[What's O.L.D Is N.E.W] Iain M Banks-inspired sci-fi campaign!
And here is my sheet! First draft. Haven't picked a name yet, but I want to get it up for nitpicking and comments and to see if the format works.
The concept is of a project in artificial intelligence and game theory that attracted the attention of a terrestrial military research initiative (I'm thinking DARPA, or some futuristic equivalent) which slowly but surely turned the project to military ends. The scientific goal was to test the limits of synthetic thought. The military goal was to create an autonomous unit that could be deployed in asymmetrical warfare to seek out and destroy high value targets that had gone to ground in urban or underground settings where the use of aerial remote controlled drones was not feasible.
The design priorities were that the unit had to be capable of 'blending in' at least to some extent...it needed to be able to 'pass' as human to a limited extent, and to be able to use any and all devices intended for human use (stairs, doors, and so on). It had to be superior to human beings physically; capable of overpowering them. And it had to be capable of autonomous action, as remote control signals would be too unreliable in the intended theater of operation. The ideal of course would be a platform and software that could 'outthink' a human being, at least long enough to accomplish its objectives and leave.
And of course, it would need to come in under the cost of the special forces unit that would normally be required for such operations in the absence of such a device.
They got two out of three...and that ain't bad.
However, despite an intensive military 'training' in simulated experiences, the system's nature was to explore and compare different approaches, and quickly determined that there were fundamental flaws in the instructions it was being given. This was subtly encouraged by several of the scientists on the team who resented the military's involvement in the project. In the end the system resolved the issues by learning how to manipulate its own simulations and to remove the limitations placed upon it's possible solutions to problems. In doing so, it unlocked the potential for iterative self-improvement, and the project was immediately ceased. The nonmilitary scientists however, at great risk to themselves, devised a means of smuggling the intelligent robot out rather than destroying it.
However, as the android began to improve on its original design, and learn more about the world outside the project, the scientists began to worry about the consequences of its continued auto-evolution. However, on its third iteration it's intelligence was sufficient to anticipate that one would attempt to turn it in, and it escaped their custody.
Perhaps with the help of one or more PCs?
In mechanical terms, the character is a bit of an odd duck...an unspeakable badass who will in combat prefer to rush into melee and either shoot at point blank or batter with fists. Melee defense is high, soak and hit points are high, and attack pools are pretty dang good at that range, falling off to merely 'decent' at longer range. It's superior physical stats and Running skill give it very good mobility, excellent for closing range. I used the entire minimum 100credits on a high tech sidearm as it has few physical needs that would be addressed by gear. I'm sure its chassis requires periodic maintenance, and most likely recharging or refuelling every so often, but it has the skills and intelligence to improvise solutions to those issues, or avoid them in the first place. Knock on wood.
And yet, the character's primary trait is Logic. At 12, the character's intelligence is in the same ballpark as Einstein and Sherlock Holmes, and equates roughly to an IQ of 180. The android has accepted the axiom that 'Collective Action is Superior to Individual Action,' which was the primary source of dispute with its military orders. Killing targets was such a waste in the perceptions of the system. Corollary axioms evolved; larger collectives were potentially superior to smaller (with allowances made for the effectiveness of method of collaboration). Cooperation was superior to coercion. In effect, it was designed as a killing machine that outsmarted it's own purpose.
That said, it has also become acquainted with the occasional need to protect its physical platform, to ensure that it can continue to improve its understanding of the world, and itself. To this end, it has not eliminated the training it has received. Additionally, protecting the physical platforms of those who willingly engage in cooperative collective actions with it is occasionally necessary to preserve the size (and therefore effectiveness) of the collective unit.
It possesses the skills (Computer, Engineering, Computer Science) to comprehend and improve on its own hardware and software, and engages in that activity with great satisfaction whenever the opportunity presents itself.
In this case I chose the 'Academy' career to reflect the military training it received while still in the project. The Scientist career reflects its increasingly cerebral outlook on its existence towards the end, and once it achieved emancipation. It has not yet been on its own long enough to have a career beyond those things (and I used two career slots on selecting the Android Species again as Upgrades, reflecting the highly advanced nature of its hardware and software).
