Program prices are intentionally low as most people don't want to bother with them and just use the device; as a rule they are half the corresponding device price, though double may be charged to some buyers. As providing programs is simply a matter of copying them only the media price and a 'nominal' sum is charged, program charges normally go into a central research fund. Programs are regarded as part of the general Technologist body of knowledge and its details and applications are guarded as jealously as any of this knowledge. For example programs cannot normally be 'traded-in', the fact that more powerful programs are only slightly more expensive is not revealed, and the full application of programs is not explained except if questioned very carefully by trusted customers.
Some programs make use of information storage devices, these may not be (any variety of) Recorders (access is too slow) unless this is explicitly allowed. Many programs can be split into several parts so simpler, smaller (and lower L) Computer Devices can be used, this requires a customised version of the Multi Comp (MC) program to coordinate the fragments. Some artificial, but non-living, intelligence is possible in the form of the various Gen programs. DMs may rule that an intelligence running using Personality Emulation is living.
Executive L=1 Storage Control L=1 Macro Force Field Control L=1 Bipedal Control L=1 Robot Walking L=1 Multi Comp L=2 Gravity Control L=2 1st Gen L=2 No Robot Intelligence L=2 Robot Senses L=- Vocal Recognition L=2 Lesser Robot Hearing L=2 Visual Recognition L=2 Robot Sight L=2 1 Arm Control L=2 Lesser Robot Manipulation L=2 Infrared Recognition L=2 IR Recognition L=2 Minor Program Development L=3 Stabaliser Analysis L=3 Gesture Analysis L=3 2nd Gen L=3 2nd Gen SV L=3 Minor Robot Intelligence L=3 Speech Recognition L=3 Robot Hearing L=3 Full Robot Hearing L=3 Phrase Synthesis L=3 Lesser Robot Voice L=3 Vocabulary L=3 Eye Hand Coordination L=3 Robot Manipulation L=3 Full Robot Manipulation L=3 Scent Recognition L=3 Full Robot Smelling L=3 Program Development L=4 Sensor Interpretation L=4 Minor Sensor Interpretation L=4 Robot Control L=4 Minor Momentum Generator Control L=4 Recipe Designer L=4 Organic Designer L=4 Scan Designer L=4 Medical Monitoring L=4 3rd Gen L=4 3rd Gen SV L=4 3rd Gen split L=4 Robot Intelligence L=4 Writing Recognition L=4 Robot Reading L=4 Speech Synthesis L=4 Robot Voice L=4 Full Robot Voice L=4 Robot Language L=4 Major Program Development L=5 Visual Synthesis L=5 Momentum Generator Control L=5 Minor Matter Transmitter Control L=5 Minor Spy Beam Control L=5 Artificial Intelligence L=5 Gen Robot Support L=5 Atactile Gen Robot Support L=5 Minor Pattern Synthesiser Programming L=5 Android Mould Control L=5 Thought Designer L=5 Dream Programming L=5 Dream Management L=5 Dream Designer L=5 Annihilator Control L=5 Minor Associative Matrix Emulation L=5 Lesser Pattern Synthesiser Programming L=5 Coder Emulation L=5 Vocoder Emulation L=5 Tacticoder Emulation L=5 Visicoder Emulation L=5 Skill Extraction L=5 Interface Extraction L=5 Template Extraction L=5 Simple Personality Constructor L=5 4th Gen L=5 Pattern Associator Support L=- 4th Gen SV L=5 4th Gen split L=5 Major Robot Intelligence L=5 4th Gen+ L=5 4th Gen+ split L=5 Gen Skill L=5 Technician Gen Skill L=5 Gen Personal Survival L=5 Matter Transmitter Control L=6 Spy Beam Control L=6 Transporter Control L=6 Pattern Synthesiser Programming L=6 Nexus Search L=6 Food Synthesiser Control L=6 Associative Matrix Emulation L=6 Organic Synthesiser Control L=6 Sensecoder Emulation L=6 Holographic Synthesis L=6 Personality Analysis L=6 Personality Constructor L=6 Gen Skill Designer L=6 Ecology Designer L=6 Machine Pattern Extraction L=6 Persona Skill Lock L=6 Portal Generator Control L=7 Teleporter Control L=7 Viewer Control L=7 Major Pattern Synthesiser Programming L=7 Medical Synthesiser Control L=7 Minor Mind Probe/Programmer Control L=7 Hypnosis Generator Control L=7 Major Associative Matrix Emulation L=7 Personality Emulation L=7 Full Sensecoder Emulation L=7 Personality Designer L=7 Minor Reality Generator Control L=7 Minor Reality Shield Control L=7 Personality Extraction L=7 Lesser Matter Scanner Analysis L=8 Auto Doc Control L=8 Mind Probe/Programmer Control L=8 Synthesiser Control L=8 Reality Generator Control L=8 Reality Shield Control L=8 Minor Universe Generator Control L=8 Matter Scanner Analysis L=9 Non Material Computer Generation L=9 Major Mind Probe/Programmer Control L=9 Areal Circuitry Generation L=9 Universe Generator Control L=9
Explanation of Programming Devices or Programs
Executive: (E) enables the moving of programs between some form of computer and some form of information storage device, typically (Macro) Storage. This allows programs to be 'swapped in' when required, possibly requiring some other programs to be 'swapped out' to the storage device. Gen (robot intelligence) programs should never be swapped out (of a robot) unless total remote control is taken, this makes a robot 1st Gen. Additionally allows limited information to be gained on why a faulty program has failed or 'crashed', more detail requires the appropriate version of Program Development. Sometimes called Storage Control. Often placed in a Reflex Processor. Size: 1MC.
Level: 1st.
Storage Control: (E) see Executive. Size: 1MC.
Level: 1st.
Macro Force Field Control: (MFFC) enables an embedded Macro Force Field to be moved or changed in radius by shutting down and re-tuning in 2D4 rounds rather than 1D6 turns. Often placed in a Reflex Processor. Size: 1MC.
Level: 1st.
Bipedal Control: (RW) allows a robot to walk using a bipedal frame (Humanoid or Android), giving coordination of movement and senses (including internal position and balance sensors) to maintain balance. If a Tacticoder is used this is not needed. Also called Robot Walking. Often placed in a Reflex Processor. Size: 1MC.
Level: 1st.
Robot Walking: (RW) see Bipedal Control. Size: 1MC.
Level: 1st.
