ANDERS MAGE PAGE 2.0

Paradigma is pleased to announce the beginning of a short series on one of the greatest feats possible through Science: the creation of allies. From the simplest automaton, to beings as completely complex as humans, Scientists have built, grown, or decanted a dazzling variety of beings throughout the ages. Now, Paradigma is able to provide details on a few of the more useful or interesting.

Ectoplasmic Empowerment of Automata

Automata, or machines capable of performing automatic movement, are often dismissed by those of our society as too simple and base to perform the tasks necessary of an assistant. Indeed, on their own, automata are little more than mobile clockwork, suitable for a Technocrat but not a true Scientist.

However, these simple machines can be empowered with specific ectoplasmic emanations, causing them to become usable receptacles for what pre-technological Scientists might term "spirits." My research has developed a method of putting the physical resources of an automaton at the control of an allied nonmaterial sentience.

Obviously, the first step in this process is the acquisition or construction of a suitable automaton. In theory, any mechanical device capable of motion could be effective. One might even use a diabled HIT Mark, although the reality-crystallizing effects of their Primium alloy would probably make this an unacceptably risky venture.

The automaton must then be prepared both etherically and ectoplasmically. That is, it must have a constant stream of etheric energy directed through it, in a manner similar to a Talisman. This ensures that the automaton will be able to interact with physical reality in a means more similar to a living thing that an inanimate object. It also grants the ectoplasmic effect permanence, without which the automaton would soon revert to inert matter.

The ectoplasmic empowerment is of equal or greater importance. The automaton must be attuned to a specific nonmaterial sentience, which both facilitates the interaction of mind and machine, and prevents possession of the automaton by other ectoplasmic entities.

Upon successful completion of the technique, the automaton can be automatically inhabited and controlled by the ectoplasmic intelligence. However, there are problems with the process. In particular, in all three of my trials, Paradox hindered my efforts.

The first automaton, a simple humanoid "skeleton" without even vocal capabilities, was prone to constant degeneration. It soon became clear that the mechanical problems were caused, not be physical forces, but by static reality interfering with the experiment. The automaton was eventually abandoned.

My second attempt was far less humanoid, being of a hexapedal, radially-symmetrical construct attempting to closely imitate the inhabiting entity's "spiritual" form. However, not only was degeneration more pronounced, but the sentience was quickly evicted and replaced by a Paradox entity, which attempted to destroy the laboratory. From this, we may deduce the Anthropomorphic Automatonic Principle: Reality finds humanoid robots more acceptable than nonhumanoid robots.

Keeping this in mind, the third automaton was constructed to resemble a "mannequin," with a distinctly humanoid face and proportions. It is currently functioning ideally, with minimal Paradox-induced degeneration.

Ectoplasmically Empowered Automaton (Matter 3, Prime 3, Spirit 2)

As stated above, this Rote charges a mechanical device with a constant flow of Quintessence, and attunes it to a specific spirit. This process, unlike that of creating a Talisman, does not require that Quintessence be placed in the automaton. (It can be, but it will be usable only by the occupying spirit.) Possession by the attuned spirit is automatic, but other spirits must overcome the enchantment to use the automaton. Storytellers are encouraged to be creative and nasty with Paradox.