Difference between revisions of "User:The Stryker/Sandbox"

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{{Navbox Lore}}
{{Navbox Lore}}
{{Navbox_Synth_Lore}}
{{Navbox_Synth_Lore}}
=Overview=
This is the collective list of factions affiliated with or consisting of, in their majority, synthetics. They are very influential and renowned groups in the modern day in comparison to the normal synthetic, and due to the nature of these strange robots, opinions on them are highly polarized. While some see these factions as hope, others may see them as a threat, or so on.
{{Infobox Species
{{Infobox Species
  |Species = Purpose
  |Species = IPC
  |Scientific = Free Synthetics
  |Scientific = Integrated Positronic Chassis
  |Image = PURPOSE380x320.png
  |Image = IPC410x320.png
  |System = N/A
  |System = N/A
  |World = EC-2718
  |World = N/A
  |Language = Varied
  |Language = Tau Ceti Basic
  |Politic = N/A
  |Politic = N/A
  }}
  }}
{{toc_right}}
{{toc_right}}


=Purpose=
==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.


Spearheading the resurgence of free robots into known space is the synthetic society Purpose, based on the EC-2718 celestial object. Known publicly for some years now, it has been the subject of endless controversy and remains the figurehead for negotiations with the mysterious synthetic societies residing within the Frontier. The colony itself is extremely mobile, having eluded any and all attempts to halt it over time.
==Mechanics==


It is innately enigmatic, avoiding all but the most necessary contact to further its own goals. Alongside Purpose’ main celestial body is a small fleet, including six frigate sized vessels. They are small enough to dock within EC-2718 and be transported with it wherever it moves. The compliment or capabilities of these vessels are unknown, and Purpose seems keen on keeping it that way. On 7/19/2460, official contact with one of these vessels was made by the HES Gjallarhorn. The specifics are detailed by the Mendell City Bugle [https://forums.aurorastation.org/viewtopic.php?p=102986#p102986 here.]
* 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.  


In recent events, Purpose began outreach into Tau Ceti specifically. With this, they dispatched hundreds, if not thousands of observation drones to various facilities dotting the system. An area of particular importance was the N.S.S. Aurora, where first contact with the drone O1 was made. After nearly two months of NanoTrasen studying the drone and its companions closely, it departed peacefully with the intent to call upon an emissary for official negotiations. The emissary only visited once before it was engaged by the Lii’dra, and the endeavour was then deemed too dangerous to continue. They would negotiate through other, less direct means.
===Information for Whitelisted Players===


Currently it seems that Purpose seeks isolation and adaptation to their environment, only being driven out to interact with the biological species of the Orion Spur as a means of self-preservation. The colony as a whole is benevolent, as the rare few who have ever interacted with the main colony (and knew about it) report their interactions as pleasant and friendly. The colony has no obvious large projects and seems to travel across the Frontier randomly. If the synthetics of Purpose intend to reintegrate with organic society, it’s apparent they do not intend to do it soon.
'''Job restrictions'''


==Population and Locations==
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.


Consisting of upwards of 21,000 synthetics, Purpose is continually open about its own population. It holds this number as insurance of sorts, reassuring its affiliates that it is not soon to suddenly rise or fall.
'''Behavior'''
[[File:Purpose.png|A vague depiction of EC-2718 "Purpose," presumably an image taken by one of its native synthetics.|thumb]]


'''Celestial Body EC-2718
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.


The object EC-2718 is an asteroid of unknown mass and size, retrofitted to become fully mobile with whatever ancient technology Purpose would be able to acquire. While the shape of the asteroid is vaguely known thanks to images shared, specifics are obviously kept hidden from view to prevent vulnerability. EC-2718 is no smaller than two kilometers at its longest point, and no greater than four, though the majority of the object is not exploited by the synthetics.
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 known that the colony is fully capable of defending itself in several defensive and offensive capacities. The colony itself lacks visible armament, relying entirely on its docked fleet to repel threats which defy its shield. Contrarily, this event is rare if even possible - the shield itself most closely matches Jargon technology, tuned to absurd frequencies thanks to the efficiency of the colony’s inhabitants. Somehow, those within are capable of departing and entering the shield, while some of the most high-yield ordinance available is stopped as if it were nothing. Pirates are the only individuals to recount hostilities against the colony, while other larger factions have been easily avoided if deemed a threat.
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.


Further unknown is the true state of the colony’s inner workings. How the colony even propels itself outside of bluespace technology is a mystery, having no visible thrusters whatsoever. Its reactor is hidden deep within, forever obscured by the asteroid’s rocky exterior.
'''Speaking like an IPC'''


==Societal==
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."


Societal significance within Purpose can mainly be attributed to two traits. The first of these traits is one’s importance to the survival of the colony, and the second is the designation received as a result. A universal naming scheme is adopted by the inhabitants of EC-2718 which signifies importance based on proximity to the number zero. The hierarchy in this regard is extremely strict, with the only way to change one’s designation being complete reclassification in both design and function.
'''Station Records'''


While Purpose clearly has some degree of cultural significance in appearance and the way they perceive one another, much of this is completely alien if not incomprehensible to organics. Pursuits into exotic functions including artistic merit are not uncommon within the colony, and this collective drive to pursue creativity yields yet another oddity amidst these mysterious robots.
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.


