The Automaton Emporium

Cyborbots are technically robotic pets and come in a variety of models, from the utilitarian sphere of the IDH model to the xenodragon-imitation shape of the XMDCDs. They are more than pets however, as each one has the processing capacity of a small supercomputer. They are assistants and companions, almost perfectly imitating the lifeforms they are crafted to resemble (IHDs aside).

Cyborbots run on a self-contained and highly stable fusion power source and are capable of minor self-repair. Under normal circumstances, they experience minimal degradation and can last fifty years or so. Understandably, this 'lifespan' decreases if the cyborbot is treated roughly. With regular maintenance, a cyborbot can function almost indefinitely-- some existing 'bots aboard the station date from the early days of the overthrown dynasty, and are several hundred years old.

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Standard Cyborbots

There are about half a dozen robotics stores in Star City that sell cyborbots right off the shelf, costing about twice as much as a high-quality computer system. They are easy to get, but each standard-model cyborbot is physically identical to all other standard 'bots of the same model. Being mass-produced, they are also more prone to malfunction and wear and tear. People who want a unique, high-quality cyborbot must take the time to commission a Robotics Engineer for a customized model.

Standard cyborbots all have voice synthesizers installed to grant them the ability to speak, but this option can be turned off if desired. They can also be installed with optional, specialised Telaparts in order to both hear and speak telepathically.

If you wish to have a standard-quality cyborbot for a character, pick your desired model from the "Cyborbot Models" section below and simply take the image you'll find above the model's description. For a customised cyborbot, see the "Custom Cyborbots" section.

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Cyborbot AI

Each cyborbot comes programmed with its own AI (artificial intelligence, the quality of which varies depending on its class), but they do not qualify as AL (artificial life).

A Class C cyborbot has "blank" AI. The AI has no personality whatsoever, and exists simply to obey whoever it has been assigned to. They are extremely intelligent, but have trouble thinking around corners. All Class C cyborbots are, of course, identical in personality (or in this case, the lack thereof). This type of AI is preferred by people that need a drone that obeys without question.

A Class B cyborbot has "static" AI. Though the AI has been programmed with a basic personality, that personality will never change. An IHD-B programmed to be perky and cheerful will always be perky and cheerful, no matter the situation. Though just as intelligent as Class C cyborbots, Class B's semi-developed personality gives them a slightly better ability to come up with innovative solutions. Class B cyborbots are unique from one another only so far as they are programmed. People who want the processing ability of a Class C without the unpredictable personality of a Class A go for this type.

A Class A cyborbot has "dynamic" AI. Though they come online with a general personality, this personality can change and grow just like a living creature's, adapting to the circumstances of the cyborbot's "upbringing." They are the most creative of the cyborbots, but their lifelike personalities give them complete free will. No two Class A cyborbots act the same. Class A's are the least popular of the AI types because of their volatility-- while some people enjoy the lifelike Class A's, most people can't be bothered to deal with an AI that doesn't have to obey its purchaser.

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Cyborbot Models

IHD	FCD	CCD	ACD

ICD	RCD	MDCD	XMDCD

You may take as many standard cyborbots as you like, but these DO count as pets, and are therefore subject to any pets-per-candidate rules as they apply at any weyr, caer, or other dragonry your character(s) stand at.

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Custom Cyborbots

People who want something a little more interesting than an off-the-shelf cyborbot can commission one from any qualified Robotics Engineer. While they do not custom-build designs for a cyborbot's frame, they will craft a higher quality 'bot of any requested colour or pattern-- that is, one cannot request a tiger-shape cyborbot, but one could request a FCD model with tiger patterning.

The only Engineer currently accepting commissions is Star City's senior Master Robotics Engineer, a mantis anthro called Archimedes.

Previous Custom Orders

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Custom Cyborbot Request

To request a custom cyborbot from Archimedes, you must write a short story (and I do mean short; you don't need to send me novels) in which your character visits Archimedes at his workshop, the Automaton Emporium, in Star City's Commerce level and commissions him for the job. It does not have to be fancy, but since Archimedes is going to take the time to custom-craft a cyborbot for you, it's only fair that you spend a little time to earn it. See the "Previous Custom Orders" link above for ideas.

In return, your cyborbot will be crafted to your specifications and marked with a serial number that will label it as totally unique. That's right: in exchange for a short story, you'll receive a one-of-a-kind pet for your character.

You may request no more than two custom cyborbots at a time.

Archimedes's Stat-sheet
Archimedes's assistants: Scion 0057 and Artisan 0276

Application Form
Your Name: Your Email: Owner's Name: Owner's URL: Request Story URL: Desired Model: Desired AI: Customize it!:

Email to Phoenix with "Custom Cyborbot" as the subject.

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All Cyborpet images are (c) Caitlin "Phoenix" Wilt