Multi Comp: (MC) coordinates special versions of programs split between several (Micro) Computers, for example the Gen (robot intelligence) programs. The actual size is 1MC per 18MC of program split (round fractions up) and a different version is required for each different split program. The initial splitting of a program requires at least partial understanding of it, i.e. where it should be split, use of the appropriate Program Development program, and a Computer Device large enough for the unsplit program. Alternatively, full understanding of the program (e.g. being the original constructor) might allow splitting with only the Computer Devices required for the fragments (and Program Development). Usually placed in a Reflex Processor. Size: 1MC per 18MC.
Level: 2nd.
Gravity Control: (GC) enables fine control of the artificial gravity created within a Momentum Generator field with full control of varying direction and strength. Is also used for coordinating the fields of multiple matching Lift Field Generators or Gravitic Neutralisers to increase the maximum weight. Often placed in a Reflex Processor. Size: 1MC.
Level: 2nd.
1st Gen: (G1) robot intelligence is a mere machine and can't take decisions. It must be precisely set to do any action and is really only any use if controlled. Also called No Robot Intelligence. Not really a program at all it is included here to indicate the minimum sort of robot intelligence. It is considered a joke sending new technicians or Techs in training to go and fetch a copy of this program. Size: 0MC.
Level: 2nd.
No Robot Intelligence: (NRI) see 1st Gen. Size: 0MC.
Level: 2nd.
Robot Senses: usually work through some sort of Coder (see "Computer Devices"), such as a Vocoder for speech, a Visicoder for Sight, or a Tacticoder for touch, taste and smell. The same Coder is often used in the reverse direction to generate things like speech or very fine manipulation; the manipulative abilities of most robots being far less than living creatures a Tacticoder is often not worth using. Less than 5th Gen robots typically need interpretation programs to make full use of the finer senses or to produce speech.
Level: -.
Vocal Recognition: (LRH) interprets data, usually from a Vocoder (usually from a Microphone), to give hearing. Sounds and key words may be recognised, as may one persons speech characteristics (usually the master). Also called Lesser Robot Hearing. Mainly used with 2nd Gen. Size: 1MC.
Level: 2nd.
Lesser Robot Hearing: (LRH) see Vocal Recognition. Size: 1MC.
Level: 2nd.
Visual Recognition: (RS) interprets data, usually from a Visicoder (usually from a Video Camera), to give vision. Also called Robot Sight. Note that this does not give the ability to read, the Writing Recognition program is required for that. Size: 3MC.
Level: 2nd.
Robot Sight: (RS) see Visual Recognition. Size: 3MC.
Level: 2nd.
1 Arm Control: (1 AC) allows a robot control of one arm and an attachment on the end if it, giving coordination with senses, but not enough for missile or tight-beam weapon use. Also called Lesser Robot Manipulation. Even if a manipulator or weapon is directly attached without an arm this program is still needed, except for weapons in rigid fixed mounts. Note that one copy is required for each arm to be used simultaneously at full effectiveness, a second arm could be used with only one copy but only at 50% effectiveness. A Tacticoder substitutes for one copy of this, but a single Tacticoder still allows use of a second arm but gives an off-hand modifier. Often placed in a Reflex Processor, or two copies in a 'Processor II. Size: 1MC.
Level: 2nd.
Lesser Robot Manipulation: (LRM) see 1 Arm Control. Size: 1MC.
Level: 2nd.
Infrared Recognition: (IRR) gives double the chance of recognising something from the heat radiation pattern data, usually from (3) IR Sensors, in combination usually with an Echo System, also called IR Recognition. Size: 1MC.
Level: 2nd.
IR Recognition: (IRR) see Infra Red Recognition. Size: 1MC.
Level: 2nd.
(Minor/Major) Program Development: (P) allows construction of new programs, given the appropriate degree of Programming (and a lot of hard work). This is usually counted as Research of a device of similar level for time, though the cost for materials are usually far less. There are three marks of Program Development, size 1/2/3+MC, suited to various types of computer; mark II is required for Computers and mark III for Macro Computers. Can use Storage without needing the Executive program. The initial copy is often placed in a Reflex Processor (just in case something goes badly wrong), but the working copy may not be as it changes during program construction; good practice is to save frequent copies of this program to a storage device not normally connected to the computer on which development is being done. Size: 1MC/2MC/3+MC.
Level: 3rd.
Minor Program Development: (P I) see (Minor/Major) Program Development. Size: 1MC.
Level: 3rd.
Stabaliser Analysis: (SA) gives stabilisation control information from a Stabaliser. Can be used for inertial location. Often placed in a Reflex Processor II. Size: 2MC.
Level: 3rd.
Gesture Analysis: (GA) reduces calibration time of a Gesture Scanner to a tenth given a Body Pattern (or at least a Reflex Pattern) of a creature and generates a Gesture Template. Part of the standard pattern built into Scan Designer is also built into this program. Size: 5MC.
Level: 3rd.
2nd Gen: (G2) robot intelligence is a limited intelligence at about insect level, i.e. mainly automatic responses. Also known as Minor Robot Intelligence. May recognise speech and also the voice and/or appearance of one master (or other distinguishing characteristics). May move about and avoid obstacles, and obey simple orders, e.g. kill that (which I am pointing to), pull open that door, bring me that chest. Very literal, usually responds to key words, gestures or signals. Tends to continue with last order until physically impossible to, will probably do nothing if the order is impossible, e.g. creature told to kill goes invisible. Has no real INT or WIS, but if desired treat these both as 1. Requires various robot utility programs, or Gen Robot Support, to have senses or control a robot body. There is a slightly non-standard version of this program which includes support for Sonic Vision using arrays of (ultra-)Sonic Transducers, called 2nd Gen SV. Size: 3MC.
Level: 3rd.
2nd Gen SV: (G2SV) see 2nd Gen. Size: 3MC.
Level: 3rd.
Minor Robot Intelligence: (MRI) see 2nd Gen. Size: 3MC.
Level: 3rd.
Speech Recognition: (RH) as Vocal ~ but allows understanding of one language, complexity up to equivalent of 1000 words of English; see Vocabulary. Also called (Full) Robot Hearing. Only useful in above 2nd Gen. Size: 2MC.
Level: 3rd.
Robot Hearing: (RH) see Speech Recognition. Size: 2MC.
Level: 3rd.
Full Robot Hearing: (FRH) see Speech Recognition. Size: 2MC.