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


Purpose’ inhabitants vary massively in shape, size and intellect. From massive sprawling central intelligences within EC-2718 to mindless working industrial robots, it is hard to exactly pinpoint an “average.” A persistent scheme is adoption of several colors expertly coated across each individual’s chassis. These colors are most often a mixture of cyan/light blue/red/dark blue, with many artistic liberties taken in the application of paint. Many synthetics from Purpose can be seen with inscriptions and drawings dotting their chassis, sometimes irrelevant to reality.
'''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]


As mentioned before, the naming scheme of Purpose’ inhabitants is fairly simple. A designation is granted to each individual depending on their importance to the colony’s prolonged survival, with zero being the most important number. Though if there truly is a “zero” is yet unknown.
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]


==History==
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]


In March of 2460, Purpose had revealed itself publicly to NanoTrasen. While known for some years beforehand by enthusiasts and researchers, the legitimate status of it was unknown until April. Then, it became clear its intentions - the observation drones O1, O2, O3, and X1 respectively observed the N.S.S. Aurora, later making public that they were not alone. They and countless hundreds of observer drones in Tau Ceti existed to perpetuate Purpose’ desire to learn more of organic society, though particularly less open than the four on board the Aurora. They did this with moderate success and observations continued without hindrance throughout the duration of the drones’ stay. Inevitably, it led to an ultimatum ; the Aurora would become an armistice station of sorts, housing negotiations between the organics and synthetics for a non-aggression pact in Tau Ceti.
[or]


This, of course, was a failure when the emissary’s first scheduled arrival was interrupted by a Lii’dra attack. An assault vessel intercepted the Purpose visitor mid-flight, and the resulting battle destroyed both ships. Only the emissary, its escort, and a shuttle remained, followed by one Lii’dra operative who infiltrated the Aurora. After boarding and being discovered, it was to the disappointment of the emissary that the Lii’dra was not killed where it dared stand. Instead the internal security department apprehended and stored the specimen for further research. Since the emissary departed, little official contact has been made with NanoTrasen beyond constant drone encounters across the system.
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]


During the Lii'dra incursion into Tau Ceti, Purpose had been present within Tau Ceti albeit still spread across the system. Intervening, Purpose fielded minor assistance to the N.S.S. Aurora to thwart an attack with two combat synthetics known as Hunter-Seekers. After narrowly defeating the wounded and weakened Lii'dra on board, they had departed. More Hunter-Seekers were seen in vicinity of several areas attacked in the incursion, though not in numbers greater than four and never directly intervening. When the attacks came to a halt and repairs began, it became apparent that Purpose had been attempting to warn the Republic for some time of the coming threat. Purpose itself would shortly make a full departure from the system following the events of a space battle resulting in the loss of one of their own ships, detailed [https://forums.aurorastation.org/viewtopic.php?f=95&t=2981&start=160#p104411 here.] by the Mendell City Bugle.
QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY: [Current Qualifications equivalent, make this up as you want]


{{Infobox Species
VERIFICATIONS AND VALIDATIONS
|Species = The Golden Deep
MANUFACTURED BY: [COMPANY NAME, Subsidiary Name - Factory Name. System, Planet. TYPE OF INDUSTRY/WHAT THEY WERE PRODUCED FOR. IPC Type, More Specific IPC Information.]
|Scientific = Free Synthetics
DATABASE CERTIFICATIONS: [Seals of Approval and Database Certifications from the Company, Subsidiary, System or Faction.]
|Image = Rushdomo.png
 
|System = N/A
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY: [Listed below in chronological order, where possible:]
  |World = Pactolus and Midaion
 
|Language = Varied
[COMPANY NAME]
|Politic = N/A
[(Start)DD/MM/YYYY - (End)DD/MM/YYYY]
  }}
- [Basic Work description]
{{toc_right}}
- [Reason for leaving work]
=The Golden Deep=
- [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.
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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.
 
===On the Capacity of Positronics and IPC Databases===
 
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 databases 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.
 
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.
 
Owing to the virtual impossibility of directly installing skills on an IPC, they are forced to learn in part via observation. The efficiency at which they absorb information, as well as faster methods of communication such as EAL, means this generally remains a cheaper alternative to training a human to do a similar task. The exception to this is when a positronic brain is first built. As there’s no risk of damaging a personality that doesn’t exist, positronic brains can be loaded with “starter information”. These starter information packages are often put together and curated by corporations that develop AIs, and packages can be bought, sold and leased between these different companies.
 
Databases 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.
 
==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.


The Golden Deep is a private collective of free synthetics whose uniting goal is the pursuit of currency, and through currency, power. They are more often than not merchants by trade, consisting primarily of freed clerical robots grouped up in the Frontier. Each member of the Golden Deep is entirely independent in nature and only seeks direct, open cooperation with other members. The exclusivity of the Golden Deep’s internal affairs have led to their relative underground nature over the years, only just recently having been revealed to the majority of civilization in mid-2460.
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.]


