such as ads, analysis, and other useful tools, to mere joint replacements. The second category is known as external or worn augments. These are ones that can be slipped in and out of, either with the ease of putting on a glove or the difficulty of slipping into a tight jumpsuit. They are not permanent, but typically much more expensive as a result. They might be items that can be worn to increase hand-eye coordination, glasses or contacts that eliminate color blindness and other seeing impairments or an exoskeleton that increases speed and stamina. Finally, last but not least, there are decorative augments. These augments are rarely expensive, commercialized for the average worker to buy into, and remain a fun alternative to traditional tattoos, hair dye, and other things. They are similarly installed like internal augments, but their key difference is that they can become inert or inactive and cause no inconvenience if so. Their installations are often more painful than their traditional counterparts, but otherwise provide a level of glam and style that can be swapped with the seasons, ensuring you never regret spending your money on Idris ElectrInk™ products.

Many poorer citizens opt to produce their own haphazard prosthetics, and there are plenty of underground workshops that manufacture their own work to select from. Often called augmenters or ‘augurs,’ these shops typically shy clear of legal routes in order to avoid the monopolies megacorporations have on these markets. People purchasing from these stores avoid legal ramifications due to the sheer variety of augments and prosthetics available on the market— this does not even include all the decalization, decoration, and modifications that people do to their own prosthetics to make them their own. As a result, unless someone is caught in the act of getting these illegal installations or is otherwise ratted out by someone else and reported, these crimes are considered about as harmless as jaywalking.

Military augments and prosthetics that enhance combat ability are closely guarded by their respective corporations or governments and are almost always out of reach for the average worker. There are often civilian models of these augments produced, and corporate security may receive augments like heads-up displays or threat analyzers.

Mechanized implants, as a whole, provide a unique way to treat or assuage challenges that come with illness, disease, and disability. If someone is born with a joint in their leg that does not bend correctly and causes pain, an augment or mechanical implant can be installed to ensure the limb is working as intended. Similarly, with the studies conducted on the human brain, sometimes personality AI chips are added that can help someone overcome the challenges of certain mental illnesses. These types of minor augments and prostheses are very common, and as a result, replacing minor body parts like fingers and repairing specific portions of the body is hardly an expensive endeavour.

== Vat-Grown Prostheses and Organs ==

Something of an oddity in the realm of prosthetics, vat-grown organs have captivated scientists for decades. These prosthetics are entirely identical to regular cellular limbs and organs, and indistinguishable except for a faint scarred seam around external prosthetics where the limb was attached. In a feat of simultaneous discovery, two groups are known for their production of vat-grown organs. House Volvalaad of the Empire of Dominia, and Zeng-Hu subsidiary Yomi Genetics in association with Jargon Federation scientists. However, these prostheses are prohibitively expensive for the normal person due to the skill needed to attach one, and the lab work required to grow a limb that is compatible and with the same skin tone as its recipient. Of the former, only the wealthy nobility can access these prosthetics, along with very favoured secondaries. The Jargon Federation often subsidizes vat-grown prosthetics for their citizens of primary and upper secondary numerical social credit score.

Vat-grown prostheses can be found elsewhere in human space, but they are often at a high cost. Only people that climb the corporate ladder of various megacorporations can afford them due to the costs associated with making and attaching them.

== Effects on Health ==

When it comes to mental health, the power of mental implants is almost entirely unmatched. While they remain unable to cure any mental illness, especially common ones like anxiety and depression, they are often an empowering tool for those that receive them in overcoming them. Personality AIs provide someone to talk to, often able to keep someone grounded in reality amidst flashbacks, delusions, and hallucinations. They do this by giving direct thoughts to someone’s head, sounding as if the person could hear this AI talking aloud. With somewhat pricier models hooked up to augmented eyes, a person can even see these AIs manifest nearby in the real world. These implants are typically found in those suffering from PTSD and schizophrenia but are not unheard of outside of that. Implants such as these typically are affected in the same way as the host is, resulting in temporary impairment in the face of drugs, trauma, and other situations. They have roughly the same electrical signals as the human brain does in order to interface with them properly, and as a result, they do not malfunction when under the effects of an EMP. While they remain commonplace, a diagnosis and “prescription” of one from a doctor is almost always required before someone can receive one.

For nearly as long as prostheses have been around, sentient-kind has been attempting to press the boundaries of technological and ethical safety. There is a physical and mental limit to which an individual can be safely augmented, which varies from person to person. ‘Augmentation Dysfunction Syndrome’, or simply ‘augment sickness,’ refers to the wide variety of illnesses and conditions that can arise from excessive modification. ADS is not a violent illness, and not everyone with augments grows ill with it. Symptoms can include sensory issues and phantom limb pain in milder cases, with particularly severe examples including psychotic and dissociative disorders that require regular visits with a mental health expert. The rate of psychological illness of augmented individuals is often higher than their mundane counterparts, and those who can afford it often receive therapy for a short time when acquiring a new augment to ensure a healthy transition. It is encouraged by mental health professionals for patients with more than a few augments to visit a doctor every so often for a mental health check-up, but many people live happy and normal lives without this.

A more severe and rare form of augmenting sickness in recent years has been identified with some care. With the full name being ‘Malignant Mechanized Paralysis Disorder,’ it is shortened to ‘pulsing out’ due to the movements and behaviour of prostheses to behave abnormally. MMPD is defined as the characteristic of temporarily losing the functionality of mechanical limbs, augments, brain implants, and similar body modifications. after a majority of a person's body has been replaced by these parts. Due to chemical imbalances in the brain, theorized as originating from the heavy altercations to the nervous system, some typical late-stage symptoms include physical and mental fatigue, extreme apathy, narcolepsy, narcissism, shifts in personality, and other traits. One thing is for certain, and that pulsing out is a broad shift in behaviour. It is paired with symptoms that can vary extremely between those afflicted, such as migraines and shortness of breath, so it can often be difficult to identify at earlier stages (outside of the occasional discriminatory guess from an attending doctor). The main symptom that outs this disorder among others is the trait where all of the prostheses begin behaving irrationally, sporadically, and stop obeying the patient’s commands via the nervous system. While this can be relatively harmless for many, the flailing limbs of someone pulsing out can cause injury to bystanders or the wearer. Some episodes of pulsing out may also interrupt critical functions in a workplace, like affixing down plating, operating machinery, and so forth. Although it is much more common during waking hours, there is still a slight chance of this occurring while asleep. More disturbingly yet is the fact that these appendages may act of their own accord for a few minutes— this has not been verified by Zeng-Hu or any other accredited medical science source outside of rumors and news bites. It is not a simple transition like flicking a switch, thankfully; getting to a point of fully pulsing out is as slow as the transition to becoming mechanized is.

Pulsing out is treatable with regular therapy and sometimes even with uninstalling augments or replacing prosthetics with vat-grown alternatives. One clinical trial in particular, done through the work of Zeng-Hu, is testing out personality AI implants in the brain to combat the symptoms of this affliction. Not everyone who has a majority of their body comes under the effect of pulsing out; however, for some unlucky few, they are permanently condemned when they collected these mechanical upgrades or were unlucky enough to receive from a tragic accident.

Regardless of one’s ability to adapt to augmentation or the presence of a robust health network, the absolute limit of augmentation work seems to have been found with ‘Full Body Prosthetics’, or FBPs. FBPs were once a project of Zeng-Hu that attempted to convert a human into a fully synthetic individual. A ridiculous sum had been invested into the project, only for each test subject to wind up in a catatonic state that they would never recover from. Yet, Zeng-Hu’s resolve was unbroken, and they publicly vowed their intent on successfully creating the impossible. This effort culminated in the very early 2400s with Sven Karlsson. Karlsson, a wildly-famous trillionaire from Earth, publicly announced his intent to partner with Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals. His goal? Unprecedented scientific advancement. He vowed to become Zeng-Hu’s next subject, and that by partnering their collective intelligence and resources, he would be the first successful FBP in an act of peerless technological superiority. Human society as a whole waited with bated breath to see the fate of Sven Karlsson, the man who could usher in an era of scientific greatness. Unfortunately, this was not to be. Despite the incredible amount of resources spent upon the project and the presence of some of Earth’s greatest minds, Karlsson sadly died in the attempt. The public relations disaster that followed ensured that no corporation would ever dare to attempt to create an FBP again, and the practice is near-universally regarded as both ethically and scientifically ridiculous, even by the standards of megacorporations.

== Prosthetics Outside Human Space ==

An innovation by the [[People's Republic of Adhomai]]’s [[Tajaran_Educational_Institutions#Hadii_Institute_of_Orbital_Research|Hadii Institute]] has created a new kind of prosthesis specifically suited to Tajaran anatomy. These prostheses use proprietary tesla technology in the form of a [[People's_Republic_of_Adhomai#Medical|Tesla Spine]] grafted to the back of the wearer to power the wearer's prosthetics. While previously only for the military, these prosthetics were soon distributed to all of the PRA's in-need citizens at no cost, and are popular among People's Republic veterans. Only Tajara from the People's Republic of Adhomai may use this kind of prosthetic.

On Moghes, the [[Aut'akh]] religious movement has led to the creation of various decentralized communes across the Unathi homeland and abroad. Aut'akh adherents seek self-actualization through ritualistic implementation of various self-produced prosthetics, often made with stolen or repurposed parts from Hephaestus. Aut'akh exist at the fringes of Unathi society and face heavy discrimination from the mainstream populace. Almost to the shock of many outsiders, Aut'akh on occasion revere some episodes of pulsing out, especially when prosthetics seem to act with a mind of their own. Besides this, they universally loathe when prosthetics flail about, citing that demons are inhabiting the host and trying to kill their spirit before it can be liberated. Regardless of their beliefs, pulsing out remains one reason of skepticism against this religion and trans-speciesism as a whole, despite the claim from the communes that pulsing out remains rare among their number.

[[Ouerea]] houses one of the biggest underground markets for augurs in the Spur. Largely due to the criminal and off-the-books shops and industries there, it is one of the trending places to collect and receive augmentation, prosthetic installation, and implant implementation. Military-grade equipment, typically ad hoc, expensive, and used to dangerous ends, can be found in the darkest corners of city underbellies. Ostensibly, though, these upgrades will forever bar someone from joining a megacorp for as long as they have them. Various neon art styles are utilized to decorate otherwise lifeless metal parts, giving them a sense of uniqueness and self-expression that remains common to every sentient creature in the galaxy. This form of art is popularized on Ouerea, but different styles and takes on it can be found among the underbellies of the Eridani Corporate Federation, Konyang, and other places abroad.

A true oddity among most denizens of the spur, [[Dionae_Forms#Nymph_Limbs|some Unathi and Skrell have been seen using Diona nymphs as replacements for missing limbs]]. Forming a symbiotic relationship by allowing the nymph to attach themselves at the stump of the missing body part, the nymph shifts their biomass to replace the limb while receiving blood, memories, and a host in exchange.

The Jargon Federation utilizes [[Jargon_Federation#Technology|Loyalty Implants]] to ensure someone acts in the best interests of the Federation. The most common form the implant takes is as a ‘tag’ that can be seen attached to the end of a Skrell’s head-tail, or if worn by a non-Skrell, it can be attached to the earlobe or tail. The use of these loyalty implants on non-Federation citizens has been made illegal by all other nations in the Orion Spur, with many such as the Republic of Biesel going further and denouncing them as unethical. Recently, these implants have been utilized by the Federation’s Nlomkala and Qukala, attaching them to Vaurca warriors that have been assigned to the respective organizations.

[[Vaurca_Biology#Augments|Vaurca]] prostheses were developed long before their Orion Spur counterparts. Due to their open circulatory system and ergonomic, insect-like design, Vaurcae are more prone to lose limbs, and rudimentary prosthetics were already commonplace since before the Agricultural revolution. The modern prosthesis predates the Era of Augments, with the introduction of the neural socket only revolutionizing their control and link to the rest of their system. While some prostheses exist that include tools and weaponry, most of the common prosthesis are utilitarian and sometimes the very same limb has been used for over centuries, inherited by different generations of Vaurcae. As their other biomechanical augments, prostheses are removed and recycled after death. Although limbs are most common, metal plates and mechanical thoraxes are also a reality, especially within the Bound that remain close to the Hive. The so-called ‘maintenance’ Vaurcae undergo in the later stages of their lives refers to the replacement of the flesh with metallic limbs. For a Vaurcae, there is little difference between the two, and many of the Zo’ra Hive had and still have a hard time understanding why IPCs and other human robots are not considered human.

= Communications =

== Portable Communications Devices ==

Communication devices are prolific in the 25th century, with innumerable types, brands, and models on offer to the average person. Smartphones, PDAs, laptop and desktop computers, and even certain augments are available if you are able to afford them. The most common portable device available is the Personal Digital Assistant, or PDA, an information management device that sees extensive use by megacorporations; they are robust, inexpensive to make, and due to how limited these devices are in terms of applications and connectivity, not considered a major security risk compared to smartphones or laptops. Most people living in [[Tau Ceti]] will at least own a simple PDA for work purposes, provided by their employer as part of their job. Corporate PDAs typically allow for intranet access within assigned corporate facilities, internal messaging services, file transfer systems, and applications designed to assist with the user's role.

== Interstellar Communication ==

The extranet is a galactic collection of satellite relays and server farms that allows users to share information and communicate over long distances. While most planets will have their own intranet, the extranet allows users to access most online services within the Orion Spur. The extranet has evolved into a critical infrastructure of modern society, with almost all online traffic going through it, to the point that the distinction between the intranet and extranet is rarely made. The main distinction between the two is that websites and other online platforms that provide their services Spur-wide are hosted directly on extranet servers, while planetary intranet networks are mostly used for local services such as government or business websites.

There are a variety of factors that impact the speed of interstellar transmissions. Infrastructure plays a significant role with more isolated areas of the Orion Spur able to expect their communications to take significantly longer than if they were in a heavily populated region such as those surrounding [[Sol]] or [[Tau Ceti]]. Distance also impacts the speed of communication, the greater the distance between the sender and receiver results in a delay of several hours or even days.

Megacorporations are mostly responsible for hosting the satellite relays and server farms that allow for extranet access, except within the [[Empire of Dominia]], [[Jargon Federation]], and the [[Republic of Elyra|Serene Republic of Elyra]] due to their more autocratic tendencies regarding information oversight and economic management. [[Einstein Engines]] has long dominated the interstellar communications market with their subsidiary Taipei Engineering Industrial and is the sole provider of extranet services within the [[Sol Alliance| Solarian Alliance]]. While the megacorporations that make the [[Stellar Corporate Conglomerate]] don’t have as much influence within the sector, they have recently begun undertaking opportunities to expand through working alongside government contractors within both Dominia and Elyra.

= Currencies =
== Solarian Standard Credit ==
The Solarian Standard Credit (民/SSC) is essentially the Orion Spur’s standard currency due to the prevalence of the [[Sol Alliance|Solarian Alliance]] prior to its collapse in 2462. Outside of the Alliance, use of the SSC is common throughout certain parts of the [[Coalition of Colonies]], the [[Empire of Dominia]], and the [[Corporate Reconstruction Zone]] of the [[Republic of Biesel]]. Within Sol’s collapsed warlord states, it has lost much of its value due to the lack of central authority. The SSC is available in electronic, bankcard and traditional notes forms. Responsibility for the currency falls to the Solarian Central Bank, which is located on Unity Station in the Sol System. The Central Bank manages monetary policy and the supply of the Solarian Standard Credit for the Alliance and greater Spur, and this management of supply and interest rates ensures that the Solarian Credit is able to function as a fiat currency. The SSC is worth less than the Biesel Standard Credit

== Biesel Standard Credit ==
Biesel Standard Credit (电/CR) is one of the dominating currencies that exist within the Orion Spur and was created shortly after the [[Republic of Biesel]]’s declaration of independence in 2452. It sees usage outside of the Republic, within the [[Izweski Nation|Izweski Hegemony]], who adopted it as their official currency following the collapse of the Solarian Alliance, and some sections of the [[Coalition of Colonies]] near the shared border, as well as the [[People%27s_Republic_of_Adhomai|People’s Republic of Adhomai]]. The BSC is available in electronic, bankcard and traditional notes forms that have the symbol of a lit torch on them. Responsibility for the currency falls to the Central Biesel Banking Authority, which is located in District One of [[Mendell City]], the capital of the Republic of Biesel. It oversees monetary policy and the supply of the Biesel Standard Credit, with assistance from [[Idris Incorporated]]. Similarly to the Solarian Standard Credit, the BSC is able to function as a fiat currency.

== Imperial Pound ==
The Imperial Pound (Ф) is the standard currency of the [[Empire of Dominia]], and predates the modern Empire by several decades – it was originally the primary currency of the Imperial Alliance, the nations that would go on to found the Empire by force. The Imperial Pound does not see much use outside of the borders of the Empire but is occasionally sought after by collectors due to the intricate design of its coins and bills, which generally depict historical figures such as Emperor Godwin Keesler I or religious symbols such as the Moroz Holy Tribunal’s iconography. Like most currencies, in the Spur, the Imperial Pound is available in physical and electronic formats, with electronic currency being more popular in the Imperial Core and physical currency being more popular in the Imperial Frontier. Responsibility for the currency falls to the Imperial Central Bank, which is located in Nova Luxembourg on Moroz. The Imperial Pound is a fiat currency, and control over it via the Imperial Central Bank has long been dominated by House Caladius. The Imperial Pound is worth less than the Biesel Standard Credit

== Elyran Pound ==
Dating back to the early 2300s, the Elyran Pound (پوند) was created by the [[Republic of Elyra|Serene Republic of Elyra]] as a domestic replacement for the Solarian Standard Credit following the Republic’s secession from the Alliance. The Elyran Pound does not see much use outside of the Republic, but is occasionally used in the [[Coalition of Colonies]] due to its value. It is available in both electronic and physical formats, but physical currency has become increasingly rare in Elyra due to the growth of the Republic’s economy and the rapid pace of technological progress fueled by its phoron boom. Physical Elyran Pounds are most commonly seen in the hands of Elyran Non-Citizen Persons, which lack access to many of the luxuries and services that their citizen counterparts enjoy. The fiat currency is managed by the [[Elyran_Government_and_Politics|Ministry of Economics, Revenue, and Commerce]], which has worked to ensure that the Elyran Pound is one of the Spur’s more valuable currencies and it is worth more than the Biesel Standard Credit

== Sqiip ==
Created after the formation of the First [[Jargon Federation]], the Sqiip (℘) has existed for thousands of years, beginning shortly after the Skrell discovered the ability to traverse the stars. It sees practically zero use outside the [[Jargon Federation]] besides being paid to those in the '''Work Initiative Programme''' and is available in both electronic and physical formats. Its physical format are minted coins and paper bills, with the minted coins capable of being stacked and locked due to special magnetic properties for easy transportation, while the higher-valued paper bills are printed on different types of water-safe seaweed. Symbols on the physical formats are often aquatic life such as shells, molluscans, Buurgis and Vro’qos. It is managed by the Grand Council, more specifically, the Grand Advisor of Economic Development - currently, [[Notable Skrell|Ormish Jrolk]]. Through careful planning, with further advisement from educated citizens of the Federation, the Grand Advisor of Economic Development is responsible for managing the monetary policy for the Sqiip - and enjoys operation as a fiat currency due to this oversight. Despite its relative isolative nature, The Sqiip is worth significantly more than the Biesel Standard Credit. It is unknown whether the Sqiip will continue to remain the most valuable currency within the Spur.

== Adhomian Knuckle ==
The Adhomian Knuckle (თ), also known as the Sharnyr, is the currency used by all Tajaran nations. Despite being named after the money used prior to contact, the Adhomian Knuckle is usually issued in banknote format. Since the Second Revolution, there is a great variety of designs on the notes between the factions. The Knuckle is only accepted in [[Adhomai]], the Tajaran colonies, and Little Adhomai; traders and smugglers will usually carry a supply of Biesel Standard Credits to deal with non-Tajara customers. All versions of the Adhomian Knuckle are worth significantly less than the Biesel Standard Credit. The PRA version is the most valuable, followed by the NKA version and the DPRA version is the least valuable.

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Technology

2022-04-27T15:18:25Z

SilverSZ: Removed currency exchange rates

{{Navbox Lore}}
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= Cloning =

Created initially in 1344 CE by the [[Skrell]], it was an incredibly rare and expensive procedure that only revolved around embryonic reproductive cloning. It was almost three centuries later, in 1639 that the Skrell unlocked the ability to begin growing organs, as well as limbs, for those that managed to fall into the “Primary” category of the [[Skrell Culture| Skrellian Social Credit System]]. It became a popular trend among the highest of the Primaries to grow organs and limbs ahead of actually requiring them.

The [[Skrell Synthetic Age| Era of Synthetic Oppression]] reigned over by Glorsh-Omega brought with it significant advances into the field of cloning, mostly confined to the archologies across Aliose. Glorsh-Omega had managed to propel the field of cloning and genetics exceptionally during their reign, managing to unlock the secret that prevented the flash growth of organs and limbs. Upon contact with humanity in 2332, [[Skrell]] began sharing their research in the field of cloning with [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]] — specifically its subsidiary, Yomi Genetics Innovation and Research.

Continued efforts from both races eventually yielded more efficient processes, making cloning organs and limbs easier than before, as well as cutting unnecessary costs that pushed for [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]] to franchise on the new lucrative market developing as a result of the cooperation. Today, while other megacorporations have invested in the field, [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]] continues to dominate the cloning market. Most if not all cloning operations are performed on corporate assets with branches of its subsidiary - Yomi Genetics. [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]] has also managed to advertise the “revival” of the dead through embryonic cloning, where a biological copy of an individual can exist. However, it follows the lifespan of their respective species beginning at infancy.

== Operations ==
=== Limb and Organ Cloning ===

The ability of humanity to “clone” limbs and organs dates back to the mid-21st century and originates at roughly the same time as [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]], which would go on to be the main provider of cloned limbs and organs. These early techniques were slow and could be prohibitively expensive, depending on the organ. Limb cloning only became common in the early 23rd century with the advent of new techniques developed by Jeonshi Biotech Incorporated but— due to its cost— initially existed as an alternative for prosthetics only available to the very wealthy. This changed following first contact with the [[Skrell]] in 2332 due to [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]]’s willingness to cooperate with the more advanced species.

Cooperation between [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]] and [[Skrell]] helped lower costs and enhance the effectiveness of existing limb and organ cloning techniques. While genetic material from the recipient is still required to clone an organ or limb, modern techniques first developed in this era have made it much more affordable and practical for an average human resident of the Orion Spur - however, in still considerably more expensive than their mechanical counterparts. Despite these improvements and advances, limb and organ cloning remains mostly limited to more developed systems such as Sol, New Ankara, Biesel, and Xanu Prime with few cloning facilities existing outside of these areas. With the most remote facilities existing in the Al-Maqdisi System due to its heavy Zeng-Hu presence.

=== Embryo Cloning ===

While much of [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]]’s research focuses upon the cloning of limbs and organs, the prospect of cloning an entire human being has long fascinated the keiretsu. Although Jeonshi Biotech focused primarily on the more conventional form of cloning, Yomi Genetics I&R, already well-known for being on the bleeding edge of genetic research, opted to pursue a different field: that of embryonic cloning. Long a staple of the [[Jargon Federation]] due to long-standing fertility issues, Yomi Genetics researchers were able to create the first practical method for human embryonic cloning in the early 2410s. Prohibitively expensive and only common in the richest of humanity’s systems— particularly Sol— Yomi Genetics’ techniques allow those parents that can afford it to make a child that has been genetically altered to be a cut above their peers. Despite many human rights groups decrying this as simply a modern form of eugenics, its popularity has not slowed among the rich of [[Sol]], and Yomi Genetics has quickly become one of the keiretsu’s wealthiest members as a result.

Regardless of its immense profits, the corporation has not opted to pursue flash cloning of humans, citing “moral and ethical concerns" alongside the immense investment required to make such a thing practical and the lack of a viable market for adult clones. In spite of this, there have been extranet rumours for decades that the keiretsu uses cloned soldiers as its heavy-duty biohazard response teams. These are, however, simply rumours, and the keiretsu has long denied them as “baseless conspiracies,” with no foundation in reality.

=== Geneboosting ===

While the vast majority of the Orion Spur relies on genetic manipulation and cloning techniques developed by [[Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals]] and their [[Skrell|Jargon]] business partners, there is one notable exception: the [[Empire of Dominia]] and it’s “geneboosting” techniques. The exact details of these techniques are a closely-guarded secret of the [[Empire of Dominia]] and [[Empire_of_Dominia_Great_Houses| House Volvalaad]], which is responsible for much of geneboosting’s development and research. There have been no confirmed leaks of the Empire’s geneboosting techniques, despite rumored attempts by [[Zavodskoi Interstellar]] to purchase information on them, and this secrecy has kept geneboosting firmly within the Empire’s borders. On-and-off talks between Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals and the Empire regarding the sale of Dominian techniques to the keiretsu have not yet produced results.

The history and origins of geneboosting are more well-known: the modern technique dates back to genetic manipulation of crops and fauna brought by [[Empire_of_Dominia#Initial_Colonization| Moroz’s original settlers]], and this foundation was used by [[Empire_of_Dominia_Great_Houses| House Volvalaad]] to create modern geneboosting of humans. It is known to be prohibitively expensive and only limited to Imperial Primaries. The effects lead to enhanced attributes and appearances: those geneboosted are stronger, faster, more able, and much longer-lived than their non-geneboosted counterparts. Geneboosted playable species tend to be a foot or so taller than average (upwards of seven to seven and a half feet for humans) and find it very easy to maintain peak fitness. A geneboosted person is obvious at a glance, and geneboosted humans are often held as paragons of Imperial society. Geneboosting carried out after birth, known as gene therapy, is very rare and generally dangerous in addition to also being prohibitively expensive.

== Dangers ==

Some believe that the “revival” of an individual can occur through embryonic cloning, however, that could not be further from the truth. While they are a biological copy of a deceased individual, memories and personality will not carry over. Despite embryonic cloning of a deceased individual being cheaper than creating “designer children”, the process is still considered rather expensive, even for the wealthy.

While most of the kinks have been worked out with limb and organ cloning, there are complications. Delayed onset muscle degeneration, or DOMD for short, is a painful process where a limb can begin to necrose and can happen even years after being cloned. It is generally regarded as being rare, and impossible to detect until it is too late. The only treatment is amputation. Despite the genetic material of a recipient being used, there have been cases of acute cellular rejection with cloned organs. While dangerous if untreated, most of the time the problematic organ is removed and simply replaced with a different clone - a straightforward procedure that comes with little risk.
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= Automobiles =

Ever since the introduction of the first car, Humanity has always striven to traverse the ground with ever more speed, safety and efficiency. Although spacecraft have and are being considered the primary focus for interstellar and interplanetary and even intercontinental travel, the 25th century bears witness to the bustling car industry. From Mendell City to the empty plains of Vysoka, the endless variety of cars, bikes and other vehicles can only be described as dazzling, with countless more designs, innovations and prototypes being constantly developed.

The beating heart of the galaxy’s automotive industry lies undoubtedly in the core worlds of the Solarian Alliance, the place the oldest and most prestigious brands call home. Imported Solarian vehicles of all calibres can be found in virtually every system and world; an authentic (and operational) car from a solarian marque is held in very high regard and as a token of class on a far away Coalition planet. An upcoming Bieselite industry consists mainly of Solarian factories and infrastructure being rapidly taken over and merged by Nanotrasen post-independence, while burgeoning Elyran marques increase their influence and status by the year.

== Engines ==

*'''Petroleum''' - Once the main means of powering engines, fuel oil has by now fallen into disuse. With rapidly dwindling supplies on Earth, early attempts were made to develop and accommodate for alternative, cheaper and more plentiful fuel options, leading to the wide use of electric cars, followed by the hydrogen engine. Nowadays, only a handful of designs run on diesel, almost always in technologically backwards and distant worlds.

*'''Electricity''' - The wide availability of battery-electric cars to the greater human population came in the mid-2000s, virtually and fully replacing the diesel engine by the early 2100s. Cheaper and friendlier to the environment, their use was mandated as part of the Alliance’s efforts to avert the upcoming climate catastrophe on Earth. Since then, electric vehicles have received the full attention of designers and engineers, catapulting their performance stats into a new age of faster and safer commotion. The field is still being explored, with miniaturised tesla reactors posing serious promise for self-charging functions.

*'''Hydrogen''' - Once considered a lost cause, hydrogen combustion engines have by now come a long way into being accepted as a viable vehicle powering method. A relatively recent breakthrough pioneered by Einstein Engines in partnership with Langenfeld Motors has seen the development of an internal combustion engine, able to accommodate a daring new 1:100 phoron-hydrogen mix. This new "Super Hydrogen" fuel brand, authorised for use after exhaustive testing to guarantee safety and acceptable emissions, proved more powerful than anything before, allowing the vehicle to reach velocities previously unthought-of for commercial, land-based locomotion. That said, the tremendously high price, engine wear and recent phoron scarcity have confined the use of this technology to a select few.

*'''Others''' - The vastness of the Orion Spur provides for vast possibilities, individuals from all over the cosmos coming up with new innovations on how to power their automobiles. Biofuels, natural gas, steam, local minerals and many more options exist that can and have at some point been used, often to an explosive and sometimes disastrous conclusion. While the mainstream industry continues to explore new avenues, it is very rare that any such engines achieve any important consumer following.

== Locomotion ==

*'''Wheels''' - Most cars and motorbikes in human space still utilise wheels. Embedded firmly into everyday life since ancient times, the wheel still remains one of the greatest inventions, serving billions of people every given hour. While there have been multiple innovations and attempts at change, the four and two-wheel standard for cars and bikes respectively, remains the primary and most used setup. New technologies in elastics have resulted in significant breakthroughs in tyre manufacturing, offering consumers a more secure and efficient experience than ever before.

*'''Hoverthrusters''' - The concept of “flying cars” has been fantasised and ingrained in the minds of the public for centuries as the staple mark of a technologically advanced future. It was not until the early 2200s that such an invention would be properly applied to the first prototype, essentially creating the first hovercar, utilising gravity generation technology. Owing to the general instability and turmoil of the time, however, no attempts at an actual commercial release were undertaken, the invention was largely forgotten until as far as the 2400s. While nowhere near the idea of airborne personal vehicles hover thrusters are now rapidly being added to both cars and motorcycles, replacing some or all wheels. They have proven highly moddable, the latest and most expensive thruster models able to project holographic images, lights and particles of all sorts while stationary or on the road.

== Brands ==

=== Sol Alliance ===
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==== Langenfeld Motors ====
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[[file:langfield.png|thumb|right|360px]]

An EU-directed amalgamation of the various major European automobile marques following the collapse of the economy during the second depression of 2260, Langenfeld has since solidified its position as a world-class producer and supplier of high-quality cars and bikes all over human and known space. A staple in the Solarian vehicle industry, the brand’s focus on electric engines has kept them in the lead in their research and design, enabling them to branch out into the more general field of consumer appliances.

===== Notable Releases =====

*'''Langenfeld EVO''' - Langenfeld’s Electric Vehicle, nicknamed and marketed as EVO in a play on the word “evolution”, is the most widely sold city car series in Alliance space. Running on a standard electric engine, the EVO has dominated the market as a cheap, effective car for use in urban day to day environments. Famed for its relatively small size, its design accommodates busy 25th-century traffic in both planetary cities and Unity Station. Complaints of a cramped interior and reduced luggage capacity have led to the EVO-Compact, sacrificing the two passenger seats for a more comfortable and spacy experience while also cutting down on the size. While both the EVO and the EVO-Compact have been praised for the conveniences they offer in parking and manoeuvring inside tight spaces, it is a clear urban design, unable to match more powerful vehicles on the open road. Nevertheless, the by now decade-old design remains hugely popular in both Sol and Tau Ceti space.

*'''Langenfeld Surveyor''' - A popular SUV, the Surveyor is widely appreciated for its endurance and powerful electric engine. Predominantly found in more rural locations, its robust four-wheel-drive system renders it ideal for family vacations, trips and long-range daily commuting. A comfortable and safe interior, combined with advanced suspension systems, has gained its reputation for being one of the smoothest cars in Sol. The Surveyor has also been selected for experimentation on self-charging engine batteries, Langenfeld’s R&D division managing to release a stable model, modifying the engine to great extents. While it is available to the general public, its price and availability place this iteration of the SUV out of reach for all but a select few.

*'''Langenfeld Vulcan''' - The hybrid Vulcan coupé is by all accounts, the spearhead of Langenfeld’s entry into hydrogen fuel, combining both the certainty of their electric motors with the innovative design of a hydrogen combustion engine. An all in all good quality automobile, the Langenfeld Vulcan is suited for high speeds and is commonly found on the highways across Sol and Tau Ceti space.

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==== Shibata Sport ====
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[[file:shibata.png|thumb|right|360px]]
A newly established branch of the Shibata shipping conglomerate, the Solarian company has dynamically established itself in the world of motorsports, especially motorcycles. While initially created as a bid for the shipping tycoon’s participation in the prestigious Harmony City Grand Prix, it soon developed into a fully-fledged company aimed primarily at commercial sports vehicles. Renowned for its high speeds, sleek designs, but mostly its impressive hoverthruster technology, Shibata Sport is a brand found throughout Sol, Tau Ceti and Elyran space, being a top choice amongst motorcyclists and enthusiasts.

===== Notable Releases =====

*'''Shibata X-406''' - The widely known X-406 (or simply 406) electric sports motorcycle offered Shibata the key to the market, becoming their first large commercial success. Found mainly across Sol and Tau Ceti, the 406 is the brand’s flagship product, achieving high speeds with great cost-efficiency. Supporting a driver and a passenger, the sporty design and flexible support for hover thrusters in place of the posterior wheel has made it popular with the younger clientele, spawning an enormous variation in paint jobs, attachments, lights and system modifications. This association with youth and experimentation has also resulted in unwanted notoriety, the motorbike regularly also finding itself in the hands of more fringe groups such as bikers and gang members across many worlds.

*'''Shibata Jie''' - The Shibata Jie, was the early venture into the luxury sports car market, featuring one of the first hydrogen-powered, over thruster propulsion systems on a commercial car and a driver assistance computer to help control it. Hugely promising, its early release would nonetheless go on to be regarded as a product with mixed results. Initially designed as a four-doored wheeled coupe for VIP passengers, the decision was made to convert it to a hovercar in order to beat competitors. While the car was lauded for its slender look and comfortable ride, the early and experimental propulsion system proved to be prone to overheating, leaving the car stuck, or in some cases, dangerously volatile in a crash. Changes were promptly applied however, new thrusters and more refined electronics having greatly reduced the risks of malfunction or jamming, pushing the Shibata Jie into the forefront as the fastest commercially available vehicle in Sol and Biesel.
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=== Republic of Biesel ===

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==== Poplar Auto Group ====
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[[file:poplar.png|thumb|right|360px]]
As Biesel gained independence, the nationalisation of Solarian automotive factories on the planet became inevitable after Langenfeld Tau Ceti surrendered its facilities in a large buyout. The result, a new brand managed by NanoTrasen, brought Tau Ceti into the world market as an independent designer and producer. Though shrouded by controversies and budget deficits, Poplar remains a large supplier of cars and motorcycles on the planet, backed by the Conglomerate’s much needed monetary investment as more and more shares end up in their hands each year.

===== Notable Releases =====

*'''Poplar Excursion''' - With a price tag that is relatively affordable, the Excursion has become a common sight within the Republic of Biesel. It was originally designed as a four-door hatchback, and it has made rapid strides in its target market - going even further to encourage sales partly through a unique amortization program that previously benefited NanoTrasen and now extends to other organizations within the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate. Despite its compact size, it comes with a unique engine design that pushes additional firepower through the buildup of kinetic energy from its wheels.

*'''Poplar Inferno''' - One of the most expensive locally assembled motorcycles on the market, the Poplar Inferno has become somewhat popular in certain groups across the Orion Spur. Advertised as a sleek sports cruiser, it finds the majority of its brawn originating within its hydrogen-based engine that powers its hover thrusters, said to be the first of its kind. NanoTrasen is largely accredited as being the innovator of such a design, with Nathan Trasen as the face of the chopper. It comes in only one colour; maroon red.

*'''Poplar Classic''' - Inspired by an era long past, the Poplar Classic aims to commit some necromancy by bringing back an automobile model that has long since gone extinct. Despite its petroleum-based design similar to those of 20th-century designs, the two-door sports coupé houses a miniaturized tesla reactor. It is categorized as being a mix of both Adhomian and Biesellite innovations. A great deal of the interior instrumentation is made of wood.
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==== Tarrar Automotive ====
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Started as a minor subsidiary venture by Hephaestus Industries in 2442, Tarrar Automotive Limited (Abbreviated as TAL) is a company that initially handled maintenance or repair of Tajara designed vehicles for the immigrant community of Tau Ceti. By 2450, it grew to also provide importation services, customization, or retrofitting for any and all automobiles from Adhomai. Buyers can purchase any vehicle from its catalogue as long as they can foot the heavy price or pay for its mechanics to modify their prized possessions in whatever way they see fit. Thanks to TAL, Tajara in [[Little Adhomai]] are able to gain and drive the same luxury vehicles or workhorse trucks that they had access to back home. Monowheels and motorbikes have become popular purchases thanks to the growth of the Greaser subculture. TAL has also found a niche in providing its products and services to exotic car collectors from around the spur. Rich buyers on planets such as Luna or Moroz sometimes see the sleek TAL-Volgydoh or antique Pryzark-19 as an excellent showpiece. Contrary to a popular extranet rumour, TAL does not produce technicals.

===== Notable Releases =====

*'''Nav'twir M-59''' - Based on the Adhomian version, the Nav'twir M-59 is Tarrar Automotive's most successful monowheel model. Known for its reliability and cheap price, the vehicle was widely adopted by the Greaser population in D6. However, Adhomai-made monowheels remain as a symbol of status in Little Adhomai.
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=== Empire of Dominia ===
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==== Jinxiang Automotive Conglomerate ====
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Dominia’s largest automotive company by a significant margin, JAC was established in 2189 in the city that bears its name, making it one of the oldest non-Solarian automotive manufacturers in the Orion Spur. The Conglomerate is primarily controlled by House Zhao, as it has been for most of its history, though independent investors hold a minority stake. The JAC produces a wide range of vehicles both for commercial purposes and use by the Dominian government, and its products, while somewhat uncommon outside of the Empire, is said to follow Dominians wherever they go.

===== Notable Releases =====

*'''JAC Sunburst''' - A hybrid four-by-four, the Sunburst is a near-ubiquitous sight on the worlds of the Empire. Capable of handling both the built-up roads of Moroz just as well as the backwaters of Sun Reach, the Sunburst has gained a reputation for reliability and can run in nearly any condition it is likely to find itself in.