Level: 3rd.
Phrase Synthesis: (PS) interprets data, usually from a robot (3rd/4th Gen), to form simple phrases in one language (up to 10 words equivalent of English), usually via a Coder (and usually to a Loudspeaker). Also called Lesser Robot Voice. Examples include 'Exterminate!', 'Resistance is futile', 'All hail the Warlord', and 'One lump or two?'. Size: 2MC.
Level: 3rd.
Lesser Robot Voice: (LRV) see Phrase Synthesis. Size: 2MC.
Level: 3rd.
Vocabulary: improves Speech Recognition and/or Synthesis by adding a 1000 word specialist vocabulary, or a new (1000 word) language, or extending a language by doubling an existing vocabulary. Several copies with different vocabularies may be used. Size: 1MC.
Level: 3rd.
Eye Hand Coordination: (EHC) acts with, or replaces with fixed weapons mounts, 1 Arm Control to give full H.Prob with missile and tight beam weapons. Use of multiple weapons simultaneously requires multiple copies of this, a second arm may be controlled as per 1 Arm Control. If a Tacticoder is used this is not needed, but see 1 Arm Control. Also called (Full) Robot Manipulation. Often placed in a Reflex Processor. Size: 1MC.
Level: 3rd.
Robot Manipulation: (RM) see Eye Hand Coordination. Size: 1MC.
Level: 3rd.
Full Robot Manipulation: (FRM) see Eye Hand Coordination. Size: 1MC.
Level: 3rd.
Scent Recognition: (SR) interprets data, usually from a Scentcoder (usually from a Fine Scent Sensor), to give a fully accurate sense of smell. A human-grade sense of smell is possible without this by using a Tacticoder (usually from a Scent Sensor). This could be used for recognition or tracking. Also called Full Robot Smelling. Size: 3MC.
Level: 3rd.
Full Robot Smelling: (FRS) see Scent Recognition. Size: 3MC.
Level: 3rd.
Program Development: (P II) see (Minor/Major) Program Development. Size: 2MC.
Level: 4th.
Sensor Interpretation: (SI) interprets the information from a wide variety of sensors to feed into a computer or display in some way. For example could interpret data from a (Fine) Scent Sensor to give an (al)chemical analysis. This is mainly intended to aid comparison with standard information, for example Machine Patterns, and may be of little use in unfamiliar circumstances. Can give 10% Understand Machine bonus in suitable circumstances (for example for a Techni android or robot maintaining an installation). A cut-down version that cannot handle more complex information, for example from Scanners, is called Minor Sensor Interpretation (MSI). Often placed in a Reflex Processor II or III. Size: 4MC, minor- 2MC.
Level: 4th.
Minor Sensor Interpretation: (MSI) see Sensor Interpretation. Size: 2MC.
Level: 4th.
Robot Control: (RC) gives remote control of simple robots (below 5th Gen) or other complex machines. A copy is required for every robot or machine controlled as well as one Associative Matrix response pattern. One or more Transceivers are normally required to communicate with controlled robots. If all the controlled robots are on one Comm Mesh each 'Mesh unit used for control is twice as effective as the equivalent Transceiver. The number of Transceivers governs the control, double effectiveness in repetitious jobs. One can control: one 1st Gen, two 2nd Gen, three 3rd Gen, or four 4th Gen; Visual Transceivers are almost invariably required for 1st and 2nd (and usually 3rd) Gen to give enough supervision. Note that something being (successfully) body controlled can reasonably be treated as if it were the equivalent of a 4th Gen. A 4th Gen robot (with appropriate attachments) may only act as a controller in a restricted environment, e.g. a warehouse, usually with an intelligent supervisor. Size: 3MC.
Level: 4th.
(Minor) Momentum Generator Control: (MGC) allows multiple 'Generators to be synchronised: 3 gives a disc-shaped field (max.ht=1/3width) and a tenth power usage, 5 a standard shaped field and a hundredth power usage. The two versions are usually referred to as MGC I and MGC II. Size: 3sync- 2MC, 5sync- 4MC.
Level: 4th.
Minor Momentum Generator Control: (MGC I) see (Minor) Momentum Generator Control. Size: 2MC.
Level: 4th.
Recipe Designer: (RD) is a restricted version of Scan Designer which can only modify or design Food Patterns. No Programming or Biological Theory is required to use this, but the NWP Cooking is very useful. One thing it can do is determine the cooked form of a food from the uncooked form, the reverse is not possible. This program is quite complex and its internals are beyond most Techs; however few restrictions are put on who it is sold to. Part of the standard pattern built into Scan Designer is also built into this program. This program can not design Medical Patterns or extract Reflex Patterns, however it can generate the taste and smell of designed food and drink so that they can be experienced through a Mind Interface I modified for these senses rather than sound. On a more abstract level this program checks designs for most problems and can warn of potential flaws. Included free with Recipe Designer are the patterns for: (fine vegetable) Oil, Nutrition, Chopsticks & Platters, Wooden Cutlery and Tableware, (granary wheat) Bread, (cooked beef) Steak, (fried) Onions, (fried) Mushrooms, (boiled) Rice, (boiled soya) Beans, (uncooked) Carrots, (hard) Cheese, (grilled sardine, fried cod, and boiled tuna) Fish, (shelled uncooked wall) Nuts, (uncooked sweet) Apples, Beer, Sake, Cider, (fresh cow's) Milk, and Chicken Soup. Note that coffee and (Indian) tea are not included. Size: 13MC.
Level: 4th.
Organic Designer: (OD) is a restricted version of Scan Designer which can only modify or design Medical and Food Patterns, and extract Reflex Patterns for Reflex Accelerators. Biological Theory I is required to use this. This program is quite complex and its internals are beyond most Techs; however few restrictions are put on who it is sold to. Part of the standard pattern built into Scan Designer is also built into this program. Note that this program can not generate the smell and taste of designs like Recipe Designer, though it checks very rigorously for poisons, and checks designs for most problems and can warn of potential flaws. Included free with Organic Designer are the patterns for: undifferentiated Culture, Culture for the standard shapes (Basic Body, etc), (fine vegetable) Oil, (hard and soft) Wood, (horse and cow) Bone, (cow) Leather, (sheep's) Wool, and Cotton. Size: 13MC.
Level: 4th.
