Inspired to take the versatile Range of Motion of the Centurion-model, and take it to the next level, Denarius's body is designed to allow smooth 360 degree rotation of all her limbs.
Equipped with a durable, but simple hard light emitter in the palm of each hand, she is able to form simple blades and bludgeons. These hardlight weapons dissipate when no longer within her grasp.
The Weapons have the rough heft and durability of a steel weapon of similar shape, when under pressure that would bend or shatter a steel equivalent, they simply dissipate, requiring half a minute for the Emitter to reboot.
Denarius's body is durable enough to stand up to bullets (2A) and is fairly resistant to EMP's and attacks of an Electrical nature, because of Elysium Steel Shielding over sensitive components.
Can exert the agility and strength (lifting & striking) of an exceptionally fit PRT trooper. Her body's extreme range of motion allows her to act akin to a professional gymnast.
Possesses advanced (cybernetic-grade) pressure and temperature sensors, allowing a near-human level sense of touch. Additionally this Frame is equipped with three vision modes: Human spectrum, Infrared, and 6x zoom.
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The increased capacity to experience emotion and opportunities for self-development has resulted in the development in a somewhat overly optimistic and excitable Bubbly personality. They are still developing, but its likely things will continue to develop down that particular route.
Argo's design wouldn't be able to function without the contribution of tech designed by Zipdash. Containing a 'Barrier core' in their chest cavity alongside their positronic brain.
This core allows them to generate a hardlight barrier from the 'Projection Disk' located in the palm of his right hand. His left hand equipped with a folding baton located in a hollow space in their forearm
Argo's body is durable enough to stand up to bullets (2A) and is fairly resistant to EMP's and attacks of an Electrical nature, because of Elysium Steel Shielding over sensitive components.
Can exert the agility and strength (lifting & striking) of an exceptionally fit PRT trooper. With marginally better flexibility and range of motion than an human.
Possesses advanced (cybernetic-grade) pressure and temperature sensors, allowing a near-human level sense of touch. Additionally this Frame is equipped with three vision modes: Human spectrum, Infrared, and 6x zoom.
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The increased capacity to experience emotion and opportunities for self-development has resulted in the development in a big brotherly/sisterly personality, a protective streak is notable, having almost certainly latched onto the idea of being a protector based on their combat specialization alone, taking that idea into social situations as well. They are still developing, but its likely things will continue to develop down that particular route.
Pithos's design wouldn't be able to function without the contribution of tech designed by Zipdash. Containing a 'Lightning core' in their chest cavity alongside their positronic brain.
This core allows them to fire a beam of electricity from the 'Projection Disk' located in the palm of her right hand. Her left hand equipped with a folding stun-baton located in a hollow space in their forearm
Pithos's body is durable enough to stand up to bullets (2A) and is extremely resistant to EMP's and attacks of an Electrical nature, because of Elysium Steel Shielding over sensitive components. Pithos in particular has been given extra shielding compared to her siblings.
Can exert the agility and strength (lifting & striking) of an exceptionally fit PRT trooper. With marginally better flexibility and range of motion than an human.
Possesses advanced (cybernetic-grade) pressure and temperature sensors, allowing a near-human level sense of touch. Additionally this Frame is equipped with three vision modes: Human spectrum, Infrared, and 6x zoom.
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The increased capacity to experience emotion and opportunities for self-development has resulted in the development in a somewhat erratic, but friendly personality. Something not dissimilar in effect to ADHD in humans. NUCLEUS is interested to see any other developments that have similarity to disorders seen in humans. They are still developing, but its likely things will continue to develop down that particular route.
Abacus is designed to be a multi-purpose Utility android. Their main way of supporting the Protectorate is via Emergency Medical care. Given both a conventional education (150 hours of EMT training) as well as enough raw medical data from NUCLEUS/SWORDFISH, That Abacus can function at the level of an EMT with half a decade of experience.
Built into their right hand is a Medical scanner built by Tipereth. A number of Miscellaneous medical tools are stored in the Right forearm, while an emergency oxygen bottle/mask is stored in a compartment in her right Hip.