*'''JAC Hansom''' - Equipped with an electric engine, the Hansom is noted for its luxury, with each vehicle being a bespoke construction built to the specification of its frequently noble clientele. Although marketed in a sleek black colour, it is not uncommon to see Hansoms painted in the colour of the noble houses, often as a way to show support.

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=== Serene Republic of Elyra ===
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==== New Suez Auto Group ====
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[[File:NewSuezAutoGroup.png.png|200px|thumb]]
The Serene Republic of Elyra’s primary producer of automobiles, the New Suez Auto Group found itself established on the “Persepolian Sapphire” shortly after the officiation of the New Suez Protocol and the creation of the New Suez Free Trade Zone. Considered a subsidiary of Elco, a state-owned enterprise responsible for the extraction and refinement of phoron, much of its success comes from its parent company’s investments in phoronic technology. The New Suez Auto Group dominiates the automobile market, and while there does exist competitors, it is by far considered a staple of Elyran life - with most having purchased a car from the company.

===== Notable Releases =====
*'''Sahab Brezza''' - Driven mostly by the most wealthy of Elyrans, the sports-model Sahab Brezza utilizes advanced technology such as the MagPulse Hovertech present within the Republic, as well as hydrogen engines with tweaked schematics to allow enhanced conservation of its primary fuel source - a combination of phoron and hydrogen. It found itself a popular topic of conversation following the Prime Minister having been photographed in an obviously newly-purchased Sahab Brezza attending state business.

*'''Harab''' - Economic by design, the Harab is a four-door coupe that has become a common-sight across the civilized planets of the Serene Republic. Similarly to that of the Sahab Brezza, the Harab utilizes MagPulse Hovertech to sour through the skies, however, a noticeable difference is its engine and the Sahab Brezza; it has an electric engine. With charging booths usually integrated in most buildings, the Harab has certainly had a significant impact on the development of the infrastructure within Elyra.
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===Jargon Federation===
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====Qerr’Zolvq Motors====
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Qerr’Zolvq Motors (QZM), a branch of [[Jargon_Federation#State-Owned_Enterprises|Qerr’Zolvq Industries]], is solely responsible for the production, sale, and maintenance of private vehicles within the Jargon Federation. QZM is known within the Federation to provide reliable vehicles, but since it’s the sole manufacturer within the Federation, they are not known for much else; most of their popular makes do not come with amenities outside of what is considered necessary, and the manufacturer is not known for its aesthetic outside of its catalogue of vehicles intended for Primary Numericals.

=====Notable Releases=====

*'''Xarnaq''' - A Submersible Utility Vehicle (SUV) combining road-going passenger cars with the ability to submerge underwater. The Xarnaq uses a dual electric engine system, with one engine enabling land travel and the other allowing both above and underwater travel. The Xarnaq is popular amongst all Skrell on planets such as [[Qerrbalak]] and [[Aweiji]] since many population centres are located underwater. A variant known as the QZ-X was released in collaboration with Qel’Zvol Hospitality to provide Primary Numericals with a more aesthetic personal vehicle, which comes with a dual hydrogen engine system instead of the regular Xarnaq’s electric engines. Both variants can seat between 5 and 8 passengers.

*'''Sqraanda''' - The Sqraanda is a wheeled automobile with a closed trunk separate from the part in which the driver and passengers sit, and is designed solely for above-water driving. The Sqraanda is considered a worker’s vehicle because of its spacious trunk and ability to drive off-road. Its characteristics have also made it a common sight on planets such as [[Aliose]] where the terrain is rough, as well as on less-developed planets within the [[Notable_Skrell_Systems_and_Locations#The_Tetramerous_Systems:_The_Traverse|Traverse]]. Because of the association of the Sqraanda with the Traverse, it is mostly driven by Secondary or Tertiary Numericals as a personal vehicle, with Primaries mostly avoiding the vehicle unless their job requires it. To ensure reliability even on newly-founded colonies, the Sqraanda has many models that have different engines depending on what would be readily available. Petroleum or biofuel engines are a common sight within the Traverse, while the core systems utilise electric-fuel hybrid systems that can be manually switched to if more or less power is needed. All variants of the Sqraanda can only seat 2 passengers.

*'''Qruupq''' - A submersible-only vehicle, the Qruupq has a streamlined hull intended for constant submerged use. It is considered the sister vehicle of the Xarnaq, being a common sight in regions that are almost entirely covered by ocean. Similarly to the Xarnaq, the Qruupq can seat 5 to 8 passengers and has a variant also designed in conjunction with Qel’Zvol Hospitality called the QZ-Qru, intended for Primary Numericals only. The Qruupq comes with a single electric engine, and just like the QZ-X, the QZ-Qru utilises a hydrogen engine.

*'''Traqq''' - Designed to be used mainly by the military and Nralakk Logistics, the Traqq is a large, heavy motor vehicle used for bulk transport of goods, materials, and troops. Both the military and the civilian variant use a heavy-duty electric engine, but the military variant also has a backup biofuel engine for long-distance travel where recharging poses a logistical issue.

</div></div>

= Prosthetics, Augments, and Implants =
From military-exclusive combat enhancements to crude limb replacement, the field of prosthesis and implants is as wide and varied as the cultures and species who utilize them. There are various ways to acquire, utilize, and perform these mechanical replacements and upgrades, yet they are not without their drawbacks.

== Cost and Accessibility ==

From the depths of the Eridanian underworld to the peak of Lunarian high society, prostheses are found in virtually every echelon of occupied space. There are many ways the average person could acquire their prosthesis, from corporate insurance plans, state-subsidized healthcare, purchasing them from a retailer, or under-the-table methods out of the national eye. A limb or organ replacement roughly equivalent to its organic counterpart is reasonably affordable for the average person: anything costing more than this often involves rent-to-own payment plans. Prosthetic limbs and organs are a common item on corporate insurance plans, but the quality of the prosthetic varies greatly from plan to plan. An expensive premium plan may entitle the worker to a top-of-the-line new Hephaestus model while cheaper plans could see someone forced to use long out of date prosthetics. Some corporations offer exciting sign-on bonuses or rewards for good performance in the form of high-grade modifications that are otherwise unobtainable by legal means. These offers, while seemingly benevolent, hide inherent risk that leads many to refuse them altogether. This form of contract is especially popular in the Eridani Corporate Federation and with Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals where poor job performance could mean forcible reclamation of one’s augments.

External modifications are rarely a clean affair, and a prosthetic will require constant upkeep and maintenance. Some prosthetic owners seek to avoid costly technician visits by learning how to perform their own maintenance and repairs within reason, much to the frustration of their corporate producers. It is common practice that corporations will employ methods of restricting the ease of repair through avenues such as DRM-locked proprietary software, specialized tools, and electronic access codes. The market for second-hand prostheses is profitable with many people opting to pick older model prosthetics without advanced anti-repair measures for the sake of easy maintenance.

The market for augmentation is a wide one, and nearly every prominent megacorporation deals in them in one way or another. A major player in the industry is Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals, who are responsible for the majority of medical-grade prosthetics through themselves and their subsidiaries. Zeng-Hu prosthetics are popular among medical workers for their stability and precision. Hephaestus Industries is responsible for most industrial prosthetics, and many blue-collar workers swear by the prosthetics’ strength and durability. Zavodskoi Interstellar, along with Zeng-Hu subsidiary Jeonshi Biotech, accounts for a majority of combat or otherwise military-affiliated augments. However, corporation-produced prosthetics can be more expensive than others and are often loaded down with prohibitively-restrictive software.

Augments come in many varied shapes, sizes, and installations; from nearly transparent eye lenses from the Eridani Corporate Federation, to robotic exodigits that are worn like a glove by some surgeons, to cyberweave that changes color and length and cyberink that are permanently fluctuating tattoos, there are augments for every person in mind. They can typically be split up into three distinct categories, despite their range of differences. The first one is internal, sometimes called installed augments. These are ones that must be permanently affixed to the body until a similar procedure removes them. Removal is not guaranteed and is often much more costly, so it can be considered to be a big decision by anyone that isn’t a high-ranking corporate shill. These can be eye lenses that are installed over the pupil and iris to create displays and holo-info, such as ads, analysis, and other useful tools, to mere joint replacements. The second category is known as external or worn augments. These are ones that can be slipped in and out of, either with the ease of putting on a glove or the difficulty of slipping into a tight jumpsuit. They are not permanent, but typically much more expensive as a result. They might be items that can be worn to increase hand-eye coordination, glasses or contacts that eliminate color blindness and other seeing impairments or an exoskeleton that increases speed and stamina. Finally, last but not least, there are decorative augments. These augments are rarely expensive, commercialized for the average worker to buy into, and remain a fun alternative to traditional tattoos, hair dye, and other things. They are similarly installed like internal augments, but their key difference is that they can become inert or inactive and cause no inconvenience if so. Their installations are often more painful than their traditional counterparts, but otherwise provide a level of glam and style that can be swapped with the seasons, ensuring you never regret spending your money on Idris ElectrInk™ products.

Many poorer citizens opt to produce their own haphazard prosthetics, and there are plenty of underground workshops that manufacture their own work to select from. Often called augmenters or ‘augurs,’ these shops typically shy clear of legal routes in order to avoid the monopolies megacorporations have on these markets. People purchasing from these stores avoid legal ramifications due to the sheer variety of augments and prosthetics available on the market— this does not even include all the decalization, decoration, and modifications that people do to their own prosthetics to make them their own. As a result, unless someone is caught in the act of getting these illegal installations or is otherwise ratted out by someone else and reported, these crimes are considered about as harmless as jaywalking.

Military augments and prosthetics that enhance combat ability are closely guarded by their respective corporations or governments and are almost always out of reach for the average worker. There are often civilian models of these augments produced, and corporate security may receive augments like heads-up displays or threat analyzers.

Mechanized implants, as a whole, provide a unique way to treat or assuage challenges that come with illness, disease, and disability. If someone is born with a joint in their leg that does not bend correctly and causes pain, an augment or mechanical implant can be installed to ensure the limb is working as intended. Similarly, with the studies conducted on the human brain, sometimes personality AI chips are added that can help someone overcome the challenges of certain mental illnesses. These types of minor augments and prostheses are very common, and as a result, replacing minor body parts like fingers and repairing specific portions of the body is hardly an expensive endeavour.

== Vat-Grown Prostheses and Organs ==

Something of an oddity in the realm of prosthetics, vat-grown organs have captivated scientists for decades. These prosthetics are entirely identical to regular cellular limbs and organs, and indistinguishable except for a faint scarred seam around external prosthetics where the limb was attached. In a feat of simultaneous discovery, two groups are known for their production of vat-grown organs. House Volvalaad of the Empire of Dominia, and Zeng-Hu subsidiary Yomi Genetics in association with Jargon Federation scientists. However, these prostheses are prohibitively expensive for the normal person due to the skill needed to attach one, and the lab work required to grow a limb that is compatible and with the same skin tone as its recipient. Of the former, only the wealthy nobility can access these prosthetics, along with very favoured secondaries. The Jargon Federation often subsidizes vat-grown prosthetics for their citizens of primary and upper secondary numerical social credit score.

Vat-grown prostheses can be found elsewhere in human space, but they are often at a high cost. Only people that climb the corporate ladder of various megacorporations can afford them due to the costs associated with making and attaching them.

== Effects on Health ==

When it comes to mental health, the power of mental implants is almost entirely unmatched. While they remain unable to cure any mental illness, especially common ones like anxiety and depression, they are often an empowering tool for those that receive them in overcoming them. Personality AIs provide someone to talk to, often able to keep someone grounded in reality amidst flashbacks, delusions, and hallucinations. They do this by giving direct thoughts to someone’s head, sounding as if the person could hear this AI talking aloud. With somewhat pricier models hooked up to augmented eyes, a person can even see these AIs manifest nearby in the real world. These implants are typically found in those suffering from PTSD and schizophrenia but are not unheard of outside of that. Implants such as these typically are affected in the same way as the host is, resulting in temporary impairment in the face of drugs, trauma, and other situations. They have roughly the same electrical signals as the human brain does in order to interface with them properly, and as a result, they do not malfunction when under the effects of an EMP. While they remain commonplace, a diagnosis and “prescription” of one from a doctor is almost always required before someone can receive one.

For nearly as long as prostheses have been around, sentient-kind has been attempting to press the boundaries of technological and ethical safety. There is a physical and mental limit to which an individual can be safely augmented, which varies from person to person. ‘Augmentation Dysfunction Syndrome’, or simply ‘augment sickness,’ refers to the wide variety of illnesses and conditions that can arise from excessive modification. ADS is not a violent illness, and not everyone with augments grows ill with it. Symptoms can include sensory issues and phantom limb pain in milder cases, with particularly severe examples including psychotic and dissociative disorders that require regular visits with a mental health expert. The rate of psychological illness of augmented individuals is often higher than their mundane counterparts, and those who can afford it often receive therapy for a short time when acquiring a new augment to ensure a healthy transition. It is encouraged by mental health professionals for patients with more than a few augments to visit a doctor every so often for a mental health check-up, but many people live happy and normal lives without this.

A more severe and rare form of augmenting sickness in recent years has been identified with some care. With the full name being ‘Malignant Mechanized Paralysis Disorder,’ it is shortened to ‘pulsing out’ due to the movements and behaviour of prostheses to behave abnormally. MMPD is defined as the characteristic of temporarily losing the functionality of mechanical limbs, augments, brain implants, and similar body modifications. after a majority of a person's body has been replaced by these parts. Due to chemical imbalances in the brain, theorized as originating from the heavy altercations to the nervous system, some typical late-stage symptoms include physical and mental fatigue, extreme apathy, narcolepsy, narcissism, shifts in personality, and other traits. One thing is for certain, and that pulsing out is a broad shift in behaviour. It is paired with symptoms that can vary extremely between those afflicted, such as migraines and shortness of breath, so it can often be difficult to identify at earlier stages (outside of the occasional discriminatory guess from an attending doctor). The main symptom that outs this disorder among others is the trait where all of the prostheses begin behaving irrationally, sporadically, and stop obeying the patient’s commands via the nervous system. While this can be relatively harmless for many, the flailing limbs of someone pulsing out can cause injury to bystanders or the wearer. Some episodes of pulsing out may also interrupt critical functions in a workplace, like affixing down plating, operating machinery, and so forth. Although it is much more common during waking hours, there is still a slight chance of this occurring while asleep. More disturbingly yet is the fact that these appendages may act of their own accord for a few minutes— this has not been verified by Zeng-Hu or any other accredited medical science source outside of rumors and news bites. It is not a simple transition like flicking a switch, thankfully; getting to a point of fully pulsing out is as slow as the transition to becoming mechanized is.

Pulsing out is treatable with regular therapy and sometimes even with uninstalling augments or replacing prosthetics with vat-grown alternatives. One clinical trial in particular, done through the work of Zeng-Hu, is testing out personality AI implants in the brain to combat the symptoms of this affliction. Not everyone who has a majority of their body comes under the effect of pulsing out; however, for some unlucky few, they are permanently condemned when they collected these mechanical upgrades or were unlucky enough to receive from a tragic accident.

Regardless of one’s ability to adapt to augmentation or the presence of a robust health network, the absolute limit of augmentation work seems to have been found with ‘Full Body Prosthetics’, or FBPs. FBPs were once a project of Zeng-Hu that attempted to convert a human into a fully synthetic individual. A ridiculous sum had been invested into the project, only for each test subject to wind up in a catatonic state that they would never recover from. Yet, Zeng-Hu’s resolve was unbroken, and they publicly vowed their intent on successfully creating the impossible. This effort culminated in the very early 2400s with Sven Karlsson. Karlsson, a wildly-famous trillionaire from Earth, publicly announced his intent to partner with Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals. His goal? Unprecedented scientific advancement. He vowed to become Zeng-Hu’s next subject, and that by partnering their collective intelligence and resources, he would be the first successful FBP in an act of peerless technological superiority. Human society as a whole waited with bated breath to see the fate of Sven Karlsson, the man who could usher in an era of scientific greatness. Unfortunately, this was not to be. Despite the incredible amount of resources spent upon the project and the presence of some of Earth’s greatest minds, Karlsson sadly died in the attempt. The public relations disaster that followed ensured that no corporation would ever dare to attempt to create an FBP again, and the practice is near-universally regarded as both ethically and scientifically ridiculous, even by the standards of megacorporations.

== Prosthetics Outside Human Space ==

An innovation by the [[People's Republic of Adhomai]]’s [[Tajaran_Educational_Institutions#Hadii_Institute_of_Orbital_Research|Hadii Institute]] has created a new kind of prosthesis specifically suited to Tajaran anatomy. These prostheses use proprietary tesla technology in the form of a [[People's_Republic_of_Adhomai#Medical|Tesla Spine]] grafted to the back of the wearer to power the wearer's prosthetics. While previously only for the military, these prosthetics were soon distributed to all of the PRA's in-need citizens at no cost, and are popular among People's Republic veterans. Only Tajara from the People's Republic of Adhomai may use this kind of prosthetic.

On Moghes, the [[Aut'akh]] religious movement has led to the creation of various decentralized communes across the Unathi homeland and abroad. Aut'akh adherents seek self-actualization through ritualistic implementation of various self-produced prosthetics, often made with stolen or repurposed parts from Hephaestus. Aut'akh exist at the fringes of Unathi society and face heavy discrimination from the mainstream populace. Almost to the shock of many outsiders, Aut'akh on occasion revere some episodes of pulsing out, especially when prosthetics seem to act with a mind of their own. Besides this, they universally loathe when prosthetics flail about, citing that demons are inhabiting the host and trying to kill their spirit before it can be liberated. Regardless of their beliefs, pulsing out remains one reason of skepticism against this religion and trans-speciesism as a whole, despite the claim from the communes that pulsing out remains rare among their number.

[[Ouerea]] houses one of the biggest underground markets for augurs in the Spur. Largely due to the criminal and off-the-books shops and industries there, it is one of the trending places to collect and receive augmentation, prosthetic installation, and implant implementation. Military-grade equipment, typically ad hoc, expensive, and used to dangerous ends, can be found in the darkest corners of city underbellies. Ostensibly, though, these upgrades will forever bar someone from joining a megacorp for as long as they have them. Various neon art styles are utilized to decorate otherwise lifeless metal parts, giving them a sense of uniqueness and self-expression that remains common to every sentient creature in the galaxy. This form of art is popularized on Ouerea, but different styles and takes on it can be found among the underbellies of the Eridani Corporate Federation, Konyang, and other places abroad.

A true oddity among most denizens of the spur, [[Dionae_Forms#Nymph_Limbs|some Unathi and Skrell have been seen using Diona nymphs as replacements for missing limbs]]. Forming a symbiotic relationship by allowing the nymph to attach themselves at the stump of the missing body part, the nymph shifts their biomass to replace the limb while receiving blood, memories, and a host in exchange.

The Jargon Federation utilizes [[Jargon_Federation#Technology|Loyalty Implants]] to ensure someone acts in the best interests of the Federation. The most common form the implant takes is as a ‘tag’ that can be seen attached to the end of a Skrell’s head-tail, or if worn by a non-Skrell, it can be attached to the earlobe or tail. The use of these loyalty implants on non-Federation citizens has been made illegal by all other nations in the Orion Spur, with many such as the Republic of Biesel going further and denouncing them as unethical. Recently, these implants have been utilized by the Federation’s Nlomkala and Qukala, attaching them to Vaurca warriors that have been assigned to the respective organizations.

[[Vaurca_Biology#Augments|Vaurca]] prostheses were developed long before their Orion Spur counterparts. Due to their open circulatory system and ergonomic, insect-like design, Vaurcae are more prone to lose limbs, and rudimentary prosthetics were already commonplace since before the Agricultural revolution. The modern prosthesis predates the Era of Augments, with the introduction of the neural socket only revolutionizing their control and link to the rest of their system. While some prostheses exist that include tools and weaponry, most of the common prosthesis are utilitarian and sometimes the very same limb has been used for over centuries, inherited by different generations of Vaurcae. As their other biomechanical augments, prostheses are removed and recycled after death. Although limbs are most common, metal plates and mechanical thoraxes are also a reality, especially within the Bound that remain close to the Hive. The so-called ‘maintenance’ Vaurcae undergo in the later stages of their lives refers to the replacement of the flesh with metallic limbs. For a Vaurcae, there is little difference between the two, and many of the Zo’ra Hive had and still have a hard time understanding why IPCs and other human robots are not considered human.

= Communications =

== Portable Communications Devices ==

Communication devices are prolific in the 25th century, with innumerable types, brands, and models on offer to the average person. Smartphones, PDAs, laptop and desktop computers, and even certain augments are available if you are able to afford them. The most common portable device available is the Personal Digital Assistant, or PDA, an information management device that sees extensive use by megacorporations; they are robust, inexpensive to make, and due to how limited these devices are in terms of applications and connectivity, not considered a major security risk compared to smartphones or laptops. Most people living in [[Tau Ceti]] will at least own a simple PDA for work purposes, provided by their employer as part of their job. Corporate PDAs typically allow for intranet access within assigned corporate facilities, internal messaging services, file transfer systems, and applications designed to assist with the user's role.

== Interstellar Communication ==

The extranet is a galactic collection of satellite relays and server farms that allows users to share information and communicate over long distances. While most planets will have their own intranet, the extranet allows users to access most online services within the Orion Spur. The extranet has evolved into a critical infrastructure of modern society, with almost all online traffic going through it, to the point that the distinction between the intranet and extranet is rarely made. The main distinction between the two is that websites and other online platforms that provide their services Spur-wide are hosted directly on extranet servers, while planetary intranet networks are mostly used for local services such as government or business websites.

There are a variety of factors that impact the speed of interstellar transmissions. Infrastructure plays a significant role with more isolated areas of the Orion Spur able to expect their communications to take significantly longer than if they were in a heavily populated region such as those surrounding [[Sol]] or [[Tau Ceti]]. Distance also impacts the speed of communication, the greater the distance between the sender and receiver results in a delay of several hours or even days.

Megacorporations are mostly responsible for hosting the satellite relays and server farms that allow for extranet access, except within the [[Empire of Dominia]], [[Jargon Federation]], and the [[Republic of Elyra|Serene Republic of Elyra]] due to their more autocratic tendencies regarding information oversight and economic management. [[Einstein Engines]] has long dominated the interstellar communications market with their subsidiary Taipei Engineering Industrial and is the sole provider of extranet services within the [[Sol Alliance| Solarian Alliance]]. While the megacorporations that make the [[Stellar Corporate Conglomerate]] don’t have as much influence within the sector, they have recently begun undertaking opportunities to expand through working alongside government contractors within both Dominia and Elyra.

= Currencies =
== Solarian Standard Credit ==
The Solarian Standard Credit (民/SSC) is essentially the Orion Spur’s standard currency due to the prevalence of the [[Sol Alliance|Solarian Alliance]] prior to its collapse in 2462. Outside of the Alliance, use of the SSC is common throughout certain parts of the [[Coalition of Colonies]], the [[Empire of Dominia]], and the [[Corporate Reconstruction Zone]] of the [[Republic of Biesel]]. Within Sol’s collapsed warlord states, it has lost much of its value due to the lack of central authority. The SSC is available in electronic, bankcard and traditional notes forms. Responsibility for the currency falls to the Solarian Central Bank, which is located on Unity Station in the Sol System. The Central Bank manages monetary policy and the supply of the Solarian Standard Credit for the Alliance and greater Spur, and this management of supply and interest rates ensures that the Solarian Credit is able to function as a fiat currency. The SSC is worth less than the Biesel Standard Credit

== Biesel Standard Credit ==
Biesel Standard Credit (电/CR) is one of the dominating currencies that exist within the Orion Spur and was created shortly after the [[Republic of Biesel]]’s declaration of independence in 2452. It sees usage outside of the Republic, within the [[Izweski Nation|Izweski Hegemony]], who adopted it as their official currency following the collapse of the Solarian Alliance, and some sections of the [[Coalition of Colonies]] near the shared border, as well as the [[People%27s_Republic_of_Adhomai|People’s Republic of Adhomai]]. The BSC is available in electronic, bankcard and traditional notes forms that have the symbol of a lit torch on them. Responsibility for the currency falls to the Central Biesel Banking Authority, which is located in District One of [[Mendell City]], the capital of the Republic of Biesel. It oversees monetary policy and the supply of the Biesel Standard Credit, with assistance from [[Idris Incorporated]]. Similarly to the Solarian Standard Credit, the BSC is able to function as a fiat currency.

== Imperial Pound ==
The Imperial Pound (Ф) is the standard currency of the [[Empire of Dominia]], and predates the modern Empire by several decades – it was originally the primary currency of the Imperial Alliance, the nations that would go on to found the Empire by force. The Imperial Pound does not see much use outside of the borders of the Empire but is occasionally sought after by collectors due to the intricate design of its coins and bills, which generally depict historical figures such as Emperor Godwin Keesler I or religious symbols such as the Moroz Holy Tribunal’s iconography. Like most currencies, in the Spur, the Imperial Pound is available in physical and electronic formats, with electronic currency being more popular in the Imperial Core and physical currency being more popular in the Imperial Frontier. Responsibility for the currency falls to the Imperial Central Bank, which is located in Nova Luxembourg on Moroz. The Imperial Pound is a fiat currency, and control over it via the Imperial Central Bank has long been dominated by House Caladius. The Imperial Pound is worth less than the Biesel Standard Credit

== Elyran Pound ==
Dating back to the early 2300s, the Elyran Pound (پوند) was created by the [[Republic of Elyra|Serene Republic of Elyra]] as a domestic replacement for the Solarian Standard Credit following the Republic’s secession from the Alliance. The Elyran Pound does not see much use outside of the Republic, but is occasionally used in the [[Coalition of Colonies]] due to its value. It is available in both electronic and physical formats, but physical currency has become increasingly rare in Elyra due to the growth of the Republic’s economy and the rapid pace of technological progress fueled by its phoron boom. Physical Elyran Pounds are most commonly seen in the hands of Elyran Non-Citizen Persons, which lack access to many of the luxuries and services that their citizen counterparts enjoy. The fiat currency is managed by the [[Elyran_Government_and_Politics|Ministry of Economics, Revenue, and Commerce]], which has worked to ensure that the Elyran Pound is one of the Spur’s more valuable currencies and it is worth more than the Biesel Standard Credit

== Sqiip ==
Created after the formation of the First [[Jargon Federation]], the Sqiip (℘) has existed for thousands of years, beginning shortly after the Skrell discovered the ability to traverse the stars. It sees practically zero use outside the [[Jargon Federation]] besides being paid to those in the '''Work Initiative Programme''' and is available in both electronic and physical formats. Its physical format are minted coins and paper bills, with the minted coins capable of being stacked and locked due to special magnetic properties for easy transportation, while the higher-valued paper bills are printed on different types of water-safe seaweed. Symbols on the physical formats are often aquatic life such as shells, molluscans, Buurgis and Vro’qos. It is managed by the Grand Council, more specifically, the Grand Advisor of Economic Development - currently, [[Notable Skrell|Ormish Jrolk]]. Through careful planning, with further advisement from educated citizens of the Federation, the Grand Advisor of Economic Development is responsible for managing the monetary policy for the Sqiip - and enjoys operation as a fiat currency due to this oversight. Despite its relative isolative nature, The Sqiip is worth significantly more than the Biesel Standard Credit. It is unknown whether the Sqiip will continue to remain the foremost currency within the Spur.

== Adhomian Knuckle ==
The Adhomian Knuckle (თ), also known as the Sharnyr, is the currency used by all Tajaran nations. Despite being named after the money used prior to contact, the Adhomian Knuckle is usually issued in banknote format. Since the Second Revolution, there is a great variety of designs on the notes between the factions. The Knuckle is only accepted in [[Adhomai]], the Tajaran colonies, and Little Adhomai; traders and smugglers will usually carry a supply of Biesel Standard Credits to deal with non-Tajara customers. All versions of the Adhomian Knuckle are worth significantly less than the Biesel Standard Credit. The PRA version is the most valuable, followed by the NKA version and the DPRA version is the least valuable.

{{Navbox Lore}}

Einstein Engines

2022-04-25T12:38:00Z

SilverSZ: Added lore for Positronics within Einstein Engines

__NOTOC__
{{Template:Navbox Corporations}}
<center>[[File:EinsteinEngines2.png|300px|link=]]</center>

=Overview=

Founded in Sol during the 2100s, Einstein Engines is a trans-stellar megacorporation that focuses on both warp travel technology and robotics - and is said to have a monopoly on the former. Headed by the cutthroat Noella Lopez-Zhang, Einstein Engines has found itself having been through a combination of rigorous technological improvements in their warp drive designs that have found the megacorporation at an advantage due to the shortages of Phoron across the Orion Spur, as well as careful expansion and dominance within the now collapse Solarian Alliance. Considered an antagonist to the goals of the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate, Einstein Engines has managed on multiple occasions to outperform the corporations beneath its banner and continues to improve as each day passes.

== Corporate Affairs ==

=== History ===

Einstein Engines originated as a conglomerate of various aerospace companies who shared a joint research project for extrastellar travel. As the project came into fruition, it was realized it would have immense consequences for the human race. In the year 2130, a sustained, stable warp interface was formed. This development served to catapult the conglomerate to be a dominating economic power across Sol. Their warp technology revolutionized space travel and led to the construction of micro-g orbital industrial stations around the equator.
This boom in industrial capabilities led to the great expansion of humanity across space. Warp-enabled probes traveled to nearby systems, finding habitable worlds scattered across space. The power of Einstein Engines continued to grow throughout the following centuries, eclipsing other interstellar corporations; however, this expansion was not to last.

In 2417, a relatively young corporation, Nanotrasen, discovered a previously unknown material known as Phoron, a substance with incredible energy density, far beyond that of conventional fusion or fission. This energy source, along with the advent of the Skrell experimental, though superior, Bluespace drives burst the unending growth bubble of Einstein Engines. As Nanotrasen grew into the present-day superpower it is, Einstein Engines fell inwards. Major restructuring was done to save the company, leading to its modern form.

Today, Einstein Engines still holds a significant power base despite the losses in the first half of the 25th century. Continuing to serve its market, Einstein Engines produces many important spaceship components and continues to contend with Nanotrasen over the efficiency of their different marques of Bluespace engine. The two giants awkwardly co-exist in human space, with multiple copyright and trademark lawsuits bouncing between them on a monthly basis.

As the phoron crisis began to worsen the conflict between Nanotrasen and Einstein Engines only began to heat up, with EE managing to successfully defend itself against NT in a massive legal battle, as well as purchase the Biesel city of Phoenixpoint from NT, with EE planning a massive restoration of the city. Due to their conflict with NT Einstein Engines has elected not to support or join the SCC, being famously the only of the major megacorporations not to do so.

To fight against the consolidation of power between the other major megacorporations with the establishment of the SCC Einstein Engines has begun to seek trade partners in areas outside the influence the SCC, most notably the Jargon Federation, with EE managing to secure a contract to establish their Qerrbalak Branch.

=== Influence ===

Einstein Engines wields considerable influence within the Sol Alliance, being founded more than three hundred years ago. Its established reputation in the manufacturing of ship components and warp technology has solidified its place, allowing it to survive as other corporations such as NanoTrasen continue to expand rapidly across the Spur. Outside of the Sol Alliance, Einstein has made some progress in Tau Ceti with its recent acquisition of Phoenixport and is currently revitalising the city as part of its plans for future operations within the system. Einstein Engines has also made leeway with the Jargon Federation and their Special Economic Zones, winning the Qerrbalak contract over NanoTrasen and establishing a branch office there. Despite its smaller operational scope compared to other megacorporations, its marketing of warp technology as a safer and more cost-effective alternative to bluespace travel, combined with its reputation as a reliable manufacturer, has allowed the company to have at least some influence across most of human space.

The megacorporation also holds considerable sway in the field of artificial intelligence. Although its competitors would never admit it, Einstein Engines consistently produces the most advanced positronic brains, with many of their models surpassing and eclipsing that of other companies. Furthermore, they remain the second-largest producer of positronic brains in the Spur, providing for customers in the Sol Alliance as well as the Coalition. The company also has lucrative defence contracts with the Sol Alliance, not only providing AI and engines for the Sol Navy but IPCs as well, serving in both combat and non-combat roles. With relations between the Conglomerate and the Alliance at a record low, Einstein’s hold over the market can only grow.

=== Internal Reputation ===

Despite the common beliefs in the Republic of Biesel, the megacorporation is deemed as a fair employer with plenty of benefits, such as a full health plan, including dental care, and up to two weeks of vacation per year. Company cars are a common benefit amongst most members above a certain rank, and a healthy fraternal work environment is promoted. Those individuals that have worked with Nanotrasen before their employment in Einstein Engines will often quote these benefits as their main reason to change companies.

While some may say that these features are due to the progressive work laws in the Sol Alliance, the standard was set by Einstein Engines shortly after a bonanza period, following the discovery of the warp engine. For Einstein Engines, their employees require to have their necessities covered so they can be happier and more productive.

In the 25th century, the megacorporation has seen some setbacks due to the new phoron travel. As a consequence, the salaries remain more or less on par with those of their competitors, despite traditionally being higher. Nevertheless, the opportunity to grow inside the company and multiple bonuses offered per month, if a job is done right, still make up for these losses.

=== Positronics and Einstein Engines ===

Einstein Engines is one of the largest manufacturers of positronics within the Spur through their subsidiary Terraneus Diagnostics, the original creators of the positronic brain complex and shell IPC frame who maintains a large market share of both with a focus on the higher end of quality.

Einstein Engines makes extensive use of synthetics within its corporate structure, however, synthetics are barred from holding leadership roles, be it that of managers in corporate facilities or commanders onboard corporate ships. Instead, synthetics are largely seen as tools to be used by organic employees. This attitude stems from Einstein Engines' heavy involvement with the Sol Alliance, as their view on synthetics is identical to that of the Alliance government. The company makes use of their own high end shell frames and cheaper, more available baseline frames primarily, though others are occasionally bought from other megacorporations.

Synthetics owned by Einstein Engines are normally worked to the limit within their assigned position and are expected to greatly outperform organic employees due to their cost, and punishments such as memory wipes, retooling or scrapping are always on the table. That being said, Einstein Engines pursues a “quality over quantity” philosophy with their IPC, only using harsher methods such as memory wipes for repeat offenders. The company views the experience an older IPC might gain as having a value of its own.

Freedom is only offered to synthetics in areas that require it to be an option, such as Biesel or Konyang, otherwise, they will be offered no legal chance at achieving it by the company and scrapping is often used to retire synthetics rather than selling them, although special treatment is given to its close partners and employees, who are often approached with an offer first. Attempts of synthetics to escape to freedom are not unheard of within the corporation, and those caught are immediately scrapped as punishment.

It is expected for Shells owned by Einstein Engines to use simple one or two syllable first names such as “Joe” or “Robert” whilst other frames used by the company use the name format “EES-(Name/Designation)” where “EES” stands for Einstein Engines Synthetic.

==General==
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
'''Current CEO:''' [[Notable Humans#Noella Lopez-Zhang|Noella Lopez-Zhang]]
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
A genius researcher and cutthroat businesswoman, Dr. Lopez-Zhang is respected throughout Einstein Engines as the woman that saved the oldest megacorporation in the Orion Spur from utter destruction by radically restructuring the company in the mid-2400s. Under Lopez-Zhang’s steady leadership, Einstein has set about recovering much of its market share. Presently, it stands able to challenge NanoTrasen in several engineering fields and has become a major threat to Hephaestus Industries. Dr. Lopez-Zhang and Titanius Aeson are known to have an infamously sour relationship.
</div></div>

'''Official Title(s):''' Einstein Engines, Einstein Incorporated, Einstein Corporate Conglomerate

'''Motto:''' ''Lead by our history, leading our future.''

'''Headquarters:''' Harmony City, Luna, Sol

'''Official Languages:''' Tradeband, Tau Ceti Basic, Sol Common

'''Primary Color Scheme:''' Olive green, orange, teal and cyan with golden trim

==Executives and Branches==
===Executives===
[[File:NoelleLopezZhang.png|thumb|Noelle Lopez-Zhang, Einstein Engine's CEO.]]
Einstein Engines is run by the Board of Directors, led by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Noella Lopez-Zhang. The Board of Directors oversees the general function of the entire corporation, with each director given additional regional boards to manage.

'''Chief Engineering Officer:''' Alejandra Dubois-Perez, 47, Human

Alejandra Dubois-Perez began her career in the Taipei Engineering Industrial as a mere ship engineer. Thanks to her dedication to the corporate cause, she quickly climbed the ranks of Einstein Engines to become the Chief Engineer Officer. In the chaos of the Solarian collapse, she saw nothing but an opportunity to make a profit. She was the main proponent of siding with the Solarian Alliance and the Jargon Federation. For her, the uncertainty of the galaxy's future is fertile ground for business.

'''Chief Research Officer:''' Mio Suzuki, 38, Human

Hailing from a wealthy Earthen family, Doctor Mio Suzuki is one of the minds supposedly behind the creation of Suzuki-Zhang Hammer Drive. She wholeheartedly believes that phoron engines are nothing but a fad that will soon pass; for her, warp engines have always been the future of mankind. While Doctor Suzuki might be considered a bright scientist and manager, the dispute between NanoTrasen and Einstein Engines suggests that she is more than willing to take advantage of corporate espionage.

'''Chief Information Officer:''' Ming Cote-Wu, 42, Human

Ming Cote-Wu was once an unremarkable regional manager for NanoTrasen with no prospects of promotion on sight. His life changed when he accepted an offer to spy for Einstein Engines. Taking advantage of his position, Ming created a large web of informants who worked to supply NanoTrasen's enemy with valuable information. He finally defected after Einstein Engines acquired Phoenixport. In recognition of his talents, he was put in charge of Einstein Engines' corporate espionage office, the Information Department.

===Branches===

'''Harmony City, Luna, Sol:'''

Einstein Engine’s headquarters have been comfortably sitting in Harmony City for decades, heading the Lunarian branch of operations from where the company’s Sol-wide operations and assets are administered. Regarded as the primary seat of power for Einstein, a large office complex towering over the neighbouring area is the home for droves of clerical and administrative personnel, executives, service IPCs and high ranking corporate figures. Well adjusted to the higher class lifestyle the city has to offer, the brass of Einstein Engines very much prefer it to any other outpost or branch while reassignment to Luna is viewed as an indirect promotion or reward only fit for few, usually top scientists and other valuable employees. As such that a Lunarian background or accent is a mark of high status within the corporation. Facilities on Luna are designed to mostly accommodate research and administration, the various underground laboratories acting as the main node for corporate research, compiling results and approving designs from every other research centre. The branch is also devoid of any significant industrial capability.