Scan Designer: (SD) is used to modify or design new Body Patterns (Body Scans) for an Android Mould (or Auto Doc). Programming I and Biological Theory I is required to use this. Most (re)designs will take at least a week, exotics must be researched. Changes to colouring and soft tissue are easy, for example anything a Cos Mod (see "Biological Devices") could do; build, muscle structure and bone is more difficult, see Modified Bodies in "Life Devices". Two people's Body Patterns can be compared and merged to see what any offspring will be like. This program checks designs for most problems and can warn of potential flaws. Reflex Patterns for Reflex Accelerators can be extracted from Body Patterns and Medical and Food Patterns may also be designed. The standard shapes Basic Body, Standard Body, and Superior Body are given away free with Scan Designer, as are shapes for (riding) Horse, (hunting) Dog, (milk and beef) Cow, (egg and meat) Chicken, and (farm) Cat, and as are the Medical and Food Patterns provided with Recipe Designer and Organic Designer. The shape for Android Robot Skin is also included. This program is large and complex and its internals are beyond most Techs; some restrictions may be put on who it is sold to. May be split into two parts; this requires MC: SD (2MC). Size: 25MC, split- 13+13+2MC.
Level: 4th.
Medical Monitoring: (MM) checks whether an Auto Doc (or Android Mould) is receiving correct instructions from the controlling computer and if not places it in 'hold' mode and blocks further instructions from the computer until this monitoring program has been re-set. Often placed in a Reflex Processor II. Size: 2MC.
Level: 4th.
3rd Gen: (G3) robot intelligence has a greater intelligence (than G2) and can answer questions with a yes or no. Also called Robot Intelligence. Orders to it may contain conditions, e.g. slay the occupants of that room if you are damaged in there, hit the hobbit against the wall until he stops struggling, call out 'Clear' if there are no objects in the corridor, keep all creatures at least 10' from me (somewhat ambiguous). Has no real INT or WIS, but if desired treat these both as 2. Requires various robot utility programs, or Gen Robot Support, to have senses or control a robot body. There is a slightly non-standard version of this program which includes support for Sonic Vision using arrays of (ultra-)Sonic Transducers, called 3rd Gen SV. May be split into 2 parts; this requires MC: 3rd Gen (1MC). Size: 12MC, split- 6+6+1MC.
Level: 4th.
3rd Gen SV: (G3SV) see 3rd Gen. Size: 12MC.
Level: 4th.
3rd Gen split: (G3s1&2&MC) see 3rd Gen. Size: 6+6+1MC.
Level: 4th.
Robot Intelligence: (RI) see 3rd Gen. Size: 12MC.
Level: 4th.
Writing Recognition: (WR) interprets visual data, usually from a Visicoder, to give a robot an understanding of writing in most handwriting. Also called Robot Reading. Only usable with Speech Recognition (or Vocabulary) as it uses the vocabulary of this. Note that robots can write without having this program but cannot interpret the meaning of what they have written. Size: 1MC.
Level: 4th.
Robot Reading: (RR) see Writing Recognition. Size: 1MC.
Level: 4th.
Speech Synthesis: (SS) as Phrase ~ but allows a robot speech in one language, complexity up to equivalent of 1000 words of English; see Vocabulary. Also called (Full) Robot Voice. Note that without the Speech (or Vocal) Recognition program a robot cannot understand what it has just spoken. Only useful in 4th Gen. Size: 3MC.
Level: 4th.
Robot Voice: (RV) see Speech Synthesis. Size: 3MC.
Level: 4th.
Full Robot Voice: (FRV) see Speech Synthesis. Size: 3MC.
Level: 4th.
Robot Language: (RL) is an integrated set of robot vocabularies intended mainly for use with Gen Robot Support. Acts as Unglas Vocabulary IV and Common Vocabulary IV, to give the equivalent of 8000 words of English in both. Assume that the Unglas contains all the technical terms used by Technologists. This program is simply for convenience, and is exactly equivalent to the separate Vocabulary programs. Size: 8MC.
Level: 4th.
Major Program Development: (P III) see (Minor/Major) Program Development. Size: 3+MC.
Level: 5th.
Visual Synthesis: (VS) is used to encode a vast amount of data as if it were visual information, usually for transmission. This combined with a Visicoder at the far end can allow full sensory information to be transferred or give full control of very complex actions remotely, a Visicoder and this program at both ends allows both. The compression practical varies between 10x as a minimum and 1000x as a maximum. Often placed in a Reflex Processor III. Size: 4MC.
Level: 5th.
Momentum Generator Control: (MGC II) see (Minor) Momentum Generator Control. Size: 4MC.
Level: 5th.
(Minor) Matter Transmitter Control: (MTC) is required to operate a Matter Transmitter between two fixed points, a Matter Transmitter II using MTC II allows one end to be moved freely. Size: fixed- 5MC, mobile- 10MC.
Level: 5th.
Minor Matter Transmitter Control: (MTC I) see (Minor) Matter Transmitter Control. Size: 5MC.
Level: 5th.
(Minor) Spy Beam Control: ((M)SBC) gives a 2D image on a Video Monitor from a Spy Beam using the Minor version or a hemispherical hologram up to 1"rad. The Minor version is often placed in a Reflex Processor II. Multi-Planar Theory I or Tele-Operator Technology is also required for particularly complex work. Size: 10MC, minor- 2MC.
Level: 5th.
Minor Spy Beam Control: (MSBC) see (Minor) Spy Beam Control. Size: 2MC.
Level: 5th.
Artificial Intelligence: (AI) see 4th Gen Size: 18MC.
Level: 5th.
Gen Robot Support: (GRS) is an integrated set of the various robot utility programs which enables an AI with up to 4th+ Gen intelligence to fully make use of and control a robot body. Acts as Bipedal Control, Visual Recognition, 1 Arm Control (one copy), Speech Recognition, Eye Hand Coordination, Writing Recognition, and Speech Synthesis. Does not actually contain any vocabulary in the Speech Recognition/Synthesis, this must be added using Vocabulary, or Robot Language. Note that this can also act as Vocal Recognition and Phrase Synthesis as long as there is at least one minimal (1000 word) Vocabulary added on. Note this does not include Scent Recognition. There is a 7MC version of this, called Atactile Gen Robot Support, which omits the Bipedal Control, 1 Arm Control, and Eye Hand Coordination programs, either because they are made redundant by using a Tacticoder or because they are not needed. There is no split version of this program; use the individual utility programs. Size: 10MC.
Level: 5th.