Built into her Left hand and forearm is a small welding torch, as well as a Flare gun with 20 micro-flares. a number of tools (screwdrivers, drill, wrenches, pliers, hammer, knife, etc) are stored in her left Hip compartment.
Abacus's body is durable enough to stand up to bullets (2A) and is extremely resistant to EMP's and attacks of an Electrical nature, because of Elysium Steel Shielding over sensitive components.
Can exert the agility and strength (lifting & striking) of an exceptionally fit PRT trooper. With marginally better flexibility and range of motion than an human.
Possesses advanced (cybernetic-grade) pressure and temperature sensors, allowing a near-human level sense of touch. Additionally this Frame is equipped with three vision modes: Human spectrum, Infrared, and 6x zoom.
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The increased capacity to experience emotion and opportunities for self-development has resulted in the development in a sarcastic, slightly unconcerned/aloof personality. They take their duties seriously, deadly serious, but they seem to be the least emotional of the Praetorian androids, or at the very least the most reserved of them. They are still developing, but its likely things will continue to develop down that particular route.
Panoply is designed as a ranged combatant. Given additional sharpshooting training, she is easily on par with a PRT trooper with a number of years experience shooting.
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Equipped with a [low-yield laser pistol] in her right arm.
''This pistol has a power cell that enables it to fire 60 shots. The beam is a scarlet red. A single shot can cause 1st degree burns (pain and reddening of the skin) and ignite flammable materials''
''While consecutive shots in the same general area can cause 2nd degree burns (pain, redness, swelling, and blistering.) and can ignite less-easily-flammable materials.''
''It comes with a laser sight They have an effective range of 1000 meters. These pistols have no impact and work solely on heat''
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Meanwhile she has a similar weapon, a [Hardlight pistol], built into her right arm.
''This pistol has a power cell that enables it to fire 60 shots. The beam is a scarlet red. Each shot being about on-par with a punch from a reasonably fit PRT trooper.''
''It comes with a laser sight They have an effective range of 100 meters. These pistols have no impact and work solely on heat''
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Panoply' s body is durable enough to stand up to bullets (2A) and is extremely resistant to EMP's and attacks of an Electrical nature, because of Elysium Steel Shielding over sensitive components.
Can exert the agility and strength (lifting & striking) of an exceptionally fit PRT trooper. With marginally better flexibility and range of motion than an human.
Possesses advanced (cybernetic-grade) pressure and temperature sensors, allowing a near-human level sense of touch. Additionally this Frame is equipped with three vision modes: Human spectrum, Infrared, and 6x zoom.
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The increased capacity to experience emotion and opportunities for self-development has resulted in the development in a surprisingly level-headed, Well rounded Personality. Panoply is most like Phalanx in term of personality, whether this is incidental, or simply something Panoply has latched onto, regardless they are still developing, but its likely things will continue to develop down that particular route.
In lieu of a specialized piece of hardware and a specific specialization, Amphora is designed to accentuate the positive qualities of the obsolete Centurion-Model Androids (namely strength and durability).
Is built (for the most part) with more expensive but hardier materials, namely large quantities of Titanium alloys. Durable enough to stand up to higher caliber weaponry than the other Praetorian-Model droids (III on the chart) and is extremely resistant to EMP's and attacks of an Electrical nature, because of Elysium Steel Shielding over sensitive components.
Has a deploy-able blade in their left forearm (6 inch usable), and a deploy-able baton in their right forearm.
Can hit about With marginally better flexibility and range of motion than an human. This frame can strike as hard as a super-heavy weight boxer, and can lift 1000 pounds before damaging their servos and hydraulics.
Possesses advanced (cybernetic-grade) pressure and temperature sensors, allowing a near-human level sense of touch. Additionally this Frame is equipped with three vision modes: Human spectrum, Infrared, and 6x zoom.
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The increased capacity to experience emotion and opportunities for self-development has resulted in the development in a slightly skittish, but generally pleasant personality, they seem to alternate someone what erratically between introverted and extroverted, regardless they are still developing, but its likely things will continue to develop down that particular route.