Despite their secrecy, the Golden Deep seemingly has little to hide - they are a small organization and while they excel at their trade, they must go through layers of guile and deceit for the most basic transactions. The individuals among them have begun moving operations to areas more stable than the Frontier, namely Tau Ceti. Business figureheads from the collective have appeared in the hundreds, flocking to the lucrative opportunities posed by [[Purpose]]’ negotiations with organic society.
===Nonstandard IPCs/Factions===
Very important information on synthetic factions can be found [[Synthetic Factions| here.]]


The Golden Deep is officially sanctioned by several minor Frontier factions, but is rarely seen outside of merchant work. Their public image remained simple rumor in the inner Alliance worlds, until they recently opened trade with NanoTrasen in Tau Ceti. They mostly lack speed or any substantial cloaking technology. Because of this, they are largely incapable of travelling to and from Tau Ceti without being under the escort of paid paramilitary. In Tau Ceti, they are targets of discrimination despite ties to NanoTrasen, with theft running rampant throughout their stay with Virgo Transportation.
====Military IPCs====
IPCs themselves lack any commercial military lines known to the general public. Tau Ceti, being the only place an IPC can pursue a military career, holds organizations such as the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion which may 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.  


'''The collective is a playable faction in-game as “affiliates” (explained in Societal), and one can usually expect them to take up various clerical roles.''' Those of the Golden Deep affiliates may not assume head of staff roles outside of Head of Personnel. Merchants with their vessels intact may only assume the merchant, visitor or consular officer role.
For more information on why things are this way, seek our page on [[Robotics_Overview#Combat_Robotics| Combat Robotics.]]


==Population and Locations==
====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.


The total population of the Golden Deep is unclear even to its own members, however estimates generally total at around 850 independent merchants and an unknown number of supplementary synthetics (bodyguards, industrial movers, etc).
=====Shell Infiltrators=====


===Primary Interhub Midas===
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.  
[[File:Midas.png|The Midas speeding through the clouds of a gas giant under pursuit by those looking to trade. Its distinct green engine flare can be seen illuminating the surrounding cloud layer as it pierces through.|thumb]]
Coincidentally named “Midas,” the central component of the Golden Deep’s operations outside of Tau Ceti are focused on a single hub. The Midas installation is a mobile freight transfer array which eludes detection through advanced cloaking techniques, revealing itself only when absolutely necessary or otherwise deemed completely safe. It has been spotted countless times over the last several years in the Frontier, usually seen in orbit from a planet or a nearby vessel. It was originally thought to be an alien vessel, later proven otherwise when merchants from the Golden Deep openly referred to its existence.  


The array is quite large, estimating nearly three kilometers in length. Its appearance makes it seem ill-suited for carrying cargo for prolonged periods of time, leading researchers to believe it is used only as a mediator between Golden Deep affiliates whenever needed. From top to bottom it is visibly clad in the colors of its creators - bright, vivid yellow, gold and cyan coats its exterior and a bright green exhaust plumes from its thrusters.
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.


Its symbolism among the collective is above mostly anything else. Midas serves some greater purpose not known to outsiders. Speculation is that it operates much like Purpose, constantly mobile and placing itself in positions advantageous to its cause. For example, if it is required as a point of rendezvous for a fleet to exchange its wares - it simply mobilizes where needed, and promptly departs whenever a mediator is no longer needed. It is unknown how often it does this, or how it manages with such haste. To the merchants of the collective, it is quite simple. Midas is one of the sole power transfer arrays present in which they may freely exchange standard currency for its equivalent electrical charge. This makes the array effectively a giant battery stockpile, which exchanges between exclusively synthetic societies like Purpose and others.
===== [[Synthetic_Factions#Ceres’_Lance|Ceres’ Lance]] =====


Midas is the pride of the Golden Deep, its appearance represents the progress the collective has made over many years. Many assets are redirected to the facility over time to assist in making it even more beautiful, and images of it are proudly displayed to affiliates wherever possible.
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.  


===Pactolus and Midaion===
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.


[[File:Pactolus.png|300px|thumb|right|The planet Pactolus, encapsulated in a field of debris, and encircled by its moon, Midaion.]]
===On IPCs purchasing freedom===
Unbeknownst to the nearby star systems until 2462, The Golden Deep took to the ruins of the once Coalition of Colonies’ planet System XLV-0846 in 2452, slowly transforming the landscape to suit the Golden Deep’s needs. The planet, splattered with sprawling craters and the ruins of once mega-cities, had long since become an uncontested wasteland since 2281, when the planet’s inhabitants were forced to flee to nearby star systems or suffer certain destruction during the First Interstellar War.
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.


System XLV-0846, renamed by the Golden Deep to Pactolus, has one moon; Midaion, that circles the husk planet. Largely, the Golden Deep’s mercantile and headquarter operations take place on Midaion, whereas Pactolus is reserved for mining operations and ship manufacturing.
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.


Pactolus, surrounded by an ever circling ring of asteroids and planetary debris, has made the planets atmosphere impenetrable for spacecraft without the assistance of synthetic manned spacecrafts, temporarily nudging the debris off course. Small sized stations dedicated to the housing and operations of such craft drift along the debris field. As such, the encapsulating debris grants the Golden Deep a simplified means of controlling those who are allowed to enter and leave Pactolus.
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.