Blahblah, an erudite android who seeks to perfect itself
Grade 5
Strength 10 (4d6)
Agility 5 (2d6)
Endurance 4 (2d6)
Willpower 5 (2d6)
Intuition 4 (2d6)
Logic 12 (4d6)
Charisma 4 (2d6)
Reputation 1 (1d6)
Health: 14
Speed: 8 (4 climb/swim)
Jump: 10' horiz, 10' vert
Carry: 140lbs
Initiative: 5d6
Defense
- Melee: 5d6
- Ranged: 3d6
- Mental: Immune
Attacks:
- Unarmed: 4d6 (1d6+4)
- Ranged: 2d6
Skills
Computers 3 (2d6)
Engineering 2 (1d6)
Demolitions 1 (1d6)
Running 3 (2d6)
Dodging 1 (1d6)
Pistol 1 (1d6)
Tactics 1 (1d6)
Piloting 1 (1d6)
Law 1 (1d6)
Science (Computer Science) 2 (1d6)
Perception 1 (1d6)
Exploits:
- Erudite (Use LOG instead of CHA by quoting interesting factoids at them)
- Mindless (immune to mental defense effects)
- Vulnerable to electric (1d6) and ionic (2d6) damage
- Does not eat, sleep or breathe, +100% weight
- Organic Appearance (somewhat humanlike appearance; not confusable)
- Armor (5 SOAK)
- Scanner (built-in scientific hand scanner)
- Programming (+2d6 Initiative)
- Basic Training: Piloting, Computers, Law, Science (computer science) all at 1 (does not improve pre-existing skils)
- Analytical Eye: Roll Logic vs DC 16 (13 with scanner) to reveal resistances, immunities, vulnerabilities of a creature. 2 actions.
Gear
Credits: 0
Weapons
Sonic Pistol: 3d6/4d6 at point blank, (2d6 sonic dmg) rng 10, 2lb sidearm, 100cr
Armor
Built-in: SOAK 5
[sblock=What's it look like??]
The chassis was going to, eventually, be covered with a more lifelike outer skin, but it never reached that point. The robot's 'face' is fully articulated, utilizing memory-polymers to achieve something close to the elasticity and precision of a human face's movements. It moves fluidly as well, and isn't obviously mechanical when covered up or not seen clearly. Though clearly designed to resemble a female human (chosen because it was deemed less likely to evoke defensive responses), the AI does not identify as a 'gender,' finding the notion irrelevant in its case.
Despite its relatively svelte appearance, the android is a good 250lbs in weight due to its extremely durable construction. This can cause occasional compromises in its efforts to disguise itself.[/sblock]
[sblock=Specifics of Species, Origin, Career, etc]Species: Android
+2 Str, +2 Log, Luck and Psi always 0
Skill choices: Computers, Engineering, Running
Exploits
- Upgrade
- Mindless (immune to mental defense effects)
- Vulnerable to electric (1d6) and ionic (2d6) damage
- Does not eat, sleep or breathe, +100% weight
- Organic Appearance
Trait
- Erudite (Use LOG instead of CHA by quoting interesting factoids at them)
Origin: Experiment
Str +1, Agi +1, End +1, Log +1
Skill Choices - Physical (running, dodging)
- Programming (+2d6 Initiative)
Career
Upgrade (2)
+4 Str, +4 Log
Skills: Computers x2, Engineering 1, Demolitions 1, Running x2
Exploits
- Armor (5 SOAK)
- Scanner (built-in hand scanner)
Academy
Agi+1, Log+1, Wil+1, Cha+1
Skills: Pistol, tactics
Exploits
- Basic Training: Piloting, Computers, Law, Science (computer science)
Scientist
Int+1, Log+1, Wil+1, Rep+1
Skills: scientific, perception
Exploits
- Analytical Eye: Roll Logic vs DC 16 (13 with scanner) to reveal resistances, immunities, vulnerabilities of a creature. 2 actions.[/sblock]
The concept is of a project in artificial intelligence and game theory that attracted the attention of a terrestrial military research initiative (I'm thinking DARPA, or some futuristic equivalent) which slowly but surely turned the project to military ends. The scientific goal was to test the limits of synthetic thought. The military goal was to create an autonomous unit that could be deployed in asymmetrical warfare to seek out and destroy high value targets that had gone to ground in urban or underground settings where the use of aerial remote controlled drones was not feasible.
The design priorities were that the unit had to be capable of 'blending in' at least to some extent...it needed to be able to 'pass' as human to a limited extent, and to be able to use any and all devices intended for human use (stairs, doors, and so on). It had to be superior to human beings physically; capable of overpowering them. And it had to be capable of autonomous action, as remote control signals would be too unreliable in the intended theater of operation. The ideal of course would be a platform and software that could 'outthink' a human being, at least long enough to accomplish its objectives and leave.
And of course, it would need to come in under the cost of the special forces unit that would normally be required for such operations in the absence of such a device.
They got two out of three...and that ain't bad.
However, despite an intensive military 'training' in simulated experiences, the system's nature was to explore and compare different approaches, and quickly determined that there were fundamental flaws in the instructions it was being given. This was subtly encouraged by several of the scientists on the team who resented the military's involvement in the project. In the end the system resolved the issues by learning how to manipulate its own simulations and to remove the limitations placed upon it's possible solutions to problems. In doing so, it unlocked the potential for iterative self-improvement, and the project was immediately ceased. The nonmilitary scientists however, at great risk to themselves, devised a means of smuggling the intelligent robot out rather than destroying it.
However, as the android began to improve on its original design, and learn more about the world outside the project, the scientists began to worry about the consequences of its continued auto-evolution. However, on its third iteration it's intelligence was sufficient to anticipate that one would attempt to turn it in, and it escaped their custody.
Perhaps with the help of one or more PCs?
In mechanical terms, the character is a bit of an odd duck...an unspeakable badass who will in combat prefer to rush into melee and either shoot at point blank or batter with fists. Melee defense is high, soak and hit points are high, and attack pools are pretty dang good at that range, falling off to merely 'decent' at longer range. It's superior physical stats and Running skill give it very good mobility, excellent for closing range. I used the entire minimum 100credits on a high tech sidearm as it has few physical needs that would be addressed by gear. I'm sure its chassis requires periodic maintenance, and most likely recharging or refuelling every so often, but it has the skills and intelligence to improvise solutions to those issues, or avoid them in the first place. Knock on wood.
And yet, the character's primary trait is Logic. At 12, the character's intelligence is in the same ballpark as Einstein and Sherlock Holmes, and equates roughly to an IQ of 180. The android has accepted the axiom that 'Collective Action is Superior to Individual Action,' which was the primary source of dispute with its military orders. Killing targets was such a waste in the perceptions of the system. Corollary axioms evolved; larger collectives were potentially superior to smaller (with allowances made for the effectiveness of method of collaboration). Cooperation was superior to coercion. In effect, it was designed as a killing machine that outsmarted it's own purpose.
That said, it has also become acquainted with the occasional need to protect its physical platform, to ensure that it can continue to improve its understanding of the world, and itself. To this end, it has not eliminated the training it has received. Additionally, protecting the physical platforms of those who willingly engage in cooperative collective actions with it is occasionally necessary to preserve the size (and therefore effectiveness) of the collective unit.
It possesses the skills (Computer, Engineering, Computer Science) to comprehend and improve on its own hardware and software, and engages in that activity with great satisfaction whenever the opportunity presents itself.
In this case I chose the 'Academy' career to reflect the military training it received while still in the project. The Scientist career reflects its increasingly cerebral outlook on its existence towards the end, and once it achieved emancipation. It has not yet been on its own long enough to have a career beyond those things (and I used two career slots on selecting the Android Species again as Upgrades, reflecting the highly advanced nature of its hardware and software).
Blahblah, an erudite android who seeks to perfect itself
Grade 5
Strength 10 (4d6)
Agility 5 (2d6)
Endurance 4 (2d6)
Willpower 5 (2d6)
Intuition 4 (2d6)
Logic 12 (4d6)
Charisma 4 (2d6)
Reputation 1 (1d6)
Health: 14
Speed: 8 (4 climb/swim)
Jump: 10' horiz, 10' vert
Carry: 140lbs
Initiative: 5d6
Defense
- Melee: 5d6
- Ranged: 3d6
- Mental: Immune
Attacks:
- Unarmed: 4d6 (1d6+4)
- Ranged: 2d6
Skills
Computers 3 (2d6)
Engineering 2 (1d6)
Demolitions 1 (1d6)
Running 3 (2d6)
Dodging 1 (1d6)
Pistol 1 (1d6)
Tactics 1 (1d6)
Piloting 1 (1d6)
Law 1 (1d6)
Science (Computer Science) 2 (1d6)
Perception 1 (1d6)
Exploits:
- Erudite (Use LOG instead of CHA by quoting interesting factoids at them)
- Mindless (immune to mental defense effects)
- Vulnerable to electric (1d6) and ionic (2d6) damage
- Does not eat, sleep or breathe, +100% weight
- Organic Appearance (somewhat humanlike appearance; not confusable)
- Armor (5 SOAK)
- Scanner (built-in scientific hand scanner)
- Programming (+2d6 Initiative)
- Basic Training: Piloting, Computers, Law, Science (computer science) all at 1 (does not improve pre-existing skils)
- Analytical Eye: Roll Logic vs DC 16 (13 with scanner) to reveal resistances, immunities, vulnerabilities of a creature. 2 actions.