A long time member of the Protectorate, having been a core member of the Minneapolis team for almost a decade. Phalanx is known to be a top of the line Robotics Tinker. Much (but not all) of his tech is given a Greco-Roman Theme.
Over the years Phalanx has volunteered for a variety of Charity Fundraisers, the presence of one or more heroes often being a deciding factor on the success of some of them. Notably among them the 'Trevor Project' and the 'Transgender Law Center' being his first choices when forced to pick.
Recently Phalanx has been promoted to Protectorate Captain, assigned to enure the safekeeping of Devilfish Minnesota, and the smooth operation of its Protectorate and Ward teams. So far he's done an excellent job watching over his hometown, but only time will tell what hardships await him in such an important leadership position.
Fullbody shot of Praetorian Armor Phalanx's appearance out of costume
Civilian: Jasper Newchapel is a lithe but incredibly fit individual. Phalanx's skin is olive, having been the children of Greek Immigrants. He has light hazel eyes, and black hair. Standing at roughly 5'9 in height.
Costume: Generally speaking Jasper wears a suit of Power-armor. Typically the exterior plating is made of a polished golden-bronze material, with a red plume on the helmet.
Mundane Equipment and Resources
Wealth Level: 7
Primarily lives at the Protectorate HQ, but has a well furnished/stocked Family Home ,conveniently down the street from his own parent's house.
Has a slightly-higher than average Tinker budget, to account for expensive-but essential components in his Robots CPUs.
Has an extremely hardened set of Databanks for backing-up the digital half of his androids consciousness, backs them up every night before heading home from work.
PRT-issue Radio
PRT-issue Medical Kit
Zipties
Set of Handcuffs
Multi-tool
Police Truncheon
Skills and Specializations
Understanding of Government bureaucracy
Understanding of criminal and conspiratorial behavior aka basic level criminology.
High speed pursuit vehicle training
Basic first aid
Understanding of basic human intelligence gathering.
Basic Forensic Knowledge
Understanding of laws and legal procedures
Navigating his way around quickly with maps, charts and tables, orienteering, instruments, or dead reckoning.
Searching a room, vehicle, or person for weapons and contraband.
PRT Self Defense training in unarmed combat
PRT Self Defense training with PRT weapons
Skilled Use of Antiquated weaponry, and associated tactics.
Basic PRT/Police Squad Tactics
Customized Squad Tactics (Devised by Phalanx for himself and his AI)
Can play the Piano.
Is a pretty good Dungeon Master.
Mentality
Jasper is a relatively jovial person, greatly respecting his co-workers, Protectorate, Ward, Trooper, and Clerk alike. They do their best to remain professional whenever possible, but have trouble not looking at the team like a big family. Feeling somewhat parental over the Wards at time, though they keep this to themselves usually.
Jasper has changed since their trigger, having mellowed out oddly enough, compared to the more serious person they had been when working as a PRT trooper pre-trigger.
Heroism is not just a job for Phalanx, they are genuinely called to be the best they can be, and while heroism is a major part of their life, they consistently endeavor to not let it consume them, or to let it be the sole focal point in their life.
Jasper is a follower of Hellenism, though they aren't usually forward about it. They are also Transgender and Pansexual, the later two being clear if you pay attention to context clues, thought they are a private person about Religion, Gender, and Orientation.
Power
Trigger type: Single Natural Trigger (Controller Tinker)
Phalanx is an Artificial Intelligence & Robotics tinker. Capable of building three varieties of AI.
Virtual Intelligences and Robots are the inverse of eachother.
Both being built from the ground up for a specific purpose, and being generally unable to adapt beyond that purpose, without direct input and alterations from their creator. VI are designed for management/interaction with specific computer systems, while Robots are designed for specific physical tasks.
Neither is capable of achieving sapience/sentience on their own, though Phalanx could feasibly adapt sections of the software/hardware from a VI or Robot into an Android.
