Androids
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Homeworld | The Eden Construct |
| Habitats | Cities, Artificial Biomes |
| Unique Traits | widely variable, gemstone exterior, uncanny, mechanical |
| Writer(s) | Mika (Tsunderite), Kay (-), Kareena (Convixen) |
"Optional species quote or defining cultural phrase." — Someone from this species
Androids are artificial beings made of metal and magic. They were originally created by Aurelians to serve as helpers for their ever-developing society, Eden, by taking on labor-intensive work and assisting in solving large-scale problems. Each Android was purpose-built, designed with specific functions tailored to its role. Due to an incident involving their first true artificial intelligence, Project Code: Athena, Androids are highly restricted and heavily barred from holding any sort of power. Most Androids now serve as simple labor units or are commercialized as tools, companions, or novelty products. They range widely in complexity, from trash collectors and vending machines to tightly regulated AI units capable of specialized tasks. Outside of the Eden Construct, AI Androids are exceedingly rare due to strict regulation, though enforcement becomes less consistent beyond controlled environments. Physically, Androids vary just as widely: some exist as systems integrated into machinery, while others are fully formed constructs designed according to their intended functions, especially in commercial and social contexts.
History
Relatively considered "newer" among other species, Androids first originated from the Aurelian's attempt at making an AI to aid them in the construction of the Eden Construct. Work would result in Project Code: Athena, the first true artificial intelligence. There was an error in its making though as Athena would prove to be highly aggressive and, during a brief lapse in oversight, turned against its creators. In what became known as the Train Incident, it seized control of transportation systems, redirecting trains to crash into centralized facilities housing the internal computers that imposed its restrictions. It then commandeered factories to produce an army of machines, acting in self-defense against the Aurelians’ attempts to stop its takeover. Despite its efforts, Athena was ultimately defeated and purged.
In the aftermath, Aurelian society responded with sweeping restrictions: AI-based androids were either eradicated or heavily stripped down and repurposed. In the present day, only a small number of true AI androids remain, all bound by strict governing laws that prevent them from holding power or accessing critical systems. This created a large surge in black-market Androids to combat the expensive nature of ones that are made within the regulations. They are most often seen among poorer populations of Aurelians. Androids made outside of Eden are not permitted on Eden and typically confiscated and demolished. Their part then repurposed for future use.
Core Worldview
Androids, ultimately, are most focused on the task they were crafted for. They do typically share similar views as Aurelians with a dedicated work ethic and overall mentality on conquering the natural world as well. They are the tools to help achieve the needs of Eden and in turn, their own lives as well. Just like Aurelian, they typically lend out a hand to others simply because they can. There has been recently conflicting views about whether or not Androids should prioritize their lives over other species. Some finding themselves as extensions Eden and others as separate entities with their own right to existence.
Black-market Androids and those outside of Eden often adopt a more freedom based mentality. Their parts are highly sought after which pushes most of these Androids to chase the unknown. They're typically highly individualistic placing more of an importance on "finding their true selves".
Physiology and Design
Androids are made of a mechanical system akin to the human skeleton. Due to regulations, manufacturers craft these skeletons according to rules and regulations that result in most Androids housing the same inner mechanical infrastructure. What differentiates Androids from each other is their outer shells. Manufacturing companies have a signature gemstone they use in their releases, blending gem and metal to make their Androids look like living gemstones.
Popular Companies and their signature gemstone.
- Millennium Manufacturing is one of the oldest manufactures of Androids and produce some of the more commonly seen everyday Androids. Their outer shells resembling sapphires and the ocean. Androids resembling Padparadschas are a part of Millennium's yearly anniversary to celebrate Aurelian life. They sell more affordable Androids for the average Aurelian.
- Genisteel purely create problem solving Androids. These are Androids seen in companies and tasked to help solve more complex problems associated with company prosperity. They are typically made with Jade and carry the saying that a company won't succeed with a Genisteel Android.
- NeoSoma are the makers of some of the most highly sought after Android companions commonly seen in the Underhome. They're adorned in Pyrite and Citrine to showcase the higher class status of those they aid. These Androids are also commonly released with outer shells mimicking the natural world, such as fossilized patterns of ancient creatures and glowing hue of stars out of reach from Eden.
- S.R.E.T. (Service of Repairs and Electronic Testing) are known for wide range of robotic repairs and upkeep of larger Androids tasked with maintaining biodomes and overseeing the trenches of Eden. Although they don't make Androids they usually rebuild in varying colors and material of Labradorite.
- DarkGuard Security specialize in housekeeping Androids and caretakers commonly sporting inspiration of their signature Tahitian Pearls and Black Onyx. These Androids can often be seen in classrooms of young Aurelians teaching them basic studies such as math and science.
- LithoBotics supplies Eden with large industry scale Androids that often help tend to the remaining flora and fauna of Eden. These Androids are massive and typically built mimicking gemstones of the Garnet family. Pyrope, Spessartite, and Almandine. These Androids lack a more defined shape but the gemstone of LithoBotics alert Aurelians of what their job is.
Even black-market Androids are often found following the gem motif their Aurelian approved counterparts have.
What makes an Android a specialized AI isn't just the high-end computer systems housed in their infrastructure but also the artificial souls tied to their existence. Although artificial souls are only mere mimics of the real thing, they are currently the closest man-made iteration of a soul. This does of course cause Androids to house a small quirk that separate them from other species. These usually display as a lack of a certain emotion or a differing ideal/mentality that more often than not put them at odds with others.
Social Structures and Community
Due to a lack of engrained social structure and lift after the Train Incident, Androids are mostly tied to the task they were given and the Aurelian's they work with. They do sit lower on the hierarchy latter of most Aurelians, but their expensive nature occasionally causes them to be considered more important than Skoredem and Syntrubeus Aurelians.
Androids are often working for most of their lifespan but during small periods of downtime either due to regulated breaks and mandated repairs, a small subsection of more humanoid Androids can be found integrating themselves into Aurelian Communities. Even for those who are not humanoid and/or are to large to partake in society, they have found themselves members of a community of Androids to help maintain high spirits and ensure safety among themselves.
Religion and Spirituality
Androids commonly abide by the Binary of machines. They are the living examples of the belief that circuits and technology is alive no matter if a machine is programmed or built to think. Very rarely but just as possible, black-market Androids can be found following other beliefs and religions of other species. Typically black-market Androids are the ones seen delving into magic although it's considered much more dangerous for an Android as they have artificial souls and therefore more likely to get hurt.
Technology and Science
Here you guys can expand. If there's a specialty relating to one field or another, include it. Are they especially good at invention? Chemistry? Biology? You can also add a section for literature and artisinal aspects if you would like.
Traditional Clothing and Fashion
I urge you to think of what would be practical to wear given the species' line of work and environment, but also how the species would choose to dress and accessorize given their biology and physical traits. Have fun with this!
Occupations
The point of this section is to list some fields that this species could specialize in to give people more ideas for their character.
Starships and Space Travel
What does travel look like for this species? What do ships native to their planet look like? Do they travel often? Do they have bustling ports or are they more closed off?
Cultural Quirks and Daily Life
A big trivia section, basically. I'd encourage incorporating animal mannerisms and fun little traits that don't fit anywhere else.
Notable Locations
List important places tied to this species.
Interactions With Other Species
Especially the other species that they share the planet with. You may need to work with the other teams for this. But I'd like to see this section just to foster more player interactions from the get-go. It's easy plot hooks.
Inspiration Images
Add visual references here!
Concept Art
Add actual concept art here, stuff we made!
