The First Units

Among the many thousands of Steelworks Androids that now exist, the most well known are the original twenty five units, known collectively as The First Units and practically always shorted to just 'The First' both among The Steelworks and beyond.

Despite effectively being prototypes, the templates upon which all future generations have iterated, the nature of their positions in high places throughout the company both allows and necessitates their constant upgrade and ensures they remain at the bleeding edge of Steelworks technological development.

## Designation

As with all Steelworks Androids, The First are numbered in order of their creation and assigned a letter based on their designated role, that which they were designed to fill. Unlike the units that would come after them, The First were created in micro-batches for each role, units two to ten being logistics models, eleven to sixteen being combat models, seventeen to twenty being reconnaissance models, units twenty one to twenty four being intelligence models and unit twenty five being the sole prelate unit. These designations are mostly accurate, though some units have developed skills that would more accurately place them within newer and now existing roles compared to those available at the time of their creation. Indeed, many of their early exploits lead to the formation of these designations.

## Religious and Cultural Significance

As foremost examples of Avalia Naramoore’s work, The First hold a prestigious position both religiously and culturally among their peers and those worshippers of The Self-Forged.

Despite having been made before the ascent of their creator goddess, they are considered to be divine creations and it is thought that they were each given great blessings after The Mithral Lady’s deific apotheosis. Though the android conception of a demi-god is largely unestablished, it would not be entirely incorrect to suggest that they compare to their younger peers in this manner and are treated as such in turn.

To say they hold the respect of the newer units would, therefore, be something of an understatement. Within the company they are beyond reproach, considered to be steadfastly loyal (with but a single exception) and known to have direct contact with the creator herself on a frequent basis. Many a story or rumour is spread of their deeds to come, particularly among the androids themselves, leading to largely unfounded prophecies cropping up from time to time.

The circumstances of their creation and their early days have influenced a lot of the now existing and evolved Steelworks Android culture, such as selecting a name and the Name Day Ceremony as well as certain ceremonial accessories.

## Attire

When it comes to attire, there’s something of a split between the logistics units one to ten and the more active and often in the field units. Given that they are more than likely to be in an office environment or a board room, the logistics units mostly favour the smart clothing one might expect of an executive or office worker within the Setlaar States, not holding to any specific uniform as such and even showing some degree of personal flair.

The others, however, adhere to a specific style and aesthetic. Black, button up long coats, gloves, heavy boots and their distinctive black visors in the style of blindfolds. There is a little variation, with the reconnaissance and intelligence units often wearing hoods, but the style remains the same throughout. The exact reason for this stylistic choice is largely unknown, though it is speculated to have no real reason beyond an initial design intended for all androids thereafter in active roles.

Other units are strictly prohibited from dressing in this manner and ‘impersonating’ a member of The First is a severely punishable offence.

## Equipment

As befits androids in their position, only the best will do where equipment is concerned. The best materials, the latest upgrades and the most advanced augmentation are available and made use of, especially by those in active roles.

Beyond that each of them is furnished with custom built or tuned equipment that best serves their unique needs. Indeed, some even boast the only examples of such Steelworks technology as Darius’ ‘gunblade’. Others have chosen to stick with earlier models no longer in use or production but upgraded and fine tuned all the same.

They make heavy use of augmentation, though in their case it’s more a matter of direct upgrades to their existing, mechanical internal structure.

## Units

All of The First hold the surname Sterling, with one possible exception, having accepted the name given to Unit Three and appending their own, chosen first names. Beyond this, each unit holds a title based on their designated number. For example, Unit Six is known as “The Sixth of The First, Cheryl Sterling”. Any additional titles are either from their position or are unofficial honorifics that have gained traction among their peers.

The following is a list of all units considered to be of The First: