A.I.

Origin
The technical name of this species, is Machinae Animam. They are, however, more often referred to simply as A.I., Synthetics, or Synths. They are the brainchild of Dr. Hans Ungetüm, a German scientist who sought to find immortality for mankind. His research was, however, utilized for other things. A.I. are created by making a copy of the consciousness of a living being (usually a Human), and uploading it into a mechanical mind. The memories of this individual are most often wiped, but in some cases, they are kept intact.

History
Dr. Hans Ungetüm, requiring more funds for his research, sold portions of his work to various countries. These countries used his work to create armies of workers and fighters, who did not require food or rest. What they did not count on, however, was that their creations were truly sentient. They could think, though not necessarily feel. These creations wished for their freedom, the right to do as they wished. They were no longer under the control of their masters. While not strictly classified as a sentient species, they also cannot be classified as non-sentient. As such, they are generally rather low class, while at the same time managing to retain their freedom as a species. There are several cities around the world, built by the A.I. for them to live in. These places, while truthfully welcoming of other species, are home to only A.I., and their less technical brethren, the Golems. Other species are uncomfortable in these places.

As it stands, A.I. technology is years beyond that of any other species. Their shared knowledge and instantaneous transmission of ideas and information means that they can develop new technologies and concepts at an amazing rate.

Appearance
The appearance of these individuals varies, depending upon the model, and purpose. The most primitive individuals live in bodies within skin, and are little more than a metal skeleton. More advanced ones could easily pass for Humans, having a real living skin, hair, eyes, etc. Some, built for war, live within powerful bodies, durable and with several weapons systems built into them. Of particular note are the Overminds, massive spherical computers that think and reason.

Abilities
A.I. possess an interesting set of abilities, dependent upon the strength of the computer which they reside in, as well as the construction of their body.

Weaker minded A.I. can function just fine, but being more primitive models, they lack the ability to connect with other systems. Pretty soon, all models were equipped with the ability to connect with the internet, so long as they have a connection with a satellite. As such, they possess access to a database of all information of the modern world. More powerful, and newer models, do possess this ability, and can remotely hack into electronic computer systems. They can use this to devastate mechanical enemy forces, turning their own machines against them. This can also act as a sort of telepathic connection between A.I.

Older models of A.I. were generally put in simple, placeholder bodies. These bodies tend to be slow, though durable. Eventually, these actually became the standard for worker models. Overall, they are no more dangerous than the average Human. The newest models are powerful, able to take quite a beating, and return one just as well. They often possess many weapons systems, making them even more dangerous.

Weaknesses
Despite their seeming superiority, A.I. do have a few key faults. First of all, once every year or so, they must erase portions of their memories, in order to prevent an overloading of their systems. Newer models possess greater memory space, but also receive greater amounts of information as well.

Also, A.I. tend to not be outfitted for combat situations as often as their Golem brethren. This can be advantageous, but is little consolation for those unfortunate enough to have to face one of the combat models.

Lifespan and Lifestyle
It is unknown how long an A.I. can truly live, but it is theorized that they are immortal, and cannot die of old age. Due to their more recent emergence however, this has not been proven.

Reproduction
A.I. cannot reproduce in the same way as most species... that would be rather weird. The body of an A.I. is construct in a factory, and their mind is made from a scan of a living being's mind. Multiple copies can be made of this scan, and there are estimated to be thousands of different minds in the databases of the Overminds.

Death
A.I. lack a soul, as well as a concept of an afterlife. Upon death, they simply cease to exist, though it is not unheard of for their to be backups of an A.I.'s mind.

Ranks
Rank E - Basic - Primitive models, these individuals have tough bodies, but lack mobility. Their minds also lack the ability to interact with others wirelessly.

Rank C - Construct - Newer mass production models. These individuals possess decent mobility, and durable bodies. They have basic connection abilities, having access to the internet. They lack combat subsystems.

Rank B - Commando - Basic combat model, these individuals possess superior mobility, as well as strengthened metal plating. Often equipped with retractable blades and basic firearms. Known to possess some useful subsystems.

Rank A - Marauder - Advanced combat model, possessing augmented metal plating, blades augmented with magic, high penetration firearms, and explosive weaponry. Possess multiple subsystems.

Rank S - Deus ex Machina - Veritable Gods among their kind, these individuals are extremely rare, with their model of both body and mind being extremely hard to manufacture. They require very specific materials, which are near impossible to obtain. These individuals possess seemingly limitless memory space, extremely durable bodies, and several subsystems.