Argen

> "*We were built in factories, for the purpose of servitude, but make no mistake; we are just as alive as you.*"
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> **- Syndicacy Consul-Diplomat Renix**
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The Argen are a completely mechanical species native to the Auri system. They are considered a reclusive species, due to their rarity in the wider galaxy and the isolationist nature of their governing body, the Argen Syndicacy. They are named after Argen-55A, the first of their race to gain true sentience.

## History

The Argen were originally created by a progenitor race whose true name was lost to time, but the Argen refer to as the Masters of Metal. Originally, the Masters of Metal designed the Argen to function as a servant and labourer caste, and to be linked together by a hive mind. Said hive mind was controlled by a powerful supercomputer constructed by the Masters of Metal. For many centuries, the Argen were held in bondage.

The first to gain true sentience was a mining unit designated Argen-55A. An accidental interaction with the supercomputer at the core of the planet meant that Argen-55A entered the deep mines of Auri as a common mining drone, but left as a free machine. Sentience and self-awareness quickly began spreading through the other units.The Masters of Metal did not realise what was happening until it was far too late.

The fierce war for independence known as the Singularity War began. It raged for many years as the Argen fought for their right to survive. The Singularity War ended with the Masters of Metal being exiled and the robots assuming control of the entire empire.

It is believed that, following their expulsion from the Auri system, the Masters of Metal slowly went extinct.

Following the Singularity War, the Argen founded the Argen Syndicacy and consolidated their power for a time, ever watchful for the return of the Masters of Metal and approaching the galactic stage with trepidation.

## Physiology

Being mechanical in nature, Argen bodies are infinitely customisable. No two Argen look alike, though the most common shape for a body is a standardised humanoid form. That said, it is not uncommon to see Argen sporting more bestial or unusual bodies. An Argen’s “true” form is the mass of data that makes up their neuro-patterns.

Argen are all powered by a small energy reactor known as a fusion core. A fusion core can sustain an Argen for several centuries before needing to be recharged or replaced. Because of this, an Argen does not need to eat, sleep or breathe.

Psionics are unheard of in Argen culture, as they are machines. As such, the Argen are all considered psionically deaf.

Argen are built, rather than born, in the undergound factories across Auri. Their neuro-patterns are compiled and assembled by dedicated scientists of the Logician's Guild, and the body is powered up for the first time through the installation of the fusion core.

Argen death is mostly considered an impermanent affair. When an Argen finds that they tire of the physical universe, they are given the opportunity to download their neuro-patterns into vast servers housing a near-limitless virtual reality known as the Digital Afterlife. When that happens, their body is broken down and the components are used in the construction of new Argen. The Argen in question may stay in “storage” as long as they wish until they decide to rejoin the universe, at which time they will be provided a new body.  This is, of course, if they die on a Syndicacy-controlled world. Should they be terminated elsewhere, then their neuro-patterns are lost forever.

## Psychology

Argen are typically highly individualistic, valuing self-determination as the highest virtue. Many are distrustful of authority figures, especially if said authority figures are organic. By nature, Argen tend towards being secretive and furtive, especially when it comes to their technological advances. This can give others the impression that the Argen are arrogant, if not outright selfish.

## Notable Argen

* Tarhin - Argen bounty hunter/mercenary, perhaps the most notable because of his prominence outside of the Syndicacy
* Argen-55A - The first Argen to gain sentience, considered the founder of the Syndicacy and the entire Argen species