Replikants

## Description

Replikants are artificial constructs, built by the Old Empire. Unlike golems or other constructs, Replikants are gifted with a personality and the capacity for individual thought and action. The exact circumstances of their creation are shrouded in mystery and only few records about them were discovered by Imperial society on Ferra after Stormfall.

Replikants are constructed out of various components and magical enchantments. Their skeleton is usually constructed out of a metal and their muscles fashioned from enchanted metal fabric. Their muscles and other component were encased by a thin armour, called the testa, also usually constructed from a metal or other enchanted materials. Finally a thin layer of organic skin was grafted across the testa. It is generally though that, depending on the Replikant variant, more components were of organic natures.

The following is "Restricted Knowledge". See Availability of Information for details.

Few know how the minds of Replikants were constructed. In all models the danger of Persona-Decay is noted. This information was generally kept secret and only very little specific information survives today. Persona-Decay seems to have referred to the destabilisation of the persona of a Replikant. Persona-Decay developed differently from model to model and sometimes even from individual to individual. Today it is generally thought that the Old Empire hadn't perfected the art of mind construction and that some artefacts in the constructed mind for each model cause Persona-Decay. The exact triggers that cause Persona-Decay and how to stop it varies from model to model. Extreme cases of Persona-Decay eventually lead to Persona-Collapse. What a Replikant does after Persona-Collapse varies greatly from individual to individual and they usually begin to diverge from their base model persona. Generally, once Persona-Collapse happened, its effects can not be reversed and a Replikant becomes useless for their intended function.

End of "Restricted Knowledge".

### WARNING

The following is "SECRET Knowledge". See Availability of Information for details.

The reality of the Replikant program was known only to the highest officials of the Old Empire and those engineers and scientist directly involved in it. Even the Replikants themselves do not now the secrets of their origin. The Old Empire doesn't know how to construct minds to implant into the Replikants, that technology was a fabrication leaked to the public. In reality the minds implanted into the Replikants come from Imperial hosts, either kidnapped and killed or collected soon before their death. Their soul would then be collected in a Soul Container. Each time a new Replikant was created, a piece of their soul was ripped from the whole and their episodic memories stripped away before being implanted in the Replikant. This way the Replikant retained their abilities and personalities without being held back by personal attachments or bonds. This process was also not perfect and Persona-Decay is the resurfacing of host memories in a Replikant leading to great mental anguish as the Replikant becomes stuck with memories and emotions that aren't theirs, two people same yet distinct, interwoven yet not unified. Unless reversed early on Persona-Decay can lead to Persona-Collapse. During Persona-Collapse the Replikant becomes fully aware of their previous lives, though they only have access to limited and fragmented memories. Usually Replikants in Persona-Decay will commit suicide or run away. In either case they will turn hostile against the imperial government of the Old Empire and general practice was the dismantlement of Replikants as soon as they showed any signs of significant Persona-Decay. This is the truth behind the Replikant program: The Replikants weren't modelled after heroes of the Old Empire, those heroes were kidnapped, killed and their minds and souls captured to produce the Replikants.

End of "Restricted Knowledge".

## History

Even in the time before Stormfall, Replikants were a rare sight in public and they were usually only seen escorting the emperor or empress or high standing nobles, though since the appearance of the Stormrift many secret Old Empire complexes were discovered on Ferra and these were usually guarded by Replikant combat variants.

Despite their rarity, Replikants held a strong presence in the collective conscious of the Imperials. Their nebulous origins and mission coupled with their close association with the Emperor and Empress gave them a sense of mystery and gravitas. On top of this, Replikants were often constructed in the image of great Imperial heroes that had recently died or vanished.

The technology and ability to construct new Replikants never reached Ferra and was effectively lost after the Stormfall, though the Imperial fascination with the Replikants never really died down and this fascination directly lead to the creation of the Automata, a inferior copy that do not compare to real Replikants in any way.

Today, Replikants are almost unheard of. The ones that were discovered were usually destroyed or disappeared. Finding even just a component of a Replikant is a small treasure sure to bring great riches to whomever can find a suitable buyer.

Many theories surround them even today. Some say that the Replikants still have the ability to communicate with the Old Empire, despite the Stormrift, hence their reluctance to join the rest of Imperial society on Ferra whereas others think they were placed on Ferra to guide and protect Imperial society.

## Variants

Replikants come in a great number of variants, each of them with a different construction and task. Many of these are remembered and recorded some however were only ever found on Ferra. Their mission and the reason for the secrecy surrounding these variants unknown to modern Imperial scholars.

### First Generation Models

#### Ala

The Ala variant was one of the first Replikant models. Modelled after Ala Eracia, daughter of the then Empreor Aramind Eracia, Ala was revered as a diligent daughter, performing all her duties with near perfection. Shortly after Ala sudden disappearance in 4998 BtS, the first Replikants were spotted, carrying Ala's face and name. It is generally thought that Emperor Aramin started the Replikant program out of grief for his lost daughter.