Atactile Gen Robot Support: (AGRS) see Gen Robot Support. Size: 7MC.
Level: 5th.
(Minor/Major) Pattern Synthesiser Programming: (PSP) is required to set-up 'Synthesisers (etc). There are three versions, one for each mark of 'Synthesiser, each version can function as the lesser ones; mark III can handle 'Synthesisers III+. Programming takes 1 day for a 'Synthesiser I, 7 days for a 'Synthesiser II, and 21 days for a 'Synthesiser III+. A standard 5th/6th/7th Gen Robot Intelligence (First/Second/Third) is normally used but a recorded or designed persona (see Personality Designer and see Personality Pattern) can be used if the 'Synthesiser (etc) has sufficient intelligence for the persona. Also see Lesser Pattern Synthesiser Programming (LPSP). This program is very large and complex and its internals are beyond almost all Techs. The standard personas 5th, 6th, and 7th Gen are given away free with PSP, however this program is very rarely sold and extortionate prices are often charged for programmed 'Synthesisers, e.g. 25/125/350,000gp. Size: 50MC.
Level: 5th+.
Minor Pattern Synthesiser Programming: (PSP I) see (Minor/Major) Pattern Synthesiser Programming. Size: 50MC.
Level: 5th.
Android Mould Control: (AMC) is required to grow bodies in a (Lesser) Android Mould from a Body Pattern (see Scan Designer). Biological Theory I can help in using this. Personality and skills are developed using an Android/Mind Programmer, or more commonly a complete persona is used (see Personality Designer). Characteristics vary, INT, WIS and CHAR is determined by the Persona, STR, CON and DEX by the Body Pattern. May be split into two parts; this requires MC: AMC (1MC). Size: 6MC, split- 2+4+1MC.
Level: 5th.
Thought Designer: (TD) is used, usually with an Educator, to design or modify Thought Patterns for use by an Educator. Note the use of a (Colour) Mindcoder for (un)compressing thought patterns. Sample (1000x compressed) Thought Patterns 'Spoken Common V' (5MC) and 'Written Common' (1MC), ready for use in an Educator, are given away free with Thought Designer. Size: 6MC.
Level: 5th.
Dream Programming: (DP) enables a Dreamer dream to be made interactive. If the dreamer has a visible body within the dream, whether their own, a variation on their own, or one designed into the dream, which they can change the behaviour of, then this program must be used. Choices made by the dreamer may be made to effect the course of the dream at suitable decision points, or the dream may be switched at these points externally. Additionally the dream may be designed so as to allow the dreamer to switch between the viewpoints of various of the characters at will, or to a bodiless observer viewpoint, as long as all these viewpoints have been designed into the dream. This program may be used with a (Colour) Mindcoder to display details of the dream, from the point of view of the dreamer, as it proceeds on a Video Display, and if a (Colour) Holocoder is used as well on a Holo Display. Often placed in a Reflex Processor III. Size: 4MC.
Level: 5th.
Dream Management: (DM) is used with several linked Dreamers so several people are in the same dream. If each person can see their own body and the body of the other people within the dream and change their behaviour then the dream must be very carefully crafted. This program may be used with Dream Programming to provide a shared interactive dream, but a copy of Dream Programming is required for each person whose decisions are allowed to effect the course of the dream. Often placed in a Reflex Processor II. Size: 2MC.
Level: 5th.
Dream Designer: (DD) is used with a Dreamer to create and record new Dream Patterns in a Recorder or Storage; a vivid imagination is required. Existing patterns may be modified if Storage is used. More elaborate design is possible using (Storage and) a Vocoder, Visicoder, Tacticoder, and a Mindcoder to synthesise sense impressions, including thoughts, from raw information such as (recordings) from a Video Camera, Sound or other Sensors, Thought Patterns, decoded holographic information (e.g from Body/Personality Patterns), memories, and other sources. For elaborate work Dream Weaving, Mechanical Technology, Biological Theory, and other skills may help. This program checks designs for most problems and can warn of potential flaws. Note the use of a (Colour) Mindcoder for (un)compressing thought patterns and hence dreams. Sample Dreams 'Watching Galloping Horse' and 'Riding Galloping Horse' (both 15mins/5MC) are given away free with Dream Designer. Size: 12MC.
Level: 5th.
Annihilator Control: (AC) supervises a (Micro/Macro) Annihilator which is not being fed directly by a Ferum Synthesiser or a Catalysis Generator. This prevents it from stopping working or over-heating as long as there is at most 1% impurities in the iron. If up to three (Micro) Annihilators are being run in parallel one copy is sufficient for all of them, but on the other hand three copies are required for a Macro Annihilator. Often placed in a Reflex Processor. Size: 1MC.
Level: 5th.
(Minor/Major) Associative Matrix Emulation: (AME) causes a computer to act as an Associative Matrix for one matrix (+2/extra L) using 10MC per matrix, +10MC/extra L of matrix; the matrix may not be split across several computers. Not all the matrix needs to be active at once, only a tenth, i.e. for 'Matrix II only 2MC running capacity and 20MC storage need be used, plus 10MC for the emulation program. This program is often used with Robot Control. Size: 10MC.
Level: 5th.
Minor Associative Matrix Emulation: (AME I) see (Minor/Major) Associative Matrix Emulation. Size: 10MC.
Level: 5th.
Lesser Pattern Synthesiser Programming: (LPSP) is a restricted version of Pattern Synthesiser Programming (PSP) which takes 2 days for all marks but makes all marks 1st level. Note that almost all 'Synthesiser personas gain experience and will advance in level; saving throws V control are not effected by using this rather than PSP. The standard personas 5th, 6th, and 7th Gen (First/Second/Third) are given away free with LPSP. This is often sold rather than PSP (which is almost never sold), or alternatively the programming charge for all marks of 'Synthesisers (etc) is 25,000gp. Size: 25MC.
Level: 5th.
Coder Emulation: (CE) causes a computer to act as a Coder for one coder (+1/extra L) using 30MC per coder, x2MC/extra L of coder; the coder may not be split across several computers. The same version of this program can handle all the marks of Coder but the combination of the emulator and specific Coder image(s) is sometimes named: Vocoder or Tacticoder Emulation (33MC), Visicoder Emulation (63MC), Sensecoder Emulation (CE II, Vocoder, Visicoder, 93MC), Full Sensecoder Emulation (CE III, Vocoder, Tacticoder, Visicoder, 123MC). Not all the coder needs to be active at once, only a tenth, i.e. for 'Coder II only 6MC running capacity and 60MC storage need be used, plus 3MC for the emulation software. Size: 3MC.
