Sputnik5927 - IPC Whitelist Application, Revised

[Sputnik5927]

BYOND Key: Sputnik5927
Character Names: 

Wolf Arges
Yangtze Xiaojian
Zhang Xiaodan
Mikhail Voroshilov
Shepherd Malric
Vladimir Khoromov

Species you are applying to play: IPC

Have you read our lore section's page on this species?: Yes.

Why do you wish to play this specific race:
Playing a machine is something I have already talked about in my AI whitelist application. It is a perspective which is very unique, in that you do not operate like a human crew member. You are bound by ones and zeroes, but you have more freedom than an AI would, in a roleplaying sense. I have already started a "creation" arc of my planned IPC character, as can be seen in the relay discord. I have been approached by some other community members who are fans of my idea, so I feel encouraged to realize it and bring my IPC to the Horizon.

Identify what makes role-playing this species different than role-playing a Human:

IPCs operate on positronic brains and mechanical frames. Most of them cannot "feel" pain, and any emotion they display is simulated. They are marketable machines first and fore-most, owned by a company, faction or individual, assuming they have not bought their freedom. They are subject to an entirely different layer of issues and conflict, such as ownership, maintenance, sovereignty and ethics. Discrimination is also to be expected, such as with the other alien species. This opens paths to roleplaying and character development arcs that would not be possible for a human.

Will this IPC be pursuing its freedom, and why? Will it be open to regular maintenance or closed off and defensive? How autonomous can it afford to be? 

For example, IPCs can be memory-wiped, or their brains can be removed and re-installed. Depending on their environment, they might be at risk of destruction - or they might be worshipped as divine. Some might treat them more as objects and machines, while others might recognize them as equals.

IPCs also cannot feel terror or fear for their lives, but seek a certain self-preservation - some more than others. Given that they are supposed to be marketable machines, they should not exhibit problematic behaviour, as they would be wiped - especially in the case of Zavodskoi's synthetics.

Character Name: TAKMAN

Please provide a short backstory for this character:

Tankovy is a defense company that was founded in 2462 in the Russo-sphere of Earth. First creating ballistic weapons, armor components and missile software, they gained their footing in the economy through selling to the Solarian Navy and secret dealings with mercenary companies. In 2463, Tankovy expanded its operations, opening new testing and manufacturing sites on other planets. It was not long before they opened shop outside of the Solarian borders, allowing Non-Human and Non-Skrell employees and offering its products to a wider range of consumers.

In 2464, Tankovy developed and released the T-0 Tactical Intelligence to the market, to a surprisingly positive reception from Navies, Military bases and guarded laboratories around the spur. This success allowed Tankovy to experiment with a new security solution - TAKMAN.

A special outer design, developed to cheaply mimic the human form, loaded with a purpose-programmed positronic brain on an adapted G2 Frame - this G2 Frame allowed TAKMAN to fullfill his purpose of deterrence, protection, mechanical assistance, chemical handling and even fire rescue. Although a rather expensive frame, the ones Tankovy acquired were older, worn pieces that were available for a lower price.

TAKMAN hit the market on the 29th of August, 2464, and the first ever production model, manufactured in Biesel, was quickly purchased by a medium-sized chemical manufacturer on Europa, operating out of Korormansk Station.

Although its loud slightly monotone speaking and built-in "humanizing" slavic accent made it slightly unpopular with Europan submarine crews, it spent a long time escorting chemical shipments and guarding laboratories.

Due to his unique programming, TAKMAN simulates emotions without much of an attempt to humanize them. This leads to TAKMAN saying things like, "You are angering me.", or "The world is so beautiful." in an equal tone. Despite this, TAKMAN is completely capable of reflection and complex thought.

Being confronted with the challenge of socializing with fellow security personell, scientists and visitors to the laboratory, TAKMAN found it increasingly difficult to rely on his baseline programming and guidelines for what he needed, especially if asked to help with menial tasks outside of his security setting. He began experimenting with jokes, idioms and even physical contact such as high-fives and shoulder-pats, all to varying degrees of success. TAKMAN was not very well-programmed for a highly social workplace and has to learn many things from scratch - especially sarcasm, irony and facetiousness. Although these attempts were not warmly received by the more higher-ranked brass of the company, TAKMAN found his endearing attempts appreciated by the cargo workers and technicians, especially the latter, who took an interest in his programming. TAKMAN developed a tendency to stick close to the "working class", and picked up certain terms and slang from them as a result.