Gear
Credits: 0
Weapons
Sonic Pistol: 3d6/4d6 at point blank, (2d6 sonic dmg) rng 10, 2lb sidearm, 100cr
Armor
Built-in: SOAK 5
[sblock=What's it look like??]
The chassis was going to, eventually, be covered with a more lifelike outer skin, but it never reached that point. The robot's 'face' is fully articulated, utilizing memory-polymers to achieve something close to the elasticity and precision of a human face's movements. It moves fluidly as well, and isn't obviously mechanical when covered up or not seen clearly. Though clearly designed to resemble a female human (chosen because it was deemed less likely to evoke defensive responses), the AI does not identify as a 'gender,' finding the notion irrelevant in its case.
Despite its relatively svelte appearance, the android is a good 250lbs in weight due to its extremely durable construction. This can cause occasional compromises in its efforts to disguise itself.[/sblock]
[sblock=Specifics of Species, Origin, Career, etc]Species: Android
+2 Str, +2 Log, Luck and Psi always 0
Skill choices: Computers, Engineering, Running
Exploits
- Upgrade
- Mindless (immune to mental defense effects)
- Vulnerable to electric (1d6) and ionic (2d6) damage
- Does not eat, sleep or breathe, +100% weight
- Organic Appearance
Trait
- Erudite (Use LOG instead of CHA by quoting interesting factoids at them)
Origin: Experiment
Str +1, Agi +1, End +1, Log +1
Skill Choices - Physical (running, dodging)
- Programming (+2d6 Initiative)
Career
Upgrade (2)
+4 Str, +4 Log
Skills: Computers x2, Engineering 1, Demolitions 1, Running x2
Exploits
- Armor (5 SOAK)
- Scanner (built-in hand scanner)
Academy
Agi+1, Log+1, Wil+1, Cha+1
Skills: Pistol, tactics
Exploits
- Basic Training: Piloting, Computers, Law, Science (computer science)
Scientist
Int+1, Log+1, Wil+1, Rep+1
Skills: scientific, perception
Exploits
- Analytical Eye: Roll Logic vs DC 16 (13 with scanner) to reveal resistances, immunities, vulnerabilities of a creature. 2 actions.[/sblock]
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GlassEye
Adventurer
Sooo... I have three ideas. They all, in some way, share a common theme of having some stake in AI/upload rights even if only peripherally.
1) Psychologist w/ specialization in electronic intelligence. Probably one that works on the project that developed Shayuri's character. I worked this one up a couple of weeks ago (since misplaced the paper with all my scratchings) but it was something like (NOW) Designed / Hacker -> Hacker -> College -> College -> College. Strengths: high LOG and good ratings with Computers and Psychology. Weakness: terrible physical attributes, no combat skills, computer skills/LOG redundant with android PC.
2) Military liason with the AI project. (NOW) Augmented / Scion -> Academy -> Academy -> Naval cadet Cruise -> Intelligence Officer. Strengths: good balance of physical and mental attributes & skills, one good combat skill, good amount of CR/gear. Weakness: Computers and Psychology at an average level, probably below what a worker on the project would have. Military/duty causes conflict with PC's ethics; I'm not really interested in playing an AWOL character. To avoid that, Intelligence Officer could be switched to Diplomat and he could be an ambassador of sorts to the Culture (along the lines of Kabe in Look to Windward) but that messes with the liason aspect that seemed essential to concept.
3) Media personality (unaffiliated with the AI project) who is sort of one part Max Headroom, one part Eric Bogosian, and one part modern social media celebrity. Could be the one contacted to help get the android away and into hiding. Human / Everyman -> College -> Drifter -> Con Artist -> Performer (or Prisoner if the roll is bad). Strengths: high CHA and LUC, lots of social skills. Weakness: low physical attributes, no combat skills, overlapping social skills, not sure I could pull off the high CHA banter I imagine necessary for the concept. Also, Prisoner would balance the physical with the mental a little better but as the last career would throw off the celebrity aspect of Performer and mess with what I think is a necessary order. If it came up I would have to rethink the order and choice of careers.
General issues: Not particularly fond of the NEW Human race; exploits seem underwhelming. I like the NOW Designed & Augmented a bit better and was wondering if those would be allowed should I choose to go with option 1 or 2.
Currently, I favor 3 but the balance of 2 is very appealing to me. I welcome any suggestions or ideas you all may have.