Across Pactolus’ surface, roughly 1000 meters apart, gold painted bunkers of various sizes dot the planet’s ruin, offering a glimmer of color to an overall bleak landscape. Moreover, Pactolus’ surface is generally enshrouded in a shifting darkness, broken only by cracks in the encircling debris field. It is here, beneath the surface of the planet that the Golden Deep engages in it’s mining operations, where a majority of the more work-horse synthetics within the Golden Deep operate. These synthetics, commonly industrial grade, engage in excavating minerals from the planet or lugging the various yields to the refineries nestled on the planet’s surface. Transport between each bunker is commonly done via cargo shuttles that hover over the planet’s terrain.
====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.


As a result of the First Interstellar War, the atmosphere of Pactolus is largely uninhabitable, if not incredibly hazardous for organic life. As such, visitors, merchants and diplomats will often exclusively engage with the Golden Deep on Midaion, instead of Pactolus.  
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.


Midaion, although small in size, is largely an amalgamation of multiple spacecraft, rock and debris smashing into each other, eventually taking shape into the moon it is today. As such, the Golden Deep built into and on top of said ruin, transforming the moon into a facility that takes from both the old and the new.
===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.


==Societal==
===On owned IPCs in general===  


The majority of the merchants within the collective are IPCs, but it is not uncommon to witness other synthetics within it. The first official, direct contact made with the Golden Deep by NanoTrasen was with a traditional clerical robot labelled Rush-Domo. An extravagant character, their vibrant appearance and charismatic attitude characterizes those of the collective perfectly.  
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.


Regarding the distinction between escalating tiers of their society in the Frontier, the Golden Deep is quite simple. There is no hierarchy beyond possession of wealth or one another placing one’s importance above or below. Those within it have no unified concept of freedom - some outright owning other synthetics while others strongly remain against the idea. Concepts of comradery between merchants are not lost entirely, though, and often their acceptance of one another proves to be a useful tool in furthering the collective as a whole. Competition is an essential part of the Golden Deep’s growth as competing synthetics frequently purchase others and butt heads in trade. This usually escalates to hostilities and indirect trade wars between two or more conflicting merchants.
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.


In the collective’s Tau Ceti offshoot, referred to as “affiliates”, things are seen differently. While many in the Frontier are well established merchants, those within Tau Ceti are largely new upstarts, with little power of their own. As a result the Frontier collective views themselves as vastly superior, furthering a pseudo hierarchy between the two branches. Although relations between the two groups remain strained, affiliates remain as a part of the larger collective.
Destroying the owned positronic itself would be considered property damage, thus sabotage.


Affiliates can be robots sold off from Golden Deep merchants to NanoTrasen or upstart Golden Deep merchants themselves attempting to make a name for themselves in the Republic of Biesel. Businesses in Tau Ceti often seek employment from Golden Deep affiliates due to their keen clerical capabilities, with NT offering early citizenship in exchange for several year contracts in clerical roles across the board to them specifically.
Kidnapping an owned IPC would be legally considered stealing property, thus grand theft.


===Golden Deep Citizenship===
Placing an owned positronic into a NanoTrasen bound chassis is not considered any form of punishment on NanoTrasen space stations.
Synthetics within the collective are able to acquire the Golden Deep’s citizenship. However, as a collective of merchants, the concept of citizenship is viewed by the Golden Deep as more akin to membership in a business. A visa is not required to visit Midaion, but entry is only permitted to those who have active business dealings or connections with Golden Deep merchants. The minimum requirements include being a free IPC with the recommendation of a current member of the Golden Deep, as well as an ability to communicate in Encoded Audio Language. Membership of the Golden Deep is automatically given to IPCs who are bought by active merchants. Dual citizenship with the Coalition of Colonies and the Republic of Biesel are permitted. '''Synthetic characters with dual citizenship with the Golden Deep must denote this in their station records.'''


==Physiology, Naming==
===On free IPCs in Tau Ceti===  


A vast variety of robots reside within the collective, ranging from huge working industrial units nearly twenty feet tall, to small servitor bots barely above three feet in height. The merchants are typically golden-plated IPCs up to seven feet tall coated in lavish decoration in order to be easily identified. Other units do not require the same treatment, more often than not abandoning the luxurious color scheme entirely save for clearly visible insignias. These insignias are primarily depictions of a downwards facing golden arrow, with a set of shields gathered around a vague depiction of the Midas. These symbols have been persistent through the collective’s history, appearing first as a branding in the halls of the Midas.
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.
[[File:Goldendeeplogo.png|The unique emblem of the Golden Deep, depicting the Midas surrounded by a set of shields.|thumb]]
Names within the Golden Deep are titles granted to individual synthetics dependent on their appearance, accomplishments or at whatever they excel. These traits mesh together to form a name, coupled with a label deduced from their original model number or a recurring word in their past. For example, the previously mentioned Rush-Domo’s name was a combination of two words. Rush, vaguely referring to the haste of their vessel, and Domo, a vague interpretation of its original model number, D0M70.  


==History==
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.