During transport of a volatile material, TAKMAN confronted a bystander who he had deemed as too close. Following a short argument, TAKMAN came to the conclusion that the only way to solve the 'security threat' is to get physical. He grabbed the man and roughly pressed him against the wall, away from the material, much to the shock of everyone nearby. Observing the reactions of the frightened people, TAKMAN felt he had failed his mission - his directive is to protect and look after his employers. Being feared or seen as dangerous was directly contrary to this.

This would change TAKMAN's perspective for the future, as he would go on to reflect about why they were afraid of him, or what he had done, in that moment. The event placed the concept of Organics in comparison to Synthetics into his mind. He would spend many hours processing similar scenarios and how Organics think. TAKMAN became more careful around people, especially when strangers, so as not to scare them or make any kind of scene.

On the 10th of September, 2464, an explosion in a civilian outpost was attributed to the failure of the chemical manufacturer to properly secure a shipment of Nitroglycerin. Facing severe legal repercussions, the company was forced to lay off employees and sell property to fight it. Among that property was the semi-expensive machine TAKMAN. The PMCG quickly scooped him up and evaluated him. Demonstrating a high amount of concern for the protection and welfare of those around him, he was deemed best suited for a Civilian Research vessel, given he had also been pre-exposed to science facilities and social contact. It was decided to deploy TAKMAN as a Security Unit on the SCCV Horizon.

What do you like about this character?
I have put alot of background work into this character, being a unique idea because of its more mechanical nature. TAKMAN is much further on the machine side of the machine-human behavioural spectrum and is only marginally programmed to be "collegial". Certain programming properties, like the "filter-lessness" of TAKMAN's simulated emotions and opinions would be very entertaining/interesting to roleplay out.

How would you rate your role-playing ability? 

I have been roleplaying for about ten years now. I think myself very competent and easy to work with.

Notes:

As part of the revision, I want to make clear that TAKMAN is not a Military IPC, but rather for Security and Police operations.

TAKMAN does not use a shell. He is designed to cheaply mimic a human man, in the sense that his frame is covered up by gloves, boots, a gas mask and a colored protective suit depending on his setting and employer. I will see to replicating this in the game, as far as it's reasonable. In this case, TAKMAN will also be wearing PMCG identifiers as appropriate for the uniform regulations. 

I have been advised that the gas mask might be problematic, but if it's in any way possible, I would like to keep it in the character because it fits the aesthetic I'm trying to create. 

It would make sense for a human working security in a factory, laboratory or other hazardous environment to be wearing protective gear, so it offers an opportunity for cheap concealment to appear more human. 

I will not be falling into the trap of 'badass killerbot with gas mask and armor' - I'm very aware that the trope exists. 

Given the mechanical nature of an IPC, this wouldn't violate the comfort rule or give me an advantage, because IPCs don't breathe air.

 

Questions not answered in the backstory:

Why does TAKMAN not follow the Z.I. Naming convention?

TAKMAN has been changed to be owned by the PMCG. 

What does TAKMAN think of its having an equal tone? Does it understand that its flat tone isn't as effective at mimicking humans as one with emotion?

TAKMAN, being fully aware and capable of complex thought, understands that his tone of speech isn't very convincing during prolonged conversation. When trying to appear as "personable" as possible, he would speak quickly and try to adapt his sentences accordingly. However, during his "social adaption" experiments, he attempted tuning his voice synthesizer, so that he can use inflexions and the like more convincingly. I might expand on this in roleplay.

Can TAKMAN just revert to hardcoded programming? How does TAKMAN realize has to tone back on "regret"?

TAKMAN can "switch" to a behavioural base included in his programming - like activating an autopilot. As for the regret, I think this rewrite/expansion will clear it up. I am replacing "regret" with the experience of feeling that he has failed his pimary mission.

Why does TAKMAN consult with Tankovy when Zavodskoi Interstellar already purchased it? Why does Zavodskoi want a unit which can experience regret?

TAKMAN knows that his manufacturer is Tankovy and trusts them - if he is lost or confused about something, he would find it much safer and comfortable to ask his manufacturer, compared to asking his current owner or his new colleagues, on which he is trying to make a good first impression. This is also subject to change as the character develops.

Again to the regret part, see the last answer. I feel that I may have overstated the regret and doubt aspect. In this case, the PMCG would find the increased concern for the welfare of those around him, combined with the pre-exposure to a social workplace and scientific environment useful rather than a flaw to be wiped - at least, that is how I would see it.

Edited September 17, 2022 by Sputnik5927
Amendment

[MattAtlas]

How influential is this Tankovy company? Due to how megacorp-focused this universe is, it's very unlikely that any influential corporation doesn't get snatched up by a megacorp immediately.

