I was indeed aiming for few numbers but higher technology grade due to the fact that their Deep Code originates from an alien artifact. Also, in terms of EMP, while obviously effective, my Qai aren't stupid and know this too. Therefor they have developted ways to protect themselves against such weapons. Of course the entire effect of EMP cannot be negated completely. Think of it as a flashbang.
Further, I'll see how I'll develop them in relation to humans. It's a fact that the Qai right now are pretty much a blank slate when it comes to humans. So when they make first contact, that will mark if future encounters will be met with hands out stretched or guns pointed.
Aw man, now I wish I'd decided to put some of my stuff closer to Mars. What I wouldn't do to be involved with writing THAT first contact.
Faction Name: The Qai Faction Type: Independent nation
Species description: The Qai are not a biological lifeform. There are an advanced AI race. Their birth lies within Talon Industries. Who conducted AI research long ago with special elements so far only found within Martian pole ground. The elements, in combination with the discovery a strange, supposedly alien artifact, came to the birth of the Quantum AI.
Due to several complication, the Qai exist out of 3 parts. The actual Qai lives on a Quantum Server Node within a server farm. Only a Quantum Server Node has the internal infrastructure and built to support an actual Qai. The second part is the Frame. Frames are the physical bodies of a Qai. Frames are built by SynthFibers, functioning as muscles and a large array of sensors. To connect the Frames and their Qai’s a Proxy Qai is used. Think of this as a small extention of the Qai. The Proxy Qai and True Qai both use the same Deep Code, but a Proxy Qai is vastly less complex. This allows a Proxy Qai to be housed with an AI-core. This AI-core is then put into a Frame.
Proxy Qai gather up information and send it to the Qai to interpretation and issue orders to the Proxy. Which it then translate into actions by the Frame. If a Proxy Qai receives no orders, he will count on a basic internal command set on what to do. Adaptation & abilities Qai will often, after they are created, get a range of tasks to do. A seemingly random algorithm, buried within their Deep Code, choses a set of tasks and start them. Experience gathered on the task, translates into improve functioning. As well as growth for the entire Qai race. As every Qai can potentially access another Qai’s memories for experience. This is seldom done though, as data storage is still pretty limited. Never the less after a set period of function and doing the same class of jobs, the Qai are allowed to adapt their standard Frame a little. For example, Builder Frames have no real need for a sound installation as they won’t ever speak. While Diplomat Frames may house a powerful sound system to emulate a human voice.
Combat Frames do not get the option of adaptation. This is because Combat frames must be able to canabalize one of their own in case its needed. A certain standard allows that all Combat Frame components are hotswapable.
First-Gen Qai like OVERLORD or EVE are able to take temporary control of all Second-gen Qai and later. What caused this ability is not entirely clear. OVERLORD often uses this ability on Qai Server Walkers to issue more detailed commands to nearby Qai. While EVE will take control of any Frame with sound systems if they encounter non-hostile humans.
Prime Location: CORE, Martian North Pole, Mars, Sol System
Leadership: EVE – Mother. Firstborn. Awakened. EVE is the only Qai who remained after the Great Slumber. With the most experience in humans, EVE is considered the main diplomat of the Qai and the second smartest Qai so far. Just like most First-Gen Qai she houses an entire Quantum Server. Not just a node. She will attempt to speak in English to humans and emulate a human female voice to the best of a sound system’s capabilities.
OVERLORD – Born from EVE, OVERLORD had strong militaristic tendencies. The Qai born from him often take up Combat roles as Guardian or Prospector. OVERLORD’s Frame is constantly being updated, enhanced and equips state of the art weaponry. He can also, and likes to, take control of a Frame in battle. Greatly improving that Frames functioning as OVERLORD can process information much faster. Never the less, OVERLORD is not a warmonger. He merely protects the Qai.
ARCHIVE – The smartest, only because he receives all memories. When Qai storage is reaching their cap, they donate low-priority memories to ARCHIVE. He stores it on his massive expanded server. ARCHIVE’s role is simply to examine all memories and make potential conclusions. The few Qai spawned from him help him maintain and expand his server as well as gather up memories from other Qai. He is far less active than EVE or OVERLORD. But his council is highly valued.
FACTOR – Lord of Builders. FACTOR was also made by EVE, making him a First-Gen Qai. Most Qai spawned from become Builders and they are responsible for the maintenance of CORE. Vital in the construction of the Qai. FACTOR oversees not only construction but also manufacturing and excavation below CORE.
Assets: CORE – Built deep under the ice of the pole. CORE is a massive network of server farms, factories, Frame Storage units and many other things. Resembling a high-tech city, CORE is the beating heart of the Qai and all are stored here. There are a few central elevators going up and down toward the surface. Where CORE is only resembled by lots and lots of solar panels as well as a small central building. Combat Frames continue to patrol the area.
Projects: 1 - Building mass accelerators to launch objects into space. Most of the construction is still held under the thick cover of ice. But once the accelerators are finished, the Qai will melt the top layer of ace covering it.