Level: 5th.
Vocoder Emulation: see Coder Emulation. Requires CE I. Size: 30+3MC.
Level: 5th.
Tacticoder Emulation: see Coder Emulation. Requires CE I. Size: 30+3MC.
Level: 5th.
Visicoder Emulation: see Coder Emulation. Requires CE I. Size: 60+3MC.
Level: 5th.
Skill Extraction: (SE) is a specialised version of Personality Analysis which is capable of extracting only skills from a persona, typically to form Persona Skills. Programming I is required to use this. Physical skills can be extracted in hours, simple mental skills in days (x10 time), and complex mental skills in weeks (x100 time). Persona locked skills can not be extracted in a form usable to anything other than the persona they were extracted from. A Personality Analysis Pattern can speed things 100x. Can also edit and compress (1000x) suitable Thought Patterns to form skills. Size: 13MC.
Level: 5th.
Interface Extraction: (IE) is a cut-down version of Personality Analysis which is only capable of extracting an Interface Pattern (a tenth of the size of the full persona) from a Persona (e.g. for use by a Mind Interface or a Mind Amplifier), taking a game turn per 10MC of persona. Can use a Personality Analysis Pattern generated by Personality Designer/Analysis to speed up extraction 100x. May be split into two parts; this requires MC: IE (2MC). Size: 25MC, split- 13+13+2MC.
Level: 5th.
Template Extraction: (TE) is a cut-down version of Personality Analysis which is only capable of extracting a Persona Template (half the size of the full persona) from a Persona, taking about half a day per 100MC of persona. Can use a Personality Analysis Pattern generated by Personality Designer/Analysis to speed up extraction 100x. May be split into two parts; this requires MC: TE (2MC). Size: 25MC, split- 13+13+2MC.
Level: 5th.
Simple Personality Constructor: (SPC) is a specialised version of Personality Designer which is only capable of assembling simple persona from various standard components. Programming I is required to use this. These are a Persona Template, Persona Skills, and an Interface to hold them together. Simple Persona, and Simple, Standard, and Complex Animal Persona, may be constructed; memories, providing background, should be included in the form of (compressed) Dream Patterns for the Standard and Complex Animal Persona. All persona should include Personal Survival (1-3 slots) as this gives the basic social skills, and most include a Persona Skill such as Gardening, or Riding/Hunting Animal (1+ slots); human persona include Spoken Common (1+ slots). Note that no weapon proficiencies are gained so non-weapon ones must be used for them. Persona Skills which have a persona lock can not be used to assemble a persona. Assembling a simple persona typically takes several (3+) days assuming all the components are already available, about a tenth the time to design one from scratch, and this program checks assemblies for most problems and can warn of potential flaws. The Worker Template, Domesticated Animal, the Persona Skills: Personal Survival (human, horse, cow, chicken, dog and cat), Spoken Common I-V, Written Common, Gardener, Childrearing, Riding Animal, Foraging Animal, and Hunting Animal; and a standard Interface (giving 11 DEX) are given away free with Simple Personality Constructor. May be split into two parts; this requires MC: SPC (2MC). Size: 25MC, split- 13+13+2MC.
Level: 5th.
4th Gen: (G4) robot intelligence has about the intelligence of a bird, having some initiative, also called Artificial Intelligence and Major Robot Intelligence. It may have a wide range of contingency orders but is strictly logical. May hold simple conversation about matters strictly within its experience, e.g. what came through that door yesterday, how long before you need to recharge, state any orders you have regarding that chest. Has no real INT or WIS, but if desired treat these both as 3. Requires various robot utility programs, or Gen Robot Support, to have senses or control a robot body. See Pattern Associator Support for use as Artificial Intelligence. There is a slightly non-standard version of this program which includes support for Sonic Vision using arrays of (ultra-)Sonic Transducers, called 4th Gen SV. May be split into 3 parts; this requires MC: 4th Gen (1MC). Size: 18MC, split- 6+6+6+1MC.
Level: 5th.
Pattern Associator Support: is use of the 4th Gen program to enable a Pattern Associator to function as a Pattern Synthesiser of +1L. No extra robot utility programs are required (such as robot sight, hearing, speech or coordination), unlike the stand-alone use of 4th Gen, as these functions are provided by the 'Associator, which also stores any long-term memories. 4th Gen SV or 4th Gen+ could be used instead, but would not normally provide any advantage.
Level: -.
4th Gen SV: (G4SV) see 4th Gen. Size: 18MC.
Level: 5th.
4th Gen split: (G4s1&2&3&MC) see 4th Gen. Size: 6+6+6+1MC.
Level: 5th.
Major Robot Intelligence: (MRI) see 4th Gen. Size: 18MC.
Level: 5th.
4th Gen+: (G4+) is an improved 4th Gen which has either been carefully taught or is programmed that way from scratch. It has about the intelligence of a smart bird, having some initiative. It may have a very wide range of contingency orders and may learn to some extent, but is strictly logical. Otherwise it is as 4th Gen, frequently specialised for some purpose. May be split into 4 parts; this requires MC: 4th Gen+ (2MC). Size: 24MC, split- 4x6+2MC.
Level: 5th.
4th Gen+ split: (G4+s1&2&3&4&MC) see 4th Gen+. Size: 4x6+2MC.
Level: 5th.
Gen Skill: (GS) is the equivalent to Persona Skill in "Information Devices", and is a program rather than a component of a persona because it works with the the higher Gen programs, 4th Gen and 4th Gen+ (but not 5th Gen or higher). It is not really a true skill, or Non-Weapon Proficiency (NWP), as it is basically a set of rules for recognising things, and a set of instructions for manipulating them, without any creativity and with little room for initiative or choices. If a situation is well defined and nothing unusual happens a Gen Skill can be nearly as effective as a skillful true intelligence, and probably will be far more consistent. DMs must judge exactly which NWPs may be used as Gen Skills, those requiring creativity are not possible, nor are the various ~ Theory Technologist NWP. If creativity is required, e.g. for Dream Weaving, then the best that can be offered is advice about what is possible, or work under instruction. Other possibilities might be Appraising, Cooking, Force Field Technology, General Technology, Medical Technology, Tele-Operator Technology, etc, but not Biological Theory, Programming, Research or Teacher Technology. Several 'slots' may be taken in a Gen Skill, corresponding to taking a NWP several times, each slot takes 1MC but is effectively a different Gen Skill and will only work with all the 'lower' ones, e.g. Cooking III will only work with Cooking II, which will only work with Cooking I. Gen Skills are usually built by careful redesign of Persona Skills, often obtained using Skill Extraction, by Gen Skill Designer. Gen Skills can not be persona locked. Also see Technician Gen Skill. Size: 1MC.
