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Artificial Intelligence

The Template

 [32 points]
 Advantages: Absolute Timing [2], Digital Mind [5], Doesn't Sleep [20], Intuitive Mathematician [5], Photographic Memory [10]
 Disadvantages: Reprogrammable [-10]
 Features: Taboo Trait (Complexity-limited IQ)

In addition, AI's need a body of some kind (a Cybershell), and a Computer smart enough to run their software (see the Complexity-limited IQ taboo trait, below). Most AI's will have a Social Stigma, and newly growprammed AI's also have Status -2 and Dead Broke along with a Patron and/or a Duty. The AI above is a SAI, or a Sapient Artificial Intelligence, additional lenses are possible for different types of AI's.

Advantages

 Absolute Timing

You always know precisely what time it is, and can measure elapsed time with equal accuracy. Neither changes of time zone nor time spent powered down affects this ability, and you can shut yourself down and turn yourself back on a predetermined time afterward. Some involuntary shutdowns, though, can throw off your sense of timing. [2]

 Digital Mind

You are a sentient computer program. You inhabit a body that includes a computer with a Complexity determiend by your IQ (see below). You are completely immune to Telepathy, but have to deal with computer viruses, Cyberpsi, and similar problems. You can be taken offline or stored unconscious as data, and those with Computer Hacking or Computer Programming can gain access to your data and possibly read or alter your consciousness! You can make copies of yourself and upload yourself into new bodies, but without additional traits being purchased this is no easier for you than a normal human (which doesn't imply it can't be done -- this is TL 11). [5]

 Doesn't Sleep

You don't have to sleep, and ignore any effects caused by missed nights of rest. [20]

 Intuitive Mathematician

You can do all kinds of advanced mathematics "in your head"; from simple math, to advanced stuff like astrogation, spreadsheets and so forth. [5]

 Photographic Memory

You automatically remember specific details of anything you care to concentrate on. Anytime you, the player, forget a detail your character has seen or heard, the GM or other players must remind you -- truthfully! [10]

Disadvantages

 Reprogrammable

An AI can be programmed to obey a master (if you have the AI's access codes), or hacked into to give the AI a master or change an already extant master. If involuntarily hacked, an AI may resist an attempt to reprogram it with its IQ (not Will). If the AI has Slave Mentality, they must obey their master slavishly and remain strictly within the letter of his commands. If you lack that trait you still have to serve your master but can interpret his orders creatively as long as you remain within either their letter or their spirit (your choice). You can have both a Duty and Reprogrammable, and if so, must do your best to fulfill both obligations but the programming always comes first if they conflict. In modern society, most AI's are programmed to be their own Masters and have sole custody of their access codes. It's against the law, but not always punished, to hack an AI. [-10]

 Taboo Trait (Complexity-limited IQ)

An AI needs both Software and Hardware of an AI sufficient to run its full intelligence. This requirement is equal to (IQ/2)+3, rounded up. The software requirement is largely non-negotiable, as an AI with insufficiently complex AI will be a "lower res" copy of the AI with a lower base IQ. If the hardware requirement isn't met, though, the computer in question can simply run the AI at a reduced IQ. In which a case, lower the AI's IQ to 2(Complexity-3). [0]


Lenses

  • Non-Volitional AI (-38 points): This program lacks self-direction, initiative, creativity, or empathy. It ignores orders from anyone but its master. Add Indomitable [15], and the Automaton? [-85] metatrait.
  • Weak Dedicated AI (-68 points): This non-volitional AI is also incapable of self-improvement. It might seem to learn by storing and remembering data, but it cannot assimilate information and use that knowledge in new ways. Add Indomitable [15], Cannot Learn [-30], and the Automaton? [-85] metatrait.