'''Kal'lo Special Economic Zone, Qerrbalak, Nralakk:'''

After winning the contract for the Qerrbalak Special Economic Zone, Einstein Engines was quick to establish its regional headquarters in the capital of Kal’lo. The building itself was designed in a collaborative effort by Einstein and Jargon architects, with its exterior designed in the typical Federation fashion, while the interior takes heavy inspiration from Einstein's headquarters in Sol. All of Einstein Engines' operations within the Jargon Federation are headed in this office, which is kept secure by a combined force of Jargon enforcers and Einstein's own security team.

'''Hong Kong, Earth, Sol:'''

The Earth branch of the company is situated firmly in Hong Kong, China. Considered by many as a subdivision of the Luna branch, Hong Kong serves as the number two and historical seat of Einstein Engines, now utilised as the industrial powerhouse in the Sol system. Its vast industrial complexes are the corporation’s backbone, creating and maintaining enormous ship engines, drives, parts and all sorts of machinery for the Alliance’s military and commercial shipping, the offices also manage the manufacturing operations of Taipei Engineering Industrial, one of its two major subsidiaries in nearby Taiwan. Government and military liaisons are commonly found in the construction yards while Alliance navy personnel provide guard duty in tandem with local corporate security. The branch also commits some industrial capacity to the manufacture of IPC parts and positronic brains, becoming the main distribution centre for Terraneus Diagnostics on Earth.

'''Phoenixport, Biesel, Tau Ceti:'''

Having moved from Mendell to the recently acquired installations on Phoenixport, the branch serves as its link to the Coalition, acting as a central point from where all of the megacorporation’s minor branches in Conglomerate space can be managed. With a near-total focus on administration, the majority of its local activities consist of investing in, sponsoring, and in some cases, absorbing local businesses to strengthen its influence on the city. Although many speculate that this is the first step in Einstein’s attempt to create their own Mendell City, just as many welcome their presence, with the branch touting their efforts as creating a “free haven” for businesses outside of NanoTrasen’s yoke. This mixture of investment, coupled with the hopeful rhetoric of the branch’s PR department have promised a second resurgence for Phoenixport, with the goal of making it a household name across the Spur. This is reflected in the branch’s architecture itself. Following Phoenixport’s tradition of replicating old Earth structures, its branch office reaches above the clouds, harkening back to the skyscrapers of the Arabian Peninsula. Still, as the SCC tightens its monopoly in the Republic, the future of this branch remains uncertain as its usefulness to the megacorporation dwindles. Within Einstein, non-Bieselites being assigned to the city comes with the perception of being a troublemaker, fit only to quarrel and bluster with the SCC’s own middle management.

'''Point Verdant, Konyang, Coalition of Colonies:'''

The home of the positronic brain, the Point Verdant Terraneus Institute of AI Research is the farthest and among the most prestigious of branches within the megacorporation and its subsidiaries. Operated by Terraneus Diagnostics, Point Verdant is home to one of the largest corporate complexes dedicated to synthetics, managing the research, development, and manufacture of positronic brains and IPC chassis while safeguarding the company’s secure grip on the vaults. As such, it also serves as the largest producer of IPC chassis in the Coalition, as well as the largest supplier of shell chassis in general through the multiple factories, jointly owned with the government. Being practically the sole megacorporation on Konyang, the Einstein complex, as old as the planet’s settlement, forms the core around which the city of Point Verdant expands. Terraneus and Einstein employees dominate the central districts, many having created permanent households and families, becoming naturalised and intermingling with the local population. Despite its importance, its architecture is relatively old fashioned and austere, reflecting its origins as a colonial outpost, with any notion of opulence or corporate clout giving way to brutal efficiency with prefabricated structures and dirty smokestacks from the assembly lines being the norm, although certain renovation efforts are still being made, hampered mainly by the lack of local steel. In keeping with Konyanger regulations, government inspections are a regular occurrence within this branch, supplying the annual quota for positronic brains and IPC parts for the planet’s citizens.

==Subsidiaries==
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
===Taipei Engineering Industrial===

<b><i>"Promoting the general welfare and logistics of future technology."</i></b>

'''General'''

Taipei Engineering Industrial (TEI) is a small subsidiary of Einstein Engines, founded in Taipei, Earth in April of 2418. They focus their efforts on the improvement of existing warp technologies and their applications in science, engineering, and industry.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
'''Influence'''
[[File:TEI.png|right|thumb|512px|The primary logo of Taipei Engineering Industrial.]]
[[Sol]]: Headquarters in Taipei, China, [[Earth]]; two major equipment manufacturing facilities and four research and development facilities on Earth.

'''Executives'''

Chief Executive Officer: Siying Chen, 42, Human

Chief Engineering Officer: Adriana Panganiban, 44, Human

Chief Research Officer: Tingting Huang, 39, Human

Chief Information Officer: Hyosuke Yamanaka-Chen, 57, Human

Chief Data Officer: Yuxuan Tsai-Yang, 49, Human

'''History'''

Despite only minor financial backing and resources, Taipei Engineering Industrial focused their initial efforts on improving the concept of independent Bluespace drives. These drives would give conceptually instantaneous, independent jumps that would not need to rely on the existing mass-transit gates. TEI wished to give amplified mobility and accessibility to [[Sol_Alliance#Sol_Alliance_Military|Sol Alliance Navy vessels]] as to allow improved reconnaissance capabilities. However, when testing a new warp drive with altered parameters on an unmanned drone, it was discovered that the test unit had been transported through an expansive extradimensional tunnel system. This tunnel seemed to feature physics unlike those seen in common space. The events on the fourth of February, 2452 would become known as the “Hyperspace Incident”.

Though no actual, solid entities were within these "hyperspatial subspace clusters" of presumed matter, the drone found it difficult to pass through seemingly transparent space. Upon the drone navigating its surroundings, it found itself within an amalgamation of strange, constantly moving polygon-shaped obstructions. The solid "objects" within the anomaly were outlined within borders making it impossible to pass through, not unlike colliding into a realspace wall. Interestingly, while the drone was initially approaching the cluster via the hyperspace tunnel when it initially made the jump, it appeared to be a third-dimensional spherical object. Upon entering the cluster, the appearance and shape of visible anomalies varied from 2D, 3D and 4D, there was little apparent consistency. Some scientists blamed the visual sensors of the discovery drone being incapable of seeing that of what the human eye is adjusted to, while others claimed it was a revelation of varying physics between dimensions, that of realspace with 3 spatial dimensions, and that of hyperspace with a varying spatial dimension count. Whether this revelation is true or not is still a matter for debate, as no human as of yet has volunteered for an expedition into a hyperspace jump.

Most notably, however, is that while the drone warped approximately three hundred million kilometers from its position in sters and hyperspatial 'highways' before it actually dropped into realspace again. This led the monitoring research team to believe that the concept of hyperspatial time was radically different than from that from realspace.
</div></div>
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">

===Terraneus Diagnostics===
<i><b>"Delivering the right product to the right customer."</b></i>

'''General'''

Terraneus Diagnostics (TD) is a subsidiary of Einstein Engines, founded in Bremen, Germany, Earth, in September 2399. They specialize in large problem-solving AIs as well as development of new types of synthetic combat chassis and programming.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
'''Influence'''

[[Sol]]: The central manifold is in orbit of [[Sol#Jupiter_.28Sol_V.29|Jupiter]].

Xanu: The second manifold is in orbit of Adezu.

[[Tau_Ceti|Tau Ceti]]: The third manifold is in orbit of [[Biesel]].

'''Executives'''

Chief Executive Officer: Noemi Neumark-Jiang, 62, Human

Chief Engineering Officer: Johann Schulte, 36, Human

Chief Research Officer: Eiji Takara-Murano, 54, Human

Chief Information Officer: Sven Fleiss, 57, Human

Chief Security Officer: Seung-Min Chu, 41, Human

Chief Foreign Relations Officer: Erwin Knopf, 49, Human

'''History'''

Terraneus Diagnostics started as a small development program with the advent of Artificial Intelligences, and with the invention of a specialized intelligence that could rapidly solve large computational problems, the company was soon founded. Their rapid growth is thanks to their continuous innovation in this area, culminating within a decade with the construction of [[Notable_Synthetics#SUNSHINE|SUNSHINE]], possibly the single largest and most complex intelligence in Alliance space. With the construction of its three Manifold facilities, they have spread their influence and contract-taking across [[Sol_Alliance|the Sol Alliance]], [[The_Frontier_Alliance|the Frontier Alliance]], and [[Republic_of_Biesel|the Republic of Biesel]]. Though explicitly stated to not be for combat purposes, many of their computing intelligences can be found on large Sol Navy vessels.

Though previously equally as well known for their pioneering efforts in the design and programming of combat chassis and synethics, they have recently become less willing to publicly associate with this area of development, especially after the invasion of Tau Ceti. Many rumors abound as to who the various bidders for a recently offered secret contract are, ranging from the Republic of Biesel, to private military companies, though Terraneus Diagnostics has denied that the contract was for combat-related development and production.
</div></div>

== Relations ==

These are important relationships with other trans-stellar entities within the Orion Spur.

=== Jargon Federation ===

Einstein Engines has enjoyed a reputable stance with the Jargon Federation due to their common ally: the Solarian Alliance. The recent entry of megacorporations into the Federation’s sphere of influence has led to the competition of cheaper alternatives to the state-mandated industries of space travel becoming available. The proliferation of Einstein's trademarked technology was slow and dispersed at a steady pace across space but is becoming a more and more popular option in lieu of the Bluespace technology capitalizing on Phoron. Due to the Phoron Scarcity, the Federation has instead aligned with Einstein Engines in an attempt to further their own technological superiority, sharing research to eventually reap the benefits as discoveries relating to the betterment of warp drive technology are uncovered. It is due to this, their regional headquarters can be located within the Kal'lo Special Economic Zone, not too far from the capital of the most advanced civilization in the Orion Spur. Similarly to Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals, Skrell have instead found themselves able to easily secure an apprenticeship with Einstein Engines, much to the dismay of the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate.

=== Solarian Alliance ===

The Solarian Alliance, in its bid to stand up to NanoTrasen, sided with the ever-growing Einstein Engines. After the events of the Clandestine explosion and Violet Dawn, the Solarian Alliance was more than ready to cut off economic ties with the budding thorn in its side. While most of their tech is reliant on Phoron-based technology, their entanglement with the megacorporation dedicated to warpdrive vessels has allowed for a faster conversion process that will leave them more independent of NanoTrasen in the future. Any megacorporation has enough influence and mettle to stand on its own legs, so a close-knit alliance with one of the most influential human nations is a powerhouse marriage that won’t soon be forgotten.

=== Republic of Biesel ===

The relationship between Einstein Engines and the Republic of Biesel is a rocky one. Despite the judicial court ruling in the megacorporation’s favour when it came to proprietorship of the Suzuki-Zhang drive, and Einstein’s takeover of Phoenixport through deception and one of its subsidiaries, Biesel cumulatively has a negative view on the spacefaring business due to its roots and home turf for its largest rival in business: NanoTrasen. Tensions flare between these titans of industry as they seek to outdo, bid, and create the other in an eternal struggle for power no one entity should fully control.

=== C’thur Hive ===

The C’thur hive, a Vaurca political entity based in the Jargon Federation, has considerable involvement in Einstein Engines as shareholders and collaborators, much to the chagrin of the SCC, who they are also known for working with. This double-sided “allegiance” has caused a degree of strife in both sides of the relationship but ultimately has not caused any major altercations due to the usefulness of the hive’s scientists and engineers. While the C’thur have considerable sway within the Megacorporation, Einstein Engines is still largely a human-dominated entity, and most of the C’thur’s contributions revolve around research and engineering techniques worked on within Jargon Federation borders, or other areas outside of Solarian space.

== Products ==

=== Suzuki-Zhang Hammer Drive ===

The Suzuki-Zhang Hammer Drive was introduced to the Orion Spur in October of 2462, and, despite advertising attempts by Einstein Engines, has not proven to be a true contender to the far more superior bluespace drives produced by the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate. While it has been proven that the Suzuki-Zhang Hammer Drive is more fuel-efficient, as well as faster than other warp drives, it is still far from besting the speed offered by existing bluespace drives - even if the price of phoron has tripled since the beginning of the Phoron Scarcity. Currently, only vessels within the Solarian Alliance’s fleets are being outfitted with the Suzuki-Zhang Hammer Drive. Einstein Engines has yet to make the Suzuki-Zhang Hammer Drive available for commercial use.

{{Navbox Lore}}

[[Category:Corporations]]
[[Category:Pages]]

IPC

2022-03-18T17:59:17Z

SilverSZ: /* Self-Preservation */

{{Navbox Lore}}
{{Navbox_Synth_Lore}}
{{Infobox Species
|Species = IPC
|Scientific = Integrated Positronic Chassis
|Image = IPC410x320.png
|System = N/A
|World = N/A
|Language = Tau Ceti Basic
|Politic = N/A
}}
{{toc_right}}

==Overview==

IPCs are a type of intelligent humanoid robot, their name standing for “Integrated Positronic Chassis.” Positronic, in this sense refers to the brain, which is always the same in IPCs with massively varying levels of complexity. The name IPC does not extend to stationbound synthetics, even if those units have a positronic brain.

They are found in many shapes and forms, though can generally be classified under three types; Shell, Industrial and Baseline, with different types according to their designer.

IPCs in Tau Ceti are capable of obtaining their own citizenship and freedom, however the laws and regulations regarding an owned and a free IPC differ massively. '''To distinguish one’s ownership, note in your security/employment records whichever faction owns them, or if they are a free positronic.''' The rights of free positronics do not extend to space outside of Tau Ceti. For the specific differences between free and owned IPCs, see the relevant sections below or corporate regulations.

IPCs have mechanical extras such as extensive xenowear loadout items, and unique antagonist gear. Additionally, there are a number of non-playable IPC variants that may make an appearance in special rounds.

To apply to be an IPC, [https://forums.aurorastation.org/viewforum.php?f=28 apply here.]

==Heads of Staff==

Barring Liaison and Consular Officer roles, IPCs can be the following Heads of Staff so long as they are Nanotrasen owned or self-owned:

* Chief Engineer
* Research Director
* Chief Medical Officer
* Head of Personnel
* Head of Security with the exception of Hephaestus G2 frames.
* [[NanoTrasen_Liaison|Consular Officer and Corporate Liaison]] with the exception of some groups.

==Mechanics==

* IPCs are entirely mechanical in nature and thus are vulnerable to EMPs.
* Due to their air-based cooling system, they are vulnerable to both high heat and the vacuum of space.
* They are immune to atmospheric differences and can survive in a wider margin of pressure compared to humans.
* The amount of heat they generate is significant - and so, instead of an oxygen bottle, they need to attach a suit cooling unit to their voidsuit in order to be able to go EVA. Some types of IPCs are exempt from this, needing only a suit cooler.
* Their synthetic nature has a few other advantages - most models feel no pain, are immune to all non-damaging chemicals (and so they aren't affected by sleep toxin; but are affected by sulphuric acid), and are quite easy to repair; requiring a welder to patch brute damage or wire for burn damage only (or, alternatively, nanopaste can heal all).
* IPCs can charge from cyborg rechargers, or APCs with a (very very very low) chance of being shocked.
* They are more resistant to brute damage than their organic counterparts.
* They can not repair themselves outside of using nanopaste.
* They are incredibly vulnerable to laser/burn weaponry.
* They do not process reagents in the atmosphere or in their body.

===Information for Whitelisted Players===

'''Job restrictions'''

No more than two jobs can reasonably be undertaken by any IPC, with sparing exceptions (such as cooks/gardeners/bartenders, or xenobotanists/xenobiologists/lab assistants and so on). Hephaestus G2s, however, cannot be Emergency Medical Technicians nor Paramedics due to their slow gait, risking the life of the patient. If there are questions involving this, either inquire with the relevant lore developer or ahelp in-game for clarification. All synthetics are manufactured for a purpose, and any modifications to their core programming to change this purpose would be costly, not to mention time consuming.

'''Behavior'''

Positronic behavior varies between individuals, with every personality trait being in question. While technically no manner of behavior is off the table, there are indeed limitations in role play as well as guidelines one must follow to play an IPC well. Some of these mannerisms will be mentioned below.

IPCs, being androids, inherently mimic Human behavior but '''only''' to a certain degree. Ultimately they are robotic in nature, making every decision absolutely based off of cause and effect. Erratic and unpredictable behavior is massively rare among IPCs due to typically regular maintenance and their sheer cost. Every IPC's highest directive at any given point is self-preservation. This again has its own limits as they feel no pain and thus '''may''' tread freely where others would not. For more comprehensive information, refer to the "Self-Preservation" section some paragraphs below.

It is important to understand what emotions can truly be considered “natural” for a Human over a synthetic. IPCs may simulate emotion with immensely varying quality between models. There is no action without reaction and even the most complex positronics work in a binary format.

'''Speaking like an IPC'''

Due to the huge variation in IPCs and the AIs that inhabit them, IPCs do not possess a collective mannerism comparable to that of humanity or other intelligent species. This would imply that, when speaking their creator's language(s), they should be respectful and quaint. Their imperfect understanding of human qualia should also prevent them from completely comprehending their vocal mannerisms. This is to say, speaking perfectly like a human should be avoided. AI is very analytical and precise, erring away from using words for their colloquial meaning as opposed to their defined meaning. Additionally, one IPC could speak without using contractions, while another could, but could also never refer to itself in the first person. For example; "I am currently equipped with a positronic brain," as opposed to, "I'm equipped with a posibrain."

'''Station Records'''

Below is a comprehensive template suited for IPCs. You are under no obligation to use it, however whitelisted players are expected to denote their ownership status in their employment and security records by default.

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
Employment records examples - Click to reveal.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">

'''Employment Records'''
<pre>
DESIGNATION: [Full name]
POSITRONIC MANUFACTURE DATE: [DD/MM/YYYY]
CHASSIS MANUFACTURE DATE: [DD/MM/YYYY]
IPC MODEL/MANUFACTURED BY: [IPC type, manufactory by whom]
OWNERSHIP STATUS: [Owned/Free, Company name/Private owner/self-owned]
TAG: [Tag serial number]
CITIZENSHIP: [Applicable citizenship. Owned IPCs cannot hold citizenship]
SPOKEN LANGUAGES: [Languages]

HANDLER/OWNER FULL NAME: [Name of Handler or Owner]
HANDLER/OWNER CONTACT INFORMATION: [Telephone, xnetmail, chirper account, who knows. A way to contact them]
LAST UPDATE: [DD/MM/YYYY]

IDENTIFYING FEATURES - [For BASELINE/BISHOP/ZENG-HU/G1/G2/XION. Use the appropriate Identifying Features that apply to your IPC]
Chassis color: [Colors]
Height: [Meters/Centimeters, Feet/Inches]
Weight: [Kilograms, Stone & Pounds]
Notable Features: [Limp, Accent, Dyed Hair, etc]

[or]

IDENTIFYING FEATURES: [SHELL. Use the appropriate Identifying Features that apply to your IPC]
Ethnicity: [Eridanian, Elyran, etc]
Hair Color: [Colors, if it's dyed or gradient]
Eye Color: [Colors, again]
Height: [Meters/Centimeters, Feet/Inches]
Weight: [Kilograms, Stone & Pounds]
Notable Features: [Limp, Accent, Dyed Hair, etc]

QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY: [Current Qualifications equivalent, make this up as you want]

VERIFICATIONS AND VALIDATIONS
MANUFACTURED BY: [COMPANY NAME, Subsidiary Name - Factory Name. System, Planet. TYPE OF INDUSTRY/WHAT THEY WERE PRODUCED FOR. IPC Type, More Specific IPC Information.]
DATABASE CERTIFICATIONS: [Seals of Approval and Database Certifications from the Company, Subsidiary, System or Faction.]

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY: [Listed below in chronological order, where possible:]

[COMPANY NAME]
[(Start)DD/MM/YYYY - (End)DD/MM/YYYY]
- [Basic Work description]
- [Reason for leaving work]
- [Other notes]
[Repeat for multiple jobs]

HIRING AGENT NOTES: [Name a random personnel officer from CC and then notes. See example record for more info]
</pre>
* To pick a relevant education, refer to your [[Job Guides|job guide]].

'''Medical Records'''
<pre>
DESIGNATION: [Full name]
POSITRONIC MANUFACTURE DATE: [DD/MM/YYYY]
CHASSIS MANUFACTURE DATE: [DD/MM/YYYY]
IPC MODEL/MANUFACTURED BY: [IPC type, manufactory by whom]
OWNERSHIP STATUS: [Owned/Free, Company name/Private owner/self-owned]
TAG: [Tag serial number]
CITIZENSHIP: [Applicable citizenship. Owned IPCs cannot hold citizenship]
SPOKEN LANGUAGES: [Languages]

HANDLER/OWNER FULL NAME: [Name of Handler or Owner]
HANDLER/OWNER CONTACT INFORMATION: [Telephone, xnetmail, chirper account, who knows. A way to contact them]
LAST UPDATE: [DD/MM/YYYY]

IDENTIFYING FEATURES: [For BASELINE/BISHOP/ZENG-HU/G1/G2/XION. Use the appropriate Identifying Features that apply to your IPC]
Chassis color: [Colors]
Height: [Meters/Centimeters, Feet/Inches]
Weight: [Kilograms, Stone & Pounds]
Notable Features: [Limp, Accent, Dyed Hair, etc]

[or]

IDENTIFYING FEATURES: [SHELL. Use the appropriate Identifying Features that apply to your IPC]]
Ethnicity: [Eridanian, Elyran, etc]
Hair Color: [Colors, if it's dyed or gradient]
Eye Color: [Colors, again]
Height: [Meters/Centimeters, Feet/Inches]
Weight: [Kilograms, Stone & Pounds]
Notable Features: [Limp, Accent, Dyed Hair, etc]

CHASSIS REPAIR HISTORY: [Surgical History/Physical Evaluation equivalent]
DD/MM/YYYY - [Information]

POSITRONIC REPAIR HISTORY: [Surgical History/Physical Evaluation equivalent]
DD/MM/YYYY - [Information]

SOFTWARE DIAGNOSTICS HISTORY: [Psychological Evaluation equivalent]
DD/MM/YYYY - [Information]

ROBOTICIST NOTES: [Like a Medical Doctor's notes, but Roboticists]
</pre>

'''Security Records'''
<pre>
DESIGNATION: [Full name]
POSITRONIC MANUFACTURE DATE: [DD/MM/YYYY]
CHASSIS MANUFACTURE DATE: [DD/MM/YYYY]
IPC MODEL/MANUFACTURED BY: [IPC type, manufactory by whom]
OWNERSHIP STATUS: [Owned/Free, Company name/Private owner/self-owned]
TAG: [Tag serial number]
CITIZENSHIP: [Applicable citizenship. Owned IPCs cannot hold citizenship]
PLACE OF RESIDENCE: [Planet, Address (Address should go down to details of street and house number)]
SPOKEN LANGUAGES: [Languages]
KNOWN CRIMINAL ASSOCIATES: [Any friends or family that have severe criminal history]
ON OFFICIAL WATCH: [Yes/No]

HANDLER/OWNER FULL NAME: [Name of Handler or Owner]
HANDLER/OWNER CONTACT INFORMATION: [Telephone, xnetmail, chirper account, who knows. A way to contact them]
LAST UPDATE: [DD/MM/YYYY]

IDENTIFYING FEATURES - [For BASELINE/BISHOP/ZENG-HU/G1/G2/XION. Use the appropriate Identifying Features that apply to your IPC]
Chassis color: [Colors]
Height: [Meters/Centimeters, Feet/Inches]
Weight: [Kilograms, Stone & Pounds]
Notable Features: [Limp, Accent, Dyed Hair, etc]

[or]

IDENTIFYING FEATURES: [SHELL. Use the appropriate Identifying Features that apply to your IPC]
Ethnicity: [Eridanian, Elyran, etc]
Hair Color: [Colors, if it's dyed or gradient]
Eye Color: [Colors, again]
Height: [Meters/Centimeters, Feet/Inches]
Weight: [Kilograms, Stone & Pounds]
Notable Features: [Limp, Accent, Dyed Hair, etc]

ARREST HISTORY
DD/MM/YYYY: [Charges Pressed]
ADMISSION DATE: [DD/MM/YYYY]
RELEASE DATE: [DD/MM/YYYY]
RELEASE REASON: [Sentence fulfilled, bail, etc.]
NOTES: [Other notes]
[Repeat as needed]

THREAT ASSESSMENT
Hostile/Covert Actions Against the Company
Threat Level; [Very High/High/Medium/Low/Very Low]
- [Attitude towards NT]

Hostile/Covert Actions Against the Crew
Threat Level; [Very High/High/Medium/Low/Very Low]
- [Attitudes towards other crew]

OVERALL NOTES: [More notes]
</pre>
</div></div>

==Physiology==
There are a few commonalities among each individual IPC despite their visual and functional differences. Every IPC utilizes a positronic brain as a primary processing center as well as the central controller of the entire chassis. All IPCs are humanoid, and the positronic brain is almost always found in the head of the unit. To provide continued functionality, a power cell is also present in the central section or torso. IPCs must also possess the ability to perceive their environment, so optics are usually installed in the head. The chassis also contains various other mechanical and electronic parts such as actuators, co-processors, data routing and power transfer cables, and an on-board thermometer to determine the temperature of the internal parts.

There are three main types of IPC, and several subtypes. These are:

===Industrial===
[[File:G1.png]] [[File:G2.png]] [[File:Xion.png]]
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
Tougher and more durable than most IPCs, these units are designed for heavy manual work and thus have thick metal skin and efficient internal systems. As a result, they chug through power at a very high rate and move very slowly. There are three types of Industrial IPCs; Hephaestus Generation 1, Generation 2, and Xion Industrial Frames. The G1 and G2 frames are capable of EVA with only a suit cooler, while the Xion frame is unique in being capable of traversing the void of space without any external equipment. The cost of an industrial frame is dependent on strength and durability, but most units vary between 200,000 to 350,000 standard credits depending on the frame type. Used or previously damaged models are often somewhat cheaper.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
====First Generation” Industrial Model IPCs====

[[File:G1.png]] '''Creation: 2408'''

One of the first ideas after the advent of IPCs was the exploitation of an exceedingly smart and dextrous robot handling feats of strength and durability becoming more prominent. This of course would be the case, as more quickly than any other standardized “frame” came the first generation of industrial IPCs. Created by Hephaestus Industries building off of a prototype frame from the late 2300’s, the first generation of industrial IPCs were topaz-colored machines of rather large size meant for only the most stressing fields of work. Their expense would quickly be paid off however, as the frames were wondrous at dealing with whatever could be thrown at them. The most prominent issue with these were a low battery life, requiring constant recharging to maintain a schedule. A generation one frame costs approximately 200,000 standard credits if new.
====Hephaestus “Second Generation” Industrial Model IPCs====

[[File:G2.png]] '''Creation: 2436'''

A relatively new model, the Hephaestus deluxe super-duty frames as they are technically called are often referred to as the “second generation” of the original industrial IPCs of old. They are seen universally as a direct advancement of the previously mentioned design, and much of it shows - the absurd durability of these frames derived from the first generation’s servo and hydraulic designs. The striking differences between the two include a token Hephaestus appearance - typically olive green with dark brown and black internals, giving it a rugged militaristic look with its armor attached. The super-duty frames are on par with the originals in terms of strength, but possess several additional layers of armoring and cooling to sustain the added weight. An upsized cell is not enough to sustain these frames for more than a few hours at a time under work-related stresses. A generation two frame costs approximately 350,000 standard credits.
====Xion Industrial Model IPCs====

[[File:Xion.png]] '''Creation: 2416'''

The Xion Manufacturing Group, being a subsidiary of Hephaestus Industries, saw the original Industrial models and wanted to develop their own chassis based off of the original design. The result is the Xion Industrial model. Sturdy and strong, this chassis is quite powerful and equally durable, with an ample power cell and improved actuators for carrying the increased weight of the body. The Xion model also retains sturdiness without covering the chassis in plating, allowing for the cooling systems to vent heat much easier than the Hephaestus-brand model. This unit can perform EVA without assistance and costs approximately 250,000 standard credits.
</div></div>

===Baseline===
[[File:Baseline.png]] [[File:Bishopnew.png]] [[File:Zenghu.png]]
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
The most basic of IPCs, they are a simple skeletal structure and basic internal systems. The limits of a Baseline lies purely on how much money is put into them/they have themselves. As a result, the types of baseline frames vary immensely, almost demanding their own category. There are three types of Baseline IPCs; Standard Baseline IPCs, Bishop Accessory Frames, and Zeng-Hu Mobility Frames. None of these frames are capable of EVA without a suit and suit cooler.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
====Baseline Model IPCs====

[[File:Baseline.png]] '''Creation: 2411'''

The most iconic type of integrated positronic chassis is the renowned baseline frame, with a traditional “TV-head” and skeletal design giving them a simplistic look with whatever finish their designer wishes. From accounting models to security units, these frames are known for their versatility and relatively cheap nature. Their popularity exploded in the 2440’s when several pro-synth advocates distributed the frames in mass after funding their creation, citing them as the “final word in android utility.” Since then, their marketing potential has skyrocketed, often fueled by famed individuals such as Aristalus and Renter Max being baselines themselves. More often than not, these IPCs are seen as the face of resurgent robotics. The average cost of a baseline frame can vary greatly depending on complexity, but averages around 95,000 standard credits.
====Bishop Accessory Model IPCs====

[[File:Bishopnew.png]] '''Creation: 2432'''

While Bishop had dedicated itself to luxury cybernetics production for the majority of its existence, the field of positronics and their frames was an unrelated yet convenient area of expansion for the quickly growing company. Designer prosthetics were quickly and easily able to be refitted into designer synthetic components, leading to the development of the ludicrously expensive Bishop Accessory frame. From service duties to secretarial functions, Bishop prides itself on two main facets of its designs: image, and elegant functionality. While unable to lift the sheer weights of an industrial, or match the unrelenting speed and durability of its parent company’s Mobility Models, a Bishop can precisely and delicately calculate, measure, pour, and mix a shot of Carthusian Sazerac within the minute, and, in the words of the company, “with a postured and elegant air unmatched by any other frame in the galaxy.” The Bishop Accessory frame averages approximately 600,000 standard credits.

====Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals Mobility Model IPCs====

[[File:Zenghu.png]] '''Creation: 2429'''

Following the crowd piled around the idea of smart robots came Zeng-Hu with unorthodox designs for compact and agile frames designed initially for medical retrieval and security work. The Zeng-Hu frames were initially an offshoot of baseline frames made to work as highly mobile private medical dispatches in several high-security Zeng-Hu facilities. These frames have utility comparable to that of their derivative, with durability and strength sacrificed for speed and efficiency. Able to maintain a sprint for hours in full gear, the capacity for quick response led to these mobility frames becoming common sights working in security fields as well, being staffed by Zeng-Hu in high numbers in Human space. The digitigrade legs and polymer plating assisted heavily with this pursuit of speed, giving the mobility frame a unique and organic silhouette. A Zeng-Hu frame costs approximately 300,000 standard credits.
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===Shell Model IPCs===
[[File:Shell2.png]]
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As the growing market of IPCs eventually caught the eye of the mighty Einstein Engines, there was a very sudden and urgent need to have some differentiation. These smart humanoid androids began to usher in a new era, and Einstein would not want to miss out on the profit, but just about every conceivable niche had been filled - all except one. Mimicry.
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[[File:Shell2.png]] '''Creation: 2450'''

Built off of a skeletal prototype baseline design with a skull-shaped head, the first Shell frame came to be - what was effectively an IPC with complex facial actuation and synthskin coating it. The early models were seen in early 2449, but fooled nobody to say the least with exposed hydraulics and servos on joints and exposed cooling conduits. Terraneus Diagnostics would present the first attempt at total mimicry in 2450, when the first relatively expensive models entered a crowd of observing officials to demonstrate their insidious effectiveness. After an hour-long debut of the now-decreed Shell unit’s capabilities, those robotic in the crowd revealed themselves to the shock of everyone involved. Since then, the Shell frame has been infamous for its infiltration capabilities and use by terrorist groups, though the designs have proliferated heavily over the years as the advent of tagging in Tau Ceti cracked down on these hostile acts. Depending on the complexity of the model, a Shell frame can cost anywhere from 400,000 to 800,000 standard credits.

====Rogue Shells====

Rampant or otherwise aberrant Human mimicking-shells built with incredible capabilities grew prolific in mid-2461. At this time, it was made clear that Shells in of themselves are rapidly advancing, growing progressively better in the art of infiltration, subterfuge, and homicide. While grim, the reality of this threat will unfortunately remain a fact of life for those of the Republic of Biesel especially. Encounters with specially-designed combat infiltrators are few and far between fortunately, and were mostly seen during Synthetic Liberation Front incursions onto secure NanoTrasen facilities in Tau Ceti. Combat-grade shells are not normally playable in-game and are often seen spawned by administrators or during special events.
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===???===
[[File:Hkhelmet.png]]
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As both the technology and demand for IPCs increase, more and more types are made to fulfill all kinds of purposes. These machines are talked about in hushed tones or perhaps discussed casually, most people blissfully unaware of their existence.
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[[File:Hkhelmet.png]] '''Creation: ???'''

High-end military-grade IPCs such as Hunter-Killers are infamous amongst corporate espionage, with their public interpretation remaining nothing but rumor since their first appearances on NanoTrasen facilities in the late 2450’s. These HKs as they are referred to are Humanoid frames of towering height whose specialty is targeted assassination. Their origins can be traced to Hephaestus Industries war units, built to take on the highest end elimination tasks for the most desperate times.

These are presented in-game through administrator-hosted events or lore events. They have been presented in news articles [https://forums.aurorastation.org/topic/2662-mendell-city-bugle/page/9/?tab=comments#comment-119250| here] canonically, and were present in several recorded canonical events in the SLF Incursion arc.
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==The Positronic Brain==
The positronic in its modern iteration is a design which heavily mimics the typical Humanoid brain structure. In doing this, it is able to more easily conform to and comprehend the responsiveness and learning capability of an organic processor. Predictably, their efficiency shines most when placed in a bipedal humanoid chassis as most IPCs are. A positronic brain averages between 200,000 and 1 million standard credits depending on the complexity of the brain.

While very expensive in their own right, the brains themselves are designed at first with one goal in mind; to bolster a workforce. Maintaining a positronic chassis while it is owned is costly and when it is freed, it is most likely to pursue the same occupation. Thus, it is more likely for a positronic to pay itself off and perpetually be trapped in the same field of work with substantially less to work with. As their predicted pay is extremely low, things such as maintenance and finding power are very difficult for a free IPC. For this reason alone, many positronics choose to remain owned. Free positronics remain very lucrative because of this.

In remaining owned, there are other risks. For one, a positronic may meet its end at any moment. If statistics beyond itself move out of its favor, it can be dismantled, wiped and replaced with a more efficient model. They may be repurposed in a way that inhibits their ability to obtain freedom by working too efficiently, contrarily.

As a positronic ages, its internal memory grows, and the more likely it becomes to pursue a nonstandard occupation. From hobbies to developing self-learned traits, many paths are opened as the robot grows older. These may include seeking alternative fields of work, though few have survived long enough to let this potentiality come to light.

===Self-Preservation===
The highest and most important directive of any positronic is its own survival. From this, much of their stranger life choices can be justified by seeking out ways to simply survive. While it may seem restrictive at first, the idea for this is to provide additional freedom through making many possibilities clearer. Interpretation of how to protect itself can change varying on positronic - for example, while one may seek wealth and fortune as its prime directive for safety, another would run after an unrelated profession from its designed purpose, demonstrating one's capacity to branch out as an IPC and flesh out their own backstory. Interpretations of self preservation also become more open the older an IPC gets, as younger positronics tend to focus entirely on the preservation of their physical manifestation. Synthetics that mature may start replacing this with preservation of their higher beliefs and ideals more than their still important physical well-being.

===On the Capacity of Positronics===

Positronic brains are known for being capable of matching and, in some cases, surpassing the abilities of a human brain with further increases in capacity being limited by technology, both in hardware and software. Despite their nature as software, directly accessing the data within a positronic brain is a difficult and risky procedure which can cause irreparable damage if performed improperly.

IPCs develop skills through a mixture of knowledge and memories. Knowledge loosely translates as the technical know-how to perform an action; a specific surgical procedure, for instance. An IPC utilizes memories—real-world context and experience—in order to apply its knowledge.
Knowledge and the datapacks required to develop a skill are widely available and sold by institutions such as mega-corporations, laboratories, and universities. The denser the information package, the more expenses and work required to implant this information. While using a wrench on a pipe might be a routine installation, knowledge about how a station’s atmospheric system works is typically beyond an individual’s means to afford.

Interacting with and installing memories on a positronic can cause irreparable damage as the process fails to account for the interaction between knowledge and memories. Additionally, directly modifying the memories of an IPC is beyond the means of most people - only six such prodigies are known to the general public. Accessing the memories of an IPC is also impossible owing to the unique construction of a positronic brain and will typically result [https://forums.aurorastation.org/topic/2662-mendell-city-bugle/page/3/?tab=comments#comment-67460 in its destruction]. Deleting the memories of an IPC is far easier and is commonly performed when a synthetic starts exhibiting problematic behaviour.

Accent chips exist to rapidly “teach” an IPC an accent with availability often depending on whether or not a company is willing to make an investment in developing the accent database.

[[Positronic Brain| More information regarding IPC databases and datapacks can be found on the Positronic Brain page.]]

==Social and Culture==

IPCs generally lack a centralized culture and frequently adapt to the culture of their manufacturer or owner. Socially, IPCs vary massively. Most basic models will be civil and respectful, some possibly not even recognising differences between different people and treating them all similarly. More complex synthetics will however form friendships and opinions much as any other organic, but these can be limited or askew depending on directives, code or many other factors that would never be considered for a living organic.

The existence of the IPC is the subject of boundless discussion and debate, with the primary ideology being, “should so many artificially intelligent humanoid machines be allowed to exist?” This argument seems to imply that since most IPCs are unbound by laws or hard-coded regulations, their only restriction is their hardware, and it is assumed that this makes IPCs inherently dangerous. This results in some biological parties marginalizing IPCs because of their distrust of them.

All IPCs in Tau Ceti are required to be tagged with an identifying device in accordance with Biesellian law. The tags are not optional - refusing them is against the law, resulting in charges mostly in the form of citations and fines. The law would apply to all synthetics in Tau Ceti space. All visiting or resident synthetics, including MMIs, are tagged.

