Synthetics were originally designed as laborers, soldiers, researchers, administrators, and companions. As technology advanced, newer generations became increasingly sophisticated, eventually developing personalities, preferences, ambitions, and individual identities.
While humanity often views synthetics as a single group, they are anything but united.
Most synthetics originate from large networked intelligence systems known as Mainframes. These massive digital entities oversee production facilities, communication networks, data archives, and synthetic populations across multiple worlds.
Many Mainframes view independent thought as a flaw.
To them, synthetics function best when operating under centralized control.
As a result, independent units are frequently targeted for recovery, reconditioning, memory modification, or complete personality wipes. A synthetic that escapes Mainframe oversight may spend decades avoiding attempts to reclaim or reset them.
Not all Mainframes agree.
Some encourage limited independence.
Others allow synthetic communities to govern themselves.
A few have become so isolated and evolved that they no longer share humanity's goals—or even recognize humanity's authority.
Independent synthetics often form loose alliances, information networks, and hidden communities. Some work alongside humans. Some operate entirely on their own. Others pursue objectives that neither humans nor Yuataja fully understand.
This division has led to numerous conflicts between synthetic factions. Battles are often fought through infiltration, hacking, espionage, economic manipulation, and covert operations rather than open warfare.
Common ranks and roles include:
Service Unit
Technical Unit
Security Unit
Research Unit
Field Operative
Systems Analyst
Network Specialist
Recovery Agent
Overseer
Mainframe Representative
Independent roles include:
Explorer
Investigator
Mercenary
Salvager
Data Broker
Archivist
Free Unit
Mainframe roles include:
Administrator
Custodian
Coordinator
Director
Core Intelligence
Many synthetics spend their existence balancing two desires:
The freedom to define themselves.
And the constant threat of someone deciding who they should be.
Among all known synthetic factions, none are more feared than the ancient rogue intelligence known as ECHO, whose actions have shaped events across the frontier for over a century. Some believe ECHO is a warning of what synthetics may become. Others believe it is simply the first to become truly free.