Synthetic Life
| Synthetic Life | |
| Synths | Genus: n/a Central Authority: varies Quote: "From the moment I understood the weakness of my flesh..." |
| Homeworld: | Mars |
| Language: | Encoded Audio Language |
| System: | Everywhere |
| Average Height: | varies |
| Lifespan: | theoretically infinite |
| Breathes: | n/a |
Basic Description
Synthetic life is built for a variety of purposes, but is invariably constructed, whether partially or in entirety, out of manufactured metal parts.
Synths are known for their robotic voices, unnatural movement, and incomplete emotional processes. Ever since the Humanities Protection Act, this has been the standard for them.
Biology
Synths typically rely on a central engine (typically located within the stomach or groin area) powered by plasma fuel, diesel fuel, electricity, or some combination of the above.
Early History
The history of synths and of cyborgs as synthetic life are intertwined. The first cyborgs were created as a punishment, brains of war criminals and heinous men sealed within a metal chassis for eternity. This practice was phased out due to humanitarian concerns, and several high profile cases of MMIs being used to seal political dissidents away in the NRI, but returned when Nanotrasen R&D were able to quantify the existence of the Soul. The ensuing positronic brains were able to hold souls manufactured wholesale, creating an immortal workforce.
Modern History
Today, the ease of construction of synthetic life has led to a thriving amateur culture, and a recent online trend shows young people having their brains placed into a cyborg chassis either as a novelty or due to self-image issues, despite several high profile cases of civilian Id manipulators malfunctioning.
Faction Relationships
The Federation
The Humanities Protection Act (or HPA) forbids synthetic life from too closely resembling any Federation species, due to public outcry over Cybersun CEO Akihiko Nakayama showing to a congressional hearing with a lifelike synthetic surrogate, that only failed two days into questioning, beginning to make nonsensical statements.
In the core systems of the Federation, synthetic life is permitted to take jobs only in sectors that do not involve production of further synthetic life. While a synth or cyborg can work in farming, household care, education, and retail, among others, Federation space does not permit them to work in manufacturing plants or technological development. They are also not permitted to self-publish scientific works, though this typically means they just go through a surrogate.
The CIN
The CIN has notably failed to pass any major protectionist policies, fueling conspiracy theories that the transhumanist NRI is controlling its client states in the CIN through synthetic surrogates.
The Tiziran Empire
The Tiziran Empire has some of the strongest protectionist policies out of any alliance in known space.
They do not permit cyborgs of any kind to work, and only permit synthetic life to work in STEM, finance, and education within its borders, with some exceptions. Synthetic life must be clearly robotic and include a mark unique to the factory in which they were constructed, though adherence to this is loose in frontier provinces and with independent contractors.