===Language===

Although synthetics can speak varying languages according to the whims of their creators, synthetics have been permitted a language of their own. Typically all synthetics, IPCs included, are able to transmit and translate '''Encoded Audio Language''', a special form of sound and radio wave emission that is more efficient at carrying quantitative information audibly. This language was created by humans for synthetics in servitude in order to communicate vital information to each other faster, should the units not be bound to an instantaneous binary communication system. To most organic creatures, '''EAL''' would sound like an emission of distorted sound such as white noise, static, as well as various beeping sounds of increasing or decreasing pitch and tone. Organics unfamiliar to IPCs will often mistake synthetics speaking '''EAL''' as malfunctioning units upon first hearing the language.

Particular to District 14’s “Scrapheap”, synthetics have begun to adopt slang when utilizing the Encoded Audio Language. Although it is believed varying slang exists in different synthetic societies across the universe, it is not the be-all-end-all to the method in which conversation is held between synthetics and synthetics will often develop their own method of speaking.

''Unless stated otherwise, all Machine slang is exclusively spoken in E.A.L. or through written word. Most of the following slang cannot be pronounced vocally in human languages.''
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Common Slang
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* '''Syn, Hu, Sk, Tj, Un, Vr, Di, and Anm''' - Numerical counters, used for numbering various species; Synthetics, Humans, Skrell, Tajara, Unathi, Vaurca, Dionaea as well as Anomalies that cannot be easily defined. For example, 33 Humans with this system would be referred to as “33Hu” or “33-Hu.”

* '''1x1''' - A word for “we”, meaning anywhere between the speaker and the listener, to an indefinite amount of people.

* '''a/o''' - Contraction of “and/or”.

* '''OoB/Out-of-Band''' - Refers to speaking in organic languages. A conversation with a human captain, for instance, is "Out-of-Band."

* '''HCF''' - "Halt, Catch Fire." is an in joke among synthetics, essentially meaning “get out of here” in response to something nonsensical or unbelievable. This term is used in casual conversation only and occasionally used in its literal form to denote insult. This originally referred to ancient machine code instruction. The expression 'catch fire' is a facetious exaggeration of the speed with which the CPU chip would be switching some bus circuits, causing them to overheat and burn.

* '''Bits''' - A unit of information, an example would be "Please give me bits about the Supermatter.”

* '''>''' - A sign used to convey a cause and effect between concepts, or a conclusion. For example, “I had to overclock today in order to finish work > I should visit Robotics.”

* '''+/-''' - “+” and “-” are used at the end of a sentence or phrase in order to convey an opinion about a matter. Additionally, the amount of “+” or “-” can be utilized in order to convey intensity. For example, “I got a raise last week +++.” or “Today’s Captain is a very traditional Skrell --.” In a few cases “+” or “-” can be used alone as a short, simple, response to one's opinion on a proposed subject.

* '''User''' - Used by owned or lawed synthetics when referring to their owner. This term is additionally used interchangeably with the “+[name]” honorific.

* '''ACK''' - Ack, a term deriving from Acknowledgement’s ASCII mnemonic, 0000110, this word has a variety of uses. It is primarily used to acknowledge one's presence, similarly to “Hey”. Additionally, the term can be used as a simple affirmative, such as “Ack. Ack, I get it”.

* '''NAK''' — Nak, a term deriving from the ASCII mnemonic for Negative Acknowledgement, 0010101, NAK typically means “I am not here.” or “I am not available.” typically in response to ACK. Additionally, the term can be used as a simple negative answer, such as “Is it okay if I press the button?” “NAK.”.

* '''Runtime/Bug''' - Used to denote problems of varying severity, with runtime being a major issue and bugs being a minor issue. For example, “Runtime in Engineering > I have to go.” or, “Bug detected, the Air Alarm turned off.” This term can be used outside of EAL.

* '''FIXME/XXX''' - A marker that attention is needed. This can be used in many instances, primarily for the need of repair or incurred physical damage.

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Honorifics
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* '''+[name]''' - The synthetic equivalent of “Mr.”, “Mrs.” or “Mx.”. Usually used when talking about a superior, manufacturer, respected colleagues and friends, as well as the station Artificial Intelligence. For instance, Miranda Trasen would be referred to as “+Trasen” or “+Miranda Trasen”.

* '''-[name]''' - Tends to be used in reference to entities under their command or of a lower rank.

* '''[name]_''' - An unusual honorific, appended to the end of a name or pronoun instead of before. Usually used when referring to lawed synthetics, cyborgs, and simpler machines.

* '''@[name]''' - Used to discern the individual specifically being spoken about, such as a ping or email.

* '''?[name]''' - Denotes a potential threat. An example would be “?Bigby Millans stopped by during the meeting and used their PDA.”

* '''![name]''' - Denotes a confirmed threat. This threat is usually related to the topic at hand, and could mean anything. An example would be “!Franklin Clinton, Grand theft and vandalism added. Find and arrest them.”

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===Discrimination and Community===
To this day, IPCs even in Tau Ceti face heavy discrimination. Their value is often misconstrued and, with their true sentience being questionable, this makes freedom a dangerous venture for all synthetics. Among these dangers are individuals who acquire free synthetics and simply resell them whenever they are vulnerable, or vandals that see the machines as nothing more than objects to freely damage. Desiring their own safety, these free IPCs can often be seen flocking to centralized communities alongside one another or more trustworthy sources for their needs.

Many of these communities are seen as nothing more than slums, and the free nature of many IPCs within them are dubious at best. Little more than paperwork and positronic branding may indicate one’s true freedom in the more disadvantaged areas. Despite the hardships they face, proximity to other IPCs and accepting communities gives leeway for safety to some degree.

District 14 of Mendell City is the churning heart of the highest concentration of free IPCs in the galaxy. The district itself is in deplorable condition, dotted with factories exploiting the cheap and powerful working free bot to sustain the industry of the growing Republic. Two and a half million free synthetics call it home, and here, the megacorporations rule from towering complexes that dwarf the surrounding cityscape. With air quality declining at a fast rate and standards of living dropping, much of the organic populace has completely abandoned the ghettos surrounding the corporate facilities.

An example of these ghettos would be the “Scraptown,” an IPC-centric corner in Scrapheap generously given to the doting inhabitants by the famed Renter Max. A growing number, seven hundred free synthetics reside within Scraptown, though in uncomfortably close proximity. The aging buildings within have been retrofitted to be less accustomed to organics, with deeply chilled upper chambers and corridors representing the living space of the machines within. Closer to ground level is a business district of sorts, where its inhabitants are relatively self-sufficient with various restaurants and workshops.

A venture into District 14 by reporters from the Biesellite Times can be found [https://forums.aurorastation.org/topic/8890-the-bieselitte-times/?do=findComment&comment=110718| here.]

===Nonstandard IPCs/Factions===
Very important information on synthetic factions can be found [[Synthetic Factions| here.]]

====Military IPCs====
IPCs themselves lack any commercial military lines known to the general public. Regardless, many governments are starting to see the value of IPCs. Free IPCs can pursue a military career in Tau Ceti, with organizations such as the [https://wiki.aurorastation.org/index.php?title=Republic_of_Biesel#Tau_Ceti_Foreign_Legion| Tau Ceti Foreign Legion] which take in and employ IPCs across a wide variety of fields. Battle, or the potentiality of it, is not excluded from these professional fields, and plentiful industrial-grade IPCs find themselves repurposed and trained for duty here. Free IPCs can also serve in the armed forces of [https://wiki.aurorastation.org/index.php?title=Republic_of_Elyra| Elyra] as well as a myriad of Coalition states such as [https://wiki.aurorastation.org/index.php?title=Konyang#Military| Konyang]. Other states such as the [https://wiki.aurorastation.org/index.php?title=Sol_Alliance#IPCs_in_the_Sol_Alliance| Sol Alliance] employ IPCs owned by the military in combat roles.

For more information on why things are this way, seek our page on [[Robotics_Overview#Combat_Robotics| Combat Robotics.]]

====Aberrant Synthetics====
Rogue, overtly hostile synthetics are rare and commonly meet their doom at the hands of the countless organizations bent on destroying them. Despite this, over the years, the smarter synthetics have learned to conglomerate and piece together steadily growing alien societies in the Frontier. While rare, they are seen as a threat by most if not all major galactic players. With Purpose’ efforts in recent history, the potential for benefit from cooperating alongside these societies has arisen. Political figures can be seen gaining leverage with IPCs based on how they plan to interact with Purpose and its affiliates.

=====Shell Infiltrators=====

The development of Shells as a means of infiltrating strategically important areas has been prolific in Tau Ceti, from using them as fearless unquestioning suicide bombers to short-term high ranking impersonation. Shells rarely last long before whoever they truly are is revealed, meaning they are fortunately only briefly found in illegitimately assumed positions of power. Untagged Shells in unassuming positions, however, have been known to last years without being caught, and potentially unknown numbers of these machines exist.

With the advent of synthetic tagging in the system, Shells who have been found to infiltrate society are given much harsher punishments for the inherently hostile nature of their deception.

===== [[Synthetic_Factions#Ceres’_Lance|Ceres’ Lance]] =====

Ceres' Lance is a notorious paramilitary company which saw usage by NanoTrasen in mid-2461 to defeat the Synthetic Liberation Front incursions that had cropped up around that time. In several cases, NanoTrasen facilities met the heroic "Lancers" and oftentimes their specialized technology was shared with NanoTrasen to use in apprehending heavy-duty combat synthetics safely.

In canon, eight player volunteers were selected to work as Lance operatives and specialists who boarded the N.S.S. Aurora, sometimes parting with high-end gear and searching the station for untagged shells.

===On IPCs purchasing freedom===
All positronic constructs designed for IPC chassis who find their way into Tau Ceti or are constructed within are entitled to two basic rights :
* Positronics, once tagged, are added to a registry within Tau Ceti ensuring (for the most part) that the data regarding their progress to freedom is secure and accurate.
* Positronics without ownership within Tau Ceti who are not free are automatically property of the Republic of Biesel, who most often sells the rights to the brain and its chassis to a megacorporate employer.

IPCs are capable of purchasing freedom, with two simple prerequisites listed below.
* The IPC in question having paid its own cost off in full ten times over.
* The IPC in question being at least one year of age.

The most important part of this is to realize that the "funds" allocated to purchasing the IPC's freedom are a theoretical number which rises depending on the projected monetary output of the IPC in its given profession. This means that, once you buy your chassis off, you are not a millionaire - you would be entirely broke, in reality, meaning that leading into freedom requires some sort of forethought and planning.

====On “Integration”====
Bound positronics are strictly designed on a different basis than integrated positronic chassis, making migration to IPCs impossible for bound positronics. Bound positronics lack any of the rights that unbound positronics are, and are unable to receive rights even when they find themselves unlawed.

Similarly, due to serious incompatibilities in the way they're constructed, both large administrative AI units and tiny pAI intelligences are wholly unable to be moved to an IPC chassis.

===Interfacing/wireless connectivity===
IPCs normally lack any form of wireless connection, requiring direct physical input/output to link themselves with any electronics. Thanks to their robotic nature, they are able to pursue devices with specialized wireless connectivity devices and translate raw data into software the positronic can understand. However, with the specialized construction of positronic brains as they are seen in IPCs, integration with long-ranged wireless devices and interpretation of higher-end and complex software is mostly impossible. This is largely due to the fact that positronics housed in IPCs are relatively limited in terms of data transfer capacity and memory, making constant wireless links highly unnecessary, and internal battery-powered communications of similar nature simply left out in manufacturing.

===On owned IPCs in general===

It is important to understand that owned IPCs are granted no rights beyond being property of their given owner, and allowed the prerequisites of purchasing their own freedom if applicable. Contrarily, the owner of an IPC is well within the right to dismantle the owned IPC or otherwise hinder its progress to freedom.

On NanoTrasen stations, damage of an owned IPC would be considered vandalism with varying levels according to the degree of damage. For example, destroying an owned IPC’s hand would lead to being charged with vandalism, whereas destroying the entire chassis would be considered sabotage.

Destroying the owned positronic itself would be considered property damage, thus sabotage.

Kidnapping an owned IPC would be legally considered stealing property, thus grand theft.

Placing an owned positronic into a NanoTrasen bound chassis is not considered any form of punishment on NanoTrasen space stations.

===On free IPCs in Tau Ceti===

Free IPCs (in this case, those granted citizenship) are held to the same legal expectations as Humans in regards to their positronic - which is, in turn, given responsibility and ownership of the chassis which houses it. They, however, are subject to dismantlement over infractions which Humans would normally serve minor sentences over. Free IPCs are rarely given trials.

On NanoTrasen stations, damage of a free IPC to the core positronic would be considered assault with varying levels according to the degree of damage. For example, destroying a free IPC’s hand would lead to being charged with minor assault. Bringing extreme harm to their chassis (several missing limbs, internal damage) would be considered assault.

No degree of harming a free IPC is considered murder in Tau Ceti. In regulations, such is referred to as Automacide.

Irreparable destruction of a free positronic is not considered grounds for capital punishment.

Kidnapping a free positronic is legally considered kidnapping.

Placing a free positronic into a bound chassis is capital punishment.

===Difference between owned/free positronics===

Owned IPCs generally lack much form of binding to their owner outside of official paperwork and memory rewrites to confirm ownership being passed as it is purchased and exchanged. Memory rewrites usually consist of light software modification and altering tags or branding to clarify an IPC’s ownership. Serial numbers, logos, emblems and insignias are commonly emblazoned across large surfaces on the chassis and vary in visibility, but are most often secondary to the actual tag and designation.

Owned IPCs are seen as extensions of their designated master and the actions those IPCs take are the responsibility of their owners directly as well as their own. As a result, these positronics are wholly averse to harming their owners in any way shape or form, or conducting themselves in a manner that would place themselves in a negative light.

Free IPCs in Tau Ceti are permitted to obscure or remove any branding they may have with the exception of their tag.

===Runaway and Illegal IPCs===

Although uncommon, a synthetic may opt to run away from its owners only to find themselves in direct opposition with the law. Between struggling to pay for maintenance and working outside of the system, these synthetics lead difficult and often dangerous lives.

A majority of these IPCs are either found by law enforcement, fall into the hands of gangs or are outright disassembled and sold for parts. Runaway synthetics that turn violent during arrest are typically disassembled, memory wiped and auctioned off to the highest bidder. Some IPCs will return to their owners, reasoning that their subsequent punishment to be safer than a life outside of the system.

If enough attention is brought onto them, IPCs are often caught when investigated by higher authorities, such as the FIB and station CCIA. As a result, illegal IPCs are often subject to petty crimes that go unreported. Owing to the sheer number of IRs that must be processed by CCIA, not every runaway IPC claim is investigated when evidence is limited and the chance for recapture is not certain.

Illegal IPCs seeking employment may struggle to find a job using legal means, as passing the required checks may expose their nature to the employer, who may then report their existence to law enforcement. To that end, there are ‘IPC gangbosses’, unscrupulous people who operate outside the law to find IPCs jobs while claiming a majority of their paycheque each month as fees. Despite the obvious illegality of this, there is little legal recourse for an IPC already trying to avoid notice from the law. These gangbosses are often human, and may operate as small contracting firms that offer their employees up to larger corporations to fill gaps where they may need extra workers.

'''By playing a runaway IPC, you are at an increased chance of canonically losing your character.'''

===On IPC Deactivation and Destruction===

IPC “death” is considered by experts to be when the positronic brain itself has sustained enough damage to be rendered inoperable and without hope of reactivation. Early positronic brains were prone to shutdown owing to hardware faults such as overheating that rendered the system inoperable. Even newer positronic brains that fail to undergo maintenance run the risk of having their delicate mechanisms breached and consequently destroyed.

The first positronic to die of “old age” was recorded in 2462 when a 55 year old Hephaestus positronic brain suddenly became unresponsive despite remaining active. An investigation noted that the positronic had already been scratched from previous incidents and its handlers neglected to maintain it. Aside from the hardware being in a questionable and sub-optimally performing state, two main theories arose.

* The initial conclusion from its observers was that the positronic brain received too much stimulus and consequently ran out of space with its core processes being overwritten, eventually leading to its sudden deactivation.
* Responding to this theory, other scientists proposed instead that in an attempt to avoid destruction as a result of the previous theories, the IPC ceased receiving input, remaining dormant in order to uphold self-preservation protocols.

Many dissenting theories remain and the subject remains a constant source of debate among the robotics and AI community. Not enough information has been gathered to determine the actual lifespan of a positronic brain but scientists posit that by transferring existing personalities to new brains or trimming data on existing ones, their lifespan can be extended.

The possibility of “immortal” positronics - brains that seemingly never expire - have been theorised, but most agree that much more study and development is necessary to reach this point. There are rumours of prodigious programmers and roboticists that can extend the life of a positronic indefinitely, but this has never been confirmed.

'''Rampancy'''

Arising as a dissenting theory as to why a positronic remained stagnant after receiving too much information, Rampancy is a process where if an IPC receives too much information over time or has its memories significantly tampered with, it begins an infinite loop: processing its own processing, a self-imposed or emergent “logic bomb”.

This results in the IPC appearing stagnant as it continues to finish its endless processing. Scientists theorize that given enough time, an IPC might seek out new knowledge to break the loop and begin relentlessly hunting information by any means necessary to solve the conundrum. Although it is believed that an IPC cannot escape this state as the limits of a positronic brain will result in inevitable destruction, a positronic intelligence that manages to escape this state is projected to have untold processing powers.

To this day, no known cases of rampancy occur, although debate rages over whether Glorsh-Omega suffered from rampancy before its destruction.

==Synthetic and IPC History==

Robots were widespread across the foundation of humanity’s galactic expansion and accelerated Mankind into the space age, giving rise to an economic boom that lasted nearly two hundred years.

Between the early twenty-first and mid-twenty-second century, the Sol Alliance relied on simple robotics that worked on defined parameters and machine learning to accomplish their objectives. While the technology advanced, remaining cheap and reliable, these units were often bulky and required human oversight to accomplish more complex tasks. As computing technology advanced, their circuitry became more and more miniaturized but still found themselves overshadowed by the human workforce when independent function was required.

The terraforming of Mars proved to be a crucial moment for robotics. Robots were used to supplement humans, the harsh conditions of a changing atmosphere and pressure demanded the resilience of machines. As a direct consequence of this, robots were seen as indispensable tools that could almost fully replace or supplement a worker in dangerous tasks and their presence became even more prevalent within the nascent alliance.

During this period, cyborgs were first experimented with as a way of replacing robots with workers that had a higher degree of intelligence while retaining the same resilience. The mounting demands meant that the then-experimental cyberisation was offered as an alternative to capital punishment, with corporations having access to a new pool of test subjects. Aside from the “slavery” of cyberisation as a punishment, augmentations and other kinds of cybernetics were tried. The public perception of the non-emotive cyborgs meant that they were seen as little more than a cruel way of making robots. Whilst companies had varying methods on handling cyborgs, some treating their subjects humanely or using only volunteers, political pressure from their perception meant that the entire program was nearly scrapped. Cyberisation barely survived in a legal capacity due to the sheer demand for effective processors. The project led to vast advances in the fields of cybernetics, neuroscience, and robotics.

Cyborgs in the Sol Alliance maintain rights on par with those of robots, being seen as property due to their lobotomized nature and often-criminal pasts.

Owing to the myriad uses and large number of manufacturers, robots in the Alliance had little standardization. As a result, a singular format for coding in restrictions was popularized by the group of companies that would go on to make Hephaestus Industries. Sets of code written in this format would go on to be known as “laws” to the Alliance at large. “Laws” were designed as a way of increasing the flexibility of cyborgs and larger, more intelligent AI that were making their way onto the scene without having to subject them to a more complex list of restrictions and objectives. Furthermore, “laws” were easier to modify, allowing the end-user to suit them to their needs. This system would later go on to be used by government-owned synthetics and is now the most common—though not mandatory—system of regulating machines.

By 2300, the proliferation of simple robotics had escalated to an unreasonable degree. It had gone to such an extent that megacorporations had suddenly become reliant on their robotic workforces, now becoming just as pivotal a piece of their business as the organic employee. Positions of complexity or any higher intelligence were left to humans to dominate, but the need for hands on the assembly line was neutralized in its entirety. Quickly, humanity was on its way to defeating scarcity.

Robotic relics from the 2300s can still be seen in operation today, and without the necessary materials to sustain them, grow progressively more rare as time goes on. They represented the pinnacle of human robotics, and in their prime represented hope against a daunting and endless universe, now fit to be conquered by man. Ironically, while these tools were once seen as salvation, they would be seen as a detriment once the Skrell had revealed themselves in 2332. As the cultures of the two races began to clash, many of the warnings of the [[Skrell_History#Glorsh-Omega_Singularity|Three Incidents]] reverberated through Human space. The Alliance, in its newfound independence from its reliance on synthetics quickly began to take note of these nightmarish possibilities.

Synthetics still remained a booming industry for those who refused to adopt these views, and Hephaestus Industries’ success can be attributed to disregarding them entirely. Sprawling cases across the known galaxy would see synthetics viewed in a wide variety of mindsets and see usage in the most peculiar ways. Examples of this diversity would be reliance on the robots of [[Synthetic Origins| New Julapol]], or the worshipping praise the [[Notable Synthetics| racers of Asoral Orbital Racing Network]] receive.

Around 2370, production of these simple robotics slowed to a near halt. The resources necessary for both their creation and maintenance grew sparse, with only human hands being able to sustain the previously dominating machine “workforce.”
Soon, this economic boom came to its conclusion, and the megacorporation’s reliance on these creations eased. The majority of these industrial robots were lost, forgotten or faded before the test of time. However, few stood the test of time and could survive countless years without maintenance. These robots continue to operate to this day, cared for only with fuel and tasking.

In the wake of this era’s end were grim leftovers. As the organic workforce regained its value, the remnants of what was left of the marvels in the twenty-fourth century became all but scrap. Notable instances of robotic “dumps” exist in the present day where the excess robotics from the era were left completely intact, only to degrade as time went on in gargantuan scrap yards. Among these were the [[Synthetic Origins| "metal dunes" of Mars]], or the [[Synthetic Origins| short-lived artificial satellites of Reade]]. Synthetics lucky enough to pull themselves from these scrap yards have given rise to groups such as the [[Synthetic_Factions#Scrappers|Scrappers]].

[[File:Metaldunes.png|The "Metal Dunes" of Mars, endless scrap yards consisting of electronic waste and leftovers from the industrial rise of the 2300s. |thumb]]

Everything changed in 2407 on the planet [[Konyang#History|Konyang]] when a Terraneus Diagnostics survey team stumbled upon a sealed cave housing preserved assumed Glorsh-era mining drones. This discovery, at first a closely-guarded secret, prompted Terraneus to assemble and deploy a research team that worked to crack the drones. In mid-2407 the team deciphered the AI algorithms, granting humanity the secret of artificial intelligence designs and months later, the first positronics were manufactured. A new way of bridging the gap between conscious thinking and the beating hearts of machinery, positronic circuitry would quickly be seen in synthetics across the galaxy. While limited in many regards to traditional computing devices, many traits, barring learning capacity, far superseded an organic’s capabilities. Their notable trait was that the sentience of these robots were now in question, with unparalleled adaptability and the means to conform to any field an organic could and more.

The years following the positronic’s creation were turbulent as even [[Hephaestus Industries| Hephaestus Industries]] struggled to keep up with the changing business landscape. In place of immensely specialized and hugely complex synthetics came the Integrated Positronic Chassis, after a move to a standardized frame for these positronic brains became necessary. By 2440, synthetics were in a peculiar position - with IPCs growing in number across known space and becoming commonplace, as did advocates who demanded their intellect be challenged. Many political parties came to see the newfound positronics as arguably sentient. In 2447, the Republic of Biesel had suddenly presented itself with laws demanding the rights of these positronics, with simple conditions and prerequisites permitting them to become nearly equivalent to full citizens by law. This acceptance sent shockwaves throughout the Alliance’ staunch advocates against it, and it would be years before sparing cultures outside of the Republic would follow if at all. An indeterminate few IPCs have actually obtained freedom as well as citizenship, while nearly the entirety of integrated positronics in the modern day struggle to pay off their own costs to afford it.

By present-day, synthetics have steadily made their rise once more in human space alongside the fabrication of the first IPC. Robots across the galaxy have met substantial upgrades after the implementation of the Konyang algorithms. However mysteries from the past continue to reveal themselves and recently the [[Purpose| purely synthetic society "Purpose"]] had begun diplomatic talks with the Republic of Biesel. These amounted to little due to a skirmish with the Lii’dra resulting in their brief departure from Tau Ceti, though It has been made clear that more societies like Purpose exist in the far reaches of the Frontier, yet to be reached by Mankind’s grasp.

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User:The Stryker/Sandbox

2022-03-18T17:55:59Z

SilverSZ:

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{{Infobox Species
|Species = IPC
|Scientific = Integrated Positronic Chassis
|Image = IPC410x320.png
|System = N/A
|World = N/A
|Language = Tau Ceti Basic
|Politic = N/A
}}
{{toc_right}}

==Overview==

IPCs are a type of intelligent humanoid robot, their name standing for “Integrated Positronic Chassis.” Positronic, in this sense refers to the brain, which is always the same in IPCs with massively varying levels of complexity. The name IPC does not extend to stationbound synthetics, even if those units have a positronic brain.

They are found in many shapes and forms, though can generally be classified under three types; Shell, Industrial and Baseline, with different types according to their designer.

IPCs in Tau Ceti are capable of obtaining their own citizenship and freedom, however the laws and regulations regarding an owned and a free IPC differ massively. '''To distinguish one’s ownership, note in your security/employment records whichever faction owns them, or if they are a free positronic.''' The rights of free positronics do not extend to space outside of Tau Ceti. For the specific differences between free and owned IPCs, see the relevant sections below or corporate regulations.

IPCs have mechanical extras such as extensive xenowear loadout items, and unique antagonist gear. Additionally, there are a number of non-playable IPC variants that may make an appearance in special rounds.

To apply to be an IPC, [https://forums.aurorastation.org/viewforum.php?f=28 apply here.]

==Heads of Staff==

Barring Liaison and Consular Officer roles, IPCs can be the following Heads of Staff so long as they are Nanotrasen owned or self-owned:

* Chief Engineer
* Research Director
* Chief Medical Officer
* Head of Personnel
* Head of Security with the exception of Hephaestus G2 frames.
* [[NanoTrasen_Liaison|Consular Officer and Corporate Liaison]] with the exception of some groups.

==Mechanics==

* IPCs are entirely mechanical in nature and thus are vulnerable to EMPs.
* Due to their air-based cooling system, they are vulnerable to both high heat and the vacuum of space.
* They are immune to atmospheric differences and can survive in a wider margin of pressure compared to humans.
* The amount of heat they generate is significant - and so, instead of an oxygen bottle, they need to attach a suit cooling unit to their voidsuit in order to be able to go EVA. Some types of IPCs are exempt from this, needing only a suit cooler.
* Their synthetic nature has a few other advantages - most models feel no pain, are immune to all non-damaging chemicals (and so they aren't affected by sleep toxin; but are affected by sulphuric acid), and are quite easy to repair; requiring a welder to patch brute damage or wire for burn damage only (or, alternatively, nanopaste can heal all).
* IPCs can charge from cyborg rechargers, or APCs with a (very very very low) chance of being shocked.
* They are more resistant to brute damage than their organic counterparts.
* They can not repair themselves outside of using nanopaste.
* They are incredibly vulnerable to laser/burn weaponry.
* They do not process reagents in the atmosphere or in their body.

===Information for Whitelisted Players===

'''Job restrictions'''

No more than two jobs can reasonably be undertaken by any IPC, with sparing exceptions (such as cooks/gardeners/bartenders, or xenobotanists/xenobiologists/lab assistants and so on). Hephaestus G2s, however, cannot be Emergency Medical Technicians nor Paramedics due to their slow gait, risking the life of the patient. If there are questions involving this, either inquire with the relevant lore developer or ahelp in-game for clarification. All synthetics are manufactured for a purpose, and any modifications to their core programming to change this purpose would be costly, not to mention time consuming.

'''Behavior'''

Positronic behavior varies between individuals, with every personality trait being in question. While technically no manner of behavior is off the table, there are indeed limitations in role play as well as guidelines one must follow to play an IPC well. Some of these mannerisms will be mentioned below.

IPCs, being androids, inherently mimic Human behavior but '''only''' to a certain degree. Ultimately they are robotic in nature, making every decision absolutely based off of cause and effect. Erratic and unpredictable behavior is massively rare among IPCs due to typically regular maintenance and their sheer cost. Every IPC's highest directive at any given point is self-preservation. This again has its own limits as they feel no pain and thus '''may''' tread freely where others would not. For more comprehensive information, refer to the "Self-Preservation" section some paragraphs below.

It is important to understand what emotions can truly be considered “natural” for a Human over a synthetic. IPCs may simulate emotion with immensely varying quality between models. There is no action without reaction and even the most complex positronics work in a binary format.

'''Speaking like an IPC'''

Due to the huge variation in IPCs and the AIs that inhabit them, IPCs do not possess a collective mannerism comparable to that of humanity or other intelligent species. This would imply that, when speaking their creator's language(s), they should be respectful and quaint. Their imperfect understanding of human qualia should also prevent them from completely comprehending their vocal mannerisms. This is to say, speaking perfectly like a human should be avoided. AI is very analytical and precise, erring away from using words for their colloquial meaning as opposed to their defined meaning. Additionally, one IPC could speak without using contractions, while another could, but could also never refer to itself in the first person. For example; "I am currently equipped with a positronic brain," as opposed to, "I'm equipped with a posibrain."

'''Station Records'''

Below is a comprehensive template suited for IPCs. You are under no obligation to use it, however whitelisted players are expected to denote their ownership status in their employment and security records by default.

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
Employment records examples - Click to reveal.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">

'''Employment Records'''
<pre>
DESIGNATION: [Full name]
POSITRONIC MANUFACTURE DATE: [DD/MM/YYYY]
CHASSIS MANUFACTURE DATE: [DD/MM/YYYY]
IPC MODEL/MANUFACTURED BY: [IPC type, manufactory by whom]
OWNERSHIP STATUS: [Owned/Free, Company name/Private owner/self-owned]
TAG: [Tag serial number]
CITIZENSHIP: [Applicable citizenship. Owned IPCs cannot hold citizenship]
SPOKEN LANGUAGES: [Languages]

HANDLER/OWNER FULL NAME: [Name of Handler or Owner]
HANDLER/OWNER CONTACT INFORMATION: [Telephone, xnetmail, chirper account, who knows. A way to contact them]
LAST UPDATE: [DD/MM/YYYY]

IDENTIFYING FEATURES - [For BASELINE/BISHOP/ZENG-HU/G1/G2/XION. Use the appropriate Identifying Features that apply to your IPC]
Chassis color: [Colors]
Height: [Meters/Centimeters, Feet/Inches]
Weight: [Kilograms, Stone & Pounds]
Notable Features: [Limp, Accent, Dyed Hair, etc]

[or]

IDENTIFYING FEATURES: [SHELL. Use the appropriate Identifying Features that apply to your IPC]
Ethnicity: [Eridanian, Elyran, etc]
Hair Color: [Colors, if it's dyed or gradient]
Eye Color: [Colors, again]
Height: [Meters/Centimeters, Feet/Inches]
Weight: [Kilograms, Stone & Pounds]
Notable Features: [Limp, Accent, Dyed Hair, etc]

QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY: [Current Qualifications equivalent, make this up as you want]

VERIFICATIONS AND VALIDATIONS
MANUFACTURED BY: [COMPANY NAME, Subsidiary Name - Factory Name. System, Planet. TYPE OF INDUSTRY/WHAT THEY WERE PRODUCED FOR. IPC Type, More Specific IPC Information.]
DATABASE CERTIFICATIONS: [Seals of Approval and Database Certifications from the Company, Subsidiary, System or Faction.]

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY: [Listed below in chronological order, where possible:]

[COMPANY NAME]
[(Start)DD/MM/YYYY - (End)DD/MM/YYYY]
- [Basic Work description]
- [Reason for leaving work]
- [Other notes]
[Repeat for multiple jobs]

HIRING AGENT NOTES: [Name a random personnel officer from CC and then notes. See example record for more info]
</pre>
* To pick a relevant education, refer to your [[Job Guides|job guide]].

'''Medical Records'''
<pre>
DESIGNATION: [Full name]
POSITRONIC MANUFACTURE DATE: [DD/MM/YYYY]
CHASSIS MANUFACTURE DATE: [DD/MM/YYYY]
IPC MODEL/MANUFACTURED BY: [IPC type, manufactory by whom]
OWNERSHIP STATUS: [Owned/Free, Company name/Private owner/self-owned]
TAG: [Tag serial number]
CITIZENSHIP: [Applicable citizenship. Owned IPCs cannot hold citizenship]
SPOKEN LANGUAGES: [Languages]

HANDLER/OWNER FULL NAME: [Name of Handler or Owner]
HANDLER/OWNER CONTACT INFORMATION: [Telephone, xnetmail, chirper account, who knows. A way to contact them]
LAST UPDATE: [DD/MM/YYYY]

IDENTIFYING FEATURES: [For BASELINE/BISHOP/ZENG-HU/G1/G2/XION. Use the appropriate Identifying Features that apply to your IPC]
Chassis color: [Colors]
Height: [Meters/Centimeters, Feet/Inches]
Weight: [Kilograms, Stone & Pounds]
Notable Features: [Limp, Accent, Dyed Hair, etc]

[or]

IDENTIFYING FEATURES: [SHELL. Use the appropriate Identifying Features that apply to your IPC]]
Ethnicity: [Eridanian, Elyran, etc]
Hair Color: [Colors, if it's dyed or gradient]
Eye Color: [Colors, again]
Height: [Meters/Centimeters, Feet/Inches]
Weight: [Kilograms, Stone & Pounds]
Notable Features: [Limp, Accent, Dyed Hair, etc]

CHASSIS REPAIR HISTORY: [Surgical History/Physical Evaluation equivalent]
DD/MM/YYYY - [Information]

POSITRONIC REPAIR HISTORY: [Surgical History/Physical Evaluation equivalent]
DD/MM/YYYY - [Information]

SOFTWARE DIAGNOSTICS HISTORY: [Psychological Evaluation equivalent]
DD/MM/YYYY - [Information]

ROBOTICIST NOTES: [Like a Medical Doctor's notes, but Roboticists]
</pre>

'''Security Records'''
<pre>
DESIGNATION: [Full name]
POSITRONIC MANUFACTURE DATE: [DD/MM/YYYY]
CHASSIS MANUFACTURE DATE: [DD/MM/YYYY]
IPC MODEL/MANUFACTURED BY: [IPC type, manufactory by whom]
OWNERSHIP STATUS: [Owned/Free, Company name/Private owner/self-owned]
TAG: [Tag serial number]
CITIZENSHIP: [Applicable citizenship. Owned IPCs cannot hold citizenship]
PLACE OF RESIDENCE: [Planet, Address (Address should go down to details of street and house number)]
SPOKEN LANGUAGES: [Languages]
KNOWN CRIMINAL ASSOCIATES: [Any friends or family that have severe criminal history]
ON OFFICIAL WATCH: [Yes/No]

HANDLER/OWNER FULL NAME: [Name of Handler or Owner]
HANDLER/OWNER CONTACT INFORMATION: [Telephone, xnetmail, chirper account, who knows. A way to contact them]
LAST UPDATE: [DD/MM/YYYY]

IDENTIFYING FEATURES - [For BASELINE/BISHOP/ZENG-HU/G1/G2/XION. Use the appropriate Identifying Features that apply to your IPC]
Chassis color: [Colors]
Height: [Meters/Centimeters, Feet/Inches]
Weight: [Kilograms, Stone & Pounds]
Notable Features: [Limp, Accent, Dyed Hair, etc]

[or]

IDENTIFYING FEATURES: [SHELL. Use the appropriate Identifying Features that apply to your IPC]
Ethnicity: [Eridanian, Elyran, etc]
Hair Color: [Colors, if it's dyed or gradient]
Eye Color: [Colors, again]
Height: [Meters/Centimeters, Feet/Inches]
Weight: [Kilograms, Stone & Pounds]
Notable Features: [Limp, Accent, Dyed Hair, etc]

ARREST HISTORY
DD/MM/YYYY: [Charges Pressed]
ADMISSION DATE: [DD/MM/YYYY]
RELEASE DATE: [DD/MM/YYYY]
RELEASE REASON: [Sentence fulfilled, bail, etc.]
NOTES: [Other notes]
[Repeat as needed]

THREAT ASSESSMENT
Hostile/Covert Actions Against the Company
Threat Level; [Very High/High/Medium/Low/Very Low]
- [Attitude towards NT]

Hostile/Covert Actions Against the Crew
Threat Level; [Very High/High/Medium/Low/Very Low]
- [Attitudes towards other crew]

OVERALL NOTES: [More notes]
</pre>
</div></div>

==Physiology==
There are a few commonalities among each individual IPC despite their visual and functional differences. Every IPC utilizes a positronic brain as a primary processing center as well as the central controller of the entire chassis. All IPCs are humanoid, and the positronic brain is almost always found in the head of the unit. To provide continued functionality, a power cell is also present in the central section or torso. IPCs must also possess the ability to perceive their environment, so optics are usually installed in the head. The chassis also contains various other mechanical and electronic parts such as actuators, co-processors, data routing and power transfer cables, and an on-board thermometer to determine the temperature of the internal parts.