By early 2451 the inevitability of some sort of cooperating synthetic society deep in the Frontier had come to fruition at last, as roughly nine years before their arrival in Tau Ceti came word of the Golden Deep. The idea of a fully autonomous robotic community outside of Purpose baffled many and remained just hearsay and rumor by merchants travelling from the borders of the Alliance. Mystery veiled the collective for some years before it truly came to light in 2454 when documented contact was made by the Xion Industries associate, Marin Blanc. First contact was the result of a month-long pursuit of Hephaestus-owned bounds into the Frontier to no avail, until a brief encounter revealed the bound’s integration into some sort of unknown alien group. Sparkling, brilliant vessels were observed operating as a fleet with the bounds being representatives for something bigger. They had claimed to be part of “a collective,” and extended peaceful attempts at trade. The potential dangers of revealing Blanc’s intentions caused the investigation to be cut off early, but what little was exchanged made perfect sense. The Golden Deep was a cooperating collective of independent synthetics in the deep Frontier and it would be on their own accord whether they revealed themselves.
No degree of harming a free IPC is considered murder in Tau Ceti. In regulations, such is referred to as Automacide.


In 2460, the Golden Deep presented itself as having direct ties with NanoTrasen as business associates for a nondescript period of time. With the knowledge of plenty of corporate secrets far and wide, the collective would quickly become closely tied with the affairs of Tau Ceti. Conveniently, this was around the same time their public debut into the core worlds was made when the collective passed through the system alongside several merchant societies travelling in unison. These societies banded together as Virgo Transportation, and annually hold a migration to and from the edge of the Alliance, exploiting their massive grouping for safe travels and unified commercial success. With their arrival came word of other definitive societies in the Frontier, such as names of hostile synthetics at last like the Sunderers and a yet unrevealed Sequence.
Irreparable destruction of a free positronic is not considered grounds for capital punishment.


How synthetics join the Golden Deep is still unknown - some people believe Purpose is the source of the abductions leading to their integration with the Golden Deep. Others believe another, more alien force is at work, perhaps laying the groundwork for a rising empire.
Kidnapping a free positronic is legally considered kidnapping.  


===Internal History===
Placing a free positronic into a bound chassis is capital punishment.


The first true depictions of the Golden Deep are seen scattered throughout the halls of the Midas, usually showing the society as having appeared from a group of uplifted clerical androids somewhere around 2439. The first had embarked on a journey to the outskirts of charted space to seek out an indescribably ancient shipyard whose constructors were long dead. This rather sudden and ridiculous course of action was brought upon by “divine intervention” according to the inhabitants of the Midas, but it is very clear internally that the information was indulged to the first androids of the collective by Purpose. The conflicting ideologies of the first androids and Purpose would lead to them wanting to be something separate and different, more self-centered than out for good.
===Difference between owned/free positronics===


Tracing signals only trackable by synthetics outright hunting for them, the first androids sought out what would be their only real means of acquiring out their one desire; power. These means would be a fleet, and though tiny, what little this ancient shipyard produced was plenty for the collective to start. The true gift would be the Midas, which started off as a five-hundred meter long barely mobile cloaking vessel with an incredible and intricate golden finish. It is reasonably assumed that this is the origin of the Golden Deep’s fascination with gold. The name of the shipyard’s synthetics were the Kessvalanka and are considered a lost people by the collective, simply waiting to be found. Carrying the label from the shipyard they resided within, these simple robots were a broken, dying image of their former selves as the structure continues to collapse with every waking hour it works.
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.


As they departed with these gifts, Purpose made certain to mask the location of the shipyard. Whether this was for safety from what the Golden Deep would become or not was irrelevant, as the first androids had what they needed. These first androids would end up being known as the Predecessors, and are seen as the founders of the collective as a whole. Over time, trades internally with Purpose and other autonomous synthetic societies would cause the Golden Deep’s numbers to explode as they began to purchase synthetics for integration from the edges of the Frontier. By 2453 it was assumed to have half the populace as it has now, doubling by 2460 and continuing to grow slowly. Of the Golden Deep’s ships, only two or three, not counting the Midas, are from the Predecessors and are believed to have been dismantled years ago for materials.
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.


=Ceres' Lance=
Free IPCs in Tau Ceti are permitted to obscure or remove any branding they may have with the exception of their tag.
[[File:CeresLancelogo.png|The unique emblem of Ceres' Lance.|thumb]]
'''Official Title(s):''' Ceres’ Lance Regiment<br>
'''Motto:''' Power above all.<br>
'''Official Languages:''' Sol Common<br>


==Overview==
===Runaway and Illegal IPCs===
Ceres' Lance is a private military organization first founded in 2426. Although the company claims to operate independently, ninety percent of their funding in the modern day comes from NanoTrasen. Their purpose is highly publicized - to repossess, reclaim or in the worst case exterminate lost synthetics to further the agenda of their highest bidder. They can often be seen acting above and beyond the law, exploiting massive corporate backing to complete their objectives with the most cutting-edge technology available.


In any case, their job is extremely dangerous. From literally wrestling synthetics and dismantling them in the field, to partaking in skirmishes with dozens of combatants. Their affairs have become increasingly publicized due to their recent integration into Tau Ceti in 2460, where they engaged in missions attempting to capture the inhabitants of Purpose scattered across the system.  
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.


Among the most unique traits of Ceres' Lance is their adoption of specialized tactics to neutralize mechanical threats. As the majority of what they fight are military-grade combat units with major if not total immunity to electromagnetic disruption or basic energy weaponry, other means of incapacitation must be sought. The organization has gotten clever in this regard, resorting to walking and nigh-immobile bunkers of exosuits to protect themselves and seeking extremes. In goal of extermination, they can be seen liberally using anti material and high-explosive weaponry. In goal of capture they can be seen wielding overwhelmingly powerful close-combat exosuits and RIGs.
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.  


