Robotic & Artificial Intelligence

## *Automata Robots*

*An Automata robot is a self-operating machine and can be almost anything from elaborate clockwork singing birds to intricately designed robot servants. They can be lifelike or stylized, maybe even have a windup key in their back. They are non-sentient, mechanical automatons used most often for labor and combat. As a general rule, most, if not all of the races of Nier Space, Wild Space, and Phyrr Space avoid depending on untrust worthy "smart" A.I. due to their tendency of being easily corrupted and rendered inoperable by the influence of arcane energies. Instead they outfit their Automata constructs with an arcane fusions of bio-matter and electronics called an obelix, serving as an artificial brain. Constructed from artificially engineered neuroproteins and enzymes, the obelix is the artificial brain of an automata. Imprinted with simple maintenance, task and movement algorithms, the obelix serves as a rudimentary mind, enabling the automata to obey simple instructions. These mindless cybernetic drones are used to carry out a multitude of simple, manual tasks and are employed throughout the inhabited regions of the galaxy.*

*They lack any real intelligence and outside of simple instructions, an Automata's tactical awareness is almost nonexistent. Without more specific orders, a formation of Automata automatically settles into a guard routine, repelling enemy attacks until told to do otherwise by their commanders. What the Automata lack in intuition they more than make up for in determination and durability. Once orders have been received, they are completely single-minded and will follow commands through to conclusion without question. Automata can suffer truly grievous damage before they cease fighting. They will carry the fight to almost unbelievable degrees, marching heedlessly through minefields, bombardments or other battlefield hazards that will surely see it destroyed. In battle, their massive numbers and superior firepower overwhelm their enemies. In some situations Automata do not need a obelix to be fully operational, as they possess the ability to act as the "Avatar" of an "Cybernetica" operator, receiving orders by wireless radio communication from the operator. The Cybernetica is fitted with a complex control device which in turn, relays algorithmic instructions to the Automata fighting on the front lines.*

## *Anatomica Engine*

*An Anatomica Engine is the most commonly used name for a wide range of cybernetic computer device employed by most of the varied races and scattered factions which descend from Humanity. A disturbing meld of flesh and metal, these devices have been constructed to be able to store memories and programs inside an organic or partially organic brain, known as an obelix. The obelix is a genetically-engineered, vat-grown organ which is integrated into the arcane machine. Artificial blood is continually cycled throughout the machine via a cybernetic, fabricated-heart, which is the primary reason the brains can continue to function for centuries. An unsettling side effect of this is that when severely damaged, the Anatomica Engine will appear to bleed. Anatomica Engines, due to the nature of their organic processor, can be programmed with complex and expansive instructions in order to fulfill their many functions. At its most basic function an Anatomica Engine is a type of cybernetic calculator capable of computing complex equations, but like most technology they often possess a far more archaic exterior than would be expected.*

 *Anatomica Engines vary in size and function, from gigantic data-tomes which help process all the data required to run huge, fully automated factories, to the smaller variants used in the creation of complex Battle-Automata and those found inside massive starships. Although all Anatomica Engines are much more intelligent than the standard Automata, true Artificial Intelligence is not able to be developed within any Anatomica Engine, as A.I. are unable to function within these arcane powered machines. The strange and often times malevolent arcane powers of the mysterious Astral Realm which constantly stream unchecked into the Mortal Realm through the Chaos Stars prevents the ancient "thinking engines" from functioning. This caused a forced adaptation of the technology used by mankind. For centuries Humanity searched for ways to combine magic and technology so that they may both function in conjunction with one another. This period of extensive experimentation gave rise to many new technologies, the Anatomica Engine prime among them. Anatomica Engines, while similar, are not entirely the same as their ancient counterparts, being theresults of tireless research into arcane techno-sciences.*

## *Flying Battle Automata*

### *Oculus Sentinels*

*Oculus Sentinels are flying metallic spherical objects that are used as offensive drones and often can conceal powerful weapons, such as lasers or firearms. The Sentinels contain fabricated brains which function similar to a programmed computer guidance system. Sentinels are very hard to kill, not so much because of their physical strength and durability but more for their ability to fly particularly fast and stealthily. They can also maneuver quickly at odd angles and steep drops, making them very difficult to target. They do have a couple known weaknesses, most notably direct, critical hits with a projectile weapon. There do exist far more powerful variants with greater capabilities when compared to the common Sentinel. These Super Sentinels are incredibly rare and far more difficult to kill, complete with a more robust arsenal of weapons, including cutting tools. Being more heavily armored, direct hits from small arms don't seem to do very much. They are able to pursue their targets through concrete walls and metal doors. Their powerful offensive beam weapons and defensive energy shield make them very effective in combat against intruders or foreign objects that present themselves as threats.*