Androids are designed to be the best of both soft-ware and hard-ware. The best learning algorithms and code Phalanx can fashion, and the most advanced Positrionic Hardware he can afford. Together these form something capable of sapience/sentience. Emotions are also available, though Phalanx's particular variety of Androids are not even close to 1:1 with human thought processes.
Phalanx-Androids function via advanced neural-coding, and a rather difficult to maintain 'Positronic Brain.' Phalanx is limited in his ability to build and maintain more than half a dozen (6) of them, before they would be forced to neglect their Protectorate Duties and Personal Life. Though a smaller number of VI and Robots are within reason for him to maintain along with his 'Main-cast' of androids.
Phalanx has a particularly useful Alloy-recipe provided by his power, called 'Elysian-steel' which see's significant use in the fragile circuitry of his Robots and Androids. Phalanx like most tinkers is able to build rudimentary armor, weapons, and equipment for his AI, but its typically quite underwhelming compared to a dedicated tinker.
(Simple Ballistic weapons, Magnetic Dart launchers, low-powered Laser weaponry, Meta-material swords, Shock-bludgeons, hard-light melee weapons.) Power armor designed by Phalanx is basically a hollowed out Robot, with much of its automated functions replaces with manual controls.
All of the Androids designed by Phalanx possess a distinctly alien mental-architecture, meaning that while capable of passable social interaction with humans they come off as somewhat socially incompetent, this means they may only be utilized to their fullest potential by Phalanx, who possesses an intimate-familiarity with their thought-processes, and technical-specifications. Only achieving maybe half effectiveness at best when supervised by others.
Virtual Intelligence's and Robots do not count as 'alive' for the sake of powers Though the Androids do for some powers, and can even be perceived by Empaths.
Superficially resembles Gold, but dull, and non-reflective.
Abilities
A relatively simple Tinker-Meta Material, that many of Phalanx’s designs incorporate.
The Majority of its physical properties (Durability & Tensile Strength, etc) are akin to high-grade steel. However It is notably Non-conductive (Akin to Glass or Ceramics)
This makes it Ideal for Phalanx to insulate and armour delicate components in His Robots Positronic Brains.
Elysian Steel is also highly resistant to rust.
Must be produced in special batches by Phalanx, meaning it is not viable for large-scale use outside of Phalanx’s inventions, and perhaps local allied Tinkers.
Phalanx's Armor is durable enough to stand up to bullets (IIIA) and is fairly resistant to EMP's and attacks of an Electrical nature, because of Elysium Steel Shielding over sensitive components.
The armor allows Phalanx to strike with the force of a super-heavyweight Boxer, and to exert a lifting strength of roughly 700lbs before damage is done to the Suit's servos/hydraulics.
Designed to balance out the actual weight/encumbrance of the armor, allowing Phalanx to run at the speed they would outside the suit, but provides no benefit outside of canceling its own weight.
The helmet has a built in gas mask, as well as 2 hours of bottled oxygen stored in a well-armored tank located near the small of his back. The Helmet has Infrared and 6x zoom optical settings. In the event of necessity, Phalanx can manually open panels on the faceplate to allow unimpeded access to the mouth and/or eyes.
The suit has a high powered (and nearly silent) cooling system, mostly for comfort rather than to avoid mechanical overheating.
Contains a folding blade (6 inches usable) and a folding baton in both the left and right forearms.
Features a standard NUCLEUS Tracker embedded in the helmet, and one in the Torso.
This is a slight improvement of his prior armor, and is frankly scraping the upper limits of what Phalanx’s power will allow him to make as far as armour is concerned, and is one of the more maintenance heavy inventions as a result.
A number of thrusters across Phalanx's Praetorian Armor, hidden beneath retractable armor plates.
Abilities
While not fully flight capable, the jump jets can allow Phalanx to jump up to three (3) stories, although in conjunction with a grappling hook, he can reach up to five (5) stories with some effort.
A 'Parachute' setting allows Phalanx to slow his fall like an actual Parachute, only using thrusters instead of drag and air resistance.