Level: 5th.
Technician Gen Skill: is a special Gen Skill which acts as the Technician NWP, note that it also includes the Gen Skills Force Field Technology I and General Technology I. While the R/MM roll still depends on the DEX the AI can apply, as AIs below 5th Gen have no real intelligence the UM roll is 25%, modified in 5% steps by taking extra 1MC slots of Technician. This 'variety' of technician can only deal with standard situations, and is best set to using modular replacement as its repair technique, which might reasonably give it considerable bonuses, up to +25%, to its rolls. Size: 3MC, extra slots- 1MC.
Level: 5th.
Gen Personal Survival: is a Gen Skill which gives the basic social skills, such as 'table' manners, toilet training, use of clothing, (self) grooming, mating, and staying out of the weather. This is needed if there is total control of a living creature (including an Android Robot), though it may be varied for non-humans. In undefined situations this is not likely to be adequate, though there could be a default of asking for instructions. For animals it is only 1MC or 2MC. Size: 1-3MC.
Level: 5th.
Matter Transmitter Control: (MTC II) see (Minor) Matter Transmitter Control. Size: 10MC.
Level: 6th.
Spy Beam Control: (SBC) see (Minor) Spy Beam Control. Size: 10MC.
Level: 6th.
Transporter Control: (TC) is required, along with Multi-Planar Theory I or a specialised skill (Tele-Operator Technology), to operate a Transporter. Size: 10MC.
Level: 6th.
Pattern Synthesiser Programming: (PSP II) see (Minor/Major) Pattern Synthesiser Programming. Size: 50MC.
Level: 6th.
Nexus Search: (NS) may be left running an idling Portal Generator to locate and analyse potentially usable nexii in other universes. Multi-Planar Theory I (or a specialised skill) is needed to fully understand the output of this. Size: 3MC.
Level: 6th.
Food Synthesiser Control: (FSC) enables food imitating natural food to be made from a Food Pattern using a Food Synthesiser II+. No Biological Theory or Programming is required to use this. May be split into two parts; this requires MC: FSC (1MC). Size: 5MC, split- 2+3+1MC.
Level: 6th.
Associative Matrix Emulation: (AME II) see (Minor/Major) Associative Matrix Emulation. Size: 10MC.
Level: 6th.
Organic Synthesiser Control: (OSC) may be needed to allow an Organic Synthesiser to do complex processing. No Biological Theory or Programming is required to use this. Patterns of the complex materials to be made, such as wood, bone, or leather (simple Food Patterns), may also be required. May be split into two parts; this requires MC: OSC (1MC). Size: 5MC, split- 2+3+1MC.
Level: 6th.
Sensecoder Emulation: see Coder Emulation. Requires CE II. Size: 30+60+3MC.
Level: 6th.
Holographic Synthesis: (HS) allows complex information, even Thought and Dream Patterns, to be made holographic so that every MC after the first gives twice as much storage. A useful rule-of-thumb is that every extra 10MC gives x1000 storage. This program can also de-compress; specialist versions of this program are often included in the more powerful programs. For example Thought Patterns are a basic 1hr/2MC, 3MC gives 2hrs, 4MC 4hrs, 5MC 8hrs, 6MC 16hrs; 12MC gives x1000 which is 1000hrs (approx. a tenth of a year), 22MC x1000,000 thus 1000,000hrs (approx. a hundred years). Note that Food/Medical Patterns, Body/Reflex Patterns, Personality Patterns (etc), and Matter Patterns are already holographic. The only problem with this form of information is that it must be treated as a single unit and it is very difficult to extract details from it unless it is uncompressed or specialist programs for the particular pattern are used. Speed of (de)compression is about a game turn per 10MC of holographic information. Size: 8MC.
Level: 6th.
Personality Analysis: (PA) is a specialised version of Personality Designer which can extract details of the precise structure of a complete persona, in sufficient detail that it includes all memories, motivations and skills. Programming I is required to use this. Memories may be stored as (compressed) Dream Patterns, motivations as an Interface Pattern (a tenth of the size of the full persona) and a Persona Template (half the size of the full persona), and skills as Persona Skills (typically age in years in MC). Can act as Skill Extraction, Interface Extraction and Template Extraction programs. This program will not work on partial personas, and can not remove the persona lock on Persona Skills. Analysis will usually take at least a week per 100MC of persona unless a Personality Analysis Pattern is used. Note that immense amounts of storage are needed for a compressed full set of memories (about 1MC/3 days, 760MC/yr). Care is taken over who this program is sold to. May be split into two parts; this requires MC: PA (2MC). Size: 25MC, split- 13+13+2MC.
Level: 6th.
Personality Constructor: (PC) is a specialised version of Personality Designer which is only capable of assembling persona from various standard components. Programming I is required to use this. Can act as Simple Personality Constructor, but can in addition assemble Standard and Complex Persona. Standard Persona are built using two Persona Templates, for example Supervisor combined with another, or Complex Template is used; Complex Persona use Complex Template and three specialist Persona Templates, or use a custom template designed using Personality Designer or from Template Extraction. All these persona require memories, providing background, included in the form of (compressed) Dream Patterns. All persona should include Personal Survival (3 slots) as this gives the basic social skills, and most include Spoken Common III+ (3+ slots), Persona Skills are often added as is Written Common. Assembling a persona typically takes several (3+) days assuming all the components are already available, about a tenth the time to custom design a persona, and this program checks assemblies for most problems and can warn of potential flaws. Persona Skills which have a persona lock can be used, if they match the Templates being used. The Complex Template, those components included with Simple Personality Constructor, and two extra Interface Patterns giving 12 and 13 DEX respectively, are given away free with Personality Contructor. Care is taken over who this program is sold to. May be split into two parts; this requires MC: PC (2MC). Size: 25MC, split- 13+13+2MC.
Level: 6th.