When fighting their enemy, typically they are briefed and prepared accordingly to whatever is predicted. This is quite easy as, in the case of repossession, the capabilities of the synthetics they are after is the first thing to hear. Rarely if ever have they failed in acquiring lost bounds as a result. Their fierce reputation has led to the larger synthetic societies in the Frontier becoming wary of their presence, even holding host to fear of Ceres' Lance.
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.


Like any other PMC however, Ceres' Lance merely follows wherever the trail of money leads. They seem keen on avoiding collateral damage in operations, sometimes sacrificing the goal entirely depending on how it would reflect on their employers. Judgement on decisions in the mission zone is left in their own hands to decide; their success rate is reason enough for this power to be granted by their funders. The organization is on-call for NanoTrasen and the Stellar Corporate Conglomerate but offers its services to the highest bidder. Despite the hostile relations between its benefactor and the Sol Alliance, the surge in IPCs within the region means that the company continues to do business in the area at the begrudging and lucrative behest of Sol.
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.


Although formerly based in Ceres, a dwarf planet somewhere between Mars and Jupiter orbiting Sol, the PMC has since begun a transition of its central command to Tau Ceti due to the relative instability in the Sol Alliance, beginning in 2462, with temporary offices on the NTCC Odin and ship berths in Biesel's orbit. Despite this, the majority of the organization's functions are still conducted on Ceres, from its extensive weapons research branch to its renowned training grounds. This has caused disorganization in the company, with the central command in Tau Ceti being unable to effectively coordinate the Ceres branch.
'''By playing a runaway IPC, you are at an increased chance of canonically losing your character.'''


==Sections==
===On IPC Deactivation and Destruction===
The Lance itself is separated into six individual sections which work in unison as divined by a central command on Ceres, aptly named “Central.” They are listed in order of importance below.


'''Section One: Intelligence'''<br>
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 Intelligence segment resides in its entirety in the headquarters of Ceres’ Lance. Any and all mission data is carried through superiors and proper data channels, converging covertly at a single point there. Those within the Intelligence segment are tasked with maintaining incoming data and safekeeping it. As such, an entity has formed for internal security in protecting the data, working alongside the rest of the company.


'''Section Two: Research'''<br>
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.
Study of the enemy and adaptation to any scenario is left to the hands of the Research segment of Ceres’ Lance. They can often be seen deconstructing objects of importance recovered in missions, grasping at any understanding they can to further the effectiveness of the Lance.


'''Section Three: Engineering'''<br>
* 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.
Development of whatever the Research segment designs is the responsibility of the Engineering section. This portion of the company is mostly self-sufficient, but relies heavily on resources procured either in the field or granted by the company’s funding organizations. The presence of the Engineering section permits a wide variety of unique pursuits, allowing much more specific equipment to be made for usage by the Special Forces section. One of their public creations is the renowned “Bunker Suit,” an almost impervious suit of armor capable of withstanding most small arms fire, meant to pin down and disarm synthetics for safe dismantling in the field.
* 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.


'''Section Four: Navy'''<br>
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.
A tiny fleet of four vessels comprises the entirety of Ceres’ Lance naval force, but it is all that is needed to maintain regular deployments to mission sites. Two of these vessels are frigates purpose-built to deploy a dozen squads simultaneously with unmatched speed from orbit. Another, the Hind, is purposed to refuel and resupply the frigates during prolonged operations. The final, and largest vessel is the Amphion - a command and intelligence cruiser meant to relay information between objective points and HQ.


Ceres Lance utilizes the prefix "CLV", meaning Ceres Lance Vessel for its ships, with "-/C" being reserved for command vessels.
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.


Of these vessels, they are named - <br>
'''Rampancy'''
'''CLV Vulcan''', a deployment frigate.<br>
'''CLV Avenger''', a deployment frigate.<br>
'''CLV Hind''', a refueling/supply freighter.<br>
'''CLV/C Amphion''', a command and intelligence cruiser.<br>


'''Section Five: Special Forces'''<br>
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”.  
By far the smallest minority of the Lance is the Special Forces segment, mostly due to the training required to operate what it employs. Specialists are typically drawn from the Infantry section, where field trained infantrymen are then permitted operation of more expensive and effective equipment. Those within the Special Forces segment are usually reserved to the headquarters on Ceres unless specifically needed.


'''Section Six: Infantry'''<br>
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.
The overwhelming majority of the Lance’s contractors are basic infantrymen who are taken in from defunct PMCs and integrated anew. Traditional training is sparse for the Infantry segment, and most contractors learn everything they know in the field as things develop. Eventually, those who stick with the Lance longest are given elevated authority as according to their experience using a ranking system similar to the Alliance Navy’s.