Alas were the most produced Replikant variant. They stood just a bit shorter than the average Imperial and was constructed of relatively mundane materials. Their skeleton was forged out of simple steel and their testa forged out of brass.

Alas seem to most commonly have been employed in the imperial palace and other significant government complexes. They often performed menial services or low-level paperwork. As the Replikant program advanced and more powerful Replikant models were produced, Alas were slowly released to noble houses and the wider public. Still relatively rare, during the height of the Replikant program almost everyone had at least seen an Alas at some point and in the larger cities, Alas became somewhat commonly used as maids and diplomats for rich and noble families.

The following is "Restricted Knowledge". See Availability of Information for details.

"Alas are reserved and have stable personas and need little care or interaction. But it is generally advised to not speak about replacing, selling or otherwise giving away an Alas as this can lead to Persona-Decay. An Alas in Persona-Decay will at first try to increase their work performance. While this is generally a good symptom, if Persona-Decay continues, Alas are known to begin to hide and in some cases even damage themselves. In extreme cases of Persona-Decay, also called Persona-Collapse, Alas are known to run away and disappear or to end their own existence. Persona-Decay in Alas is difficult to stop once it has begun its hiding stage therefore its important to stop it early. The best way to stop Persona-Decay is to show the Ala appreciation. Praising them for their work is effective and giving them frivolous and meaningless job titles is known to quickly stop Persona-Decay."

End of "Restricted Knowledge".

#### Erie

The Erie variant followed shortly after the Ala. Modelled after Erie Rubrika, a famous general of the late New Age who was assassinated by a cabal of Beastfolk.

Eries were also widely produced and matched the height of the average Imperials. Eries were constructed with more expensive materials than the Ala model. Their skeleton was forged from enchanted steel and their testa was constructed from steel, with extra reinforced plates being built into their chest, shoulders, upper arms and outer thighs.

The Eries model became the elite soldiers during the early stages of the Replikant program. At first they were used as elite shock troops for high danger missions but as their bravery, loyalty, skill and endurance proofed itself more and more, they began to replace some of the common soldiers in the emperors guard. During the later stages of the Replikant program, Eries found their way into the personal guard of other important nobles.

The following is "Restricted Knowledge". See Availability of Information for details.

"Eries generally have stable personas and do well in strict hierarchies and well defined environments. It is generally recommended to always have Eries stay together in a group of about five, with one being designated the leader. When an Eries is isolated or put in a scenario with little guidance, can quickly lead to Persona-Decay. In the early stages of Persona-Decay Eries are known to try and create a command structure, usually by assuming command themselves which can lead to friction with other Replikants or Imperials. Luckily Eries stay in the early stages of Persona-Decay for a long time before deteriorating further, but if they are not given a solid structure to act in, Eries can very suddenly fall into full Persona-Collapse at which point they are known to become hostile and strongly individualistic, often deserting from their post and becoming adventurers."

End of "Restricted Knowledge".

### Second Generation Models

#### Araphrid

The Araphrid variant is the first so called second generation model. Modelled after Araphrid Rorith, famed inventor and engineer associated with the creation of the first Ala and generally though of as the mother of the Replikant Program. The first Araphrid models were unveiled after her death by the newly created Imperial Ministry of Replikants to celebrate her contributions to the Old Empire.

Araphrid models are short and light but surprisingly strong. They seem to have been used in imperial complexes and important manufactories as engineers and researchers. Their skeleton was fabricated from a strong enchanted Steel-Kronium alloy and their testa is mostly made of a thin copper sheet except on their shoulders, head and forearms where it is a layered metal-ceramic compound with various magic wards against electricity, heat, cold, acid and other such dangers.

Unlike Alas and Eries Araphrid's almost always stayed within the care of the imperial government of the Old Empire, only occasionally being lend out to promising researchers and engineers. While Araphrids usually couldn't quite outdo expert engineers or researchers in any one specific field, they were enormously capable jack-of-all-trades, becoming sought after assistants by the empires academic elite.

The following is "Restricted Knowledge". See Availability of Information for details.

"Araphrids are known to have a somewhat unstable persona and great care must be taken to avoid Persona-Decay. While they are excellent researchers and engineers, they have a tendency to get lost in their obsession. If they are instructed to solve a impossible or very difficult task that they are unable to complete, they will dedicate themselves to the problem. The longer the problem goes unsolved, the worse Persona-Decay will become. At first Araphrids will become distracted, reducing the quality of other tasks and obligations until eventually they refuse any other work than the problem they are facing. Stopping Persona-Decay is difficult once it has started as taking away the problem such that a Araphrid can not work on it seems to accelerate Persona-Decay. The only way to stop it is to help solve the problem, which, if a Araphrid can not solve it, is unlikely. That is why great care must be taken when selecting a task for a Araphrid to complete. In Persona-Decay Araphrid will usually lock or barricade themselves away, dedicating themselves fully to the problem. They stop performing or accepting maintenance. In Persona-Decay, Araphrids loose a great deal of their logical reasoning so if the problem wasn't solved thus far, it is unlikely to be solved no. Eventually the Araphrid will expire, either due to exhaustion, lack of maintenance or madness."