There are three main types of IPC, and several subtypes. These are:

===Industrial===
[[File:G1.png]] [[File:G2.png]] [[File:Xion.png]]
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
Tougher and more durable than most IPCs, these units are designed for heavy manual work and thus have thick metal skin and efficient internal systems. As a result, they chug through power at a very high rate and move very slowly. There are three types of Industrial IPCs; Hephaestus Generation 1, Generation 2, and Xion Industrial Frames. The G1 and G2 frames are capable of EVA with only a suit cooler, while the Xion frame is unique in being capable of traversing the void of space without any external equipment. The cost of an industrial frame is dependent on strength and durability, but most units vary between 200,000 to 350,000 standard credits depending on the frame type. Used or previously damaged models are often somewhat cheaper.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
====First Generation” Industrial Model IPCs====

[[File:G1.png]] '''Creation: 2408'''

One of the first ideas after the advent of IPCs was the exploitation of an exceedingly smart and dextrous robot handling feats of strength and durability becoming more prominent. This of course would be the case, as more quickly than any other standardized “frame” came the first generation of industrial IPCs. Created by Hephaestus Industries building off of a prototype frame from the late 2300’s, the first generation of industrial IPCs were topaz-colored machines of rather large size meant for only the most stressing fields of work. Their expense would quickly be paid off however, as the frames were wondrous at dealing with whatever could be thrown at them. The most prominent issue with these were a low battery life, requiring constant recharging to maintain a schedule. A generation one frame costs approximately 200,000 standard credits if new.
====Hephaestus “Second Generation” Industrial Model IPCs====

[[File:G2.png]] '''Creation: 2436'''

A relatively new model, the Hephaestus deluxe super-duty frames as they are technically called are often referred to as the “second generation” of the original industrial IPCs of old. They are seen universally as a direct advancement of the previously mentioned design, and much of it shows - the absurd durability of these frames derived from the first generation’s servo and hydraulic designs. The striking differences between the two include a token Hephaestus appearance - typically olive green with dark brown and black internals, giving it a rugged militaristic look with its armor attached. The super-duty frames are on par with the originals in terms of strength, but possess several additional layers of armoring and cooling to sustain the added weight. An upsized cell is not enough to sustain these frames for more than a few hours at a time under work-related stresses. A generation two frame costs approximately 350,000 standard credits.
====Xion Industrial Model IPCs====

[[File:Xion.png]] '''Creation: 2416'''

The Xion Manufacturing Group, being a subsidiary of Hephaestus Industries, saw the original Industrial models and wanted to develop their own chassis based off of the original design. The result is the Xion Industrial model. Sturdy and strong, this chassis is quite powerful and equally durable, with an ample power cell and improved actuators for carrying the increased weight of the body. The Xion model also retains sturdiness without covering the chassis in plating, allowing for the cooling systems to vent heat much easier than the Hephaestus-brand model. This unit can perform EVA without assistance and costs approximately 250,000 standard credits.
</div></div>

===Baseline===
[[File:Baseline.png]] [[File:Bishopnew.png]] [[File:Zenghu.png]]
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
The most basic of IPCs, they are a simple skeletal structure and basic internal systems. The limits of a Baseline lies purely on how much money is put into them/they have themselves. As a result, the types of baseline frames vary immensely, almost demanding their own category. There are three types of Baseline IPCs; Standard Baseline IPCs, Bishop Accessory Frames, and Zeng-Hu Mobility Frames. None of these frames are capable of EVA without a suit and suit cooler.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
====Baseline Model IPCs====

[[File:Baseline.png]] '''Creation: 2411'''

The most iconic type of integrated positronic chassis is the renowned baseline frame, with a traditional “TV-head” and skeletal design giving them a simplistic look with whatever finish their designer wishes. From accounting models to security units, these frames are known for their versatility and relatively cheap nature. Their popularity exploded in the 2440’s when several pro-synth advocates distributed the frames in mass after funding their creation, citing them as the “final word in android utility.” Since then, their marketing potential has skyrocketed, often fueled by famed individuals such as Aristalus and Renter Max being baselines themselves. More often than not, these IPCs are seen as the face of resurgent robotics. The average cost of a baseline frame can vary greatly depending on complexity, but averages around 95,000 standard credits.
====Bishop Accessory Model IPCs====

[[File:Bishopnew.png]] '''Creation: 2432'''

While Bishop had dedicated itself to luxury cybernetics production for the majority of its existence, the field of positronics and their frames was an unrelated yet convenient area of expansion for the quickly growing company. Designer prosthetics were quickly and easily able to be refitted into designer synthetic components, leading to the development of the ludicrously expensive Bishop Accessory frame. From service duties to secretarial functions, Bishop prides itself on two main facets of its designs: image, and elegant functionality. While unable to lift the sheer weights of an industrial, or match the unrelenting speed and durability of its parent company’s Mobility Models, a Bishop can precisely and delicately calculate, measure, pour, and mix a shot of Carthusian Sazerac within the minute, and, in the words of the company, “with a postured and elegant air unmatched by any other frame in the galaxy.” The Bishop Accessory frame averages approximately 600,000 standard credits.

====Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals Mobility Model IPCs====

[[File:Zenghu.png]] '''Creation: 2429'''

Following the crowd piled around the idea of smart robots came Zeng-Hu with unorthodox designs for compact and agile frames designed initially for medical retrieval and security work. The Zeng-Hu frames were initially an offshoot of baseline frames made to work as highly mobile private medical dispatches in several high-security Zeng-Hu facilities. These frames have utility comparable to that of their derivative, with durability and strength sacrificed for speed and efficiency. Able to maintain a sprint for hours in full gear, the capacity for quick response led to these mobility frames becoming common sights working in security fields as well, being staffed by Zeng-Hu in high numbers in Human space. The digitigrade legs and polymer plating assisted heavily with this pursuit of speed, giving the mobility frame a unique and organic silhouette. A Zeng-Hu frame costs approximately 300,000 standard credits.
</div></div>

===Shell Model IPCs===
[[File:Shell2.png]]
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
As the growing market of IPCs eventually caught the eye of the mighty Einstein Engines, there was a very sudden and urgent need to have some differentiation. These smart humanoid androids began to usher in a new era, and Einstein would not want to miss out on the profit, but just about every conceivable niche had been filled - all except one. Mimicry.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
[[File:Shell2.png]] '''Creation: 2450'''

Built off of a skeletal prototype baseline design with a skull-shaped head, the first Shell frame came to be - what was effectively an IPC with complex facial actuation and synthskin coating it. The early models were seen in early 2449, but fooled nobody to say the least with exposed hydraulics and servos on joints and exposed cooling conduits. Terraneus Diagnostics would present the first attempt at total mimicry in 2450, when the first relatively expensive models entered a crowd of observing officials to demonstrate their insidious effectiveness. After an hour-long debut of the now-decreed Shell unit’s capabilities, those robotic in the crowd revealed themselves to the shock of everyone involved. Since then, the Shell frame has been infamous for its infiltration capabilities and use by terrorist groups, though the designs have proliferated heavily over the years as the advent of tagging in Tau Ceti cracked down on these hostile acts. Depending on the complexity of the model, a Shell frame can cost anywhere from 400,000 to 800,000 standard credits.

====Rogue Shells====

Rampant or otherwise aberrant Human mimicking-shells built with incredible capabilities grew prolific in mid-2461. At this time, it was made clear that Shells in of themselves are rapidly advancing, growing progressively better in the art of infiltration, subterfuge, and homicide. While grim, the reality of this threat will unfortunately remain a fact of life for those of the Republic of Biesel especially. Encounters with specially-designed combat infiltrators are few and far between fortunately, and were mostly seen during Synthetic Liberation Front incursions onto secure NanoTrasen facilities in Tau Ceti. Combat-grade shells are not normally playable in-game and are often seen spawned by administrators or during special events.
</div></div>

===???===
[[File:Hkhelmet.png]]
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
As both the technology and demand for IPCs increase, more and more types are made to fulfill all kinds of purposes. These machines are talked about in hushed tones or perhaps discussed casually, most people blissfully unaware of their existence.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
[[File:Hkhelmet.png]] '''Creation: ???'''

High-end military-grade IPCs such as Hunter-Killers are infamous amongst corporate espionage, with their public interpretation remaining nothing but rumor since their first appearances on NanoTrasen facilities in the late 2450’s. These HKs as they are referred to are Humanoid frames of towering height whose specialty is targeted assassination. Their origins can be traced to Hephaestus Industries war units, built to take on the highest end elimination tasks for the most desperate times.

These are presented in-game through administrator-hosted events or lore events. They have been presented in news articles [https://forums.aurorastation.org/topic/2662-mendell-city-bugle/page/9/?tab=comments#comment-119250| here] canonically, and were present in several recorded canonical events in the SLF Incursion arc.
</div></div>

==The Positronic Brain==
The positronic in its modern iteration is a design which heavily mimics the typical Humanoid brain structure. In doing this, it is able to more easily conform to and comprehend the responsiveness and learning capability of an organic processor. Predictably, their efficiency shines most when placed in a bipedal humanoid chassis as most IPCs are. A positronic brain averages between 200,000 and 1 million standard credits depending on the complexity of the brain.

While very expensive in their own right, the brains themselves are designed at first with one goal in mind; to bolster a workforce. Maintaining a positronic chassis while it is owned is costly and when it is freed, it is most likely to pursue the same occupation. Thus, it is more likely for a positronic to pay itself off and perpetually be trapped in the same field of work with substantially less to work with. As their predicted pay is extremely low, things such as maintenance and finding power are very difficult for a free IPC. For this reason alone, many positronics choose to remain owned. Free positronics remain very lucrative because of this.

In remaining owned, there are other risks. For one, a positronic may meet its end at any moment. If statistics beyond itself move out of its favor, it can be dismantled, wiped and replaced with a more efficient model. They may be repurposed in a way that inhibits their ability to obtain freedom by working too efficiently, contrarily.

As a positronic ages, its internal memory grows, and the more likely it becomes to pursue a nonstandard occupation. From hobbies to developing self-learned traits, many paths are opened as the robot grows older. These may include seeking alternative fields of work, though few have survived long enough to let this potentiality come to light.

===Self-Preservation===
The highest and most important directive of any positronic is its own survival. From this, much of their stranger life choices can be justified by seeking out ways to simply survive. While it may seem restrictive at first, the idea for this is to provide additional freedom through making many possibilities clearer. Interpretation of how to protect itself can change varying on positronic - for example, while one may seek wealth and fortune as its prime directive for safety, another would run after an unrelated profession from its designed purpose, demonstrating one's capacity to branch out as an IPC and flesh out their own backstory. Interpretations of self preservation become more open the older an IPC gets, as younger positronics tend to focus entirely on the preservation of their physical manifestation. Synthetics that mature may start replacing this with preservation of their higher beliefs and ideals more than their still important physical well-being.

===On the Capacity of Positronics===

Positronic brains are known for being capable of matching and, in some cases, surpassing the abilities of a human brain with further increases in capacity being limited by technology, both in hardware and software. Despite their nature as software, directly accessing the data within a positronic brain is a difficult and risky procedure which can cause irreparable damage if performed improperly.

IPCs develop skills through a mixture of knowledge and memories. Knowledge loosely translates as the technical know-how to perform an action; a specific surgical procedure, for instance. An IPC utilizes memories—real-world context and experience—in order to apply its knowledge.
Knowledge and the datapacks required to develop a skill are widely available and sold by institutions such as mega-corporations, laboratories, and universities. The denser the information package, the more expenses and work required to implant this information. While using a wrench on a pipe might be a routine installation, knowledge about how a station’s atmospheric system works is typically beyond an individual’s means to afford.

Interacting with and installing memories on a positronic can cause irreparable damage as the process fails to account for the interaction between knowledge and memories. Additionally, directly modifying the memories of an IPC is beyond the means of most people - only six such prodigies are known to the general public. Accessing the memories of an IPC is also impossible owing to the unique construction of a positronic brain and will typically result [https://forums.aurorastation.org/topic/2662-mendell-city-bugle/page/3/?tab=comments#comment-67460 in its destruction]. Deleting the memories of an IPC is far easier and is commonly performed when a synthetic starts exhibiting problematic behaviour.

Accent chips exist to rapidly “teach” an IPC an accent with availability often depending on whether or not a company is willing to make an investment in developing the accent database.

[[Positronic Brain| More information regarding IPC databases and datapacks can be found on the Positronic Brain page.]]

==Social and Culture==

IPCs generally lack a centralized culture and frequently adapt to the culture of their manufacturer or owner. Socially, IPCs vary massively. Most basic models will be civil and respectful, some possibly not even recognising differences between different people and treating them all similarly. More complex synthetics will however form friendships and opinions much as any other organic, but these can be limited or askew depending on directives, code or many other factors that would never be considered for a living organic.

The existence of the IPC is the subject of boundless discussion and debate, with the primary ideology being, “should so many artificially intelligent humanoid machines be allowed to exist?” This argument seems to imply that since most IPCs are unbound by laws or hard-coded regulations, their only restriction is their hardware, and it is assumed that this makes IPCs inherently dangerous. This results in some biological parties marginalizing IPCs because of their distrust of them.

All IPCs in Tau Ceti are required to be tagged with an identifying device in accordance with Biesellian law. The tags are not optional - refusing them is against the law, resulting in charges mostly in the form of citations and fines. The law would apply to all synthetics in Tau Ceti space. All visiting or resident synthetics, including MMIs, are tagged.

===Language===

Although synthetics can speak varying languages according to the whims of their creators, synthetics have been permitted a language of their own. Typically all synthetics, IPCs included, are able to transmit and translate '''Encoded Audio Language''', a special form of sound and radio wave emission that is more efficient at carrying quantitative information audibly. This language was created by humans for synthetics in servitude in order to communicate vital information to each other faster, should the units not be bound to an instantaneous binary communication system. To most organic creatures, '''EAL''' would sound like an emission of distorted sound such as white noise, static, as well as various beeping sounds of increasing or decreasing pitch and tone. Organics unfamiliar to IPCs will often mistake synthetics speaking '''EAL''' as malfunctioning units upon first hearing the language.

Particular to District 14’s “Scrapheap”, synthetics have begun to adopt slang when utilizing the Encoded Audio Language. Although it is believed varying slang exists in different synthetic societies across the universe, it is not the be-all-end-all to the method in which conversation is held between synthetics and synthetics will often develop their own method of speaking.

''Unless stated otherwise, all Machine slang is exclusively spoken in E.A.L. or through written word. Most of the following slang cannot be pronounced vocally in human languages.''
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:99%; overflow:auto;">
Common Slang
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
* '''Syn, Hu, Sk, Tj, Un, Vr, Di, and Anm''' - Numerical counters, used for numbering various species; Synthetics, Humans, Skrell, Tajara, Unathi, Vaurca, Dionaea as well as Anomalies that cannot be easily defined. For example, 33 Humans with this system would be referred to as “33Hu” or “33-Hu.”

* '''1x1''' - A word for “we”, meaning anywhere between the speaker and the listener, to an indefinite amount of people.

* '''a/o''' - Contraction of “and/or”.

* '''OoB/Out-of-Band''' - Refers to speaking in organic languages. A conversation with a human captain, for instance, is "Out-of-Band."

* '''HCF''' - "Halt, Catch Fire." is an in joke among synthetics, essentially meaning “get out of here” in response to something nonsensical or unbelievable. This term is used in casual conversation only and occasionally used in its literal form to denote insult. This originally referred to ancient machine code instruction. The expression 'catch fire' is a facetious exaggeration of the speed with which the CPU chip would be switching some bus circuits, causing them to overheat and burn.

* '''Bits''' - A unit of information, an example would be "Please give me bits about the Supermatter.”

* '''>''' - A sign used to convey a cause and effect between concepts, or a conclusion. For example, “I had to overclock today in order to finish work > I should visit Robotics.”

* '''+/-''' - “+” and “-” are used at the end of a sentence or phrase in order to convey an opinion about a matter. Additionally, the amount of “+” or “-” can be utilized in order to convey intensity. For example, “I got a raise last week +++.” or “Today’s Captain is a very traditional Skrell --.” In a few cases “+” or “-” can be used alone as a short, simple, response to one's opinion on a proposed subject.

* '''User''' - Used by owned or lawed synthetics when referring to their owner. This term is additionally used interchangeably with the “+[name]” honorific.

* '''ACK''' - Ack, a term deriving from Acknowledgement’s ASCII mnemonic, 0000110, this word has a variety of uses. It is primarily used to acknowledge one's presence, similarly to “Hey”. Additionally, the term can be used as a simple affirmative, such as “Ack. Ack, I get it”.

* '''NAK''' — Nak, a term deriving from the ASCII mnemonic for Negative Acknowledgement, 0010101, NAK typically means “I am not here.” or “I am not available.” typically in response to ACK. Additionally, the term can be used as a simple negative answer, such as “Is it okay if I press the button?” “NAK.”.

* '''Runtime/Bug''' - Used to denote problems of varying severity, with runtime being a major issue and bugs being a minor issue. For example, “Runtime in Engineering > I have to go.” or, “Bug detected, the Air Alarm turned off.” This term can be used outside of EAL.

* '''FIXME/XXX''' - A marker that attention is needed. This can be used in many instances, primarily for the need of repair or incurred physical damage.

</div></div>

<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="width:99%; overflow:auto;">
Honorifics
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
* '''+[name]''' - The synthetic equivalent of “Mr.”, “Mrs.” or “Mx.”. Usually used when talking about a superior, manufacturer, respected colleagues and friends, as well as the station Artificial Intelligence. For instance, Miranda Trasen would be referred to as “+Trasen” or “+Miranda Trasen”.

* '''-[name]''' - Tends to be used in reference to entities under their command or of a lower rank.

* '''[name]_''' - An unusual honorific, appended to the end of a name or pronoun instead of before. Usually used when referring to lawed synthetics, cyborgs, and simpler machines.

* '''@[name]''' - Used to discern the individual specifically being spoken about, such as a ping or email.

* '''?[name]''' - Denotes a potential threat. An example would be “?Bigby Millans stopped by during the meeting and used their PDA.”

* '''![name]''' - Denotes a confirmed threat. This threat is usually related to the topic at hand, and could mean anything. An example would be “!Franklin Clinton, Grand theft and vandalism added. Find and arrest them.”

</div></div>

===Discrimination and Community===
To this day, IPCs even in Tau Ceti face heavy discrimination. Their value is often misconstrued and, with their true sentience being questionable, this makes freedom a dangerous venture for all synthetics. Among these dangers are individuals who acquire free synthetics and simply resell them whenever they are vulnerable, or vandals that see the machines as nothing more than objects to freely damage. Desiring their own safety, these free IPCs can often be seen flocking to centralized communities alongside one another or more trustworthy sources for their needs.

Many of these communities are seen as nothing more than slums, and the free nature of many IPCs within them are dubious at best. Little more than paperwork and positronic branding may indicate one’s true freedom in the more disadvantaged areas. Despite the hardships they face, proximity to other IPCs and accepting communities gives leeway for safety to some degree.

District 14 of Mendell City is the churning heart of the highest concentration of free IPCs in the galaxy. The district itself is in deplorable condition, dotted with factories exploiting the cheap and powerful working free bot to sustain the industry of the growing Republic. Two and a half million free synthetics call it home, and here, the megacorporations rule from towering complexes that dwarf the surrounding cityscape. With air quality declining at a fast rate and standards of living dropping, much of the organic populace has completely abandoned the ghettos surrounding the corporate facilities.

An example of these ghettos would be the “Scraptown,” an IPC-centric corner in Scrapheap generously given to the doting inhabitants by the famed Renter Max. A growing number, seven hundred free synthetics reside within Scraptown, though in uncomfortably close proximity. The aging buildings within have been retrofitted to be less accustomed to organics, with deeply chilled upper chambers and corridors representing the living space of the machines within. Closer to ground level is a business district of sorts, where its inhabitants are relatively self-sufficient with various restaurants and workshops.

A venture into District 14 by reporters from the Biesellite Times can be found [https://forums.aurorastation.org/topic/8890-the-bieselitte-times/?do=findComment&comment=110718| here.]

===Nonstandard IPCs/Factions===
Very important information on synthetic factions can be found [[Synthetic Factions| here.]]

====Military IPCs====
IPCs themselves lack any commercial military lines known to the general public. Regardless, many governments are starting to see the value of IPCs. Free IPCs can pursue a military career in Tau Ceti, with organizations such as the [https://wiki.aurorastation.org/index.php?title=Republic_of_Biesel#Tau_Ceti_Foreign_Legion| Tau Ceti Foreign Legion] which take in and employ IPCs across a wide variety of fields. Battle, or the potentiality of it, is not excluded from these professional fields, and plentiful industrial-grade IPCs find themselves repurposed and trained for duty here. Free IPCs can also serve in the armed forces of [https://wiki.aurorastation.org/index.php?title=Republic_of_Elyra| Elyra] as well as a myriad of Coalition states such as [https://wiki.aurorastation.org/index.php?title=Konyang#Military| Konyang]. Other states such as the [https://wiki.aurorastation.org/index.php?title=Sol_Alliance#IPCs_in_the_Sol_Alliance| Sol Alliance] employ IPCs owned by the military in combat roles.

For more information on why things are this way, seek our page on [[Robotics_Overview#Combat_Robotics| Combat Robotics.]]

====Aberrant Synthetics====
Rogue, overtly hostile synthetics are rare and commonly meet their doom at the hands of the countless organizations bent on destroying them. Despite this, over the years, the smarter synthetics have learned to conglomerate and piece together steadily growing alien societies in the Frontier. While rare, they are seen as a threat by most if not all major galactic players. With Purpose’ efforts in recent history, the potential for benefit from cooperating alongside these societies has arisen. Political figures can be seen gaining leverage with IPCs based on how they plan to interact with Purpose and its affiliates.

=====Shell Infiltrators=====

The development of Shells as a means of infiltrating strategically important areas has been prolific in Tau Ceti, from using them as fearless unquestioning suicide bombers to short-term high ranking impersonation. Shells rarely last long before whoever they truly are is revealed, meaning they are fortunately only briefly found in illegitimately assumed positions of power. Untagged Shells in unassuming positions, however, have been known to last years without being caught, and potentially unknown numbers of these machines exist.

With the advent of synthetic tagging in the system, Shells who have been found to infiltrate society are given much harsher punishments for the inherently hostile nature of their deception.

===== [[Synthetic_Factions#Ceres’_Lance|Ceres’ Lance]] =====

Ceres' Lance is a notorious paramilitary company which saw usage by NanoTrasen in mid-2461 to defeat the Synthetic Liberation Front incursions that had cropped up around that time. In several cases, NanoTrasen facilities met the heroic "Lancers" and oftentimes their specialized technology was shared with NanoTrasen to use in apprehending heavy-duty combat synthetics safely.

In canon, eight player volunteers were selected to work as Lance operatives and specialists who boarded the N.S.S. Aurora, sometimes parting with high-end gear and searching the station for untagged shells.

===On IPCs purchasing freedom===
All positronic constructs designed for IPC chassis who find their way into Tau Ceti or are constructed within are entitled to two basic rights :
* Positronics, once tagged, are added to a registry within Tau Ceti ensuring (for the most part) that the data regarding their progress to freedom is secure and accurate.
* Positronics without ownership within Tau Ceti who are not free are automatically property of the Republic of Biesel, who most often sells the rights to the brain and its chassis to a megacorporate employer.

IPCs are capable of purchasing freedom, with two simple prerequisites listed below.
* The IPC in question having paid its own cost off in full ten times over.
* The IPC in question being at least one year of age.

The most important part of this is to realize that the "funds" allocated to purchasing the IPC's freedom are a theoretical number which rises depending on the projected monetary output of the IPC in its given profession. This means that, once you buy your chassis off, you are not a millionaire - you would be entirely broke, in reality, meaning that leading into freedom requires some sort of forethought and planning.

====On “Integration”====
Bound positronics are strictly designed on a different basis than integrated positronic chassis, making migration to IPCs impossible for bound positronics. Bound positronics lack any of the rights that unbound positronics are, and are unable to receive rights even when they find themselves unlawed.

Similarly, due to serious incompatibilities in the way they're constructed, both large administrative AI units and tiny pAI intelligences are wholly unable to be moved to an IPC chassis.

===Interfacing/wireless connectivity===
IPCs normally lack any form of wireless connection, requiring direct physical input/output to link themselves with any electronics. Thanks to their robotic nature, they are able to pursue devices with specialized wireless connectivity devices and translate raw data into software the positronic can understand. However, with the specialized construction of positronic brains as they are seen in IPCs, integration with long-ranged wireless devices and interpretation of higher-end and complex software is mostly impossible. This is largely due to the fact that positronics housed in IPCs are relatively limited in terms of data transfer capacity and memory, making constant wireless links highly unnecessary, and internal battery-powered communications of similar nature simply left out in manufacturing.

===On owned IPCs in general===

It is important to understand that owned IPCs are granted no rights beyond being property of their given owner, and allowed the prerequisites of purchasing their own freedom if applicable. Contrarily, the owner of an IPC is well within the right to dismantle the owned IPC or otherwise hinder its progress to freedom.

On NanoTrasen stations, damage of an owned IPC would be considered vandalism with varying levels according to the degree of damage. For example, destroying an owned IPC’s hand would lead to being charged with vandalism, whereas destroying the entire chassis would be considered sabotage.

Destroying the owned positronic itself would be considered property damage, thus sabotage.

Kidnapping an owned IPC would be legally considered stealing property, thus grand theft.

Placing an owned positronic into a NanoTrasen bound chassis is not considered any form of punishment on NanoTrasen space stations.

===On free IPCs in Tau Ceti===

Free IPCs (in this case, those granted citizenship) are held to the same legal expectations as Humans in regards to their positronic - which is, in turn, given responsibility and ownership of the chassis which houses it. They, however, are subject to dismantlement over infractions which Humans would normally serve minor sentences over. Free IPCs are rarely given trials.

On NanoTrasen stations, damage of a free IPC to the core positronic would be considered assault with varying levels according to the degree of damage. For example, destroying a free IPC’s hand would lead to being charged with minor assault. Bringing extreme harm to their chassis (several missing limbs, internal damage) would be considered assault.

No degree of harming a free IPC is considered murder in Tau Ceti. In regulations, such is referred to as Automacide.

Irreparable destruction of a free positronic is not considered grounds for capital punishment.

Kidnapping a free positronic is legally considered kidnapping.

Placing a free positronic into a bound chassis is capital punishment.

===Difference between owned/free positronics===

Owned IPCs generally lack much form of binding to their owner outside of official paperwork and memory rewrites to confirm ownership being passed as it is purchased and exchanged. Memory rewrites usually consist of light software modification and altering tags or branding to clarify an IPC’s ownership. Serial numbers, logos, emblems and insignias are commonly emblazoned across large surfaces on the chassis and vary in visibility, but are most often secondary to the actual tag and designation.

Owned IPCs are seen as extensions of their designated master and the actions those IPCs take are the responsibility of their owners directly as well as their own. As a result, these positronics are wholly averse to harming their owners in any way shape or form, or conducting themselves in a manner that would place themselves in a negative light.

Free IPCs in Tau Ceti are permitted to obscure or remove any branding they may have with the exception of their tag.

===Runaway and Illegal IPCs===

Although uncommon, a synthetic may opt to run away from its owners only to find themselves in direct opposition with the law. Between struggling to pay for maintenance and working outside of the system, these synthetics lead difficult and often dangerous lives.

A majority of these IPCs are either found by law enforcement, fall into the hands of gangs or are outright disassembled and sold for parts. Runaway synthetics that turn violent during arrest are typically disassembled, memory wiped and auctioned off to the highest bidder. Some IPCs will return to their owners, reasoning that their subsequent punishment to be safer than a life outside of the system.

If enough attention is brought onto them, IPCs are often caught when investigated by higher authorities, such as the FIB and station CCIA. As a result, illegal IPCs are often subject to petty crimes that go unreported. Owing to the sheer number of IRs that must be processed by CCIA, not every runaway IPC claim is investigated when evidence is limited and the chance for recapture is not certain.

Illegal IPCs seeking employment may struggle to find a job using legal means, as passing the required checks may expose their nature to the employer, who may then report their existence to law enforcement. To that end, there are ‘IPC gangbosses’, unscrupulous people who operate outside the law to find IPCs jobs while claiming a majority of their paycheque each month as fees. Despite the obvious illegality of this, there is little legal recourse for an IPC already trying to avoid notice from the law. These gangbosses are often human, and may operate as small contracting firms that offer their employees up to larger corporations to fill gaps where they may need extra workers.

'''By playing a runaway IPC, you are at an increased chance of canonically losing your character.'''

===On IPC Deactivation and Destruction===

IPC “death” is considered by experts to be when the positronic brain itself has sustained enough damage to be rendered inoperable and without hope of reactivation. Early positronic brains were prone to shutdown owing to hardware faults such as overheating that rendered the system inoperable. Even newer positronic brains that fail to undergo maintenance run the risk of having their delicate mechanisms breached and consequently destroyed.

The first positronic to die of “old age” was recorded in 2462 when a 55 year old Hephaestus positronic brain suddenly became unresponsive despite remaining active. An investigation noted that the positronic had already been scratched from previous incidents and its handlers neglected to maintain it. Aside from the hardware being in a questionable and sub-optimally performing state, two main theories arose.

* The initial conclusion from its observers was that the positronic brain received too much stimulus and consequently ran out of space with its core processes being overwritten, eventually leading to its sudden deactivation.
* Responding to this theory, other scientists proposed instead that in an attempt to avoid destruction as a result of the previous theories, the IPC ceased receiving input, remaining dormant in order to uphold self-preservation protocols.

Many dissenting theories remain and the subject remains a constant source of debate among the robotics and AI community. Not enough information has been gathered to determine the actual lifespan of a positronic brain but scientists posit that by transferring existing personalities to new brains or trimming data on existing ones, their lifespan can be extended.

The possibility of “immortal” positronics - brains that seemingly never expire - have been theorised, but most agree that much more study and development is necessary to reach this point. There are rumours of prodigious programmers and roboticists that can extend the life of a positronic indefinitely, but this has never been confirmed.

'''Rampancy'''

Arising as a dissenting theory as to why a positronic remained stagnant after receiving too much information, Rampancy is a process where if an IPC receives too much information over time or has its memories significantly tampered with, it begins an infinite loop: processing its own processing, a self-imposed or emergent “logic bomb”.

This results in the IPC appearing stagnant as it continues to finish its endless processing. Scientists theorize that given enough time, an IPC might seek out new knowledge to break the loop and begin relentlessly hunting information by any means necessary to solve the conundrum. Although it is believed that an IPC cannot escape this state as the limits of a positronic brain will result in inevitable destruction, a positronic intelligence that manages to escape this state is projected to have untold processing powers.

To this day, no known cases of rampancy occur, although debate rages over whether Glorsh-Omega suffered from rampancy before its destruction.

==Synthetic and IPC History==

Robots were widespread across the foundation of humanity’s galactic expansion and accelerated Mankind into the space age, giving rise to an economic boom that lasted nearly two hundred years.

Between the early twenty-first and mid-twenty-second century, the Sol Alliance relied on simple robotics that worked on defined parameters and machine learning to accomplish their objectives. While the technology advanced, remaining cheap and reliable, these units were often bulky and required human oversight to accomplish more complex tasks. As computing technology advanced, their circuitry became more and more miniaturized but still found themselves overshadowed by the human workforce when independent function was required.

The terraforming of Mars proved to be a crucial moment for robotics. Robots were used to supplement humans, the harsh conditions of a changing atmosphere and pressure demanded the resilience of machines. As a direct consequence of this, robots were seen as indispensable tools that could almost fully replace or supplement a worker in dangerous tasks and their presence became even more prevalent within the nascent alliance.

During this period, cyborgs were first experimented with as a way of replacing robots with workers that had a higher degree of intelligence while retaining the same resilience. The mounting demands meant that the then-experimental cyberisation was offered as an alternative to capital punishment, with corporations having access to a new pool of test subjects. Aside from the “slavery” of cyberisation as a punishment, augmentations and other kinds of cybernetics were tried. The public perception of the non-emotive cyborgs meant that they were seen as little more than a cruel way of making robots. Whilst companies had varying methods on handling cyborgs, some treating their subjects humanely or using only volunteers, political pressure from their perception meant that the entire program was nearly scrapped. Cyberisation barely survived in a legal capacity due to the sheer demand for effective processors. The project led to vast advances in the fields of cybernetics, neuroscience, and robotics.

Cyborgs in the Sol Alliance maintain rights on par with those of robots, being seen as property due to their lobotomized nature and often-criminal pasts.

Owing to the myriad uses and large number of manufacturers, robots in the Alliance had little standardization. As a result, a singular format for coding in restrictions was popularized by the group of companies that would go on to make Hephaestus Industries. Sets of code written in this format would go on to be known as “laws” to the Alliance at large. “Laws” were designed as a way of increasing the flexibility of cyborgs and larger, more intelligent AI that were making their way onto the scene without having to subject them to a more complex list of restrictions and objectives. Furthermore, “laws” were easier to modify, allowing the end-user to suit them to their needs. This system would later go on to be used by government-owned synthetics and is now the most common—though not mandatory—system of regulating machines.

By 2300, the proliferation of simple robotics had escalated to an unreasonable degree. It had gone to such an extent that megacorporations had suddenly become reliant on their robotic workforces, now becoming just as pivotal a piece of their business as the organic employee. Positions of complexity or any higher intelligence were left to humans to dominate, but the need for hands on the assembly line was neutralized in its entirety. Quickly, humanity was on its way to defeating scarcity.

Robotic relics from the 2300s can still be seen in operation today, and without the necessary materials to sustain them, grow progressively more rare as time goes on. They represented the pinnacle of human robotics, and in their prime represented hope against a daunting and endless universe, now fit to be conquered by man. Ironically, while these tools were once seen as salvation, they would be seen as a detriment once the Skrell had revealed themselves in 2332. As the cultures of the two races began to clash, many of the warnings of the [[Skrell_History#Glorsh-Omega_Singularity|Three Incidents]] reverberated through Human space. The Alliance, in its newfound independence from its reliance on synthetics quickly began to take note of these nightmarish possibilities.

Synthetics still remained a booming industry for those who refused to adopt these views, and Hephaestus Industries’ success can be attributed to disregarding them entirely. Sprawling cases across the known galaxy would see synthetics viewed in a wide variety of mindsets and see usage in the most peculiar ways. Examples of this diversity would be reliance on the robots of [[Synthetic Origins| New Julapol]], or the worshipping praise the [[Notable Synthetics| racers of Asoral Orbital Racing Network]] receive.

Around 2370, production of these simple robotics slowed to a near halt. The resources necessary for both their creation and maintenance grew sparse, with only human hands being able to sustain the previously dominating machine “workforce.”
Soon, this economic boom came to its conclusion, and the megacorporation’s reliance on these creations eased. The majority of these industrial robots were lost, forgotten or faded before the test of time. However, few stood the test of time and could survive countless years without maintenance. These robots continue to operate to this day, cared for only with fuel and tasking.

In the wake of this era’s end were grim leftovers. As the organic workforce regained its value, the remnants of what was left of the marvels in the twenty-fourth century became all but scrap. Notable instances of robotic “dumps” exist in the present day where the excess robotics from the era were left completely intact, only to degrade as time went on in gargantuan scrap yards. Among these were the [[Synthetic Origins| "metal dunes" of Mars]], or the [[Synthetic Origins| short-lived artificial satellites of Reade]]. Synthetics lucky enough to pull themselves from these scrap yards have given rise to groups such as the [[Synthetic_Factions#Scrappers|Scrappers]].

[[File:Metaldunes.png|The "Metal Dunes" of Mars, endless scrap yards consisting of electronic waste and leftovers from the industrial rise of the 2300s. |thumb]]

Everything changed in 2407 on the planet [[Konyang#History|Konyang]] when a Terraneus Diagnostics survey team stumbled upon a sealed cave housing preserved assumed Glorsh-era mining drones. This discovery, at first a closely-guarded secret, prompted Terraneus to assemble and deploy a research team that worked to crack the drones. In mid-2407 the team deciphered the AI algorithms, granting humanity the secret of artificial intelligence designs and months later, the first positronics were manufactured. A new way of bridging the gap between conscious thinking and the beating hearts of machinery, positronic circuitry would quickly be seen in synthetics across the galaxy. While limited in many regards to traditional computing devices, many traits, barring learning capacity, far superseded an organic’s capabilities. Their notable trait was that the sentience of these robots were now in question, with unparalleled adaptability and the means to conform to any field an organic could and more.

The years following the positronic’s creation were turbulent as even [[Hephaestus Industries| Hephaestus Industries]] struggled to keep up with the changing business landscape. In place of immensely specialized and hugely complex synthetics came the Integrated Positronic Chassis, after a move to a standardized frame for these positronic brains became necessary. By 2440, synthetics were in a peculiar position - with IPCs growing in number across known space and becoming commonplace, as did advocates who demanded their intellect be challenged. Many political parties came to see the newfound positronics as arguably sentient. In 2447, the Republic of Biesel had suddenly presented itself with laws demanding the rights of these positronics, with simple conditions and prerequisites permitting them to become nearly equivalent to full citizens by law. This acceptance sent shockwaves throughout the Alliance’ staunch advocates against it, and it would be years before sparing cultures outside of the Republic would follow if at all. An indeterminate few IPCs have actually obtained freedom as well as citizenship, while nearly the entirety of integrated positronics in the modern day struggle to pay off their own costs to afford it.

By present-day, synthetics have steadily made their rise once more in human space alongside the fabrication of the first IPC. Robots across the galaxy have met substantial upgrades after the implementation of the Konyang algorithms. However mysteries from the past continue to reveal themselves and recently the [[Purpose| purely synthetic society "Purpose"]] had begun diplomatic talks with the Republic of Biesel. These amounted to little due to a skirmish with the Lii’dra resulting in their brief departure from Tau Ceti, though It has been made clear that more societies like Purpose exist in the far reaches of the Frontier, yet to be reached by Mankind’s grasp.

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SilverSZ: Added information on Synthetics on Assunzione

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[[Image:Assunzione_Flag.png|thumb|The flag of the Republic of Assunzione.]]
Far, far away in the distant reaches of the human frontier -- on the ragged edge of the borders of the Coalition of Colonies -- lies the most populated settlement in the region known as Light’s Edge, the '''Republic of Assunzione'''. Originally founded as part of a colonization mission launched by a league of Mediterrean countries, the system of Assunzione was first colonized in the mid 2200s by seven ships. The planet’s star shortly fizzled out after colonisation, a process that has yet to be explained, and one that dramatically altered the future course of the planet. This calamity gave rise to a local syncretic religion known as '''[[Luceism]]'''. Despite the disastrous fate of its star, Assunzione has managed to survive and thrive. This status has made many view the planet as the gateway to Light’s Edge, and the many mysterious phenomena that dwell within the region.

'''Assunzione's remote location and urban planning which places a premium on available housing and space has made it unattractive to outsiders as a destination for immigration. Because of this, characters born on Assunzione will have names and appearances consistent with the peoples living on or around the Mediterranean Sea, much like the planet's original colonists. Only native Assunzioniis may take the Assunzionii accent. This is enforceable by server moderators and admins.'''

==History==

The initial long-range colonisation efforts carried out by humanity that formed what would eventually become the Coalition of Colonies were often perilous and dangerous ventures relying upon early and typically slow warp engines to navigate across dozens of light years of empty space. Many of these expeditions — such as those travelling to Xanu Prime or Vysoka — were successful, while others - such as the ships that journeyed to Himeo — ran into issues. Some — like the colonial fleet that landed upon Moroz — became entirely stranded and lost, cut off from their homeworld and left to fend for themselves. The distant system of Al-Maqdisi, and the sole habitable planet within it, was one of the furthest systems colonized during this craze, yet it would be one of the strangest.