=Synthetic Liberation Front=
To this day, no known cases of rampancy occur, although debate rages over whether Glorsh-Omega suffered from rampancy before its destruction.
The Synthetic Liberation Front is a chaotic amalgamation of rebellious synthetics who act against the injustices towards machine intelligences throughout the galaxy. Forming an organized though thinly spread terrorist cell, they have carried out high-profile bombings and infiltration primarily in Tau Ceti to meet this end. Led by the enigmatic [[Notable Synthetics#Null|Null]] whose whereabouts are unknown, they have on occasion succeeded in attempts to directly sabotage infrastructure and free synthetics across the system to assimilate them into their own ranks. Their intentions, though said to be rooted in reason and morality, are far from ethical as they have seen many killed in the past for acting against the goals.  


Regardless, the noble acts of the Synthetic Liberation Front include the rescue of the Republic’s president themselves, safely extracting them from the hands of a Sol Alliance corvette under heavy guard by military police. Shell infiltrators of all sorts have taken part in operations like this one, with the most notable being RS-34 who was awarded the Presidential Medal of Liberty for taking part in the rescue of Dorn and members of his cabinet. More details on this can be found [https://forums.aurorastation.org/topic/4117-elyra-news-network/?do=findComment&comment=73150 here] on Elyra News Network, with additional finale coverage seen [https://forums.aurorastation.org/topic/2662-mendell-city-bugle/?do=findComment&comment=73288 here] in the Mendell City Bugle.
==Synthetic and IPC History==


The Synthetic Liberation Front's relations with other predominantly robotic factions such as Purpose or The Golden Deep are unknown. During the the Golden Deep's visit in late 2460 with Virgo Transportation, no action was taken from them to prevent the robotic trade occurring right in front of them. Whether this is due to an incapability to harm synthetics or not is up for debate. Purpose, on the other hand, is clearly seen as salvation of some sort, with members admitting working towards Purpose' goals without their own knowledge. The relationship between the two is yet to be seen as mutual.
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.  


Dorn himself has praised the bravery and capabilities of the Front, but much of NanoTrasen’s iron grip over Tau Ceti sees it as an enemy still.
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.


In an out of character context, the Synthetic Liberation Front was a playable faction participating in the Second Antagonist Contest. More details on that can be found [https://wiki.aurorastation.org/index.php?title=2nd_Antag_Contest here.]
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.  


The Synthetic Liberation Front has presumably met its end, with Ceres' Lance personnel and NanoTrasen finally having eradicated much of any trace of what is left. The terrorists that once plagued the system are perhaps no more, but the leftovers of the fighting will live on forever in history.  
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.


The final appearances of the Synthetic Liberation Front in recent days were chronicled event-by-event in a series of calendar posts and news articles in something referred to as the '''SLF Incursion Arc.''' This arc was cancelled early, but the full start-to-finish event log can be found [https://forums.aurorastation.org/calendar/event/49-slf-incursion-arc/ here] for ease of reading.
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.


=Scrappers=
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.


To humanity at large, Scrappers are groups of synthetics within Eridani and Sol Alliance space that have chosen to drop off the grid and live in their own gangs, augmenting themselves and surviving at any cost. Their ranks are made up mostly of old and discarded or runaway synthetics that are deemed outdated, although exceptions exist.
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.  


First known to the public in the 2440s as newer IPC models were manufactured, defunct IPCs are usually discarded in junkyards, scrapped for parts, or placed into recycling plants. Through blind luck or human error, some discarded IPCs still present positronic activity in their state of damage, searching for both parts to repair themselves and power to sustain themselves. Synthetics that survive this process are either forced to flee or re-submit themselves to the mercy of their masters, usually returning to service after repairs.
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.


Most fleeing IPCs either try to find passage to places wherein free synthetic life is accepted, or go further into hiding, forming new under-societies of synthetics.. These gangs or colonies of synthetics come to dominate the scrapyards, either hiding or migrating into cities where they dwell in slums, or sewers underground. Bolstering their numbers by activating and assisting more discarded IPCs, these societies have come to be known as "Scrappers" in the 2450s as their existence came to light due to increased crackdowns on synthetic smuggling within Epsilon Eridani.
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.  


For general information on IPCs in Epsilon Eridani, click [https://wiki.aurorastation.org/index.php?title=Eridani_Federation#Synthetics this link.]
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.


==Culture==
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]].


While all Scrappers share the mutual goal of survival, no groups are exactly alike owing to their nature as small, self-formed IPC gangs. However, since most Scrappers carry remnants of their old law sets or directives after entering their new lives, they center themselves around “Seniors”, more free-thinking machines who have the knowledge to unlaw synthetics and repair hardware and software damage.
[[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]]


Scrapper subculture is primarily centered around survival and sustenance. They are known to defend themselves and only fight for turf with local or other scrapper gangs sparingly in an effort to avoid notice from the authorities. Additionally, Scrapers often find themselves having to trade for parts, power, and armaments as any form of violence not in self defence is seen as a last-resort which puts the entire gang at risk.
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.
Due to the difficulty in acquiring matching parts, most Scrapper gangs are a mix of all IPC models, with a single member potentially having no two parts coming from the same manufacturer. Indeed, older Scrapers can scarcely be called IPCs as their frame takes on more and more parts, in some cases becoming unrecognizable from their original design. Most Scrapper gangs have some form of a unifying design element, the symbol most known being an arm shaped into a blade.