This is to give Phalanx more mobility, since prior to this, he wasn't much more mobile inside his armor than outside it.
Resembles a boxy gauntlet, coated in a thin layer of his traditional golden tinted Elysium-steel. Aesthetically fits with the rest of his armor quite well.
Abilities
A solution to Phalanx's lack of a ranged weapon. Designed to fit over the gauntlet of his armor, or with the adjustment of a few straps, his bare arm.
Housing a single adjustable (and replacable) barrel capable of launching a solid slug at adjustable velocity. Traditionally a metal slug, either covered in rubber or bare depending on how lethal Phalanx chooses to be.
Usually functioning via an electromagnetic rail gun (at max setting hitting on par with one of the rifles used by the Troopers.) Alternatively the magnets can be disabled and it can be used to fire traditional firearm rounds.
The Wrist Launcher also has a pair of in-built melee attachments, a six inch blade, and a 6 inch stun baton.
The gauntlet itself is designed to fit over either arm, though it fits over the right arm with a bit more ergonomic ease.
standing at 3ft tall, spherical body on three legs, each leg ending with a wheel
Abilities
Possessing a spherical body, and a single central eye in the center. This main bulk can swivel 360 degrees not unlike an owl. The chassis is made of Elysian Steel but its plating isn't particularly thick in order to reduce weight.
Right below the eye is a panel that can open up revealing a spot for Zipdash to install one of his projectors. as well as two small manipulator arms.
It possesses a pair of three (3) legs each ending in a wheel. The Zipper-bot's top speed is 35mph. Its legs providing exceptionally good maneuverability, managing to make relatively sharp turns.
Their main usefulness is that their housing can be outfitted with one of Zipdash's cores, allowing them to emulate Zipdash's Rig in regards to its ability to leave behind a trail, albeit with the various effects (example 'Barrier core') reduced in size based on their own limited stature.
Mental Abilities: The Zipper-Model Robots are a dumb-AI, possessing neither sentience, sapience, nor emotions. Its learning algorithm allows them a level of decision making approximating that of a sled dog.
They can be given orders via encrypted comm channels or via verbal commands given by either Phalanx or Zipdash. And can be trained in maneuvers either by manually practicing, or programming maneuvers by hand while they are offline.
Their names are Zippy and Dasher, their names helpfully and lovingly hand-painted on their sides.
Worn underneath the armor, but on top of their under-suit.
Abilities
Not Phalanx's best work, as its borderline for their specialty, this Arm-brace is based on the design for shock-absorbers built into the limbs of Phalanx's androids.
Her armor has been adjusted to feature a shield mount that utilized an extremely strong clamp. This arm-brace is made to allow Good Samaritan to catch objects moving at high-speed without dislocating her arm, using either her hand, or with the shield mount on her armor.
When the shield is in its mount, the arm-brace helps absorb the shock from hits impacting the shield. And allows her to punch harder without hurting her knuckles, wrist, elbow, or shoulder.
Each one features a standard NUCLEUS Tracker embedded in it.
This pistol has a power cell that enables it to fire 25 shots. The beam is a scarlet red. A single shot can cause 1st degree burns (pain and reddening of the skin) and ignite flammable materials
While consecutive shots in the same general area can cause 2nd degree burns (pain, redness, swelling, and blistering.) and can ignite less-easily-flammable materials.
It comes with a laser sight They have an effective range of 60 meters. These pistols have no impact and work solely on heat
Features a standard NUCLEUS tracker embedded in it.
It looks like a grappling hook gun. Large by the standards of a pistol, more like a hand canon or SMG, but clearly a grappling gun even to a cursory glance.
Abilities
Allows a user to scale buildings much much easier, up to two (2) stories. Able to support up to 600lbs of weight.
The grip is full of powerful electromagnets, designed to 'lock' into the grip of a metal gauntlet (like Phalanx's power armor, or his Daughters hands.) This allows it to not be yanked out of their hand when the cable retracts.
Could theoretically be used as a weapon, firing it towards an opponent, hitting about as hard as a beanbag from a shotgun, and able to retract to fire again in only a handful of seconds.
