Sentient Vehicles

**Sentient Vehicles** are an inexplicable chance occurrence that's been happening for the better part of two centuries prior to the events of the Sudrian Dozen.

## Background

There are two varieties of sentient vehicles known as Variations: the Faced Variations which have faces in some capacity and Faceless Variations which lack faces, but, are still sentient. The latter adds an extra layer of mystery to an already difficult to explain phenomenon. Regardless of the Variation, they all begin life through a process known as the First Firing. This happens when a sentient vehicle is turned on for the very first time, which subsequently leads to the vehicle coming to life.

Like other living creatures, sentient vehicles (regardless of their Variation) are capable of feeling pain. Because of this, when undergoing maintenance, sentient vehicles are given a substance known as Green Water, the anesthetic for sentient vehicles. Once introduced to their system, the vehicles go into a deep sleep that they can only wake from by reigniting whatever form of combustion powers them (or, in the case of sentient rolling stock, giving them a push).

Because of their sentience, these vehicles can't legally be scrapped while they're alive. Sentient vehicles of any Variation are capable of applying their own brakes and igniting or putting out whatever form of combustion powers them. Best of all, it's instantaneous, eliminating the need to wait for steam-powered sentient vehicles to be ready. The moment they're firing, they're off.

## Theories

While the explanation for how sentient vehicles come to be is unknown, there are a few theories to explain it.

### Chemical Reaction Theory

The Chemical Reaction Theory is the theory that, when a vehicle is turned on for the first time, a chemical reaction occurs that triggers the birth of life. For a while, this was the commonly accepted theory. However, this is no longer the case, due to the existence of sentient rolling stock, which has no form of combustion whatsoever.

### Material Theory

The Material Theory is the theory that some unusually altered material was used to cause the birth of life. This theory has never really been accepted because, when a sentient vehicle expires and examinations are done, these quasi-autopsies tend to reveal nothing of value.

### Attentive Theory

The Attentive Theory is the theory that vehicles made with an extra level of care and attention to detail are destined to become sentient. Because of the flowery nature of the Attentive Theory, it's not commonly accepted. Furthermore, it's been argued that care and attention to detail goes into the creation of ALL vehicles, which begs the question of why only a select few vehicles become sentient with that being the case.

### Revenant Theory

The Revenant Theory is the theory that sentient vehicles are the mechanical reincarnations of the dearly departed. While bizarre, there's evidence that supports it. Immediately after their First Firing, a sentient vehicle knows how to speak, how to read, and what their name is. None of this knowledge should be possessed by what is essentially a newborn unless they already experienced a full life. However, this theory has never really been accepted. Not just because it sounds so outlandish, but, because as time went on, vehicles with more unusual names began appearing.

## Rights and Privileges

Sentient vehicles have their own set legal rights and privileges. If the company they work for goes bankrupt, they're given three options: Relocation, Retirement, or Final Firing.

### Relocation

Relocation simply means to be sold. A sentient vehicle must consent to such a transaction. This came about due to the wording found in most anti-slavery laws. It's the most commonly pursued option as it's seen as the best of the bunch.

### Retirement

Retirement provides two additional options. The first is to become a museum piece. The second is life on a Heritage Sight, where they spend the rest of their days giving rides to tourists, holidaymakers, and enthusiasts.

### Final Firing

It's been debated whether a person has the right to take their own life if they want. But, for sentient vehicles, they DO have that right and it IS absolute. The Final Firing is made possible by the introduction of a special chemical to their system. This chemical is commonly known as Black Water. Once this euthanizing agent is poured into them, a sentient vehicle goes into a deep sleep they can never wake up from. After that, their systems can't be restarted. Then, and ONLY then, can they be scrapped. There are several reasons this option is chosen: a sentient vehicle may be so badly damaged that no amount of repairs are possible, a sentient vehicle may be too proud to retire, or it's the only option truly available to them. Whatever the reason, when a sentient vehicles requests a Final Firing, there's no debating it. An owner must comply.