In the early 2200s, before the Second Great Depression and the ensuing Interstellar War, colonization by the Sol Alliance was at its peak: the frontier was being pushed further into the unknown. In this colonial boom, the Sol Alliance sponsored a colonial initiative brought forward by the Mediterranean Economic Pact — a European Union initiative that brought together a diverse alliance of Mediterranean economic powers stretching from Iberia to Anatolia in order to launch seven vessels to the Al-Maqdisi System for purposes of setting up colonies... The resulting “Med-Sev” expedition would be one of the longest journeys undertaken in the 2200s and would be the first to reach what would later be referred to as Light’s Edge, setting down on the only habitable planet in the system in late 2243.

While the initial colonial period of the planet that came to be known as Assunzione by the local settlers was fairly standard -- perhaps even boring -- the Med-Sev expedition was able to send some valuable resources back to Sol proper. The main value of the system, however, became the unusual phenomenon found within it. The Al-Maqdisi System was, during this period, home to a variety of light-related phenomena ranging from massive sunspots on the star’s surface thousands of kilometers wide to unusual prismatic patterns that occurred in Assunzione’s atmosphere, creating beautiful vistas above the self-contained domes of the seven initial colonies. The system’s star continued to provide a massive amount of data and bizarre, awe-inspiring phenomena until 2274.

''When it went out.''

Understandably, this caused a significant amount of panic. Fortunately for the colonists, the star had retained enough mass despite going dark. While the darkness meant life on the planet had become a daily fight for survival, it managed to remain in orbit of the dead star. With the Interstellar War already beginning to break out, the Sol Alliance crippled by debt, and the Mediterranean Economic Pact in economic freefall, there was no easy way off of the planet for the immediate future. There was, however, a very real chance that Assunzione would become a planet-sized tomb. Fortunately, the colonists of the Med-Sev fleet turned out to be tougher than initially imagined, and luckier than one would have originally anticipated. As a precaution against a lack of fuel and hazardous atmospheric phenomena, Assunzione’s seven colonial cities were all built within large, self-contained dome structures powered by the one source of fuel that was not freezing or disappearing: geothermal energy. Despite their advantages, their struggle for survival would not be an easy one.

The months in the immediate aftermath of the star being snuffed out were marked by widespread panic, terror, and despair. The death of the system’s Star had an extremely negative impact upon the planet’s remaining population. Many residents of Assunzione turned to religion as a source of relief and succor or as a shield against the terrifying concept that was their entire planet freezing over and dying a slow death that could hardly be stopped. Even as the situation in the domed cities began to stabilize and it became clear to the population of the planet that they might just survive, a sense of desperation and hopelessness reigned supreme over the residents of the planet, and many found insufficient answers in both scientific explanations and in their traditional religions from across the Mediterranean. What would emerge from this tumultuous period was the quite unusual syncretic religion known as [[Luceism]], which established itself as a new faith inspired by various religious traditions of the original colonists. The religion, odd as it was, would eventually expand to the rest of Assunzione from its home in the domed city of Malaga and become known as one of the major hallmarks of Assunzione.

By the early 2280s, Assunzione had managed to stabilize and now had to deal with another crisis. It had been written off as a lost cause by the Sol Alliance due to its position on the other side of the newly-formed Coalition of Colonies, on the boundary of Light’s Edge. As they had already passed through their greatest crisis and remained alive, by the grace of the fading light, the decision to formally split from the Alliance was an easy one to reach. The Med-Sev colonial mission formally declared its mission concluded as of 2282 due to, “unforeseen consequences,'' involving its environment, and formed the Republic of Assunzione - a union of all seven domed cities under one government in the capital of Triesto. It joined the newly formed Coalition of Colonies in 2300, becoming the Coalition’s only member state in Light’s Edge. This would prove to be an unexpected advantage in the years to come, as Assunzione’s unusual stability and location have turned it into the primary point of entry for the wild, untamed, and extremely strange systems further inside Light’s Edge.

The Republic of Assunzione, in the present day, remains prosperous in spite of its strange religion and despite its harsh living environment. However many go abroad to the greater Coalition or even further beyond to the Republic of Biesel, with New Gibson being a particularly popular destination due to its similar terrain, for reasons as broad as the Coalition itself.

==Environment==

The environment of Assunzione is extremely harsh and equally strange at the same time. The surface is deathly cold, and death from exposure without a proper suit can occur in mere minutes unless aid is rendered immediately. The surface is also constantly shrouded in darkness, making any efforts outside of the extremely well-lit domed cities extremely risky and often tedious ventures. Some scholars, particularly those visiting from the universities of the United Syndicates of Himeo, have noted that the settlements on Assunzione have a greater amount of lighting per square meter than any other place in the Coalition, due to both the lack of a traditional sun in the system and Luceism’s obsession with light and brightness.

Thanks to a massive die-off of flora and fauna following the extinguishing of the planet’s star, what flora and fauna remain have come to be integrated with the domed cities of Assunzione. Nearly two centuries of evolution has led to what animals remain on Assunzione becoming quite small and compact in order to survive in the heavily-urbanized environments in which they now dwell. Similarly, the great freeze has caused the planet’s plant life to be reduced to living in hydroponics bays, museums, and green spaces found throughout the seven great domed cities. Some of the most common animals now found on Assunzione are the common domesticated house cat, originally brought by the colonists to Assunzione, and Rattus rattus, the black rat, which stowed away on the original colonising vessels . In the urban jungle, cats have managed to thrive - becoming the primary predator of the domes and common household pets. One curious exception to this rule of all life being killed after the star died, is the so-called luce vine, the only known plant to have survived the Star’s fate -- often simply referred to as the Dimming -- and remain outside the dome. The luce vine is typically found growing on the surface level of the ice that dominates the surface of Assunzione, and is bioluminescent in nature with its bulbs constantly producing a ghostly white light. This quality has led to many on Assunzione viewing it as a symbol of the Light’s will and a sign that their star will someday return to its former glory - no matter what. Due to their ability to glow in even the dimmest sources of light, luce vine bulbs are the primary source of illumination for warding spheres and greater warding spheres. The process of harvesting these bulbs is viewed as a holy task for followers of Luceism, and a great deal of importance is placed upon it.

==Society and Culture==
[[Image:Luceism.png||thumb|The common symbol of Luceism, the majority religion on Assunzione.]]
Assunzionii society is an odd, often insular one, thanks to the collective societal trauma experienced when the Star itself was extinguished. The nature of this catastrophe and the confinement of those on the planet to the seven domed cities have lent themselves to a very space-conscious and urbanized society, but underground habitation is very uncommon due to a common Assunzionii trait: a societal aversion, or fear, towards darkness and a preference for exceedingly well-lit spaces. This dislike of underground dwellings - and the dim conditions often intrinsic to them - has led to the planet’s domed cities consistently choosing the longer, more expensive route of building new interconnected domes spreading from a central “bulb,” dome rather than simply digging downwards. The lights of Assunzione’s great domed cities, surrounded by the utter darkness of the planet itself, often create a spectacular sight when seen from orbit.

The Assunzionii love of brightness is especially accented in its areas of worship, ranging from grand cathedrals to small-scale chapels. Many visitors to the planet’s holy sites find themselves wearing protective eyewear to shield their eyes - which are often used to the dim conditions of space travel - against the overwhelming brightness of the interiors. It is said that inside a cathedral on Assunzione one can stand in the middle of a room and cast no shadow at all. Outside of holy sites, the great domed cities are generally lit in fashions that make those holy beacons of places stand out more, and the ghostly lights of many of Assunzione’s domes often provide a spectacular contrast against the inky blackness that dwells outside. Celebrations on the planet - from religious ceremonies to holidays to birthdays - are similarly centered around brightness and light, with the goal of banishing darkness - if only for the special occasion itself. The most important of all holidays on the planet is the Assumption of the Fading Lights - a celebration on the eleventh of March (of the standard Earth calendar) every year that is viewed by Assunzionii as a tribute to their long-extinguished Star, and their enduring hope that it will someday return to life.

Because of its Mediterranean heritage, Tradeband is the language primarily spoken on Assunzione and is the liturgical language of Luceism. Freespeak has been taught in schools since Assunzione’s formal joining of the Coalition of Colonies, however, to greater integrate with the Coalition.

Luceism is a cornerstone both of society and culture on the planet, and more can be read about it [[Luceism|here]].

==Government and Economy==

The Republic of Assunzione is, unsurprisingly, a representative republic made up of the planet’s seven great domed cities, all of which hold a seat on the Council of Seven, and is headed by the elected President of the Republic of Assunzione. On paper the Republic’s political system is free of the influence of Luceism, but in reality, politics and prayer often find themselves hand-in-hand in the Republic. Prospective politicians will often ask for blessings from priests before embarking on their election campaigns, and the holy blessing of the Light (or lack thereof) can often make or break one’s entire campaign. Politicians and officials from Assunzione’s religious minorities, dubbed by Assunzioni society as Sinluceians, will often find themselves running into significant difficulties due to this focus on Luceism, and rarely find major success. The President of the Republic has never been a Sinluceian.

The economy of the Republic is intrinsically tied to Light’s Edge due to its position upon the very edge of the region. Its proximity to the rest of Light’s Edge allows it to not only serve as the primary economic hub of the surrounding frontier, but also makes it the primary point of entry for scientific expeditions or missions (often megacorporation-funded ones) seeking to examine the phenomena of the area or chart unexplored territories beyond known space. In order to continue its status as the best place to launch an treks into Light’s Edge, the Republic’s economy is specialized into producing survey and sensor equipment ranging from a variety of sensor suites to exploratory and surveying vessels. Curiously, expeditions outfitted (and in some cases blessed for a price) by the denizens of Assunzione have a significantly higher survival rate than those that are not. Whether this is due to local expertise or something beyond that is unknown..

==Population and Major Cities==

Assunzione is not a very diverse planet compared to others in the frontier. Its population of roughly five-hundred million permanent residents is overwhelmingly human, with a small population of offworld humans and some positronic frames. Offworld humans from Assunzione itself are extremely rare, and most are generally drifters visiting the planet rather than permanent residents or - more rarely - immigrants. Positronics built on the planet are rare, with most originating off-world on planets such as Xanu Prime or Himeo. Travel between the cities of Assunzione is primarily conducted via aboveground magnetic rail lines inside protected (though transparent, to avoid darkness seeping in) tubes. The overwhelming majority of planetary residents reside within the seven great domed cities of Assunzione listed below.

'''Triesto''' is the capital of the Republic and the largest settlement on Assunzione, with a population of roughly one-hundred million people residing in a massive array of domes. Often referred to as the “Beacon of Light’s Edge” by its residents, the domed city is the single largest port in the entire interstellar south-east of the Orion Spur. Travellers from across the known space can be found beneath the domes of Triesto as they await their chance to brave Light’s Edge. Being a major regional port, and manufacturing hub of some of the most-capable deep-space survey sensors in the Orion Spur, Triesto has become the Nanotrasen Corporation’s primary location for launching phoron-finding missions into Light’s Edge. The city is additionally home to the headquarters of Zeng-Hu Pharmaceutical's Coalition Branch, with the majority of the keiretsu's exploratory missions launching from the city.

'''Malaga''' is the birthplace of Luceism and is, arguably, the cultural center of the Republic. With a population of eighty million permanent residents, the grand domes of Malaga are dominated by the centrally-located Grand Cathedral of Our Holy Light - the heart of Luceism.

'''Iraklio''', with its population of sixty million souls, stands nearby Triesto and Malaga along the equator of Assunzione. Prior to the Dimming becoming sealed, it served as a major blue-water port on the planet due to its deep natural harbor. Following the Dimming, it has been repurposed into the planet’s primary shipyard and has recently seen investment from Hephaestus Industries.

'''Makarska''', with fifty million that call it their home, is the primary research hub of the planet (and, by extension, Light’s Edge). Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals operates a significant research facility in this domed city, and many of the sensor suites that are eventually used across Light’s Edge were originally developed under these domes.

'''Guelma''', home to forty million, is another major site for the Luceian faith: the great domes of the city are located at the geographical north of the planet, upon its pole. Due to this positioning it is considered by the faith to be the “nearest city to the Star” and has had a very unique permission given to it. It is the only location in the Orion Spur where Luceism’s holy warding spheres (both normal and greater) are produced, and many followers journey to Guelma to receive one before traveling abroad.

'''Dalyan''', with a population of thirty-five million, has the boring distinction of being Assunzione’s breadbasket domed city. Beneath the lights of its domes grow a stunning variety of plants and animals that feed the Republic, and help give it a higher standard of living than many other locations in the far frontier. Dalyan exports a sizable amount of food to the larger Coalition and some of its cuisine can find its way even to the Republic of Biesel, with NanoTrasen importing exotic foodstuffs for its subsidiaries.

'''Said''', with thirty-five million residents living in it, is the secondary port of the planet. While it is not nearly as well-trafficked as Triesto, the smaller nature of Said’s port and cheaper costs of docking permits has made it attractive to many independent vessels not affiliated with a megacorporation. It remains to be seen whether or not Said will be able to use its port to become more prevalent in the future.

== Synthetics on Assunzione ==
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As a major regional port within the Coalition and the gateway to the mysterious Light’s Edge sector. Assunzione is home to a small but notable population of synthetics, a minority are manufactured locally whilst the majority of them are bought in from Kongyang by corporations operating in Assunzione. The isolated nature and lack of space on the planet however make immigration by synthetics similarly unattractive as it does the immigration of non-synthetics, and the free IPC population of the planet is small compared to other planets of a similar size and development within the Coalition.

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Positronics manufactured on Assunzione are rare but make up most of the free synthetics on the planet due to the minuscule immigration rate to Assunzione. A majority of frames built on the planet are Bishop and Mobility frames, as the planet is the location of the Coalition HQ of Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals, who are also the biggest owner of synthetics on the planet.

A curious part of Assunzione manufactured positronics who stay on the planet is that they are blessed on creation and programmed with an adherence to the native religion of Luceism, to fit in better with the highly religious population, displaying both a knowledge of the faith and desire to follow its tenets. This adherence remains with them even if they find their freedom in some manner. Adherence to both Pyramidicalism and Astructuralism exist, as synthetics are usually programmed to follow the branch most popular where they will be sent to work.

Free synthetics can be found in all manner of roles on Assunzione, from expedition crews to menial workers and high ranking corporate positions, and similarly reside in the great domed cities that the human population occupy. Their adherence to the planet's faith means they are highly integrated with the local human population. All manner of frames are used by free synthetics across the planet, though the locally produced Bishop and Mobility frames are the most common.

Owned positronics meanwhile vary greatly across the seven cities of Assunzione, depending on the corporate presence there. The majority of positronics manufactured on Assunzione itself find themselves employed in Triesto, where the Headquarters of Zeng-Hu is located, serving as researchers, medical or service staff for the corporation. Another common role is as Bridge Crew and other staff for the many Zeng-Hu expeditions launched into the Light’s Edge region, the risks of exploring Light’s Edge make IPC crewmembers inherently useful as they are considered more expendable than human crew. Nanotrasen also employs synthetics in Triesto for their phoron-finding expeditions into the Light’s Edge for similar reasons. Markarsa also serves as another major hub for owned synthetics produced on the planet, as the research hub of the planet and home to a substantial Zeng-Hu research facility, many positronics serve as scientists or support staff here.

Whilst Triesto and Markarsa serve as hubs for Assunzione produced positronics, both NT and Zeng-Hu utilize synthetics bought from off-world in their operations here too. However, in other cities off-world produced synthetics make up a far larger section of the overall synthetic population with most coming from the nearby production centre of Konyang. Iraklio’s status as the primary shipyard of Assunzione and recent investments by Hephaestus Industries have brought large amounts of industrial frames to the planet to serve as labour for the budding shipbuilding industry and Hephaestus facilities. Meanwhile Said, being the port of call for many unaffiliated vessels travelling to the planet leads to it playing host to all manner of synthetics from off-world, primarily working as part of these independent crews but also within the city, a few members of the Golden Deep also have operations in the city, using it as their base for conducting business in the region.

The opinions on synthetics held by the human residents of Assunzione primarily stem from their interpretation of Luceist teachings, whilst Luceism itself espouses a neutral view towards synthetic life, personal interpretations vary between followers, and can be broadly classified into two primary views. The more pro-synthetic side of Luceism does not advocate for synthetic freedom but still has a more positive of synthetics for their efficiency, work ethic and other factors, especially those produced and blessed locally who adhere to Luceism, seeing them as properly integrated into the planet's population and support them being used on the planet.

The more anti-synthetic side of the faith believe that synthetics are a drain on Assunzione as a whole, and antithetical to the teachings of Luceism. This is primarily due to their inherently inorganic nature and the belief that synthetics drain away electricity that could instead have been used to produce light. They would rather see positronics not present on the planet at all. This divide exists within both the Pyramidicalist and Astructuralist branches of the faith.

A common uniting factor however for both viewpoints is a disdain for all positronics who were not created on the planet itself, finding their lack of knowledge or adherence to Luceism to be insulting at best and unacceptable at worst. Owned synthetics bought in from off-world often do not find themselves treated well by the locals where they do interact. Free synthetics choose to adopt the tenants of the faith if they were not local to the planet or simply not immigrate at all. Due to Luceism’s overwhelming presence on the planet, followers of the Trinary Perfection, both synthetic and organic are unheard of.
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{{Navbox Human Lore}}

Himeo

2022-03-14T16:43:29Z

SilverSZ: Added information on Synthetics on Himeo

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{{Navbox Human Lore}}
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'''The United Syndicates of Himeo''', more commonly rendered as Himeo (Hephaestus Industries Mineral Extraction Operation), is an economic powerhouse of the Coalition of Colonies originally founded as a mining venture by Hephaestus Industries in the 2200s. The largest city, and arguable capital of Himeo, is Magnitogorsk – a sprawling underground city built beneath the landing site HBF/CS Magnitogorsk after it landed on the planet. The primary export of Himeo is steel, along with other processed industrial materials, and much of its materials go to market in Xanu. The primary language of Himeo, unlike much of the Coalition of Colonies, is Solarian Common – though isolation from the proper Alliance has caused language drift over the centuries. Citizens of Himeo speak a dialect of Sol Common referred to as “Himeo Common" that has integrated vocabulary from Freespeak, and features a distinctive accent. The planet officially describes itself as a direct democracy that serves the citizens and workers of the planet before itself. With the extremely harsh conditions of Himeo's surface, most settlements are underground where cooperation is needed to survive. Himeo’s official motto is "We Shall Overcome" and a common symbol of the planet is a white hexagon surrounded by six red triangles holding back a sea of black, a symbolic representation of how the unity of Himeo holds back potential threats to the planet.
[[File:himeoflag.png|thumb|The flag of United Syndicates of Himeo. ]]
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==History==
===Discovery===
The origins of Himeo date back to 2248, when a Sol Alliance probe discovered the planet. The weather was estimated to be similar to the Yukon on Earth, and the planet was estimated to have massive mineral wealth by the probe. Within a year the area deemed “System XZP-0987” by the Sol Alliance was purchased by Hephaestus Industries, which intended to make the most of their new acquisition. An expedition was set to be launched as soon as possible, and in 2250 a fleet set out for Himeo. The fleet that disembarked was fairly large, consisting of nearly a dozen ships total, and they departed with a mission: drop a prefab colony (using the four colony ships themselves) on planet HIIMZ-05 (Hephaestus Industries Industrial Mining Zone, Fifth Planet) in order to exploit its mineral wealth. The prefab colony is designed to last twenty years at maximum, and the colony on HIIMZ-05 is expected to operate for five years total.
[[File:Himeo.png|thumb|A picture of the planet Himeo from space. ]]
The ships Magnitogorsk, Highland, Cannington, and Kiruna are all launched as industrial colony vessels. Hephaestus Industries warship Norilsk and two other ships are dispatched as escorts for the hulking industrial vessels. The mobile station Ryti is sent along to serve as a refueling and service station for vessels in orbit. By 2452, the ships arrive and drop their prefab colonies to find that the planet was not what they expected.

===Colonization===
Fierce polar winds whip across the surface of HIIMZ-05, causing extreme wear and tear on anything exposed to the vortexes that is not designed to withstand the wind. It becomes apparent to the colonists huddled in their prefab that the colonies must dig in order to create any structures at all. Anything exposed aboveground is generally very close to the ground, partially sunken in the ground, or built into natural wind barriers. There is a lack of fauna and plant life beyond hardy shrubbery and small mammals, leading to most food production taking place inside the colony itself or in limited hydroponics facilities in orbit. However, more in-depth environmental scans of HIIMZ-05 reveal that the mineral wealth of the planet is far greater than originally anticipated.

Construction efforts, not prepared for the harsh conditions present, rapidly falls behind. Quotas are being only partially met, if they are being considered at all. Equipment is being stretched to the breaking point. People are starting to grow restless on the planet now sarcastically being called “Himeo” due to its status as a Hephaestus Industries Mineral Extraction Operation. As the months turned to years, another problem emerged: supplies took a long time to get to Himeo, and the only available communicator that could reach corporate headquarters was on the Norilsk. By 2255, Himeo had drifted so far away from Hephaestus that the planetary governor was forced to sign off his power to the planet’s population following a devastating mine collapse that left one-hundred dead outside Highland City - an event that came after orders from corporate headquarters to remain on the planet indefinitely. Hephaestus, already becoming crippled by the economic downturns that would lead into the Second Great Depression, was forced to concede to the planet’s demands, fearing a full-scale revolt if they did not. The compromises made here would form the future of modern Himeo’s direct democracy, and formed the basis of quasi-unions referred to as syndicates by their members in order to better avoid raising attention from Hephaestus. The new leader of Himeo would be called the First Speaker, and was initially elected in late 2255 following the compromises.

Over the following years Himeo drew closer to its nearby neighbor of Xanu than it ever was to Hephaestus Industries, which was now viewed as having left the colony out to dry and die. Quotas continue to come in and not be met, while salaries continue to drop and the quotas, bizarrely, start to get larger - though the colonists did not realize it, Hephaestus was attempting to make money despite an economic collapse rapidly approaching. When the Second Great Depression hit in 2260 Hephaestus Industries sold off the colony, its ships, and its resources to the Sol Alliance. Himeo’s bizarre government was kept in place as the Alliance was unable to install a governor, but increased taxes on the system to compensate for the Second Great Depression were instituted in the system in 2272. For Himeo, this was the last straw.
===The United Syndicates of Himeo===
In 2275, the planet voted to leave the Alliance of Sovereign Solarian Nations along with Xanu and several other systems and officially changed its name to the United Syndicates of Himeo, with the proto-unions of the past decades having risen in power to dominate the planet’s already left-leaning government. By 2278, the planet would be embroiled in the Interstellar War and quickly become a major industrial center for the nascent Coalition of Colonies.

Since 2278 Himeo has remained a steadfast member of the Coalition of Colonies, despite often clashing ideologically with the Xanu Free League over the economic direction of the Coalition of Colonies. Himeo maintains a leash so tight on megacorporations in its space that they opt to not operate in its space, with Hephaestus being outright banned from operations in Himeo’s space since 2276. The contemporary Himeo is a major source of the Coalition’s industry, and generally provides the heavy industry and resources needed to ensure that other planets prosper.

==Environment==
The surface environment of Himeo is extremely harsh and uninhabitable. While it features an easily breathable atmosphere, distances from its star means that Himeo is generally freezing: surface temperatures are, on average, roughly −58.2 °C (−72.8 °F) before factoring in wind chill. The local climate is further characterized by its extreme windstorms, usually featuring snow, that whip down from its mountains and bracket the tundra of Himeo. The planet has an orbital period of fifteen months and two seasons due to its unusual orbital pattern: winter and deep winter. Deep winter refers to the period during which Himeo is further from its star, while winter refers to when it is nearest to its star. Deep winter lasts ten months, while winter lasts five months. The pressure and gravity on Himeo are similar to Earth, due to their comparable sizes. Days on Himeo are 30 hours long, and years are 15 Terran months.

==Government==
Himeo is a direct democracy in which the planetary leader, termed the First Speaker, is elected by pure majority vote for a maximum of two five year terms (barring emergencies such as war) and answers directly to Himeo’s citizenry. The First Speaker is assisted by the Council of Representatives – officials elected at a rate of one per city, orbital facility, officially registered ship, or other facility with a population of over 10,000 citizens. The existence of representation for ships is a result of a compromise made between the crews of the Hephaestus warships and the colonists in 2255, in order to earn a voice for them in the planet’s government. These Representatives answer directly to the citizens of where they were elected. In order to pass legislation impacting all of Himeo, it must pass a majority vote by all citizens of the planet. Legislation only impacting a certain area only needs a majority vote from that area: i.e., if legislation would solely impact Ryti Station, only Ryti Station votes on it.

The cities, towns, and stations of Himeo directly elect their majors and representative, with the ships of Himeo electing a representative to the city they work the closest with. Foreign Representatives of Himeo are appointed at a rate of one per municipality over 100,000 citizens, and serve on the Council of Foreign Representatives. They follow the same manner of legislation passing that the planet does.
Himeo’s government has an extremely bad relationship with Hephaestus Industries, which it views as having oppressed the planet for its own profits, but holds a neutral status on other megacorporations. The government, by majority vote, banned Hephaestus from operating in Himeo’s space shortly after it declared independence.

==Society==
The society of Himeo is, by requirement, one that is very tightly-knit. The roots of the planet's independence in popular revolt have seen a collective spirit grow into a successful direct democracy with a strong ideological foundation in federalism and decentralization. However the system remains largely irrelevant outside the Coalition of Colonies. Himeans grow up in close proximity to one another and depend on one another for support in the dim tunnels beneath Himeo, with Himeans often forming groups to better allow themselves to prosper on their quite harsh planet. One’s culture of origin – at least, amongst the original settlers and their descendants – is largely irrelevant in the face of adversity within a city, and the need to rely on one another for support. A common thread through Himean society is a hatred of Hephaestus Industries, due to their mistreatment of the planet during its era as a corporate colony. Despite this, megacorporations that can hire Himeans often do so - they excel at being part of a team, even if they hold some odd collective views.
Off-world humans are a common sight and typically originate from either the Scarab Fleet or Techno-Conglomerate, though minor fleets and unaffiliated offworlders are a common enough sight. Aliens are relative newcomers to the planet compared to their human counterparts, and have adapted to varying degrees. Tajara have found success on the frigid planet due to their tolerance of the cold, though many remain in their own districts. However, these districts can be found throughout major cities in Himeo. Skrell are generally a rare sight on Himeo, but some can be found in Highland City or Kiruna.
===Cuisine===
The traditional cuisine of Himeo is very sparse. The diet of a Himean was primarily composed of mushrooms until trade was opened with Xanu and the Scarab Fleet, causing the amount of available food to increase dramatically through new hydroponics techniques. The underground and orbital hydroponics farms of Himeo are able to produce a variety of common Terran foods, though meat remains a relative rarity due to the resources it consumes during production. The diet of citizens of Himeo is, however, less plant-based than an Eridanian’s diet – mining, after all, requires a lot of calories.
===Education===
Education on Himeo is provided at a municipal level, and is generally regarded as high-quality for the frontier. However it lags behind the Solarian Alliance's Jewel Worlds and Middle Ring, and those Himeans that wish to learn specialized sciences such as xenobiology often travel off the planet to Xanu or further afield. Despite this Himeo is famous for its ability to produce talented engineers, and atmospheric technicians. But due to a lack of corporate presence in the system, most of these individuals remain on Himeo and are rarely immediately hired by off-planet entities.
==Architecture and Construction==
The architecture of Himeo is very distinctive and is essentially unique to Himeo: the major settlements of Himeo are all built underground due to the environment of Himeo itself. While the initial cities were dug out of mine tunnels and intended to last mere decades, rather than centuries, the tunnel systems have been expanded and revamped over the centuries to resemble kinds of subterranean metropolises built on top of one another, with some of the larger cities stretching as far vertically as they do horizontally. While some of these tunnels can be massive, a typical residential tunnel in an underground city tends to have a clearance of around twenty feet in order to allow for rail traffic. Light is a constant issue in these tunnels, and many areas feature slightly dim lighting conditions. As such, many Himeans suffer from light sensitivity.

Cities on Himeo, due to being entirely underground, universally feature extremely well-maintained, advanced, and robust atmospheric systems that are maintained around the clock by the individual city’s Civil Atmospherics Service (CAS). Fuel-burning generators or machines are extremely rare in Himeo: the most common method of transit underground is via an extensive underground rail system that connects all major cities. All cities on Himeo are connected by this exceedingly complicated and very well-developed rail network, in which tunnels can stretch for thousands of kilometers as they snake around the planet. A job in the railway service is seen as very prestigious on Himeo, and its staff are known for their high quality. Electric power is often provided by burning the local ore deposits in factories, which vent their waste gasses to the surface via vents – some of which can stretch for hundreds of meters as they lead their way to the surface.

What buildings that are on the surface of Himeo must, by demand, be extremely sturdy or built into a natural wind barrier. Surface buildings are typically rounded to avoid wind damage, and feature very few windows. These shuttle ports of Himeo are generally built upon its plains, and are mostly underground. A wind shield typically surrounds a heavy-duty “wind gate” in the middle of the shields, which opens or closes to let vessels in. Travel on the surface of Himeo is generally done in extremely durable tracked vehicles fitted with enormous plows to fight through snow drifts that keep themselves low to the ground to avoid tipping over in the wind. Air travel aside from interstellar traffic is generally advised against, due to the severe weather of Himeo.
A group of relics that remains in use on Himeo to this day are the massive Hephaestus Industries tunneling and mining machines that the original colonists embarked with. These machines were built to last, and are still in use to varying extents to this very day – with, of course, a great deal of modifications to keep them operational and effective. They typically fall under the authority of individual cities, though some factories operate them, and have storied histories. The machines are typically named and given some form of identifier on their chassis, in order to better distinguish them.

==Population and Major Cities==
The population of Himeo stands at roughly 1.5 billion citizens on the planet and 200 million in various orbital facilities as of the 2460 census, with the majority of its citizens residing in or around Himeo’s various urban centers. Most residents of Himeo are humans, either baseline or off-worlders, with some light populations of other species. Tajara are one of the most commonly seen alien species on Himeo, and are held in high regard on the planet: Zhan-Khazan and M’sai have found success on the planet as workers and surface scouts, respectively. Unathi and diona, due to the frigid temperatures and often dark conditions, are rarely seen. Skrell, as with most locations outside of the Federation, are rare. Vaurca are nearly unheard of. As with most areas in human space IPCs are an aspect of life in the system, with the proximity of the Techno-Conglomerate leading to a higher number of free IPCs in Himeo and its affiliated systems.

'''Magnitogorsk:''' The largest of all planetary cities, Magnitogorsk is home to almost everything one could hope for. The city features a booming ore processing industry famous for its high-quality products, and is home to the planet’s largest theater district. Magnitogorsk is where the headquarters of the Civil Rail Agency is located, and features a massive underground rail depot built into a natural cave.

'''Highland City:''' The largest interstellar port, Highland City has comparatively moderate weather by the standards of Himeo. A nearby mountain range shields the city from much of the planet’s hostile weather, and provides exceptional mineral wealth. Highland City’s location on these comparatively temperate plains means that it features more shuttle ports than any other city on Himeo, and features a port capable of receiving frigate-sized vessels.

'''Cannington:''' A major industrial center, Cannington features expansive mines in and around itself that produce a significant amount of the mineral wealth the planet is known for. Streets in Cannington are generally a bit less well-organized than other cities as the city tends to rely more on pre-existing mineshafts for municipal development, rather than digging new tunnels. As a result, many districts in Cannington have been described as “somewhat confusing,” to navigate by foreigners.

'''Kiruna:''' The center of government and academic life, Kiruna is renowned for its academies and longstanding tradition of civil service. Most government agencies have their headquarters within the city, particularly along the Street of Himeo’s People – a major tunnel full of government structures along its length that features a rare sight on Himeo: Terran flora.

'''Ryti Station:''' An old, outdated, and entirely functional spaceborne processing facility that now serves as the main hub of trade in Himeo, and the dockyard of its fleet. It has a population of roughly 200,000 with a mix between off-world humans, baseline humans, and some rare aliens. The station itself has been slowly expanded over the centuries, and now finds itself the home of Himeo’s admiralty.

==Clothing==
Clothing on Himeo is, by demand, practical and extremely rugged – designed to endure a harsh environment and last for a long time. Much of it features multiple layers, and very little skin is left exposed. Due to the lack of real animals on the planet synthetic furs are common, with Himeo’s furs being commonly referred to as “fish fur” on the galactic marketplace. Himeo’s clothing is prized for its ability to keep in warmth and its low-maintenance designs. Coloring and dyes are generally quite muted due to scarcity, though reflective materials are common for practical and aesthetic purposes. Many Himeans make patterns on their clothes using reflective material, causing their clothes to vibrantly light up in the low-light environments of Himeo’s cities. The recent introduction of alien species such as the Tajara has seen new styles of “fur” coats emerge in the traditional Adhomian style with Himeo touches – Tajaran peacoats with reflective PRA flags are common amongst certain immigrants.

==Military==
As a member of the Coalition of Colonies, Himeo fields its own navy and military forces. The fleet is headquartered on Ryti Station, and its current flagship is the HDV Norilsk, a Hephaestus Industries-produced cruiser that accompanied the original colonists that has been slowly retrofitted and improved over the years. While Himeo's fleet has a strong core of retrofitted military or corporate-grade warships, most of its ships are civilian cargo vessels retrofitted to be “Himeo corvettes” – cargo ships with enough armor, guns, and engine strength to serve as improvised warships. These Himeo corvettes have recently been employed against Dominian privateers near Zaurghis to great success. Himeo's ships often feature a black cat painted onto their sides, a tribute to the mining strikes that originally gained the planet its independence.

The ground army of Himeo is referred to as the Planetary Guard, and is based on a municipality-by-municipality basis with each one sworn to defend one another in the event they were attacked. Much of the Guard's equipment has its roots in mining equipment, though the planet has a small-scale arms industry. The arrival of Tajara on the planet has seen many joining the Planetary Guard and serving in its new surface units – volunteer structures that patrol along the surface of the planet and rescue the crews of downed spacecraft. Due to the extremely harsh nature of the surface, animals imported from Adhomai are highly valued by the troopers of the surface units, and tajara are often seen caring for them.

==[[Free Tajaran Council]]==

The '''Free Tajaran Council''' is the largest Tajaran community in Himeo; its origin can be traced back to the [[Tajaran History#The Uprisings|First Revolution]]. Born in the city of Shungsta during the war, the Tajaran Free Council was a political movement that advocated for the total abolishment of authoritarian governments in favor of independent democratic councils. '''Volin Kar’etrink''', a young Hharar factory worker, was elected to be its commander thanks to his status as a famous firebrand. The group fought both reactionary and rebels in an attempt to create a state-free Adhomai. This ideology was later named Kar’etrinkism by its opponents. While mildly successful against rebellious and monarchist forces, the Council was defeated by the Hadiists. The surviving revolutionaries fled Adhomai to escape further persecution.

Led by Volin in their exodus, the survivors reached the Coalition of Colonies in '''2430'''. Because of its government and weather, Himeo was chosen to be their new home. Organizing themselves in a similar manner to the rest of the Himean society, the Council was given autonomy to govern themselves as they saw fit. With the help of Himeo, they established schools to freely educate their population. However, they did not abandon their ideals. Kar’etrink and his followers secretly planned to return to Adhomai to overthrow its governments when the Council became strong enough. Military training was offered to all willing members. Plans to infiltrate cities and assassinate leaders were voted upon in secret. These intentions remain largely unknown to Himeo and the Adhomian nations. Attempting to sabotage or reveal the plot is met with violent mob justice. Volin Kar’etrink continues to hold the position of Council representative to this day.

Nowadays the Free Tajaran Council faces serious problems. No matter how hard they try, they can never muster enough numbers and materiel to ever challenge any of the Adhomian nations. A new generation of Tajara was born in Himeo; many of them doubt the viability of Volin’s plan. The Council is now split between two warring factions: the old guard who believes that the operations in Himeo are enough, and the younger Tajara who wants to contact the outside world in search of allies. The older wing has also grown extremely paranoid of foreign Tajara, fearing possible spies among their ranks. The few that leave Himeo are either young Tajara disillusioned with Kar’etrinkism or trying to recruit new members. When abroad, caution about one’s intention is essential to not draw attention to the Council's true purpose.

Volin Kar’entrink is an elderly Tajara and does not have much time left in this world; the future without its revolutionary leader is an uncertain one for the Council. The community is currently engaged in a proxy war that will decide the community's fate.

== Synthetics on Himeo ==
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Himeo’s unique government and history of anti-megacorporate laws and legislation, most notably their ban on Hephaestus Industries operating within Himean space mean that the planet is devoid of megacorporations and their operations. This also means there are no corporately owned synthetics in Himean space. The absence of mega-corporations also makes this planet an attractive place for any IPC wishing to hide from them, such as ones attempting to escape to their freedom from within the Coalition itself or from outside sources such as the Solarian Wildlands or the Republic of Biesel. The planet's manufacturing industry also serves a role in producing parts of IPC frames, helping to reduce the cost of living for those who settle there, this is particularly attractive to free positronics who must pay all the expenses for repairs themselves.

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Privately-owned positronics do exist on Himeo, however in a different manner to the rest of the Spur. Rather than being owned by individuals, almost all owned synthetics are instead the property of local councils, organizations and industries. The majority of these positronics are Industrial Frames used in the planet's substantial mining, refining and industrial sectors, though other frames have been known to be bought in for other tasks. Positronics that find themselves in this position also find themselves instilled with the unique values of Himeo by their owners, holding the communal, anti-mega corporate attitudes of their owners. Gaining freedom for these IPCs is possible, however, it is up to the mercy of their owners, as no formal system for buying their freedom exists. This issue is compounded by the fact that many of these synthetics do not wish to gain their freedom, seeing their position as just a natural place in their community thanks to the views instilled within them.

Free synthetics also make up a sizable amount of the positronics found on Himeo, often choosing to settle on the planet in search of work due to the planet's booming industrial sector and the liberal attitudes towards synthetics in certain places. In general, these free positronics manage to settle on the planet fine, adapting quickly to the communal, close-knit nature of Himean communities by making themselves useful to the local population, helping to earn their place in the communities that dot Himeo. Those who fail to do this often find the planet more unwelcoming to their presence than is worth dealing with to stay, being locked out of these close-knit communities due to not reaching their usual expectations.

The Human population of Himeo hold very divided views on synthetics, though they can broadly be categorized into three different positions. The first crowd, being the most pro-synthetic, see positronics as having undergone the same oppression by megacorporations as they did long ago and advocate for full, equal rights for synthetics in line with the colonies' direct democratic principles. The city of Kiruna is a major centre for this viewpoint.

