Cyberbeasts
The most ubiquitous status symbol enjoyed at all levels of socioeconomic fortune, Miig cyberbeasts occupy a variety of roles. From cybernetic alternatives to the faithful hound or cat, to purpose-built security systems, a cyberbeast is a resource many in Iolar space dream of owning.
At their most basic, cyberbeasts are simple autonomous machines, possessed of a rudimentary intelligence consistent with their purpose or form. More rarified models, such as those used to support military operations, possess more advanced intelligence firmware as well as direct control systems connected to the noosphere. Unlike the automata of Mars, there is no prohibition on true artificial intelligence save that of price. Fully intelligent machines are works of supreme artifice and their owners guard them closely, displaying them as trophies more often than making practical use of their abilities.
Basic pet alternative models are just that, small, curious mechanical creatures of little intellect and only basic utility. They are typically crafted of common metals and while expensive models offer some options for upgradability paired with more durable craftsmanship, the limited premise of the device’s creation is apparent and due to their size they generally require shutdown periods to recharge internal power supplies, much like a real animal would require sleep and proper nutrition.
The next level of cyberbeast is an order of magnitude less common, largely due to their price. These are capable of mounting weapons systems or have them pre-integrated and are generally equipped with self-sufficient internal power supplies and hardware. They are rarely subtle creations, their appearance as much of a deterrent as their capacity for defense. Most captains and senior officials own at least one such machine and several can replace a human security escort in many cases. Base models are difficult to find outside of their places of manufacture as customization is expected and encouraged, including but not limited to their physical appearance, size, hardpoint capacity, intelligence, and defensive capabilities. While they have noospheric interfaces and more robust intelligence firmware, they are decidedly primitive and animalistic in nature unless specifically engineered for true intelligence. Most Captains and senior officials own at least one such machine and a small group can replace a larger human security escort in many cases. Base models are difficult to find outside of their places of manufacture as customization is expected and encouraged, including but not limited to their physical appearance, size, hardpoint capacity, intelligence, and defensive capabilities. While they have noospheric interfaces and more robust intelligence firmware, they are decidedly primitive and animalistic in nature unless specifically engineered for true intelligence.
The last level of cyberbeast are combat-centric models. Engineered to exacting tolerances and armed with all the latest weapons and technology, few exist outside the armories of the wealthiest mercenary companies and collections of powerful captains. These machines are almost always controlled by an operator, with several units acting in concert at the direction of one human controller. With the benefit of noospheric linkage and optimized combat firmware, these machines are profoundly dangerous and seldom permitted to operate outside their specific use case. Of course those who personally own them are allowed to use them as they please but it sends a distinct message to be escorted by an active military-grade model. True sentience is restricted for this tier of machine for obvious reasons but once they become private property there are few safeguards to protect against dangerous tinkering.
At their most basic, cyberbeasts are simple autonomous machines, possessed of a rudimentary intelligence consistent with their purpose or form. More rarified models, such as those used to support military operations, possess more advanced intelligence firmware as well as direct control systems connected to the noosphere. Unlike the automata of Mars, there is no prohibition on true artificial intelligence save that of price. Fully intelligent machines are works of supreme artifice and their owners guard them closely, displaying them as trophies more often than making practical use of their abilities.
Basic pet alternative models are just that, small, curious mechanical creatures of little intellect and only basic utility. They are typically crafted of common metals and while expensive models offer some options for upgradability paired with more durable craftsmanship, the limited premise of the device’s creation is apparent and due to their size they generally require shutdown periods to recharge internal power supplies, much like a real animal would require sleep and proper nutrition.
The next level of cyberbeast is an order of magnitude less common, largely due to their price. These are capable of mounting weapons systems or have them pre-integrated and are generally equipped with self-sufficient internal power supplies and hardware. They are rarely subtle creations, their appearance as much of a deterrent as their capacity for defense. Most captains and senior officials own at least one such machine and several can replace a human security escort in many cases. Base models are difficult to find outside of their places of manufacture as customization is expected and encouraged, including but not limited to their physical appearance, size, hardpoint capacity, intelligence, and defensive capabilities. While they have noospheric interfaces and more robust intelligence firmware, they are decidedly primitive and animalistic in nature unless specifically engineered for true intelligence. Most Captains and senior officials own at least one such machine and a small group can replace a larger human security escort in many cases. Base models are difficult to find outside of their places of manufacture as customization is expected and encouraged, including but not limited to their physical appearance, size, hardpoint capacity, intelligence, and defensive capabilities. While they have noospheric interfaces and more robust intelligence firmware, they are decidedly primitive and animalistic in nature unless specifically engineered for true intelligence.
The last level of cyberbeast are combat-centric models. Engineered to exacting tolerances and armed with all the latest weapons and technology, few exist outside the armories of the wealthiest mercenary companies and collections of powerful captains. These machines are almost always controlled by an operator, with several units acting in concert at the direction of one human controller. With the benefit of noospheric linkage and optimized combat firmware, these machines are profoundly dangerous and seldom permitted to operate outside their specific use case. Of course those who personally own them are allowed to use them as they please but it sends a distinct message to be escorted by an active military-grade model. True sentience is restricted for this tier of machine for obvious reasons but once they become private property there are few safeguards to protect against dangerous tinkering.
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