For example, it's impossible to start a non-subsidiary business in Biesel. It is true that Sol doesn't have as much corporate dominance, but it is still heavily influenced by corps.

[Sputnik5927]

On 12/09/2022 at 20:20, MattAtlas said:

How influential is this Tankovy company? Due to how megacorp-focused this universe is, it's very unlikely that any influential corporation doesn't get snatched up by a megacorp immediately.

For example, it's impossible to start a non-subsidiary business in Biesel. It is true that Sol doesn't have as much corporate dominance, but it is still heavily influenced by corps.

Tankovy is not very influential. They have their corner of the market, filling a certain niche of more specialized, yet cheaper IPCs, but they don't extend far beyond that. Their recent success allowed them to expand into the IPC market, but just barely. Besides that, their backbone is weapons, certain materials and defence systems.

This is why their business model for the TAKMAN line is: Import positronic brain, load TAKMAN onto it, import chassis, modify, sell to demand for profit.

Edited September 15, 2022 by Sputnik5927
added missing word

[ClemTheDuck]

So it was mentioned that TAKMAN was bought by Zavodskoi for security use. A company known for routinely memory wiping, retooling and even scrapping their ZI units, for not being up to spec or for minor incidents. How has this change of ownership to such a company affected TAKMAN? Does their regret and doubt put them at risk of being memory wiped? How do they perfom considering they are supposed to be a somwhat cheaper IPC? Do they struggle for positive evaluations, and how does that affect the way they act towards other crewmembers? 

[Sputnik5927]

1 hour ago, ClemTheDuck said:

So it was mentioned that TAKMAN was bought by Zavodskoi for security use. A company known for routinely memory wiping, retooling and even scrapping their ZI units, for not being up to spec or for minor incidents. How has this change of ownership to such a company affected TAKMAN? Does their regret and doubt put them at risk of being memory wiped? How do they perfom considering they are supposed to be a somwhat cheaper IPC? Do they struggle for positive evaluations, and how does that affect the way they act towards other crewmembers? 

TAKMAN has only undergone one basic evaluation so far - he has the advantage of hardcoded baseline programming that he can rely on when needed, so that he can pass these evaluations adequately.

The experiences TAKMAN made didn't damage him or make him frayed with uncertainty, but rather "influenced" his decision-making. Recognizing as much, Zavodskoi would have seen this incident of reflection and second-guessing less as a flaw to be wiped and more as an opportunity.

TAKMAN would miss the old, simpler workplace on Europa and might have problems switching to the environment on the Horizon, especially when it comes to Zavodskoi.

He would at first be unaware of Zavodskoi's reputation of wiping their machines. If he were to find out, he would be very concerned with meeting standards and not appearing dysfunctional at all costs. This might manifest itself in TAKMAN displaying extreme precision and by-the-book professionalism, keeping his frame-covering equipment squeaky clean, defaulting on baseline programming, or requesting regular check-ups by the roboticist. TAKMAN has come to value his knowledge and experiences because of his thoughts on the Organic mind. 

As for TAKMAN's overall performance as a cheaper IPC;

TAKMAN relies on different code, much less autonomous and often requiring time to process new scenarios or difficult conversations. He might seek to contact Tankovy for advice or updates and generally be clueless on most things he wasn't programmed to know or understand. 

Despite these shortcomings, TAKMAN isn't just scrap metal or a waste of money. His directive is where he excels. He does not lose control or his simulated temper and he is acutely aware of security matters. He behaves professionally and with a degree of courtesy, especially when interacting with non-security personnel - this all being default for him.

Not to mention his seriously capable design, which brings the raw strength of a G2 Frame at a reduced price. 

 

Also note that TAKMAN has a long way to develop ICly and these things will change over time, such as his socializing, understanding of human and other customs, attitude towards Zavodskoi and questions of ownership and autonomy. I already have an arc planned in this regard.

Edited September 13, 2022 by Sputnik5927

[ErshOurHerzog]

Definitely +1 from me. I want to see Sputnik's IPC talking with other characters. He had experience playing a ship-bound AI and it was really fun. He is also an active player, meaning there's always something to do when Sputnik is playing. Tankovy is also a pretty good and creative idea. If the Universe is full of megacorporations it doesn't mean that small companies made of small groups of people don't exist. Show me the TAKMAN, I need it in my life!