*Their smaller lasers are used for both repairing damaged constructs, and self-repair should the Super Sentinel be damaged in combat. Considerably larger than normal Sentinels, Super Sentinels fill the same role of combating outside threats. However, Super Sentinels are only very rarely seen on the field. Sentinels are propelled by both small engines on the back of the unit. They are capable of traveling at high speeds but cannot sustain long range travel. Because of their limited intelligence, they are only able to handle situations on a basic scale, which makes them vulnerable to strategic attacks. This lack of sufficient intelligence also lends to Sentinels not often being able to perform evasive maneuvers when facing imminent attack and are usually destroyed. To counter this weakness, it is possible for a person with strong psychic abilities to exert control over large swarms of Sentinels, granting them greater intelligence and allowing them to become a more significant threat to enemies upon the battlefield. In large overwhelming numbers they are more than capable of handling a situation until permanent measures can be applied.*

### *Bio Drones*

*Bio Drones are a result of bioengineering and cybernetic sciences, it is a seemingly weird conglomeration of insect larva, flying machine, and recon/assault drone. The Bio Drone's macabre and deadly reputation is more than matched in dreadful fact by their effectiveness on the battlefield. The drone is armed with an assault cannon, homing missile and a grenade launcher that fires grenades filled with an extremely deadly corrosive, acidic gas. Their unique gas grenade is the weapon for which the Bio Drones are most well known for, the corrosive toxin being powerful enough to eat through metal and liquefy flesh in seconds. The gas from the drone's grenades is extremely effective against entrenched infantry and vehicles, while troops out in the open have little cover from the drone's assault cannons and missiles. The bioengineered monstrosity is capable of destroying entire enemy squads in one great blast. The Bio Drone's seemingly squat and bloated form is also unusually resilient against attacks, especially for a skimmer of their size. This quality is attributed to the living flesh and thick armor plating of the drone, as well as the will of whatever biologically programmed intelligence is guiding them. If a Bio Drone is destroyed in combat it invariably detonates in a mist of acidic gases capable of causing extreme damage to everything caught within the blast.*

### *Vulture Drones*

*The Vulture Class Drone is the principal model of flying Battle-Automata used by the various armed forces defending and waging for or against Humanity throughout the Apocalypsa Galaxy. The Vulture is a robust, multi-role robot which is both heavily armed and remarkably swift. Its sophisticated sensory gear allows it to operate effortlessly in hostile environments and dense terrain where more conventional units would struggle considerably. Tactically versatile, the Vulture has proven itself to be the keystone of both baseline human and nonhuman arsenals, being a basis for various other designs. For a flying Battle-Automata of its size, the Vulture is powerfully armed which has furthered its use as a rapid response unit and hunter-killer role in open battle. The Vulture also frequently serves in scouting duties. Like the more advanced Oculus Sentinels, the Vulture is guided by a bioengineered, vat grown brain-like organism which functions in the much the same way as the ancient computing engines of old. They are most often armed with duel automated cannons, firing armor piecing slugs, as well as a more sophisticated version of the more common homing missile launcher commonly mounted on vehicles. Their homing weapon system which guides each missile has proven itself to be especially deadly and effective against enemies trying to hide behind cover.*

### *Seeders*

*Seeders are bioengineered, cybernetically enhanced, vat grown monsters that possess the ability to float above the ground flawlessly utilizing anti grav technology. Though primarily known as deadly aerial opponents, Beast Sentinels also possessed the ability to move swiftly across the ground. Often used for hit and run tactics against small units, and as air support for large attacks, the Seeders are swift and agile fliers. Despite their relatively large size, being comparable to larger than average horse, they are surprisingly agile opponents, capable of utilizing swarm tactics, considerable agility, and surprising accuracy. In contrast to their name, Seeders are capable of performing complex strategies and working as a team when under the command of a competent Nimidian Beastlord, a being whom specializes in the creation and deployment of both bioengineered and natural born warbeasts. Seeders are usually equipped with rapid firing machineguns for attacking at a distance, harpoon guns for dragging in live prey and a powerful back mounted mortar cannon. They will also attack enemies either by grabbing and stabbing them with a pincer located on the rear end of its tail, or by swooping down to slash using hook-shaped claws(usually the enemy's head for decapitation), then fly quickly away before the remaining enemies can have a chance to attack it. Seeders posses a tough body with several blade like appendages which operate as weapons and allow for walking on the ground. They are extremely well armored, using both armor plating and their own natural toughness to withstand great amounts of damage before dying, usually resulting in a deadly explosion.*