ALBERGUE DE AERONAVES

During the Diaspora, humans spread through jump- gates to a thousand different worlds, taking their technology with them. At the time, “artificial intel- ligence” was synonymous with intensely complex computer programs. Such programs were written to deal with as many unexpected events as possi- ble, including theoretical occurrences on alien worlds, but, being artificial, lacked any sense of self-awareness and basic concepts such as intu- ition, true learning, or original thought. At best, they could crudely approximate an unimaginative human child. Automatons with this programming could only barely imitate human movement and activity. Quite simply, no mere program could serve as a substitute for human ingenuity.

On worlds where the threat of unemployment was always present, the thought of “intelligent” robots taking jobs away from humans repeatedly limited research and development in robotics. Many early robots were designed to take on menial tasks few humans would want to perform or those so dangerous few would dare attempt. In situations where strength or durability was necessary, new mechanical contrivances were often more practical than walking metal men. Humanoid robots remained a curiosity, little more than expensive toys for wealthy families or amusing inter- mediaries for automated facilities. In such cases, they were designed to appear harmless, and outside of certain specific circumstances, bordered on useless. Thus, only a few spec- imens of practical anthropomorphic robots succeeded and fewer still survived.

Modern scientists struggled to find new uses for this resurrected technology. Redeeming low-tech golems from millennia ago is now a piecemeal process. Scavengers and resurrectionists usually salvage a few body parts here and there to construct patchwork creations. While the crude physical forms of these bodies survived, most of their specialized programming did not and the few that can be redeemed enough to work in a limited capacity again, only had limited programming installed.

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Since experimental programs may not be compati- ble with these patchwork automatons, archaic golems sometimes behave similar to another mythical construct: Frankenstein’s monster. Degraded circuitry may distort commands, and faulty programs can have lethal conse- quences for the careless. Some creations actually destroyed their creators, misinterpreting their commands as an oppor- tunity to rampage and destroy — or in the case of malevolent programmers, interpreting them all too well.

Ogres

TL 5 Construction Golem

Body: Strength 13 (+3 STR bonus), Dexterity 6, Endurance 10

mind: Wits 1, Perception 2, Tech 1

natural Skills: Dodge 3, Fight 5, Impress 7, Melee 3, Shoot 1, Vigor 5

Learned Skills: One or two learned skills at level 3 Blessings/Curses: Monstrous

Benefices/Afflictions: Stigma (fearsome) Cybertraits: None

Weapons: +1 Fist DMG (metal hands)

Armor: 10d

vitality: –8|–6|–4|–2||||||||||

These lumbering brutes are the very embodiment of titanic strength and endurance, being among the first humanoid robots built for heavy physical labor. Most have broad shoulders, squat bodies, massive arms and legs, and a relentless gait. Their faces are incapable of emotion, although some modern artisans replaced rusting faceplates with vari- ous mythological masks, such as the monstrous visages of beasts and gargoyles. The very presence of an Ogre is enough to terrify the average superstitious serf or farmer.

Academics have a rough idea of the controversy that resulted when Ogres were first released. Citizens voiced concerns over artificial constructs replacing humans in low-paying professions and, considering the widespread unemployment before the collapse of the later Second Republic, such fears were probably justified. Manufacturers responded by publicizing robotic feats that humans were incapable of achieving. Ogres could lumber along the ocean floor, walk through fire, tirelessly mine for metals, and carefully pick up hazardous materials. Any job humans were unwilling or unable to perform was a possible task for the Ogres to pursue.

Manufacturers also liked to demonstrate ways in which Ogres could save human lives, but critics still debated their safety. Programming an Ogre to perform even the simplest tasks was a laborious process. Some models were able to be trained to respond to simple vocal commands, but in such cases, precise wording was absolutely essential. Literal interpretations of commands could have disas- trous or even lethal consequences. As a result, later models were designed for extremely specific tasks, and general-purpose constructs became prohibitively expensive. To ease public fears, designers began deviating from humanoid designs, replacing legs with treads and faces with sensors, but most still included a few body parts that were at least vaguely human.

Few examples of Ogre program- ming survived the last two millennia. The only working models require Engineers and techs to write original programs, using one of the many exotic operating systems of the Known Worlds. When only individual parts of an Ogre are salvageable, an Engineer must piece together what he can, and create what he lacks. Whether the programmer’s instructions are suitable for the resulting amalgamation of metal and machinery is highly unpredictable.

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A programmed routine typically included putter- ing about the kitchen, delivering food and drinks, simple cleaning, childish games, and dance routines. Later models not only ran on longer-lasting power supplies but also featured more intense security systems.

These were not installed to discourage thieves from stealing items in the home but from steal- ing the Clarke itself. For several years, hacking Clarke programming was a common recreation for jaded coders, resulting in more serious safety concerns that eventually killed the model’s profitability.

Redeemed Clarkes now perform simple tasks in settings totally unlike their domestic origins. Their reliable natures make them ideal for delivering exotic packages of ammunition, mutagenic toxins, or hazardous chemicals. Incapable of defending themselves, many fell prey to heartless techs who would exploit the Clarke’s harmless appearance. It makes an ideal delivery system for high explo- sives, but considering its rarity and cost, it may make a better mindless slave.