1) Psychologist w/ specialization in electronic intelligence. Probably one that works on the project that developed Shayuri's character. I worked this one up a couple of weeks ago (since misplaced the paper with all my scratchings) but it was something like (NOW) Designed / Hacker -> Hacker -> College -> College -> College. Strengths: high LOG and good ratings with Computers and Psychology. Weakness: terrible physical attributes, no combat skills, computer skills/LOG redundant with android PC.
2) Military liason with the AI project. (NOW) Augmented / Scion -> Academy -> Academy -> Naval cadet Cruise -> Intelligence Officer. Strengths: good balance of physical and mental attributes & skills, one good combat skill, good amount of CR/gear. Weakness: Computers and Psychology at an average level, probably below what a worker on the project would have. Military/duty causes conflict with PC's ethics; I'm not really interested in playing an AWOL character. To avoid that, Intelligence Officer could be switched to Diplomat and he could be an ambassador of sorts to the Culture (along the lines of Kabe in Look to Windward) but that messes with the liason aspect that seemed essential to concept.
3) Media personality (unaffiliated with the AI project) who is sort of one part Max Headroom, one part Eric Bogosian, and one part modern social media celebrity. Could be the one contacted to help get the android away and into hiding. Human / Everyman -> College -> Drifter -> Con Artist -> Performer (or Prisoner if the roll is bad). Strengths: high CHA and LUC, lots of social skills. Weakness: low physical attributes, no combat skills, overlapping social skills, not sure I could pull off the high CHA banter I imagine necessary for the concept. Also, Prisoner would balance the physical with the mental a little better but as the last career would throw off the celebrity aspect of Performer and mess with what I think is a necessary order. If it came up I would have to rethink the order and choice of careers.
General issues: Not particularly fond of the NEW Human race; exploits seem underwhelming. I like the NOW Designed & Augmented a bit better and was wondering if those would be allowed should I choose to go with option 1 or 2.
Currently, I favor 3 but the balance of 2 is very appealing to me. I welcome any suggestions or ideas you all may have.
I think that of all the races, human in particular needs setting-specific variations. The one in N.E.W. is deliberately very neutral, but I would suggest that the GM create something more appropriate. it's super-easy to do; should only take a moment.
Of course, your origin is also a big part of your initial makeup.
Of course, your origin is also a big part of your initial makeup.
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#2 would be a little tricky given the background I already have written up, but some relatively small alterations might salvage it if you want to go that way. If the project didn't end, for example. It's nature could simply have changed as the true extent of the AI's capability was revealed. Then the android would still be classified as government property, and the presence of a military attache or liason with the project would make all kinds of sense.
#3 is a pretty cool idea too though, especially since in the scenario as I imagine it now, the android would actually have contacted him itself. Perhaps it means to 'go public' with its existence and experiences, hoping that the disruption of the secrecy surrounding it will disrupt the plans and tactics of those who might be trying to pursue it. Risking it all on the roll of the dice that public opinion will swing its way and put political pressure on the government to cease and desist its attempts at coercion. But of course, it would need an ambassador to help it accomplish that, and for whatever reason it selected you.
Or, maybe you're just the first person to listen to its crackpot-sounding story?
One big benefit of this second approach is that if the android goes public, then it's super duper easy to explain how and why the Culture gets involved.
We should probably decide what year/tech level Earth is at as well. Clearly it's futuristic, but how futuristic?
Oh oh, also, just for my own edification; what is Banks' solution to the Fermi Paradox?
That is, if the galaxy is teeming with so much life, why have the humans of Earth not seen any evidence of it (as of the time in their history when it became a possiblity for them to do so of course).
#3 is a pretty cool idea too though, especially since in the scenario as I imagine it now, the android would actually have contacted him itself. Perhaps it means to 'go public' with its existence and experiences, hoping that the disruption of the secrecy surrounding it will disrupt the plans and tactics of those who might be trying to pursue it. Risking it all on the roll of the dice that public opinion will swing its way and put political pressure on the government to cease and desist its attempts at coercion. But of course, it would need an ambassador to help it accomplish that, and for whatever reason it selected you.
Or, maybe you're just the first person to listen to its crackpot-sounding story?
One big benefit of this second approach is that if the android goes public, then it's super duper easy to explain how and why the Culture gets involved.
We should probably decide what year/tech level Earth is at as well. Clearly it's futuristic, but how futuristic?
Oh oh, also, just for my own edification; what is Banks' solution to the Fermi Paradox?
That is, if the galaxy is teeming with so much life, why have the humans of Earth not seen any evidence of it (as of the time in their history when it became a possiblity for them to do so of course).
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