End of "Restricted Knowledge".

#### Kariba

Kariba models, at first glance look quite unremarkable. They are modelled after the High-Priest Kariba Eraphaiu who official sources say fell under the corruption of a minor demon and later killed by a Erie Replikant.

Superficially, Kariba models follow a similar construction as Ala models. They are slightly smaller than the average Imperial and looks pretty average for an Replikant. Their skeleton is constructed out of steel and their testa is made of enchanted silver. But unlike other earlier Replikants, Kariba's value does not come from their physical abilities; Kariba units are the first Replikants with the ability to use magic. Even more special were their limited psychic abilities. Whether this ability stemmed from the constructed mind of Kariba or some physical component in the Replikant is unknown by modern Imperial scholars.

Until later in the Replikant Program, Kariba were often used as diplomats and managers for other Replikants as they were known to have a special knack for detecting the beginnings of Persona-Decay in other Replikants. Later, as more advanced and powerful psychic Replikants were developed, Karibas took a more supportive role rather than managing Replikants themselves. They became priests in important temples or were sometimes used in courts to help in conflict resolution or sentencing.

### WARNING

The following is "SECRET Knowledge". See Availability of Information for details.

"Karibas in themselves have quite stable personas but they act as a mental sponge. While they can not truly read other peoples minds, they do 'experience' their surface level thoughts and emotions, whether they want to or not. While this makes them excellent at working with people, if too much negative emotions build up it can overwhelm Karibas and lead to rapid Persona-Decay. Problematically, they require frequent social interaction, both with friends and with stranger as isolation even limited and brief and lead to Persona-Decay. Even though Karibas do not have the ability to psychically alter other peoples mind, during Persona-Decay, their negative emotions seem to worsen the mental state of both Replikants and other people around them, leading to a spiralling feedback loop. During Persona-Collapse, one of three things tends to happen: Firstly, the Kariba Replikant looses their psychic abilities and runs away usually to live alone as a hermit, secondly, the Kariba Replikant is possessed by a minor demon or lastly they enter psychic wailing, a phenomena that induces headaches, depression and violence in people in a wide area. Stabilising a Kariba and stopping Persona-Decay is very challenging as they require other people to stabilise, those people are however negatively influenced by the Kariba, in turn worsening the Persona-Decay of the Kariba. Due to the danger of cascading Persona-Decay or possession, it is recommended to destroy any Kariba Replikant suspected of being in Persona-Decay."

End of "Restricted Knowledge".

#### Uruva

Uruvas are significantly larger than any of the other previous Replikant models, both in size and mass. They were modelled after Uruva Contethia, a captain of the imperial guard who was tragically lost at sea during a storm.

Uruvas are easily identifiable even from a distance. With a height of 2.4m they stand significantly taller than the average Imperial. Their skeleton is constructed out of enchanted Kronium and their testa, also forged from enchanted Kronium was so thick in places that the biological skin didn't cover it on their arms and legs. On top of this, Uruvas were usually equipped with further steel armour plating on their torso, heads and hands.

Uruvas are nearly indestructible. Even if something manages to severely damage a Uruvas, their determination and constitution keeps them in the fight with damage that would outright destroy another Replikant, let alone an Imperial. Uruvas became the tanks and heavy infantry of the Old Empire and they saw use throughout the Replikant Program.

### WARNING

The following is "SECRET Knowledge". See Availability of Information for details.

"Uruva have extremely stable personas and they require little care or attention. Particularly useful is the stabilizing effects pain seems to have on their personas, therefore it is recommended to send Uruvas suspected of being in Persona-Decay on a high risk mission. While pain temporarily stops Persona-Decay, once it has set in, Persona-Collapse seems to be a slow but inevitable outcome. Uruvas in the early stages of Persona-Decay can still be useful for many months and sometimes years if put under intensive combat stresses. Unfortunately, Persona-Decay in Uruvas seems almost unavoidable as military stimulus seems to kickstart the process but the Uruva persona has no useful skills except for combat. With all this in mind: Uruvas either die in combat in the first 5 or so years or they should be decommissioned as Persona-Collapse becomes ever more likely. A Uruva in Persona-Decay seems to slightly improve in combat performance. Their generally defensive style replaced with one ever more offensive and aggressive. Once Persona-Collapse has set in, Uruvas will flee their post, usually violently and begin to wander the land. Unlike Erie models, Uruvas in Persona-Collapse will seek out Imperial soldiers and officers and kill them with brutal efficiency. The best way to hunt down a Uruva in Persona-Decay is to send a squat of three to five Uruva Replikants."

End of "Restricted Knowledge".