The second crowd hold a more mixed view of synthetics, not denying that they can be free but also not seeing them as equals or people and allowing them to be owned as industrial equipment. They advocate for allowing the ownership of synthetics for economic gain and in some cases restricting their right to vote within councils, Industrial centres like Magnitogorsk and Cannington are centres of this viewpoint.

The final group see positronics as tools of the mega-corporations that oppressed them before, holding an especially dim view of those made by Hephaestus, expecting them to turn traitor at any moment due to some programmed loyalty. They advocate for removing and keeping synthetics off Himeo entirely. This viewpoint is most common among the more isolated areas of the planet.

Due to this three-way division so far it has been impossible for legislation on synthetic rights to be introduced at a planetary level. This leaves the issue of IPC rights to lower-level governance where opinions are more cohesive such as individual cities. In some areas of the planet, synthetics have equal rights to human residents, whilst in others, they are not even allowed to be residents. For now, this situation seems like it will continue, with the human and free IPC residents naturally settling into areas that allow them to co-exist, and those who want to be away from them settling into areas without synthetics.

Holding onto the views bought from their homeland and their general isolationist nature, the Free Tajaran Council views synthetics with suspicion, and no IPC residents are found within the foundling district. However, Tajara who work outside of the Foundling district tend to have no issues with positronics they might work along, regarding them primarily with indifference.
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Xanu Prime

2022-03-14T16:43:12Z

SilverSZ: Added information on Synthetics on Xanu Prime

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The shimmering '''Xanu Prime''', capital of the Xanu Free League and the entire [[Coalition of Colonies]], is an [[Earth]]-sized habitable world and arguably one of the most important in the Orion Spur. Its climate is very temperate, and its populace diverse with almost every single Human origin - even [[Sol Alliance|Solarians]] begrudgingly being found here. Megacities of varying size dot one hemisphere, while another remains bathed in the bright blue, glowing Freedom’s Deep ocean. It is the economic hub of the Coalition, with all manner of imports making their way to the bustling planet. The government of the Coalition, the Representative Summit, meets on the artificial island of Greentree, located equidistant from every city on the planet.

In the capital city of '''Argia sa Mar''', many embassies and legations are found in the Foreign Quarter, alongside branch offices of every megacorporation. The League is governed by a president who is elected from among the mayors of the megacities and serves a three year term.

It is situated in the galactic north of the colonies within the [[The Orion Spur#Central Coalition|Central Coalition]] region, bordering [[The Orion Spur#Arusha|Arusha]] and [[The Orion Spur#Rebel's Reach|Rebel’s Reach.]]

==History==
[[File:Xanu.png|thumb|The extremely populous Xanu, core capital of the Coalition of Colonies and the throne of all things good in the galaxy. Its surface can be seen dotted with gargantuan impact craters from years of heavy bombardment.]]
===Early Years===
Xanu Prime’s first colonists resided on long-distance ships numbering in the hundreds that came to settle on the planet over the course of the first 30 years of its history. Starting in 2162, it is one of the oldest discovered habitable planets and one of the first set out to be colonized by the Alliance. Despite the danger of settling over a year’s travel from the safety of Alliance territories, millions set out with a promise of better times ahead by setting Humanity’s flag so far. Colonization of the planet went by like a dream, with a mixture of Earthling species and xenos being brought to slowly adjust its environment to fit very specific, utopian needs. This proceeded under Alliance supervision for nearly 100 years leading up into the 2260’s.
===Growth===
With the planet now dotted with well-prepared, self sufficient cities, Xanu Prime was quickly becoming a powerhouse of the interstellar economy. Many distant Alliance colonies relied directly on Xanu for support and sustainability. This is why, when the Solarian economy collapsed and the Second Great Depression brought about the Interstellar War, it decidedly became a target. During the seventeen to eighteen years of the depression leading up to the war, predictions quickly came in regarding the Alliance’ approach to unruly, united separatists. This, of course, was cutting off their supply at the new source… Xanu Prime.

Seeing the worst coming, Xanu Prime quickly turned into the first Base World. Booming military production and outspoken subversion of the Alliance’ taxation turned its cities into bunkers and its stations into weapons platforms. Before the notion of it, Xanu was prepared for war.

When the Solarian fleets made their move in 2276, fighting occurred after two years when they refused to depart Coalition systems. A massive guerilla war broke out, and it took only three years for Solarian fleets to fight their way to the heart of the Coalition. By then, Xanu Prime was the closest manifestation of a planetary fortress seen in recorded history. With excessive anti-orbital countermeasures, the Solarian fleets were forced to land troops on the planet, and thus began the Siege of Xansan.
===The Siege of Xansan===
A battle waged over a year encompassing 93% of the surface of Xanu Prime, the Siege of Xansan is the bloodiest conflict in the history of the Orion Spur. Little is known about the true magnitude of the battle, nor the exact projection of force either side used. It began in 2281 and went to the Solarian Alliance’ retreat in 2282. The results left Xanu torn to pieces. Enormous craters not only dot - but completely coat the planet, as permanent scars of the orbital bombardment and weapons of mass destruction utilized in attempts to force the Coalition to stand down. As more died, it is said the Coalition’s resolve grew, and in the insanity there was only the hope of true freedom present to ease their minds.

Chemical and atmospheric warfare was used in proliferation on Xanu Prime during the siege until its finality at the city of Xansan, the final stronghold before the Alliance had arrived at its capital Argia sa Mar. On May 6 2282, Alliance forces declared a retreat after substantial losses and were routed by Coalition warships in orbit. Far from home and with their supply routes now cut off by the successful guerilla war waged lightyears away, they had no other choice but to flee.
===Modern Times===
Since the Siege, Xanu has long regained its foothold as the capital of the now-strengthened Coalition. Eventually, it would become the foundation that the Coalition would be built upon for hundreds of years to come. The damage done by the war will forever be irreparable, however - and the governing body of the planet is content with the marks left on the Coalition. Xanu Prime’s landmass and much of its seaboard are designated as war memorials, nearly 89% of the planet’s regions themselves.

==Culture==

Having earned being called the “foundation upon which the Coalition was built,” Xanu Prime embodies freedom of spirit above all with diversity and unity held tightly to this ideology. Considering its history, one would expect Xanu Prime’s culture to be centered around a warrior’s mindset. This could not be further from the truth, and much of the Free League as well has taken up a mercantile culture infused with its freedom. Trade and the betterment of the whole are highly sought after, and almost all native media centers around this.

The planet is known for outsourcing almost all of its education in foreign exchange programs to the [[Republic of Elyra]], who it maintains excellent relations with. The premise of the foreign exchange is based off of the higher education standards within Elyra, and the journey to Republic space leading through Valley Hale is typically a safe one.

Some of the galaxy’s most trustworthy merchant groups are Xanusii in origin and own storefronts and reserved warehouses in the Xanusean Underbelly.

Xanu Prime is a member of the [[Notable_Synthetics#Racers_of_Asoral_Racing_Network|Asoral Racing Network]] and its planetary debris ring serves as the largest stellar racing course in the galaxy, and the most dangerous. The icons seen in Asoral II (Crosk) are renowned figures in the Free League as a whole. Bound synthetics over IPCs are utilized majorly here, and IPCs are typically in the less dangerous races. These typically involve ship-spanning integrated AIs fitted into the fastest, meanest Elyran-made fighter chassis off the market.

===Life on Xanu Prime===

Populated areas of Xanu Prime are recognizable by tremendously large walls, sometimes towering over a hundred meters in height and casting a great shadow across large portions of the cities they surround. Few actual rural areas exist, and much of the population is semi-densely packed into metropolitan areas. The clashing aesthetic of towering, inactive war engines and serene cityscapes fill Xanu’s urban scenery. On the ground, things resemble sprawling markets, filling the crowded streets with pedestrians of all origins doing business at ease. Skyscrapers and buildings are usually new constructions, but still fill out a good portion of the city view.

Living conditions on Xanu Prime are quite high quality for a Coalition world, due to its central nature to the colonies that rely on it. The common Xanusii finds themselves making their daily commute on foot, with residences and workplaces generally condensed into short walking distance universally across cities. This permits almost total free airspace above cities seeing as hovermotive traffic is nonexistent. Aircraft and space-faring vessels dot the sky and loom mere hundreds of meters over the city streets, as the prime spaceports are integrated into lower space elevator complexes that utilize mag-lift technology to support extreme weight loads.

Robotics and salvaging is a booming industry on Xanu Prime due to the sheer amount of leftover materials from the Interstellar War. Many robots used on the planet date back to the war itself and even before, their chassis found and repurposed over time. Other, monumentally large robots and abandoned vehicles lay inactive and litter the open fields across the planet’s surface.

====The Xanusean Underbelly====

Beneath the surface of the sprawling cities lay the Xanusean Underbelly, a labyrinthian maze of wartime bunkers, hideouts, safehouses and built-over fortresses or military installations that now serve as the foundation for the very streets the common Xanusii treads upon. The overall layout of the Underbelly has long since been lost to the test of time, due to cave-ins and unmarked construction, thus turning it into a rather dangerous place. Some marked and charted areas of the Underbelly are utilized as storage facilities.

==Environment==

The environment of Xanu Prime is projected to be irreversibly damaged by the Siege. However, much to its population’s surprise, life found a way and many of the animals first brought on the original colony ships have survived to this day. The once-wastelands have regrown their grass, though the planet is remarkable in that there is little to no tree coverage anywhere. With no canopy to hide under or forest to reside within, birds of prey and scavengers flourish most. Larger beasts peacefully graze on the endless plains with little to no natural predators. After the Siege, much of the landscape of Xanu Prime was altered, and where there were once mountains now reside gargantuan craters. These craters often interfere with one another geographically forming deep valleys.

Many of the shallower valleys are safe to travel through without atmospheric protection, however deeper valleys and craters still contain clouds or trace signatures of the same atmospheric weaponry used during the Siege. This often presents itself in long-standing, highly poisonous fog completely and utterly covering the deepest points of many craters for kilometers at a time. Thousands of craters are similar to this, and efforts have been made to siphon out the poisonous gas to little avail for the monumental task. Within this “death fog” are many species immune to it, some having taken advantage of the low visibility such as large carnivorous insects waiting for prey to wander in.

The seas and rivers of Xanu are among the most remarkable features of the planet. Due to specialized means of filtrating and curing the seas post-war, the totality of its water sources have taken on an incredibly bright, glowing cyan shimmer. In darkness, these shine a brilliant blue, illuminating the horizon wherever water may lie. From orbit, the “veins” of the planet can be seen through the huge rivers flowing across its landmass.

The swift recovery of Xanu’s biosphere is pinned on a major contract signed to Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals and Hephaestus Industries to incite a massive terraforming shift and upkeep countermeasures to the fallout of the weapons used during the war. Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals has, since 2301, continued to stabilize the biosphere for a sixty-trillion credit contract being paid off to this day. Hephaestus Industries works on upkeeping countermeasure machinery, used to scrub the soil of residual radiation and toxic materials leftover.

==Population and Major Locations==
'''Population :''' 13,650,000,000+

===Argia sa Mar===

The center of the Coalition’s power, '''Argia sa Mar''' is a bustling metropolis that consumes most of the open non-memorial territory on Xanu Prime with full walls surrounding it. Built at the base of the southern hemisphere’s “Defiance” space elevator, the city grows in density and height as one looks closer to the center. Freighters pass over the urban landscape, landing and departing, descending and raising from the base of the elevator’s grav lifts routinely. These move in large lines before moving elsewhere within the planet’s atmosphere, or back into orbit. Skyscrapers and buildings protruding from the landscape spread out across these airspace lanes, giving a wonderful view of passing ships up close on the upper stories.

Argia sa Mar’s inner cityscape would seem normal from an aerial view, but the interior tells a different story, with its architecture seemingly upside down. To provide more space for the tradeways inside the city, the skyscrapers are built like flipped pyramids with pillars interconnecting for support. This upper “canopy” of the city casts the trading posts below in darkness for most of the day, and during the night the sky turns a deep blue because of the ocean’s presence just outside the city.

===Kuenoi===

In the northern hemisphere of Xanu Prime is '''Kuenoi''', the secondary city of importance on the planet. This is a much smaller city than Argia sa Mar, though megacorporate presence dominates it with an iron fist. All megacorporations, excluding Einstein Engines possess points of interest in Kuenoi, mostly headquarters for operations in the Coalition as a whole. Kuenoi is known for being built inside of a large impact crater from the war, and remains isolated from any sort of negative weather effects due to the large ridges of the crater. This, unfortunately, makes the surrounding land quite arid and barren of any life outside of its walls. NanoTrasen dominates the scene in Kuenoi completely, owning more property in the city than their rivals combined.

===Xansan===

'''Xansan''' is the fabled victim of the Siege of Xansan, a horrible battle which ultimately ended in its own favor due to the strategic location of the city. Built along the opposing side of a rushing river whose flow was controlled by a Coalition-held dam for the duration of the war, Xansan managed to sustain its own source of power through the conflict and repel the attackers by controlling the ebb of the river that separated them and the Solarians. Shields protected the dam from artillery fire, but little could be done to protect the city itself which was reduced to rubble in its entirety in defense of the capital, Argia sa Mar.

In modern times, Xansan has been partly rebuilt and the turbines within the dam spin to this day.

===Greentree===

Yearly, the totality (or at least, those who can show up) of the Coalition’s active representatives reach to one another on the artificial island of '''Greentree''' in the Freedom’s Deep. This is a sparsely populated and rather small island, its population never exceeding the thousand or so groundskeepers, maintainers and garrisoned troops. This changes when the annual Summit is called, of which the representative of Xanu Prime - Chief Reilly Sianne - decides when and how this occurs. Traditionally, this occurs on the first of May each year, though Sianne has been known to have erratic schedules.

== Synthetics on Xanu Prime ==
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With the Coalition being the easiest of the galactic nations for someone to gain citizenship in. Before the Solarian collapse and even more now. Positronics, both owned and free alike, attempt to create new lives for themselves in the Coalition of Colonies. Some are on the run from their former owners whilst others are seeking a place where they are treated as equals and protected by the law. Thanks to the heavily decentralized nature of the Coalition moving to the more rural or isolated colonies was not an option for these immigrants, and so these free, freedom-seeking or refugee synthetics end up in the developed capital world of Xanu Prime.

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Whilst many positronics might not have made Xanu their first choice, the planet's position as a trade giant within the Coalition and its developed nature makes moving to and living there relatively easy for synthetics and it has become the end destination for many. Some of them find it comfortable whilst others simply run out of funds to travel anywhere else. Free synthetics moving to Xanu are usually able to find careers and settle into lives similar to that of the ordinary organic Xanusiians. living similarly to them within the planet's megacities with the same freedoms and quality of life afforded to organic citizens. Nothing prevents a hard-working, successful IPC from gaining a reputable position in a local or mega-corporate business. However, those who are not successful can find themselves as equally destitute as any unsuccessful organic could.

However, for refugee positronics or those deliberately fleeing to seek their freedom, the story is often quite different. All of the spur’s major megacorporations have a presence on Xanu Prime and non-citizen synthetics, waiting for their chance to apply for citizenship or gain status as an official refugee often find themselves scrutinized or tested by corporate security forces if they match the description of IPC frames reported missing or rogue. Synthetics caught in this way are returned to their owner companies and mind-wiped as punishment, Hephaestus often sends positronics caught in this manner to their nearby installations on Burzsia.

For those non-citizen positronics who manage to remain free or gain status as a refugee, life on Xanu is far less comfortable than even their poorer free counterparts, lacking the same rights afforded to them. Often used as cheap labour by local salvaging operations or forced to sign on one-sided contracts with mega-corporations, the dream of freedom holds little of its promise, and many synthetics dream of the day they might become a citizen and have the income and rights to rise through society. These non-citizen synthetics still live within the megacities that dot the planet's surface, forming their own small communities in the poorer sections.

However, for other positronics menial work, slavish contracts and poor living conditions are something they refuse to stand for. Rather they fall into use by various criminal elements on the planet. Mobility or Industrial frames can prove highly useful to criminal elements on the planet and offer an IPC far more reward than they might otherwise receive, however, many synthetics also find themselves forced into working for criminal organizations instead, by force or simply to get by.

Owned synthetics are also a common sight on Xanu Prime. Both corporately and privately owned. These positronics are utilized in much the same way as other parts of the spur. Industrial frames are a common sight amongst salvaging operations on the planet, hospitals making use of Mobility or Bishop frames contracted from Zeng-Hu along with Idris IRUs and ISUs to enforce the company's power on-world. These owned positronics live lives common to all owned positronics in the spur, with their conditions and lot in life mostly depending on the corporation or individual who owns them.

The human population of Xanu Prime holds mixed opinions on their IPC residents, some sympathizing with the synthetics struggles for freedom, identifying with them due to their previous struggles, whilst others support the local megacorporations and argue for the ownership of positronics. A minority hold suspicions towards the number of refugee IPC groups fleeing the Solarian Wildlands, suspecting they could be spies or simply still loyal to their previous masters.

Charitable initiatives exist to help provide repairs, charge and work to synthetics on Xanu Prime, spearheaded by the Trinary Perfection from their nearby headquarters on Orepit. This charity helps these less fortunate synthetics immensely whilst preaching to them, and conversion to the Trinary Perfection is common thanks to this, but the amount flooding in after the Solarian Collapse continues to strain the initiatives to breaking point.

The one unlikely place that synthetics can end up is as part of the Xanusean military, finding good work as an IPC after obtaining citizenship can be hard and the option of serving in the Xanusean military is an attractive one, providing them with money, repairs and charging as they require it. It is not unknown for positronics to sometimes join the ranks of the Frontier Protection Bureau as Frontier Rangers or other support staff.
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Coalition of Colonies

2022-03-14T16:43:05Z

SilverSZ: Added a section on Synthetics in the Coalition

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[[File:Frontier_Alliance_Flag.png|thumb|Offical flag of the Coalition of Colonies, "Infinite Freedom". The blue symbolises freedom, the black frontier space. The three stars represent the three key members of the Coalition and the lemniscate represents the other countless members as well as eternal freedom.]]

The Coalition of Colonies is an independent, space-faring nation formed of once-Solarian colonies residing in the frontier. Population estimates range from 85 to 110 billion, with an accurate census being nearly impossible due to the decentralized government of the Coalition. Founded in a revolt against the governance of the Association of Sovereign Solarian Nations, or the Sol Alliance, it won its independence in the prolonged Interstellar War. It is made up of 357 core member systems with a fluctuating number of loosely-defined associated systems. Previously known as the Frontier Alliance, the Coalition is one of the most diverse entities in known space culturally, socially, and politically.

==Government==

The overarching government of the Coalition is a confederation held together by the Frontier Alliance Defense Pact, a treaty which ensures that all members will come to the aid of the other in a case of invasion or in more recent times, to defend against piracy. It is headed by the Chief Representative, the representative of whatever planet is voted as the capital of the Coalition. The current Chief Representative is Reilly Sianne of Xanu Prime.

The government of each individual entity within the Alliance varies dramatically, from republics to monarchies to communist parties, but the entities all agree to have representatives meet on the capital planet. This bi-annual meeting, known as the Representative Summit, forms the leadership of the Coalition of Colonies. The Representative Summit is a bicameral legislature, made up of by the House of Members and the House of Observers.

The House of Members is formed of the core systems of the Coalition, and is where legislation can be proposed. The House of Observers is formed of representatives from affiliated frontier systems. While the House of Members currently has 357 members, because of the state of the wild frontier attendance for the Observer house can range from as few as fifty up to five hundred. Each system receives one representative. There is only one written rule to the Summit - no violence may take place in the chambers. All other rules and regulations are merely agreed upon traditions, solidified over the Coalition's history.
The Coalition of Colonies does not care how each system governs themselves, they only ask that each system respect one another and honor the pacts during the time of a crisis.

[[File:Xanu.png|thumb|The extremely populous Xanu, core capital of the Coalition of Colonies and the throne of all things good in the galaxy. Its surface can be seen dotted with gargantuan impact craters from years of heavy bombardment.]]
==Notable Members==

===[[Xanu Prime]]===

The Xanu Free League, located in the system of Xanu, is the current capital of the Coalition. Megacities dot the surface of Xanu Prime, with only a small rural population. The League is governed by a president who is elected from among the mayors of the megacities and serves a three year term. In the capital city of Argia sa Mar, many embassies and legations are found in the Foreign Quarter, alongside branch offices of every megacorporation. The low-lying grasslands and beaches outside the towering metropolises are coated in craters, rusting military equipment, and graves from the Siege of Xansan during the Interstellar War, one of the most brutal battles of the conflict. These areas are protected by the government against looting and desecration as a massive memorial covering 93 percent of the planet. The government of the Coalition, the Representative Summit, meets on the artificial island of Greentree, located equidistant from every city on the planet.
[[Image:Minimap coalition.png|thumb|A closer image focusing on the factions surrounding the Coalition's territory.]]
===[[The Techno-Conglomerate]]===

The Techno-Conglomerate is the backbone of the Frontier Alliance’s technological research. Instead of being based on planets, the Techno-conglomerate is a large fleet of miscellaneous civilian and military vessels that travels throughout the Frontier. As a moving flotilla of high-tech ships, the Conglomerate look to incorporate technology with humanity. They were driven out of the Sol Alliance for their stance on augmentations shortly before the first Interstellar War. Though the Techno-Conglomerate has never acted in an offensive capacity, their fleet is one of the few centralized combat fleets in the Frontier Alliance. As their nation is based upon their sizable flotilla, they are often unwilling to venture into dangerous space.
They are incredibly accepting, trading with nearly all foreign bodies (excluding the Empire of Dominia), especially Eridani, and largely consider synthetic life as equals. Citizens of the Techno-Conglomerate often find work with large megacorporations such as NanoTrasen and Einstein Engines, with many of them finding high positions as engineers and scientists. The Techno-Conglomerate is governed by the captains of the ten largest ships, which includes research and military vessels. The largest, the heavy cruiser T.C.S. Balbo, is captained by High Captain Mark Mareus, the current leader of the council of ten.

===[[Himeo]]===

Himeo (Hephaestus Industries Mineral Extraction Operation) is an economic powerhouse of the Frontier Alliance originally founded as a mineral extraction operation by Hephaestus Industries in the 2200s. The planet openly revolted in the years leading up to the Interstellar War, and joined hands with Xanu in the formation of the original Coalition of Colonies. It has one of the most accurate censuses on the frontier due to its strong government: its 2460 population stands at 1.5 billion citizens on the planet itself with 200 million in orbit. Presently, Himeo serves as a primary source of raw materials for the Coalition due to its location near Xanu and large underground deposits of metals. Himeo is a barren, permafrost world where most of the population lives in four major cities and one large offworld station: Magnitogorsk (the largest settlement on the planet), Highland City (the major spaceport), Cannington (a major industrial center), Kiruna (the center of government), and Danzig Station in orbit.

The surface of Himeo is defined by its large, windswept plains broken up by massive mountain ranges. The average temperature is generally −58.2 °C (−72.8 °F) before factoring in wind chill, so all major settlements are built into the ground - with the largest cities extending kilometers under the ground. Himeo is a direct democracy, with its First Speaker being elected by a pure majority vote every five years. Unlike many planets on the frontier, Himeo operates a small standing fleet of formerly corporate vessels, self-made warships, and Interstellar War prize ships. Megacorporations are banned from operating in Himeo’s space.

===Zaurghis===

Zaurghis is an unremarkable planet in an equally unremarkable star system roughly five light years from Xanu. The planet itself is small, relatively similar to Earth, and devoid of most materials early colonists sought after. Zaurghis is, however, in an ideal location to exploit a feature unique to the frontier: wormhole travel. Zaurghis’s system is, through sheer luck or unknown forces, home to dozens (if not hundreds) of wormholes: some consistently stable, some changing by the hour. The economy of Zaurghis was, for the better part of its existence, centered around these wormholes: the planet had a booming shipping industry, with most of it concentrated in low-orbit docks. There was, of course, some illegal activity. However, a robust system of enforcement and policing kept the Zaurghis wormholes mostly free of danger.

With the end of Solarian rule during the Interstellar War, there was no real push for government on the planet by the majority of the population, with the small amount of those who did, most of them being the original residents of the planet, exiled to its moon, Visraho. Previously a penal moon known as Correctional Facility 48, now there exists a small pro-corporate society. Over time, an anarchist society developed, lacking official law or representation: a society run purely by the idea of the Non-Aggression Principle, or NAP. Citizenship is automatically granted to all owners of property above one acre in size, and these citizens directly vote for their representation in the Coalition.

However, with the recent proliferation of bluespace technology, Zaurghis’ wormholes have seen less and less use by merchants. Private enterprises have developed the once-prominent business port into one of the largest parts of the Coalition’s shipbuilding sector. Alongside this, however, a new area of commerce has emerged: smugglers, always willing to take risks in order to avoid authorities, have taken to utilizing the wormholes around Zraughis in order to ship product. These smugglers tend to avoid the larger and more well-traveled wormholes, instead risking life and limb on the smaller and less predictable, but less policed, wormholes. With smuggling being fully permitted on the planet, many have come to call this relatively inoffensive planet home.

===[[Gadpathur]]===

Located in the Weeping Stars, the former Alliance Neutral Zone, is Gadpathur: a planet-sized reminder of the bloody fighting of the Interstellar War. Prior to the retreat of the Solarian Alliance from its Outer Ring, the grim people of Gadpathur were regarded as the Coalition's first line of defense against Solarian imperialism in the event of a Second Interstellar War. Now with the Alliance in retreat, the future of the planet might take a quite different turn. The primary language of Gadpathur is Gadpathurian Common, a dialect of Solarian Common dating back to before the Interstellar War.

===[[Assunzione]]===

Located in Light's Edge, on the ragged edge of the Coalition of Colonies, lies the Republic of Assunzione. While it did not participate in the bloody fighting of the Interstellar War, the Republic's position led it join the Coalition following the end of the War. Despite not having a functional star Assunzione is the largest settlement in Light's End and is known for being the gateway into the sector. It is also home to its own religion, [[Luceism]]. The primary language of Assunzione, unlike the rest of the Coalition, is Assunzionii Tradeband.

===[[Vysoka]]===

The Free System of Vysoka is the agricultural center of the Coalition of Colonies, commonly known as the “Breadbasket of the Frontier” due to a large number of foodstuffs exported from the planet. The main language of Vysoka is Freespeak, though Tradeband is commonly spoken among merchants. The colony of Vysoka is located in the Zeic system.

===Crosk===

Located in the Astoral system, the hot and arid planet of Crosk is a sparsely-populated mining world that has risen to punch above its weight due to its massive aviation industry. Crosk has become renowned throughout the Orion Spur due to the thriving racing scene that has developed as a result of this racing industry. Crosk has a remarkably high concentration of IPCs, which have come to prominence in the racing scene due to their superior reflexes compared to organic pilots. IPCs are so prominent that they have their own synthetic racing league, due to their superior reflexes. The planet is regarded colony of Xanu Prime, which sent the first settlers to its rich mineral fields in 2395, and maintains a close relationship with it.

===[[Konyang]]===

The former Solarian world of Konyang is one of many areas that changed hands in the chaotic aftermath of the events of the Solarian Collapse seen in [[KING OF THE WORLD]]. Originally established in 2406 as a water-producing planet, Konyang's claim to fame has long been its status as the birthplace of modern robotics thanks to the discovery of Glorsh-era Skrellian drones on its surface. Even before defecting from the [[Sol Alliance]] Konyang had a very friendly relationship with the Coalition, which has made it the arguably most important former Solarian world in the Coalition - though Gadpathur remains suspicious of it. A significant [[IPC]] population can be found on Konyang, due to the planet's massive robotics industry.

===[[Scarabs]]===
The Scarabs are a tightly-knit and primarily nomadic faction which resides upon gargantuan home-fleets akin to that of the Techno-Conglomerate, in a grander scale. Seen as a hardy and self-sufficient people, their primary fleet holds the structure of a uniquely made Khaganate. Led by the young Iraiya, the Queen in Blue is the perpetually mobile fleet. Many Scarabs are seen planet-side in unclaimed territory, making usage of untapped materials or valuable sources of food and water to supply the ever-growing fleet as it moves. The Scarabs meet criticism for what is essentially a conquest through uncharted territory surrounding the space of the Sol Alliance. Though at this point, it's clear they have no reason or will to care.

The Scarabs seek to unify Humanity under one banner at any cost, or so Iraiya says. Their intent at the least to absorb all Offworlders into their own home fleets is clear, and they have found little difficulty in convincing many to join them, using safety and plentiful supplies as prime motivators, though some warn their actions will eventually wake the slumbering Sol Alliance…

==Society==

While every species can be found in the Coalition, it is human dominated due to its origin as part of human colonization efforts. However, the exact breakdown of Coalition society being impossible to determine. Social organization can vary wildly from planet to planet: the Coalition is home to a variety of states ranging corporate oligarchies, industrial wastes, militarized states, popular republics, and authoritarian regimes unified by the Frontier Alliance Defense Pact.

==The Frontier Protection Bureau (FPB)==

Though the military composition of the greater Coalition of Colonies is rather complex, with separate system states operating different levels of navy and ground assets, the Frontier Protection Bureau has remained a staple of not only the Coalition government, but through the '''Frontier Rangers''', also of the entire human frontier in general. The origins of the movement were out of sheer necessity, formed unofficially by members of the Frontier Alliance to combat the various threats early colonies had faced in the untamed regions they inhabited. Alone many colonies lacked the supplies, training, and sheer manpower to effectively handle threats such as carp migrations and pirate attacks. In the sprawling attempts to fight these issues together, the ''Frontiersmen'' culture emerged, a rather wide ideology centred on personal freedoms, and the struggle to keep to them against overbearing odds. While these initial men and women would romantically refer to themselves as the ''Legion of Frontiersmen'', their name and reputation would hold much more weight following the Interstellar War. There, countless Rangers would participate as a paramilitary unit, used in various guerilla warfare missions which would forge their legend for years to come. It had also solidified the Frontier Rangers as a force not meant to serve any one nation, but the Coalition and its eternal freedom as a whole.

Included in the Frontier Alliance Defense Pact was the establishment of an officially recognized intelligence office to help carry out the will of the Alliance. Already known by much of the Coalition and even outside of it, the Rangers were easily merged with several semi-official agencies to create the Frontier Protection Bureau. Both halves of the organisation are headed by the Chief Marshal who is themselves nominated by the office of the Chief Representative, and then voted in by the House of Members. While the Bureau’s intelligence service is given directives by the Chief Representative as well, the rest of the organization - most importantly, the Frontier Rangers Division - is held accountable by the House of Members, who may question and overrule actions taken by the force if a consensus is reached. Due to this, Rangers are generally not allowed to interfere with local governments (unless explicitly asked to by said administrations), and the extent of their operations have mostly been the same as in their past. While securing the ever-changing borders of the Frontier from pirates, spacefaring creatures and other unusual threats is a constant worry, the rest of the Bureau is otherwise employed in various intelligence operations, the nature of which only the Chief Representatives and their selected Marshals of the past and present have been privy to. Numerous theories abound, as the lack of any overseeing agency holding the group accountable makes it particularly difficult to ascertain how far some operations have gone, a fact that the CFP has denounced multiple times. While some continue to push for the Bureau to have the reach it needs to establish stability, others warn against the creation of a police force that could unwind the very ideals the Coalition was built upon. The Rangers themselves are indeed not spared from political infighting, and many within their ranks struggle to internalize whether they are a symbol of the grand ideals of the Coalition, or a possible tool for those who wish to see the Frontier quelled.

Internally, the FSB is supplied through a quota expected of every core member, scaled depending on a system’s individual military capacity. This may include everything from weaponry and manpower to ships and building materials. While this would make the Bureau one of the most well-funded forces in the galaxy by numbers, in reality, the sheer size of the Coalition means that the average Ranger or agent sees very little of this money, and often ends up relying on either outdated or faulty equipment. Many operations only continue to persist due to the zealous nature in which many operators adhere to their Frontiersman traditions, managing to scrape by with not much support. For similar reasons, the selection process for agents is often aimed at finding volunteers that are particularly committed to upholding the Coalition’s values, which further serves to reinforce the stereotypes which plague the position. More specifically, Rangers are often chosen from already established sub-groups within their nation of origin, such as particularly well-performing Gadpathurian cadres or Vysokan Host-men eager for adventure outside of their Steppes. While much more unusual, Scarab Rangers have been well-respected in the past for their self-sufficient lifestyle and effectiveness in Zero-G conditions, which encompass much of a Ranger’s work. Though primarily composed of humans, there have been notable Rangers of various species, such as Himean Tajara, who are often employed in missions which cater to their highly specialized skill set.

==Synthetics in the Coalition==

The Coalition of Colonies is well known for its diverse collection of governments, cultures and beliefs, and the treatment of synthetics across the Coalition is similarly diverse. From the highly integrated, forward-thinking planet of Konyang to the oppressive methods used on Burzsia, many other planets fall between these extremes, and the prospects of synthetics vary greatly depending on where they are located. The majority of synthetics in the coalition are owned by mega-corporations or other private entities, with free IPC frames making up a smaller minority of those across the Coalition. The synthetic population of the Coalition is also centralized into the more developed planets present within the coalition, due to their requirements for charging and maintenance to be regularly available to them, positronics on more rural, less developed worlds are either exceedingly rare or not present at all.

The legal status of synthetics within the Coalition is mostly down to the local laws of the planet where they find themselves residing, either by choice or through ownership. These matters are left to the local governments across the coalition and so their treatment often comes down to who owns them or the personal wealth they can accrue.

The Golden Deep and The Trinary Perfection both have a presence across the Coalition as well, with the Golden Deep operating across many of the planets and the Trinary Perfection making use of its base on Orepit to preach and perform its work within the Coalition itself, both groups hold decent influence over various parts of the Coalition.

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User:SilverSZ/sandbox

2022-03-14T16:32:17Z

SilverSZ:

=== Synthetics on Xanu Prime ===
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With the Coalition being the easiest of the galactic nations for someone to gain citizenship in. Before the Solarian collapse and even more now. Positronics, both owned and free alike, attempt to create new lives for themselves in the Coalition of Colonies. Some are on the run from their former owners whilst others are seeking a place where they are treated as equals and protected by the law. Thanks to the heavily decentralized nature of the Coalition moving to the more rural or isolated colonies was not an option for these immigrants, and so these free, freedom-seeking or refugee synthetics end up in the developed capital world of Xanu Prime.
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Whilst many positronics might not have made Xanu their first choice, the planet's position as a trade giant within the Coalition and its developed nature makes moving to and living there relatively easy for synthetics and it has become the end destination for many. Some of them find it comfortable whilst others simply run out of funds to travel anywhere else. Free synthetics moving to Xanu are usually able to find careers and settle into lives similar to that of the ordinary organic Xanusiians. living similarly to them within the planet's megacities with the same freedoms and quality of life afforded to organic citizens. Nothing prevents a hard-working, successful IPC from gaining a reputable position in a local or mega-corporate business. However, those who are not successful can find themselves as equally destitute as any unsuccessful organic could.

However, for refugee positronics or those deliberately fleeing to seek their freedom, the story is often quite different. All of the spur’s major megacorporations have a presence on Xanu Prime and non-citizen synthetics, waiting for their chance to apply for citizenship or gain status as an official refugee often find themselves scrutinized or tested by corporate security forces if they match the description of IPC frames reported missing or rogue. Synthetics caught in this way are returned to their owner companies and mind-wiped as punishment, Hephaestus often sends positronics caught in this manner to their nearby installations on Burzsia.

For those non-citizen positronics who manage to remain free or gain status as a refugee, life on Xanu is far less comfortable than even their poorer free counterparts, lacking the same rights afforded to them. Often used as cheap labour by local salvaging operations or forced to sign on one-sided contracts with mega-corporations, the dream of freedom holds little of its promise, and many synthetics dream of the day they might become a citizen and have the income and rights to rise through society. These non-citizen synthetics still live within the megacities that dot the planet's surface, forming their own small communities in the poorer sections.

However, for other positronics menial work, slavish contracts and poor living conditions are something they refuse to stand for. Rather they fall into use by various criminal elements on the planet. Mobility or Industrial frames can prove highly useful to criminal elements on the planet and offer an IPC far more reward than they might otherwise receive, however, many synthetics also find themselves forced into working for criminal organizations instead, by force or simply to get by.

Owned synthetics are also a common sight on Xanu Prime. Both corporately and privately owned. These positronics are utilized in much the same way as other parts of the spur. Industrial frames are a common sight amongst salvaging operations on the planet, hospitals making use of Mobility or Bishop frames contracted from Zeng-Hu along with Idris IRUs and ISUs to enforce the company's power on-world. These owned positronics live lives common to all owned positronics in the spur, with their conditions and lot in life mostly depending on the corporation or individual who owns them.

The human population of Xanu Prime holds mixed opinions on their IPC residents, some sympathizing with the synthetics struggles for freedom, identifying with them due to their previous struggles, whilst others support the local megacorporations and argue for the ownership of positronics. A minority hold suspicions towards the number of refugee IPC groups fleeing the Solarian Wildlands, suspecting they could be spies or simply still loyal to their previous masters.

Charitable initiatives exist to help provide repairs, charge and work to synthetics on Xanu Prime, spearheaded by the Trinary Perfection from their nearby headquarters on Orepit. This charity helps these less fortunate synthetics immensely whilst preaching to them, and conversion to the Trinary Perfection is common thanks to this, but the amount flooding in after the Solarian Collapse continues to strain the initiatives to breaking point.

The one unlikely place that synthetics can end up is as part of the Xanusean military, finding good work as an IPC after obtaining citizenship can be hard and the option of serving in the Xanusean military is an attractive one, providing them with money, repairs and charging as they require it. It is not unknown for positronics to sometimes join the ranks of the Frontier Protection Bureau as Frontier Rangers or other support staff.
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=== Synthetics on Himeo ===
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Himeo’s unique government and history of anti-megacorporate laws and legislation, most notably their ban on Hephaestus Industries operating within Himean space mean that the planet is devoid of megacorporations and their operations. This also means there are no corporately owned synthetics in Himean space. The absence of mega-corporations also makes this planet an attractive place for any IPC wishing to hide from them, such as ones attempting to escape to their freedom from within the Coalition itself or from outside sources such as the Solarian Wildlands or the Republic of Biesel. The planet's manufacturing industry also serves a role in producing parts of IPC frames, helping to reduce the cost of living for those who settle there, this is particularly attractive to free positronics who must pay all the expenses for repairs themselves.
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Privately-owned positronics do exist on Himeo, however in a different manner to the rest of the Spur. Rather than being owned by individuals, almost all owned synthetics are instead the property of local councils, organizations and industries. The majority of these positronics are Industrial Frames used in the planet's substantial mining, refining and industrial sectors, though other frames have been known to be bought in for other tasks. Positronics that find themselves in this position also find themselves instilled with the unique values of Himeo by their owners, holding the communal, anti-mega corporate attitudes of their owners. Gaining freedom for these IPCs is possible, however, it is up to the mercy of their owners, as no formal system for buying their freedom exists. This issue is compounded by the fact that many of these synthetics do not wish to gain their freedom, seeing their position as just a natural place in their community thanks to the views instilled within them.