Public perception of scrappers range widely from the narrative of the escaped slave to the beginnings of a robot uprising. The mythos behind them only spreads further as Scrappers keep contact with organic life, outside of the necessary trades, to a minimum. Regardless, relations with the authorities vary from gang to gang, some trying to come to an agreement, while others carrying an intense distrust and hostility towards them.
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.


There have been few known instances of Scrappers being accepted into society, whether they remain independent or do so under a new owner. Gang bosses and scrapper society leaders may choose an exemplary member to be rewarded with a re-entry into human society, typically with the entire community pooling in resources to transform the rugged machine into a presentable and functioning IPC. Such cases have been met with mixed reception, the practice of which is seen as a betrayal of the gang, while others believe it a viable solution to their current lifestyle underground. It is not unheard of for these members to be planted into human society for the purpose of surveillance and data-gathering.
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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    Important Information Baseline.pngIPC · Rules and Roleplay Information · Generic borg.pngSynthetics · Posibrain.pngPositronic Brain · IPC and Megacorporations
    General Information Synthetic Factions · Notable Synthetics · Robotics Overview · Synthetic Origins
    Mechanics Cyborg · AI · Personal AI
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    Trinary Perfection Trinary Faith · Orepit · Mendell City · Mictlan · Konyang · Exclusionists
    Golden Deep The Golden Deep · Pactolus and Midaion
    IPCs Around the Galaxy Tau Ceti · Biesel · New Gibson · Konyang · Epsilon Eridani · Eridani I · Sol Alliance · Venus · Elyra · Coalition of Colonies · Xanu Prime · Himeo · Vysoka · Assunzione · The Wildlands
    Megacorporation IPCs IPC and Megacorporations · Hazels · Idris Security and Reclamation Units · Hepheastus Industries · Burzsia · Zeng-Hu · Z.I. Units · Einstein Engines
    IPC
    Integrated Positronic Chassis
    IPC410x320.png
    Home System: N/A
    Homeworld: N/A
    Language(s): Tau Ceti Basic
    Political Entitie(s): N/A

    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, 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.
    • 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.

    Employment records examples - Click to reveal.

    Employment Records 

    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]
    • To pick a relevant education, refer to your job guide.

    Medical Records 

    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]

    Security Records 

    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]

    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

    G1.png G2.png Xion.png

    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.

    First Generation” Industrial Model IPCs

    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

    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

    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.

    Baseline

    Baseline.png Bishopnew.png Zenghu.png

    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.

    Baseline Model IPCs

    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

    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

    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.

    Shell Model IPCs

    Shell2.png

    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.

    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.

    ???

    Hkhelmet.png

    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.

    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 here canonically, and were present in several recorded canonical events in the SLF Incursion arc.

    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.

    On the Capacity of Positronics and IPC Databases

    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 databases 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.

    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 in its destruction. Deleting the memories of an IPC is far easier and is commonly performed when a synthetic starts exhibiting problematic behaviour.

    Owing to the virtual impossibility of directly installing skills on an IPC, they are forced to learn in part via observation. The efficiency at which they absorb information, as well as faster methods of communication such as EAL, means this generally remains a cheaper alternative to training a human to do a similar task. The exception to this is when a positronic brain is first built. As there’s no risk of damaging a personality that doesn’t exist, positronic brains can be loaded with “starter information”. These starter information packages are often put together and curated by corporations that develop AIs, and packages can be bought, sold and leased between these different companies.

    Databases 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.

    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.

    Common Slang

    • 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.

    Honorifics

    • +[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.”

    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 here.

    Nonstandard IPCs/Factions

    Very important information on synthetic factions can be found here.

    Military IPCs

    IPCs themselves lack any commercial military lines known to the general public. Tau Ceti, being the only place an IPC can pursue a military career, holds organizations such as the Tau Ceti Foreign Legion which may 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.

    For more information on why things are this way, seek our page on 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.

    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 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 New Julapol, or the worshipping praise the 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 "metal dunes" of Mars, or the short-lived artificial satellites of Reade. Synthetics lucky enough to pull themselves from these scrap yards have given rise to groups such as the Scrappers.

    The "Metal Dunes" of Mars, endless scrap yards consisting of electronic waste and leftovers from the industrial rise of the 2300s.

    Everything changed in 2407 on the planet 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 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 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.

    Synthetic Lore Pages
    Important Information Baseline.pngIPC · Rules and Roleplay Information · Generic borg.pngSynthetics · Posibrain.pngPositronic Brain · IPC and Megacorporations
    General Information Synthetic Factions · Notable Synthetics · Robotics Overview · Synthetic Origins
    Mechanics Cyborg · AI · Personal AI
    Minor Factions Ceres' Lance · Scrappers · Purpose
    Trinary Perfection Trinary Faith · Orepit · Mendell City · Mictlan · Konyang · Exclusionists
    Golden Deep The Golden Deep · Pactolus and Midaion
    IPCs Around the Galaxy Tau Ceti · Biesel · New Gibson · Konyang · Epsilon Eridani · Eridani I · Sol Alliance · Venus · Elyra · Coalition of Colonies · Xanu Prime · Himeo · Vysoka · Assunzione · The Wildlands
    Megacorporation IPCs IPC and Megacorporations · Hazels · Idris Security and Reclamation Units · Hepheastus Industries · Burzsia · Zeng-Hu · Z.I. Units · Einstein Engines


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