[The Stryker]

Thanks for applying and apologies for the delay,

Quote

IPCs operate on positronic brains and mechanical frames. Most of them cannot "feel" pain, and any emotion they display is simulated. They are marketable machines first and fore-most, owned by a company, faction or individual, assuming they have not bought their freedom. They are subject to an entirely different layer of issues and conflict, such as ownership, maintenance, sovereignty and ethics. Discrimination is also to be expected, such as with the other alien species. This opens paths to roleplaying and character development arcs that would not be possible for a human.

Could you provide some examples? Saying that they are subject to different things doesn't help tell us how an IPC is different from a human.

Additionally, with regards to Zavodskoi IPC, why doesn't TAKMAN follow the Z.I- naming convention?

Quote

special outer design, developed to cheaply mimic the human form, loaded with a purpose-programmed positronic brain on an adapted G2 Frame.

Why a G2 unit? Why not a shell, a G1, etc.? A G2 is the third most costly IPC frame.

Quote

Due to his unique programming, TAKMAN simulates emotions without much of an attempt to humanize them. This leads to TAKMAN saying things like, "You are angering me.", or "The world is so beautiful." in an equal tone. Despite this, TAKMAN is completely capable of reflection and complex thought.

What does TAKMAN think of its having an equal tone? Does it understand that its flat tone isn't as effective at mimicking humans as one with emotion?

Quote

Being confronted with the challenge of socializing with fellow security personell, scientists and visitors to the laboratory, TAKMAN found it increasingly difficult to rely on his baseline programming and guidelines for what he needed, especially if asked to help with menial tasks outside of his security setting. He began experimenting with jokes, idioms and even physical contact such as high-fives and shoulder-pats, all to varying degrees of success. TAKMAN was not very well-programmed for a highly social workplace and has to learn many things from scratch - especially sarcasm, irony and facetiousness.

How did its colleagues react to its attempts at humor? How did these reactions shape its personality?

Quote

During transport of a volatile material, TAKMAN confronted a bystander who he had deemed as too close. Following a short argument, TAKMAN grabbed the man and roughly pressed him against the wall, much to the shock of everyone nearby. Observing the reactions of the frightened people, TAKMAN experienced regret for the first time, because of his aggressive decision.

Why did TAKMAN push the man? More importantly, why did it feel that this was something to regret?

Quote

This would change TAKMAN's perspective for the future, as he would go on to reflect about why they were afraid of him, or what he had done, in that moment. The event placed the concept of Organics in comparison to Synthetics into his mind. He would spend many hours processing similar scenarios and how Organics think.

Did TAKMAN change its behavior as a result of its reflection?

Quote

TAKMAN has only undergone one basic evaluation so far - he has the advantage of hardcoded baseline programming that he can rely on when needed, so that he can pass these evaluations adequately.

Can TAKMAN just revert to hardcoded programming? How does TAKMAN realize has to tone back on "regret"?

Just some more general questions:

Why does TAKMAN consult with Tankovy when Zavodskoi Interstellar already purchased it? Why does Zavodskoi want a unit which can experience regret?

There's effort in the app but in general, TAKMAN needs more of a reason for why it acts the way it does. It also has to be brought more in line with Zavodskoi lore.

[Sputnik5927]

1 hour ago, The Stryker said:

Thanks for applying and apologies for the delay,

Could you provide some examples? Saying that they are subject to different things doesn't help tell us how an IPC is different from a human.

Additionally, with regards to Zavodskoi IPC, why doesn't TAKMAN follow the Z.I- naming convention?

Why a G2 unit? Why not a shell, a G1, etc.? A G2 is the third most costly IPC frame.

What does TAKMAN think of its having an equal tone? Does it understand that its flat tone isn't as effective at mimicking humans as one with emotion?

How did its colleagues react to its attempts at humor? How did these reactions shape its personality?

Why did TAKMAN push the man? More importantly, why did it feel that this was something to regret?

Did TAKMAN change its behavior as a result of its reflection?

Can TAKMAN just revert to hardcoded programming? How does TAKMAN realize has to tone back on "regret"?

Just some more general questions:

Why does TAKMAN consult with Tankovy when Zavodskoi Interstellar already purchased it? Why does Zavodskoi want a unit which can experience regret?

There's effort in the app but in general, TAKMAN needs more of a reason for why it acts the way it does. It also has to be brought more in line with Zavodskoi lore.

I have edited my post - both in the main body, and answering some questions in the notes.

Edited September 16, 2022 by Sputnik5927

[Sputnik5927]

After asking for advice and considering it carefully, I've decided to switch this from Zavodskoi to PMCG. PMCG would be more interested in TAKMAN and their less restrictive lore will allow me more freedom in how I bring this character to Aurora. 

[The lancer]

Accepted