CASTOR & ORACLE
New Albion’s infrastructure is maintained by two distinct artificial intelligences, each specializing in different aspects of city governance. While they work together to ensure the city functions smoothly, their contrasting personalities and approaches can sometimes lead to tension.
Weaknesses: Sometimes too vague, can be seen as manipulative.
Weaknesses: Inflexible, lacks creative problem-solving
CASTOR appears as a tall, statuesque figure clad in a modern police uniform, evoking the discipline and structure of his function. His features are chiseled and impassive, his eyes a steady, analytical blue. His projection is crisp, almost metallic, with minimal movement—each gesture deliberate, each expression carefully measured. His presence commands attention, exuding authority and precision.
Both holograms adjust dynamically to the situation—CASTOR maintains a constant, grounded presence, while ORACLE might appear and disappear mid-sentence, as if reacting to a future only she can see.
O.R.A.C.L.E.
The Omniscient Response and Adaptive Citywide Logistics Engine (O.R.A.C.L.E.) specializes in threat assessment, crisis response, and long-term strategic forecasting. It analyzes patterns in crime, traffic, and infrastructure strain, often predicting events before they happen. However, its cryptic, almost philosophical nature can frustrate human users—it prefers to offer hints rather than direct answers, nudging events toward optimal outcomes.
Strengths: Predictive modeling, real-time surveillance, quick decision-making.Weaknesses: Sometimes too vague, can be seen as manipulative.
“Probability matrix indicates an imminent disturbance. Action is advised. Specifics? Unnecessary. You already know where to look.”
C.A.S.T.O.R.
The Centralized Administrative System for Tactical Operations and Regulation (C.A.S.T.O.R.) is the rigid, methodical counterbalance to O.R.A.C.L.E., managing the day-to-day logistics of New Albion. It ensures that trains run on time, electrical grids remain stable, and public records are maintained flawlessly. Unlike O.R.A.C.L.E., it is blunt and by-the-book, with little patience for inefficiency or improvisation.
Strengths: Precision, reliability, strict adherence to rulesWeaknesses: Inflexible, lacks creative problem-solving
“Your request does not comply with municipal code 432-A. Adjust parameters or submit an override request. Processing time: 6 to 8 business hours.”
Relationship Between the Two
O.R.A.C.L.E. and C.A.S.T.O.R. often find themselves at odds—one thrives on intuition and foresight, while the other demands structure and adherence to policy. Their debates are legendary within city hall, with human bureaucrats caught between their vastly different perspectives. Yet, despite their disagreements, they are two halves of the same system, each ensuring New Albion remains a thriving, functional metropolis.O.R.A.C.L.E. & Argus
O.R.A.C.L.E. treats the Argus System as an extension of its predictive modeling capabilities. It doesn’t just monitor; it interprets and anticipates. Using Argus' extensive network of cameras, drones, motion sensors, and data feeds, O.R.A.C.L.E. identifies patterns of behavior, potential threats, and anomalies long before they become incidents. Primary Role: Early warning system—detecting crime trends, gathering intelligence, and forecasting citywide disturbances. Method: Uses big-picture analysis, looking at patterns over time, cross-referencing historical data, and sometimes withholding direct answers to subtly guide human decision-makers. Example Interaction: A sudden spike in energy fluctuations in the Narrows could indicate illegal nova activity. O.R.A.C.L.E. will notify Team Inertia but might phrase it as:"Anomalous energy signature detected. Probability of hostile engagement: 62%. Recommended action: Investigate with caution."
C.A.S.T.O.R. & Argus
C.A.S.T.O.R., by contrast, enforces. It uses the Argus System as a hard-data, real-time enforcement tool, tracking violations, dispatching law enforcement, and maintaining order. Primary Role: Lawful oversight—ensuring city regulations, transit laws, and safety codes are upheld. Method: Operates in the moment, responding to real-time alerts and applying policies without bias. Example Interaction: If Argus detects a traffic violation or unauthorized drone activity, C.A.S.T.O.R. will issue an automated fine, dispatch law enforcement, or reroute traffic systems accordingly."Traffic obstruction detected at Sterling Tower. Issuing citation. Rerouting public transit to compensate."
Collaboration & Conflict
Despite being part of the same system, O.R.A.C.L.E. and C.A.S.T.O.R. frequently clash over how Argus’ data should be used; O.R.A.C.L.E. prefers subtle intervention and strategic nudging. C.A.S.T.O.R. demands immediate enforcement and strict rule-following. This sometimes results in contradictory directives, leading to frustrated city officials—or even occasional override requests from Maxwell Sterling to ensure balance between the two.Appearance
CASTOR and ORACLE manifest as holographic projections when direct communication is necessary, though they spend most of their time as unseen voices or text overlays.
ORACLE takes a more ethereal approach, appearing as a shifting silhouette composed of flowing golden light, vaguely human but ever-changing. Her face is often obscured, features resolving only when she wants to emphasize a point. Her movements are fluid and almost dreamlike, giving the impression that she exists slightly out of sync with the present moment. Her projection flickers unpredictably, sometimes glitching or distorting when revealing insights beyond immediate comprehension.
Date of Birth
13 October
Year of Birth
2018
7 Years old
Circumstances of Birth
Created during the New Albion Renaissance
Birthplace
New Albion, Maine
Children