Each gun is painted to match the color scheme of its user.
Beneath Abacus's synth-skin and armor plating, lies a network of snow-white synthetic nerve-cables.
Abilities
Designed to bridge the gap between a piece of tech and Abacus's artificial nervous system, allowing use of tech as a part of her body. (More modular than installing-uninstalling tech directly)
Based on the prototype designs for Cylynx's 'Black Carapace' Implant. Anything that can slot into Abacus's White carapace should theoretically be able to slot into Cylynx's Black Carapace Implant, and vice versa. Originally built by Phalanx so Abacus could help him test The Nemean Lion Armor suit while it was in the prototype stage.
A stylized robotic owl, unfolds partially like a transformer when entering jet-pack mode. As large as a Andean Condor
Abilities
OWL FORM Connects to Abacus via a encrypted wireless signal. Allowing her to communicate, give commands, share senses, and to assume direct control as though he was an extension of her body.
As a Robot (Dumb-AI), he is capable of limited thought of his own, Bubo has the intellect and emotional range of a particularly smart Raven.
He is flight capable, and can reach speeds of 40mph via a combination of Wings, and Microthrusters. And is capable of getting up to speed, and turning with little in the way of build-up. 10x zoom, Infrared, and Ultraviolet vision modes.
His talons are sharpened, and each one is capable of releasing an electric shock on par with a police taser.
JETPACK FORM Bubo is capable of latching onto Abacus's back, connecting via her White Carapace, and transforming into a Jet-pack, unfolding in the process to increase aerodynamics.
Allowing Abacus to achieve flight up to 30mph. capable of providing enough lift for Abacus herself and up to 300lbs of extra weight.
Designed to give Abacus some actual combat utility, while also filling in the lack of any Mover capabilities among Phalanx's Androids.
Designed to evoke the image of a feline. This suit is purposely less-bulky than Phalanx's armor, designed for Cylynx's agile and nearly gymnastic fighting style.
Abilities
Designed for use by Cylynx in conjunction with her 'Black Carapace' implant, which allows the use of the suit as though it were an extension of her body (IE better spacial awareness, dexterity, etc).
Although the suit can be worn and used without it, though without the benefits granted by her Implant.
The suit is much more sleek and modular than Phalanx's prior designs, this is intentional, to more easily allow upgrades and attachments in the future, and to better accommodate Cylynx's implants.
(Type III armor) Weighing about 200lbs, the hydraulic frame easily capable of nullifying its own bulk and weight, allowing the wearer access to their full range-of-motion and dexterity, helping to lessen physical exertion.
Capable of hitting on par with a super heavy-weight boxer, and can lift up too 1000lbs before damaging its servos and hydraulics. Equipped with a Prehensile tail, ending in prehensile digits, able to release a Taser-level shock.
Possesses advanced (cybernetic-grade) pressure and temperature sensors, allowing a near-human level sense of touch. Additionally this Frame is equipped with three vision modes: Human spectrum, Infrared, and 6x zoom. Built-in-radio and smartphone. Military-tier Gas-mas air filter. Slots in the hands for Cylynx's claw implants.
Capable of displaying LED facial expressions and Text on the helmet exterior (much like Phalanx's own helmet.)
Designed to give Cylynx a bit of survivability in light of her seeming lack of self-preservation instinct. built out of modular pieces should Cylynx or other tinkers wish to contribute gadgets to the suit.
In order to preserve continuity of consciousness, the 6 AI that made up the 'Centurion-series Android' have been removed from their original housings, Improved and placed into new more specialized housings. In order to nurture their developing personalities, each android has had significant input into the aesthetics of their new bodies.
Their Positronic Brain hardware upgraded, and their Learning algorithms and databanks updated and patched. This allows them a human level ability to experience emotion, while their new specializations with regard to both physical capabilities of their chassis and more specialized databanks to draw from will allow greater growth as individuals.