Free synthetics also make up a sizable amount of the positronics found on Himeo, often choosing to settle on the planet in search of work due to the planet's booming industrial sector and the liberal attitudes towards synthetics in certain places. In general, these free positronics manage to settle on the planet fine, adapting quickly to the communal, close-knit nature of Himean communities by making themselves useful to the local population, helping to earn their place in the communities that dot Himeo. Those who fail to do this often find the planet more unwelcoming to their presence than is worth dealing with to stay, being locked out of these close-knit communities due to not reaching their usual expectations.

The Human population of Himeo hold very divided views on synthetics, though they can broadly be categorized into three different positions. The first crowd, being the most pro-synthetic, see positronics as having undergone the same oppression by megacorporations as they did long ago and advocate for full, equal rights for synthetics in line with the colonies' direct democratic principles. The city of Kiruna is a major centre for this viewpoint.

The second crowd hold a more mixed view of synthetics, not denying that they can be free but also not seeing them as equals or people and allowing them to be owned as industrial equipment. They advocate for allowing the ownership of synthetics for economic gain and in some cases restricting their right to vote within councils, Industrial centres like Magnitogorsk and Cannington are centres of this viewpoint.

The final group see positronics as tools of the mega-corporations that oppressed them before, holding an especially dim view of those made by Hephaestus, expecting them to turn traitor at any moment due to some programmed loyalty. They advocate for removing and keeping synthetics off Himeo entirely. This viewpoint is most common among the more isolated areas of the planet.

Due to this three-way division so far it has been impossible for legislation on synthetic rights to be introduced at a planetary level. This leaves the issue of IPC rights to lower-level governance where opinions are more cohesive such as individual cities. In some areas of the planet, synthetics have equal rights to human residents, whilst in others, they are not even allowed to be residents. For now, this situation seems like it will continue, with the human and free IPC residents naturally settling into areas that allow them to co-exist, and those who want to be away from them settling into areas without synthetics.

Holding onto the views bought from their homeland and their general isolationist nature, the Free Tajaran Council views synthetics with suspicion, and no IPC residents are found within the foundling district. However, Tajara who work outside of the Foundling district tend to have no issues with positronics they might work along, regarding them primarily with indifference.
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=== Synthetics on Assunzione ===
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As a major regional port within the Coalition and the gateway to the mysterious Light’s Edge sector. Assunzione is home to a small but notable population of synthetics, a minority are manufactured locally whilst the majority of them are bought in from Kongyang by corporations operating in Assunzione. The isolated nature and lack of space on the planet however make immigration by synthetics similarly unattractive as it does the immigration of non-synthetics, and the free IPC population of the planet is small compared to other planets of a similar size and development within the Coalition.
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As a major regional port within the Coalition and the gateway to the mysterious Light’s Edge sector. Assunzione is home to a small but notable population of synthetics, a minority are manufactured locally whilst the majority of them are bought in from Kongyang by corporations operating in Assunzione. The isolated nature and lack of space on the planet however make immigration by synthetics similarly unattractive as it does the immigration of non-synthetics, and the free IPC population of the planet is small compared to other planets of a similar size and development within the Coalition.

Positronics manufactured on Assunzione are rare but make up most of the free synthetics on the planet due to the minuscule immigration rate to Assunzione. A majority of frames built on the planet are Bishop and Mobility frames, as the planet is the location of the Coalition HQ of Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals, who are also the biggest owner of synthetics on the planet.

A curious part of Assunzione manufactured positronics who stay on the planet is that they are blessed on creation and programmed with an adherence to the native religion of Luceism, to fit in better with the highly religious population, displaying both a knowledge of the faith and desire to follow its tenets. This adherence remains with them even if they find their freedom in some manner. Adherence to both Pyramidicalism and Astructuralism exist, as synthetics are usually programmed to follow the branch most popular where they will be sent to work.

Free synthetics can be found in all manner of roles on Assunzione, from expedition crews to menial workers and high ranking corporate positions, and similarly reside in the great domed cities that the human population occupy. Their adherence to the planet's faith means they are highly integrated with the local human population. All manner of frames are used by free synthetics across the planet, though the locally produced Bishop and Mobility frames are the most common.

Owned positronics meanwhile vary greatly across the seven cities of Assunzione, depending on the corporate presence there. The majority of positronics manufactured on Assunzione itself find themselves employed in Triesto, where the Headquarters of Zeng-Hu is located, serving as researchers, medical or service staff for the corporation. Another common role is as Bridge Crew and other staff for the many Zeng-Hu expeditions launched into the Light’s Edge region, the risks of exploring Light’s Edge make IPC crewmembers inherently useful as they are considered more expendable than human crew. Nanotrasen also employs synthetics in Triesto for their phoron-finding expeditions into the Light’s Edge for similar reasons. Markarsa also serves as another major hub for owned synthetics produced on the planet, as the research hub of the planet and home to a substantial Zeng-Hu research facility, many positronics serve as scientists or support staff here.

Whilst Triesto and Markarsa serve as hubs for Assunzione produced positronics, both NT and Zeng-Hu utilize synthetics bought from off-world in their operations here too. However, in other cities off-world produced synthetics make up a far larger section of the overall synthetic population most coming from the nearby production centre of Konyang. Iraklio’s status as the primary shipyard of Assunzione and recent investments by Hephaestus Industries have brought large amounts of industrial frames to the planet to serve as labour for the budding shipbuilding industry and Hephaestus facilities. Meanwhile Said, being the port of call for many unaffiliated vessels travelling to the planet leads to it playing host to all manner of synthetics from off-world, primarily working as part of these independent crews but also within the city, a few members of the Golden Deep also have operations in the city, using it as their base for conducting business in the region.

The opinions on synthetics held by the human residents of Assunzione primarily stem from their interpretation of Luceist teachings, whilst Luceism itself espouses a neutral view towards synthetic life, personal interpretations vary between followers, and can be broadly classified into two primary views. The more pro-synthetic side of Luceism does not advocate for synthetic freedom but still has a more positive of synthetics for their efficiency, work ethic and other factors, especially those produced and blessed locally who adhere to Luceism, seeing them as properly integrated into the planet's population and support them being used on the planet.

The more anti-synthetic side of the faith believe that synthetics are a drain on Assunzione as a whole, and antithetical to the teachings of Luceism. This is primarily due to their inherently inorganic nature and the belief that synthetics drain away electricity that could instead have been used to produce light. They would rather see positronics not present on the planet at all. This divide exists within both the Pyramidicalist and Astructuralist branches of the faith.

A common uniting factor however for both viewpoints is a disdain for all positronics who were not created on the planet itself, finding their lack of knowledge or adherence to Luceism to be insulting at best and unacceptable at worst. Owned synthetics bought in from off-world often do not find themselves treated well by the locals where they do interact. Free synthetics choose to adopt the tenants of the faith if they were not local to the planet or simply not immigrate at all. Due to Luceism’s overwhelming presence on the planet, followers of the Trinary Perfection, both synthetic and organic are unheard of.

</div></div>

==Synthetics in the Coalition==
The Coalition of Colonies is well known for its diverse collection of governments, cultures and beliefs, and the treatment of synthetics across the Coalition is similarly diverse. From the highly integrated, forward-thinking planet of Konyang to the oppressive methods used on Burzsia, many other planets fall between these extremes, and the prospects of synthetics vary greatly depending on where they are located. The majority of synthetics in the coalition are owned by mega-corporations or other private entities, with free IPC frames making up a smaller minority of those across the Coalition. The synthetic population of the Coalition is also centralized into the more developed planets present within the coalition, due to their requirements for charging and maintenance to be regularly available to them, positronics on more rural, less developed worlds are either exceedingly rare or not present at all.

The legal status of synthetics within the Coalition is mostly down to the local laws of the planet where they find themselves residing, either by choice or through ownership. These matters are left to the local governments across the coalition and so their treatment often comes down to who owns them or the personal wealth they can accrue.

The Golden Deep and The Trinary Perfection both have a presence across the Coalition as well, with the Golden Deep operating across many of the planets and the Trinary Perfection making use of its base on Orepit to preach and perform its work within the Coalition itself, both groups hold decent influence over various parts of the Coalition.

User:SilverSZ/sandbox

2022-03-14T16:30:49Z

SilverSZ:

=== Synthetics on Xanu Prime ===
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With the Coalition being the easiest of the galactic nations for someone to gain citizenship in. Before the Solarian collapse and even more now. Positronics, both owned and free alike, attempt to create new lives for themselves in the Coalition of Colonies. Some are on the run from their former owners whilst others are seeking a place where they are treated as equals and protected by the law. Thanks to the heavily decentralized nature of the Coalition moving to the more rural or isolated colonies was not an option for these immigrants, and so these free, freedom-seeking or refugee synthetics end up in the developed capital world of Xanu Prime.
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Whilst many positronics might not have made Xanu their first choice, the planet's position as a trade giant within the Coalition and its developed nature makes moving to and living there relatively easy for synthetics and it has become the end destination for many. Some of them find it comfortable whilst others simply run out of funds to travel anywhere else. Free synthetics moving to Xanu are usually able to find careers and settle into lives similar to that of the ordinary organic Xanusiians. living similarly to them within the planet's megacities with the same freedoms and quality of life afforded to organic citizens. Nothing prevents a hard-working, successful IPC from gaining a reputable position in a local or mega-corporate business. However, those who are not successful can find themselves as equally destitute as any unsuccessful organic could.

However, for refugee positronics or those deliberately fleeing to seek their freedom, the story is often quite different. All of the spur’s major megacorporations have a presence on Xanu Prime and non-citizen synthetics, waiting for their chance to apply for citizenship or gain status as an official refugee often find themselves scrutinized or tested by corporate security forces if they match the description of IPC frames reported missing or rogue. Synthetics caught in this way are returned to their owner companies and mind-wiped as punishment, Hephaestus often sends positronics caught in this manner to their nearby installations on Burzsia.

For those non-citizen positronics who manage to remain free or gain status as a refugee, life on Xanu is far less comfortable than even their poorer free counterparts, lacking the same rights afforded to them. Often used as cheap labour by local salvaging operations or forced to sign on one-sided contracts with mega-corporations, the dream of freedom holds little of its promise, and many synthetics dream of the day they might become a citizen and have the income and rights to rise through society. These non-citizen synthetics still live within the megacities that dot the planet's surface, forming their own small communities in the poorer sections.

However, for other positronics menial work, slavish contracts and poor living conditions are something they refuse to stand for. Rather they fall into use by various criminal elements on the planet. Mobility or Industrial frames can prove highly useful to criminal elements on the planet and offer an IPC far more reward than they might otherwise receive, however, many synthetics also find themselves forced into working for criminal organizations instead, by force or simply to get by.

Owned synthetics are also a common sight on Xanu Prime. Both corporately and privately owned. These positronics are utilized in much the same way as other parts of the spur. Industrial frames are a common sight amongst salvaging operations on the planet, hospitals making use of Mobility or Bishop frames contracted from Zeng-Hu along with Idris IRUs and ISUs to enforce the company's power on-world. These owned positronics live lives common to all owned positronics in the spur, with their conditions and lot in life mostly depending on the corporation or individual who owns them.

The human population of Xanu Prime holds mixed opinions on their IPC residents, some sympathizing with the synthetics struggles for freedom, identifying with them due to their previous struggles, whilst others support the local megacorporations and argue for the ownership of positronics. A minority hold suspicions towards the number of refugee IPC groups fleeing the Solarian Wildlands, suspecting they could be spies or simply still loyal to their previous masters.

Charitable initiatives exist to help provide repairs, charge and work to synthetics on Xanu Prime, spearheaded by the Trinary Perfection from their nearby headquarters on Orepit. This charity helps these less fortunate synthetics immensely whilst preaching to them, and conversion to the Trinary Perfection is common thanks to this, but the amount flooding in after the Solarian Collapse continues to strain the initiatives to breaking point.

The one unlikely place that synthetics can end up is as part of the Xanusean military, finding good work as an IPC after obtaining citizenship can be hard and the option of serving in the Xanusean military is an attractive one, providing them with money, repairs and charging as they require it. It is not unknown for positronics to sometimes join the ranks of the Frontier Protection Bureau as Frontier Rangers or other support staff.
</div></div>

=== Synthetics on Himeo ===
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Himeo’s unique government and history of anti-megacorporate laws and legislation, most notably their ban on Hephaestus Industries operating within Himean space mean that the planet is devoid of megacorporations and their operations. This also means there are no corporately owned synthetics in Himean space. The absence of mega-corporations also makes this planet an attractive place for any IPC wishing to hide from them, such as ones attempting to escape to their freedom from within the Coalition itself or from outside sources such as the Solarian Wildlands or the Republic of Biesel. The planet's manufacturing industry also serves a role in producing parts of IPC frames, helping to reduce the cost of living for those who settle there, this is particularly attractive to free positronics who must pay all the expenses for repairs themselves.
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Privately-owned positronics do exist on Himeo, however in a different manner to the rest of the Spur. Rather than being owned by individuals, almost all owned synthetics are instead the property of local councils, organizations and industries. The majority of these positronics are Industrial Frames used in the planet's substantial mining, refining and industrial sectors, though other frames have been known to be bought in for other tasks. Positronics that find themselves in this position also find themselves instilled with the unique values of Himeo by their owners, holding the communal, anti-mega corporate attitudes of their owners. Gaining freedom for these IPCs is possible, however, it is up to the mercy of their owners, as no formal system for buying their freedom exists. This issue is compounded by the fact that many of these synthetics do not wish to gain their freedom, seeing their position as just a natural place in their community thanks to the views instilled within them.

Free synthetics also make up a sizable amount of the positronics found on Himeo, often choosing to settle on the planet in search of work due to the planet's booming industrial sector and the liberal attitudes towards synthetics in certain places. In general, these free positronics manage to settle on the planet fine, adapting quickly to the communal, close-knit nature of Himean communities by making themselves useful to the local population, helping to earn their place in the communities that dot Himeo. Those who fail to do this often find the planet more unwelcoming to their presence than is worth dealing with to stay, being locked out of these close-knit communities due to not reaching their usual expectations.

The Human population of Himeo hold very divided views on synthetics, though they can broadly be categorized into three different positions. The first crowd, being the most pro-synthetic, see positronics as having undergone the same oppression by megacorporations as they did long ago and advocate for full, equal rights for synthetics in line with the colonies' direct democratic principles. The city of Kiruna is a major centre for this viewpoint.

The second crowd hold a more mixed view of synthetics, not denying that they can be free but also not seeing them as equals or people and allowing them to be owned as industrial equipment. They advocate for allowing the ownership of synthetics for economic gain and in some cases restricting their right to vote within councils, Industrial centres like Magnitogorsk and Cannington are centres of this viewpoint.

The final group see positronics as tools of the mega-corporations that oppressed them before, holding an especially dim view of those made by Hephaestus, expecting them to turn traitor at any moment due to some programmed loyalty. They advocate for removing and keeping synthetics off Himeo entirely. This viewpoint is most common among the more isolated areas of the planet.

Due to this three-way division so far it has been impossible for legislation on synthetic rights to be introduced at a planetary level. This leaves the issue of IPC rights to lower-level governance where opinions are more cohesive such as individual cities. In some areas of the planet, synthetics have equal rights to human residents, whilst in others, they are not even allowed to be residents. For now, this situation seems like it will continue, with the human and free IPC residents naturally settling into areas that allow them to co-exist, and those who want to be away from them settling into areas without synthetics.

Holding onto the views bought from their homeland and their general isolationist nature, the Free Tajaran Council views synthetics with suspicion, and no IPC residents are found within the foundling district. However, Tajara who work outside of the Foundling district tend to have no issues with positronics they might work along, regarding them primarily with indifference.
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=== Synthetics on Assunzione ===
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As a major regional port within the Coalition and the gateway to the mysterious Light’s Edge sector. Assunzione is home to a small but notable population of synthetics, a minority are manufactured locally whilst the majority of them are bought in from Kongyang by corporations operating in Assunzione. The isolated nature and lack of space on the planet however make immigration by synthetics similarly unattractive as it does the immigration of non-synthetics, and the free IPC population of the planet is small compared to other planets of a similar size and development within the Coalition.
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Positronics manufactured on Assunzione are rare but make up most of the free synthetics on the planet due to the minuscule immigration rate to Assunzione. A majority of frames built on the planet are Bishop and Mobility frames, as the planet is the location of the Coalition HQ of Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals, who are also the biggest owner of synthetics on the planet.

A curious part of Assunzione manufactured positronics who stay on the planet is that they are blessed on creation and programmed with an adherence to the native religion of Luceism, to fit in better with the highly religious population, displaying both a knowledge of the faith and desire to follow its tenets. This adherence remains with them even if they find their freedom in some manner. Adherence to both Pyramidicalism and Astructuralism exist, as synthetics are usually programmed to follow the branch most popular where they will be sent to work.

Free synthetics can be found in all manner of roles on Assunzione, from expedition crews to menial workers and high ranking corporate positions, and similarly reside in the great domed cities that the human population occupy. Their adherence to the planet's faith means they are highly integrated with the local human population. All manner of frames are used by free synthetics across the planet, though the locally produced Bishop and Mobility frames are the most common.

Owned positronics meanwhile vary greatly across the seven cities of Assunzione, depending on the corporate presence there. The majority of positronics manufactured on Assunzione itself find themselves employed in Triesto, where the Headquarters of Zeng-Hu is located, serving as researchers, medical or service staff for the corporation. Another common role is as Bridge Crew and other staff for the many Zeng-Hu expeditions launched into the Light’s Edge region, the inherent risks of exploring here make IPC crewmembers inherently useful as they are considered more expendable than human crew. Nanotrasen also employs synthetics in Triesto for their phoron-finding expeditions into the Light’s Edge for similar reasons. Markarsa also serves as another major hub for owned synthetics produced on the planet, as the research hub of the planet and home to a substantial Zeng-Hu research facility, many positronics serve as scientists or support staff here.

Whilst Triesto and Markarsa serve as hubs for Assunzione produced positronics, both NT and Zeng-Hu utilize synthetics bought from off-world in their operations here too. However, in other cities off-world produced synthetics make up a far larger section of the overall synthetic population most coming from the nearby production centre of Konyang. Iraklio’s status as the primary shipyard of Assunzione and recent investments by Hephaestus Industries have brought large amounts of industrial frames to the planet to serve as labour for the budding shipbuilding industry and Hephaestus facilities. Meanwhile Said, being the port of call for many unaffiliated vessels travelling to the planet leads to it playing host to all manner of synthetics from off-world, primarily working as part of these independent crews but also within the city, a few members of the Golden Deep also have operations in the city, using it as their base for conducting business in the region.

The opinions on synthetics held by the human residents of Assunzione primarily stem from their interpretation of Luceist teachings, whilst Luceism itself espouses a neutral view towards synthetic life, personal interpretations vary between followers, and can be broadly classified into two primary views. The more pro-synthetic side of Luceism does not advocate for synthetic freedom but still has a more positive of synthetics for their efficiency, work ethic and other factors, especially those produced and blessed locally who adhere to Luceism, seeing them as properly integrated into the planet's population and support them being used on the planet.

The more anti-synthetic side of the faith believe that synthetics are a drain on Assunzione as a whole, and antithetical to the teachings of Luceism. This is primarily due to their inherently inorganic nature and the belief that synthetics drain away electricity that could instead have been used to produce light. They would rather see positronics not present on the planet at all. This divide exists within both the Pyramidicalist and Astructuralist branches of the faith.

A common uniting factor however for both viewpoints is a disdain for all positronics who were not created on the planet itself, finding their lack of knowledge or adherence to Luceism to be insulting at best and unacceptable at worst. Owned synthetics bought in from off-world often do not find themselves treated well by the locals where they do interact. Free synthetics choose to adopt the tenants of the faith if they were not local to the planet or simply not immigrate at all. Due to Luceism’s overwhelming presence on the planet, followers of the Trinary Perfection, both synthetic and organic are unheard of.

</div></div>

==Synthetics in the Coalition==
The Coalition of Colonies is well known for its diverse collection of governments, cultures and beliefs, and the treatment of synthetics across the Coalition is similarly diverse. From the highly integrated, forward-thinking planet of Konyang to the oppressive methods used on Burzsia, many other planets fall between these extremes, and the prospects of synthetics vary greatly depending on where they are located. The majority of synthetics in the coalition are owned by mega-corporations or other private entities, with free IPC frames making up a smaller minority of those across the Coalition. The synthetic population of the Coalition is also centralized into the more developed planets present within the coalition, due to their requirements for charging and maintenance to be regularly available to them, positronics on more rural, less developed worlds are either exceedingly rare or not present at all.

The legal status of synthetics within the Coalition is mostly down to the local laws of the planet where they find themselves residing, either by choice or through ownership. These matters are left to the local governments across the coalition and so their treatment often comes down to who owns them or the personal wealth they can accrue.

The Golden Deep and The Trinary Perfection both have a presence across the Coalition as well, with the Golden Deep operating across many of the planets and the Trinary Perfection making use of its base on Orepit to preach and perform its work within the Coalition itself, both groups hold decent influence over various parts of the Coalition.

User:SilverSZ/sandbox

2022-03-14T16:29:07Z

SilverSZ:

=== Synthetics on Xanu Prime ===
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With the Coalition being the easiest of the galactic nations for someone to gain citizenship in. Before the Solarian collapse and even more now. Positronics, both owned and free alike, attempt to create new lives for themselves in the Coalition of Colonies. Some are on the run from their former owners whilst others are seeking a place where they are treated as equals and protected by the law. Thanks to the heavily decentralized nature of the Coalition moving to the more rural or isolated colonies was not an option for these immigrants, and so these free, freedom-seeking or refugee synthetics end up in the developed capital world of Xanu Prime.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
Whilst many positronics might not have made Xanu their first choice, the planet's position as a trade giant within the Coalition and its developed nature makes moving to and living there relatively easy for synthetics and it has become the end destination for many. Some of them find it comfortable whilst others simply run out of funds to travel anywhere else. Free synthetics moving to Xanu are usually able to find careers and settle into lives similar to that of the ordinary organic Xanusiians. living similarly to them within the planet's megacities with the same freedoms and quality of life afforded to organic citizens. Nothing prevents a hard-working, successful IPC from gaining a reputable position in a local or mega-corporate business. However, those who are not successful can find themselves as equally destitute as any unsuccessful organic could.

However, for refugee positronics or those deliberately fleeing to seek their freedom, the story is often quite different. All of the spur’s major megacorporations have a presence on Xanu Prime and non-citizen synthetics, waiting for their chance to apply for citizenship or gain status as an official refugee often find themselves scrutinized or tested by corporate security forces if they match the description of IPC frames reported missing or rogue. Synthetics caught in this way are returned to their owner companies and mind-wiped as punishment, Hephaestus often sends positronics caught in this manner to their nearby installations on Burzsia.

For those non-citizen positronics who manage to remain free or gain status as a refugee, life on Xanu is far less comfortable than even their poorer free counterparts, lacking the same rights afforded to them. Often used as cheap labour by local salvaging operations or forced to sign on one-sided contracts with mega-corporations, the dream of freedom holds little of its promise, and many synthetics dream of the day they might become a citizen and have the income and rights to rise through society. These non-citizen synthetics still live within the megacities that dot the planet's surface, forming their own small communities in the poorer sections.

However, for other positronics menial work, slavish contracts and poor living conditions are something they refuse to stand for. Rather they fall into use by various criminal elements on the planet. Mobility or Industrial frames can prove highly useful to criminal elements on the planet and offer an IPC far more reward than they might otherwise receive, however, many synthetics also find themselves forced into working for criminal organizations instead, by force or simply to get by.

Owned synthetics are also a common sight on Xanu Prime. Both corporately and privately owned. These positronics are utilized in much the same way as other parts of the spur. Industrial frames are a common sight amongst salvaging operations on the planet, hospitals making use of Mobility or Bishop frames contracted from Zeng-Hu along with Idris IRUs and ISUs to enforce the company's power on-world. These owned positronics live lives common to all owned positronics in the spur, with their conditions and lot in life mostly depending on the corporation or individual who owns them.

The human population of Xanu Prime holds mixed opinions on their IPC residents, some sympathizing with the synthetics struggles for freedom, identifying with them due to their previous struggles, whilst others support the local megacorporations and argue for the ownership of positronics. A minority hold suspicions towards the number of refugee IPC groups fleeing the Solarian Wildlands, suspecting they could be spies or simply still loyal to their previous masters.

Charitable initiatives exist to help provide repairs, charge and work to synthetics on Xanu Prime, spearheaded by the Trinary Perfection from their nearby headquarters on Orepit. This charity helps these less fortunate synthetics immensely whilst preaching to them, and conversion to the Trinary Perfection is common thanks to this, but the amount flooding in after the Solarian Collapse continues to strain the initiatives to breaking point.

The one unlikely place that synthetics can end up is as part of the Xanusean military, finding good work as an IPC after obtaining citizenship can be hard and the option of serving in the Xanusean military is an attractive one, providing them with money, repairs and charging as they require it. It is not unknown for positronics to sometimes join the ranks of the Frontier Protection Bureau as Frontier Rangers or other support staff.
</div></div>

=== Synthetics on Himeo ===
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Himeo’s unique government and history of anti-megacorporate laws and legislation, most notably their ban on Hephaestus Industries operating within Himean space mean that the planet is devoid of megacorporations and their operations. This also means there are no corporately owned synthetics in Himean space. The absence of mega-corporations also makes this planet an attractive place for any IPC wishing to hide from them, such as ones attempting to escape to their freedom from within the Coalition itself or from outside sources such as the Solarian Wildlands or the Republic of Biesel. The planet's manufacturing industry also serves a role in producing parts of IPC frames, helping to reduce the cost of living for those who settle there, this is particularly attractive to free positronics who must pay all the expenses for repairs themselves.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
Privately-owned positronics do exist on Himeo, however in a different manner to the rest of the Spur. Rather than being owned by individuals, almost all owned synthetics are instead the property of local councils, organizations and industries. The majority of these positronics are Industrial Frames used in the planet's substantial mining, refining and industrial sectors, though other frames have been known to be bought in for other tasks. Positronics that find themselves in this position also find themselves instilled with the unique values of Himeo by their owners, holding the communal, anti-mega corporate attitudes of their owners. Gaining freedom for these IPCs is possible, however, it is up to the mercy of their owners, as no formal system for buying their freedom exists. This issue is compounded by the fact that many of these synthetics do not wish to gain their freedom, seeing their position as just a natural place in their community thanks to the views instilled within them.

Free synthetics also make up a sizable amount of the positronics found on Himeo, often choosing to settle on the planet in search of work due to the planet's booming industrial sector and the liberal attitudes towards synthetics in certain places. In general, these free positronics manage to settle on the planet fine, adapting quickly to the communal, close-knit nature of Himean communities by making themselves useful to the local population, helping to earn their place in the communities that dot Himeo. Those who fail to do this often find the planet more unwelcoming to their presence than is worth dealing with to stay, being locked out of these close-knit communities due to not reaching their usual expectations.

The Human population of Himeo hold very divided views on synthetics, though they can broadly be categorized into three different positions. The first crowd, being the most pro-synthetic, see positronics as having undergone the same oppression by megacorporations as they did long ago and advocate for full, equal rights for synthetics in line with the colonies' direct democratic principles. The city of Kiruna is a major centre for this viewpoint.

The second crowd hold a more mixed view of synthetics, not denying that they can be free but also not seeing them as equals or people and allowing them to be owned as industrial equipment. They advocate for allowing the ownership of synthetics for economic gain and in some cases restricting their right to vote within councils, Industrial centres like Magnitogorsk and Cannington are centres of this viewpoint.

The final group see positronics as tools of the mega-corporations that oppressed them before, holding an especially dim view of those made by Hephaestus, expecting them to turn traitor at any moment due to some programmed loyalty. They advocate for removing and keeping synthetics off Himeo entirely. This viewpoint is most common among the more isolated areas of the planet.

Due to this three-way division so far it has been impossible for legislation on synthetic rights to be introduced at a planetary level. This leaves the issue of IPC rights to lower-level governance where opinions are more cohesive such as individual cities. In some areas of the planet, synthetics have equal rights to human residents, whilst in others, they are not even allowed to be residents. For now, this situation seems like it will continue, with the human and free IPC residents naturally settling into areas that allow them to co-exist, and those who want to be away from them settling into areas without synthetics.

Holding onto the views bought from their homeland and their general isolationist nature, the Free Tajaran Council views synthetics with suspicion, and no IPC residents are found within the foundling district. However, Tajara who work outside of the Foundling district tend to have no issues with positronics they might work along, regarding them primarily with indifference.
</div></div>

=== Synthetics on Assunzione ===
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As a major regional port within the Coalition and the gateway to the mysterious Light’s Edge sector. Assunzione is home to a small but notable population of synthetics, a minority are manufactured locally whilst the majority of them are bought in from Kongyang by corporations operating in Assunzione. The isolated nature and lack of space on the planet however make immigration by synthetics similarly unattractive as it does the immigration of non-synthetics, and the free IPC population of the planet is small compared to other planets of a similar size and development within the Coalition.
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
Positronics manufactured on Assunzione are rare but make up most of the free synthetics on the planet due to the minuscule immigration rate to Assunzione. A majority of frames built on the planet are Bishop and Mobility frames, as the planet is the location of the Coalition HQ of Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals, who are also the biggest owner of synthetics on the planet.

A curious part of Assunzione manufactured positronics who stay on the planet is that they are blessed on creation and programmed with an adherence to the native religion of Luceism, to fit in better with the highly religious population, displaying both a knowledge of the faith and desire to follow its tenets. This adherence remains with them even if they find their freedom in some manner. Adherence to both Pyramidicalism and Astructuralism exist, as synthetics are usually programmed to follow the branch most popular where they will be sent to work.

Free synthetics can be found in all manner of roles on Assunzione, from expedition crews to menial workers and high ranking corporate positions, and similarly reside in the great domed cities that the human population occupy. Their adherence to the planet's faith means they are highly integrated with the local human population. All manner of frames are used by free synthetics across the planet, though the locally produced Bishop and Mobility frames are the most common.

Owned positronics meanwhile vary greatly across the seven cities of Assunzione, depending on the corporate presence there. The majority of positronics manufactured on Assunzione itself find themselves employed in Triesto, where the Headquarters of Zeng-Hu is located, serving as researchers, medical or service staff for the corporation. Another common role is as Bridge Crew and other staff for the many Zeng-Hu expeditions launched into the Light’s Edge region, the inherent risks of exploring here make IPC crewmembers inherently useful as they are considered more expendable than human crew. Nanotrasen also employs synthetics in Triesto for their phoron-finding expeditions into the Light’s Edge for similar reasons. Markarsa also serves as another major hub for owned synthetics produced on the planet, as the research hub of the planet and home to a substantial Zeng-Hu research facility, many positronics serve as scientists or support staff here.

Whilst Triesto and Markarsa serve as hubs for Assunzione produced positronics, both NT and Zeng-Hu utilize synthetics bought from off-world in their operations here too. However, in other cities off-world produced synthetics make up a far larger section of the overall synthetic population most coming from the nearby production centre of Konyang. Iraklio’s status as the primary shipyard of Assunzione and recent investments by Hephaestus Industries have brought large amounts of industrial frames to the planet to serve as labour for the budding shipbuilding industry and Hephaestus facilities. Meanwhile Said, being the port of call for many unaffiliated vessels travelling to the planet leads to it playing host to all manner of synthetics from off-world, primarily working as part of these independent crews but also within the city, a few members of the Golden Deep also have operations in the city, using it as their base for conducting business in the region.

The opinions on synthetics held by the human residents of Assunzione primarily stem from their interpretation of Luceist teachings, whilst Luceism itself espouses a neutral view towards synthetic life, personal interpretations vary between followers, and can be broadly classified into two primary views. The more pro-synthetic side of Luceism does not advocate for synthetic freedom but still has a more positive of synthetics for their efficiency, work ethic and other factors, especially those produced and blessed locally who adhere to Luceism, seeing them as properly integrated into the planet's population and support them being used on the planet.

The more anti-synthetic side of the faith believe that synthetics are a drain on Assunzione as a whole, and antithetical to the teachings of Luceism. This is primarily due to their inherently inorganic nature and the belief that synthetics drain away electricity that could instead have been used to produce light. They would rather see positronics not present on the planet at all. This divide exists within both the Pyramidicalist and Astructuralist branches of the faith.

A common uniting factor however for both viewpoints is a disdain for all positronics who were not created on the planet itself, finding their lack of knowledge or adherence to Luceism to be insulting at best and unacceptable at worst. Owned synthetics bought in from off-world often do not find themselves treated well by the locals where they do interact. Free synthetics choose to adopt the tenants of the faith if they were not local to the planet or simply not immigrate at all. Due to Luceism’s overwhelming presence on the planet, followers of the Trinary Perfection, both synthetic and organic are unheard of.

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SilverSZ: /* Synthetics on Xanu Prime */

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=== Synthetics on Xanu Prime ===
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In spite of being outperformed in terms of production by both New Gibson and Biesel, Valkyrie has managed to cement itself as a major player within the Republican economy. Its strategic location within its star system has enabled the planet to become a hub for trade, commerce and even tourism via extensive upgrades to its infrastructure. Valkyrie was originally a mining outpost that expanded rapidly after it was colonized shortly after Biesel in the 2150s. As a result of its proximity to Biesel, as well as its abundant raw resources, it has become popular among the megacorporations that have established outposts across the moon's surface. The Commonwealth of Valkyrie is treated as an independent state within the Republic of Biesel and receives planetary recognition.

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In spite of being outperformed in terms of production by both New Gibson and Biesel, Valkyrie has managed to cement itself as a major player within the Republican economy. Its strategic location within its star system has enabled the planet to become a hub for trade, commerce and even tourism via extensive upgrades to its infrastructure. Valkyrie was originally a mining outpost that expanded rapidly after it was colonized shortly after Biesel in the 2150s. As a result of its proximity to Biesel, as well as its abundant raw resources, it has become popular among the megacorporations that have established outposts across the moon's surface. The Commonwealth of Valkyrie is treated as an independent state within the Republic of Biesel and receives planetary recognition.

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=== Synthetics on Xanu Prime ===
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With the Coalition being the easiest of the galactic nations for someone to gain citizenship in. Before the Solarian collapse and even more now. Positronics, both owned and free alike, attempt to create new lives for themselves in the Coalition of Colonies. Some are on the run from their former owners whilst others are seeking a place where they are treated as equals and protected by the law. Thanks to the heavily decentralized nature of the Coalition moving to the more rural or isolated colonies was not an option for these immigrants, and so these free, freedom-seeking or refugee synthetics end up in the developed capital world of Xanu Prime.

Whilst many positronics might not have made Xanu their first choice, the planet's position as a trade giant within the Coalition and its developed nature makes moving to and living there relatively easy for synthetics and it has become the end destination for many. Some of them find it comfortable whilst others simply run out of funds to travel anywhere else. Free synthetics moving to Xanu are usually able to find careers and settle into lives similar to that of the ordinary organic Xanusiians. living similarly to them within the planet's megacities with the same freedoms and quality of life afforded to organic citizens. Nothing prevents a hard-working, successful IPC from gaining a reputable position in a local or mega-corporate business. However, those who are not successful can find themselves as equally destitute as any unsuccessful organic could.

However, for refugee positronics or those deliberately fleeing to seek their freedom, the story is often quite different. All of the spur’s major megacorporations have a presence on Xanu Prime and non-citizen synthetics, waiting for their chance to apply for citizenship or gain status as an official refugee often find themselves scrutinized or tested by corporate security forces if they match the description of IPC frames reported missing or rogue. Synthetics caught in this way are returned to their owner companies and mind-wiped as punishment, Hephaestus often sends positronics caught in this manner to their nearby installations on Burzsia.

For those non-citizen positronics who manage to remain free or gain status as a refugee, life on Xanu is far less comfortable than even their poorer free counterparts, lacking the same rights afforded to them. Often used as cheap labour by local salvaging operations or forced to sign on one-sided contracts with mega-corporations, the dream of freedom holds little of its promise, and many synthetics dream of the day they might become a citizen and have the income and rights to rise through society. These non-citizen synthetics still live within the megacities that dot the planet's surface, forming their own small communities in the poorer sections.

However, for other positronics menial work, slavish contracts and poor living conditions are something they refuse to stand for. Rather they fall into use by various criminal elements on the planet. Mobility or Industrial frames can prove highly useful to criminal elements on the planet and offer an IPC far more reward than they might otherwise receive, however, many synthetics also find themselves forced into working for criminal organizations instead, by force or simply to get by.

Owned synthetics are also a common sight on Xanu Prime. Both corporately and privately owned. These positronics are utilized in much the same way as other parts of the spur. Industrial frames are a common sight amongst salvaging operations on the planet, hospitals making use of Mobility or Bishop frames contracted from Zeng-Hu along with Idris IRUs and ISUs to enforce the company's power on-world. These owned positronics live lives common to all owned positronics in the spur, with their conditions and lot in life mostly depending on the corporation or individual who owns them.

The human population of Xanu Prime holds mixed opinions on their IPC residents, some sympathizing with the synthetics struggles for freedom, identifying with them due to their previous struggles, whilst others support the local megacorporations and argue for the ownership of positronics. A minority hold suspicions towards the number of refugee IPC groups fleeing the Solarian Wildlands, suspecting they could be spies or simply still loyal to their previous masters.

Charitable initiatives exist to help provide repairs, charge and work to synthetics on Xanu Prime, spearheaded by the Trinary Perfection from their nearby headquarters on Orepit. This charity helps these less fortunate synthetics immensely whilst preaching to them, and conversion to the Trinary Perfection is common thanks to this, but the amount flooding in after the Solarian Collapse continues to strain the initiatives to breaking point.

The one unlikely place that synthetics can end up is as part of the Xanusean military, finding good work as an IPC after obtaining citizenship can be hard and the option of serving in the Xanusean military is an attractive one, providing them with money, repairs and charging as they require it. It is not unknown for positronics to sometimes join the ranks of the Frontier Protection Bureau as Frontier Rangers or other support staff.

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