Mission: 1 - Achieve spaceflight. This is activily fought for. Not only technologically, but also in the eyes of the law. They are gathering support so that their ships aren’t blown from the sky by SKYGUARD or someone else for no real reason. 2 - Destroy the abominations at Ceres’ Bright-Spot Station. This is currently kept secret from all human allies. (if they have any). 3 - Constructing solar orbiting base to store all Qai. So each Qai can house a full Quantum Server and unlock his full potential 4 - Gather understanding about their own Deep Code. As it currently is completely shrouded in mystery for even the Qai themselves.
Heavy WIP but here's a first taste
Is everyone OK with this? I feel like this fundamentally changes the nature of the RP I originally intended-a politically charged/military and trade rp. I think the QAI are absolutely interesting and would take the spotlight of the RP-that said, I think we need to know what the QAI intend (that is if everyone who already has a sheet up is OK with the QAI joining?)
The Qai being introduced would add new Political and moral dilemmas. As long as the Qai aren't meta-gamed or rped incorrectly they are fine.
PS: My Nation Sheet development is really slow right now since I've been working this weekend, not to mention I'll be working tomorrow as well. I'll try to make time when I can manage it, since I'm really behind right now.
The Qai being introduced would add new Political and moral dilemmas. As long as the Qai aren't meta-gamed or rped incorrectly they are fine.
PS: My Nation Sheet development is really slow right now since I've been working this weekend, not to mention I'll be working tomorrow as well. I'll try to make time when I can manage it, since I'm really behind right now.
Pfft. I've been working on four half-ass CS characters for a week now and still haven't gotten to the company's stock. You're fine.
I see that there is some worry about my race. First of all, the Qai are small. Very small. Not fragile or easy to pick on but they are low in numbers. They can also be concidered as children seeing the world for the first time. To assure their own survival, they will most likely engage in the same diplomacy, politics and trade as any other faction.
They are NOT just robots programmed with a set of commands. They can think for themselves, create opinions and share these. If you really want the best example off which i'll base the Qai, think of the Geth from Mass Effect. I'll pull a lot of inspiration from them.
It is also home to the techno-religious faith of the Sisters of Mars, disciples of agriculture, medicine, and war alike. While their archaic practices are odd, none dispute their skill in their fields, and the red-cloaked sisters are often welcome where they travel.
Love the Sisters of Mars. Do they travel to other settlements/cities? Are they interested in converts or are they more 'amish-like' ?
Tactics/Wander: A powerful asset unknown to the faction’s leadership is the pairing of a Martian spaceport mechanic and high-spec AI named Tactics. It is unknown how James Wander and Tactics came together, having woken up in an alleyway with the AI embedded in a series of unique cerebrospinal implants and a cybernetic replacement for Wander’s right eye, Or why Tactics is a high-level military AI yet possesses no restraints or loyalty programming or hint of who made it to begin with. With no choice but to work together, Tactics/Wander have formed the Dirty Deeds company as a brigade of the RHC defense pact that protects and acts on behalf of the RHC colonies. While capable of superhuman feats, neither of them can make much use of them lest they catch unwanted attention. Such as AI scientists that would be interested in finding out how a high-grade AI can fit in a human brain, regardless of what the human host would think in the matter.
I'm going to have SKYguard seize Bright-Spot Station at the start. After they dig through the records (might take a while) they are going to notice a missing prototype project called TACTICS. I'm thinking a smuggler got scared or wasted and ditched the A.I. somewhere in transit around Mars.
Is everyone OK with this? I feel like this fundamentally changes the nature of the RP I originally intended-a politically charged/military and trade rp. I think the QAI are absolutely interesting and would take the spotlight of the RP-that said, I think we need to know what the QAI intend (that is if everyone who already has a sheet up is OK with the QAI joining?)
I can work with them. And their desire to get into space rather plays into my current plots surrounding my space elevator. Afterall, wouldn't robots prefer to use efficient pre-existing options to boost their space program?
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Love the Sisters of Mars. Do they travel to other settlements/cities? Are they interested in converts or are they more 'amish-like' ?
<Snipped quote by Skylar>
I'm going to have SKYguard seize Bright-Spot Station at the start. After they dig through the records (might take a while) they are going to notice a missing prototype project called TACTICS. I'm thinking a smuggler got scared or wasted and ditched the A.I. somewhere in transit around Mars.
The Sisters of Mars are quite the missionary types, preferring to demonstrate their faith to the God Mars through action and practice than simple secluded prayer. While they are interested in converting others, they are not keen in forcing others to convert, believing in intellectual integrity as well as the duality of being merciful and merciless. Although preaching from a platform of a Picton mech whilst dispensing food and aid to the needy or high-explosive munitions into dens of sinners is still one hell of a conversion platform that gets them plenty of converts regardless. Only women are permitted to rise in the formal priesthood ranks however, under justification that men are less able at balancing mercy and malice.
As for Tactics, that sounds like a good lead, but I got something else in mind for how Tactics and Wander actually got merged to begin with. Afterall, he's got some beyond cutting-edge tech jacked into his spine and brain. Albiet with a little brute-forcing and replacement of an eye for the extra storage space needed.
I can work with them. And their desire to get into space rather plays into my current plots surrounding my space elevator. Afterall, wouldn't robots prefer to use efficient pre-existing options to boost their space program?
I just got myself 5 hours of free time. Going to watch some Farscape, relax and write some ideas down before I pass out.