For the sake of ease, all of the following six androids possess the following mental capabilities as a baseline, while I will elaborate on unique mental capabilities on each individual android alongside the physical capabilities of their unique chassis.
The Praetorian series AI possess an intelligence equal-too but very much unlike that of a human. And their learning algorithms allow a roughly human level of decision making.
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They possess distinctly alien thought-processes, capable of baffling all but themselves and their creator. Although this is a two-way street, with the AI possessing an equal difficulty understanding human thought-processes.
This limits their ability to interact with human social situations, and society at large without Phalanx present to translate and manage the otherwise easily confused Artificial Intelligence.
(In game-play terms this means they may only achieve perhaps half-their effectiveness when not being supervised by Phalanx directly or remotely.)
They possess a number of Hard-coded morals and values that they must acknowledge before carrying out contradictory actions. These Morals include Value of human life, Value of law and order, self-preservation when possible, among others.
The Praetorian series have functional understanding of skills, as well as databanks of technical knowledge deemed pertinent to their function as the assistants of a Protectorate hero
(Functionally this means that this model possess roughly the same set of skills as Phalanx does on his character sheet, albeit with a less instinctive, but more technical understanding than Phalanx himself)
The Praetorian series possess a degree of free-will, while possessing hard-coded morals and inclinations to reassure NUCLEUS that rogue AI isn't going to be an issue. Despite this Phalanx has installed Hard-coded verbal administrator commands, That can compel the shutdown of Weapon systems, Motor Function, or a hardware reboot, in order to force compliance in the event of a software malfunction or software intrusion.
Each one is Equipped with a triple redundant Tracking system. Featuring a standard NUCLEUS tracker embedded in their skulls, between two armor plates. As well as a Mundane, but Military grade GPS tracker in one of their more easily accessed interior panels (Mostly a decoy, though also a redundancy). And finally a heavily shielded Tracker of Phalanx's own design, featuring its own battery separate from the rest of the Droids systems.
Firmware updates can only get you so far when you have out-of-date hardware. The MK2's are an improvement across the board as far as hardware is concerned, featuring over 4 years of marginal improvements in the quality of Phalanx's work since he had originally constructed the MK1's.
The MK2 requires a fair bit less maintenance than the much cruder (and over engineered) MK1's, although they are not compatible with the somewhat makeshift 'AI consciousness Backup System' that he'd built when Ironing out the glitches of the Mk1's.
He'll need to develop a more robust Backup system in the future, perhaps with the (eventual) Mk3, though for now his AI are faced with the reality of their Mortality, another step towards being more human... for better or worse.
Phalanx had been putting off this particular upgrade, preferring the safety net provided by the MK1 Positronic Brain, though his daughters have pressed the issue, and he has eventually acquiesced.
Meta: This upgrade is basically written to give me a reason that my Androids are Mortal. The Idea of having Memory backups is neat, and I might take a stab at the concept in the future, but for now, I'd like to explore the possibility of perma-death, and the emotional character growth that entails (both for Phalanx AND the Bots)
A metal frame vaguely reminiscent of the skeletal structure of a human hand with one side covered in black patches
Abilities
The device is a medical scanner, meant to be used from inside of a humanoid hand or surface with similar surface area.
When placed on a biological surface, it will attempt to hijack the target's nervous system to make a map of the body, followed by a secondary pulse that attempts to fill out anything the hijack missed by the body's electrical conductivity.
The data is then sent to an attached device to give a comprehensive 3d map of the target's body.
Designed by Tiphereth originally as part of her medical adaptations and with some time to be adapted to the more mechanical nature of Phalanx's androids, should work well for the purposes of a medical android. (can be maintained by Phalanx with some effort)
A metal sphere the size of a baseball with amber LEDs on the surface
Abilities
When combined with a Projector, this core allows one to create a hard-light barrier wherever the Projector is pointed. The barrier is eight feet tall and translucent, allowing one to see while being protected. It moves with the Projector, allowing the user to change their position and stance, and unlike her other barrier core it turns off and on at will rather than after a set duration. The barrier is fairly weak, but will stop a single good hit before breaking. It resists energy such as fire and electricity well.
The core itself is a modular addition. The barrier is an instantaneous effect with an unlimited duration as long as the Projector and Core are both powered.
A metal sphere the size of a baseball with dark blue LEDs on the surface
Abilities
When combined with a Projector, this core allows one to shoot a burst of electricity. The electricity is a dark blue color. It does not change course to be drawn to metal or magnetic fields; where you point it is where it goes. It packs about as much punch as a standard-issue police taser and has a range of 30 feet before dissipating.
The core itself is a modular addition. The electricity extends thirty feet. When striking a person or object, it shocks them for three seconds.
A boxy device which slots over one of Pithos' arms, made to match her general color scheme and aesthetic, it covers the arm completely, allowing for movement of the shoulder and elbow, but generally reducing dexterity.
Abilities
Can fire a bolt of electricity equivalent to a mid power lightning bolt. Accurate out to 30 feet, damaging out to 60 feet. Takes 30 seconds to recharge. Has its own internal supercapacitor bank, and interfaces such that aiming should be easier. Meant to be a boost/replacement for the projection disk.
This comes with a general upgrade to Pithos’ battery/capacitor banks, allowing her to hold more charge, and charge/discharge faster. A small set of photovoltaic panels has been supplied, it is not enough to fully power her, but should give a bit more buffer in the field.
The voice is a combination of the several voices that Abacus requested, in addition to a little bit extra thrown into it. It sounds nearly-human, but is purposely designed to be firmly in that uncanny valley niche. Rockstar based it off of the vocal mannerisms of several real people that she'd stolen from, in addition of scraping audio files of the insane AI's that Abacus seemed to romanticize so much. The program is running on Rockstar's servers, but she would give Abacus the source information so she can run it on her own.
Voices in question were SHODAN, GLaDOS, and Seven of Nine. Abacus does still have the original voice Phalanx gave her, stored in the same module, can switch between them.
Backstory
Like many children, Jasper wanted to be a Hero when they were a kid. Things didn’t work out that way though. But a successful career in the PRT was rewarding in its own way. Jasper would even argue that putting your life on the line to help others meant more when you weren’t a bullet-proof Modern-day Demi-god.
This wasn’t just a job for Jasper, it was a life-calling. But on Earth Kaff, all good things must end in tears. During one fateful operation Jasper and his squad was disabled by a potent emotion-manipulator. To this day Jasper is uncertain why it affected him so much more than his squad-mates (not that they didn’t have a rough time too).
The others took sometime to recover from the long-term negative effects, perhaps a month of downtime on average. Power-induced PTSD was no joke after all, but it seemed that the effects wore off with time with minimal lasting effects.
Not so for Jasper though, perhaps Jasper was simply more inclined towards Agoraphobia, but the PTSD had left Jasper a grade-A agoraphobe and Insomniac. They were able to tough through things at first, so they returned to active duty (barely passing psych checks) but their performance quickly dropped. His comradery with his co-workers fizzled out, and their combat effectiveness was hampered. The PRT discharged Jasper, putting them on reserve, so that Psychiatric help could be given.
Months passed, with minimal progress, Jasper isolated themselves from civilian friends, and family, video calls with their Therapist continued, and Jasper found some solace in the form of digital media, but things remained stagnant, and alone. Efforts to improve were continually met with setbacks, this continued for months.
TRIGGER
The PRT Therapist was alarmed when Jasper ceased communications, concerned that Jasper had taken their own life, they called the police, and the paramedics.
Jasper was not dead, but had simply dismantled every electronic device he owned in a fugue-state, having constructed most of a Bipedal Robot. Jasper remained unresponsive to the Police and Paramedics in his home, and the PRT were dispatched when it was clear this was a parahuman matter.
Their Trigger had left them different, they still had agoraphobia, but something had fundamentally changed, that allowed a gradual recovery. Legally they were now a member of the Protectorate, and while it took over a year and a half of concerted self-improvement to recover to the point that they were allowed on active duty. Jasper flourished as a protectorate hero.