Gen Skill Designer: is a specialised version of Personality Designer which is only capable of redesign of Persona Skills into Gen Skills, or the construction of Gen Skills from scratch. Programming II is required to use this. It is also possible to build custom versions of 4th Gen+ from 4th Gen which are intended for particular purposes. Thought Patterns may be used as raw material, and can (de)compress these (1000x). This program checks designs for most problems and can warn of potential flaws. Persona Skills which have a persona lock can not be used. The Persona Skill and Gen Skill Gardener and a custom version of 4th Gen+ intended for gardening is given away free with Gen Skill Designer. There are not normally any restrictions put on the sale of this. Size: 13MC.
Level: 6th.
Ecology Designer: (ED) is a specialised version of Personality Designer which is only capable of working with ecologies and societies (and economies). Programming II and Life Theory I is required to use this. This program is included in Personality Designer, but is quite infrequently used, except to check the consequences of technology, or the actions of a technologist. In some cases it is used to figure out how best to repair these actions, or used as a teaching aid. Again as in personality design a certain creative talent is needed to design ecologies from scratch. The standard Terran Ecology, Human Society and Human Economy is given away free with Ecology Designer. This program is very rarely sold, or even admitted to existing, and if so the ecology rather than the social or economic side is emphasised. May be split into two parts; this requires MC: ED (2MC). Size: 25MC, split- 13+13+2MC.
Level: 6th.
Machine Pattern Extraction: (MPE) extracts a Machine Pattern, in particular from a Matter Pattern. This has the full and exact details of the machine, including all the standard annotations and security code, required for the various Synthesisers. Machine Patterns can also be constructed from a variety of sensors, including Holo Camera, (Multi/Macro) Scanner, and Surface Scanner; annotations are rarely added 'manually' with this program, but they could be. There are restrictions on this program to prevent it from being used to forge false Machine Patterns, for example by editting an existing Machine Pattern and re-generating valid security codes; this would have to be done by 'hand'. The program is sold in preferance to (Lesser) Matter Scanner Analysis wherever possible; however the internals of this program are beyond almost all Techs. May be split into two parts; this requires MC: MPE (2MC). Size: 25MC, split- 13+13+2MC.
Level: 6th.
Persona Skill Lock: (PSL) adds a persona lock to a Persona Skill so that it can only be used with a single persona. As a minimum an Aspect (name plus Persona Template) and the Persona Skill to be locked is required as input, but a complete personality can be used instead of the Aspect. The result is a Persona Skill which can be used only with the locked persona, e.g. for instruction, such as via an Educator, or assembling a personality. If the personality changes in a major way, such as reverses alignment, goes from Good to Evil, or becomes more than slightly insane (such as broken by torture), the persona locked Persona Skill can no longer be used by those whose alignment changes, for example to Evil, after they've learned the skill. This is used mainly to prevent Life Theory being used by those who become Evil, and to avoid Mad Scientists with Teacher Technology. Size: 13MC.
Level: 6th.
Portal Generator Control: (PGC) is required for a Portal Generator to operate. Multi-Planar Theory I or a specialised skill (Tele-Operator Technology) is also normally used. Size: 15MC.
Level: 7th.
Teleporter Control: (TPC) is required for a Teleporter to operate. Multi-Planar Theory I or Tele-Operator Technology is also required. Size: 20MC.
Level: 7th.
Viewer Control: (VC) is required for a Viewer to operate. Multi-Planar Theory I or a specialised skill (Tele-Operator Technology) is also normally used. Size: 15MC.
Level: 7th.
Major Pattern Synthesiser Programming: (PSP III) see (Minor/Major) Pattern Synthesiser Programming. Size: 50MC.
Level: 7th.
Medical Synthesiser Control: (MSC) enables Palliatives or Cultures to be made from a Medical Pattern using a Medical Synthesiser. Biological Theory II is required to use this, or Life Theory I for Cultures. Can also use Food Patterns to cause a Medical Synthesiser to act as a Food Synthesiser of equal L (except still needs good quality raw materials rather than just about anything). May be split into three parts; this requires MC: MSC (1MC). Size: 10MC, split- 2+4+4+1MC.
Level: 7th.
(Minor/Major) Mind Probe/Programmer Control: (MP/PC) allows a 'Probe and 'Programmer to be coordinated of -1L that of the program. Biological Theory I is required to use this. Each variation in improved probing/programming requires a different version of the program. Size: 20MC.
Level: 7th+.
Minor Mind Probe/Programmer Control: (MP/PC I) see (Minor/Major) Mind Probe/Programmer Control. Size: 20MC.
Level: 7th.
Hypnosis Generator Control: (HGC) is required to allow a Hypnosis Generator to selectively control/confuse in an area, with a copy to control each creature. Control is only possible with Biological Theory II and access to an Interface Pattern of the creature to be controlled (usually straight from a Mind Probe or prepared by Interface Extraction from a Persona). Size: 6MC.
Level: 7th.
Major Associative Matrix Emulation: (AME III) see (Minor/Major) Associative Matrix Emulation. Size: 10MC.
Level: 7th.
Personality Emulation: (PE) causes a computer to act as a Pattern Synthesiser for one persona (+2/extra L) using 10x the capacity of the stored persona; the persona may not be split across several computers. However only a tenth of the persona needs to be active at once as long as there is enough storage for the 'unfolded' personality, e.g. to 'run' a 200MC persona needs 200MC computer capacity and 2000MC storage, +100MC for the emulation program. In some respects this is the program hard-wired into a Pattern Synthesiser. May be split into two parts; this requires MC: PE (6MC). Size: 100MC, split- 50+50+6MC.
Level: 7th.
Full Sensecoder Emulation: see Coder Emulation. Requires CE III. Size: 30+30+60+3MC.
Level: 7th.
Personality Designer: (PD) is general purpose program used to design or assemble a Personality Pattern (Persona), for an Android/Mind Programmer (used with an Android Mould) or a Pattern Synthesiser (etc; also needing Pattern Synthesiser Programming). Programming II is required to use this. Functions as (Simple) Personality Constructor, Personality Analysis, Template Extraction, Interface Extraction, Persona Skill Lock, and Skill Extraction, and can also function as Thought Designer, Dream Designer, or Gen Skill Designer program to design or modify Thought Patterns, Dream Patterns, and Gen Skills, and can (de)compress them 1000x (to a minimum size of 1MC). It can also design new skills, for example Recognition Skill, new Persona Templates, and even design memories and hence backgrounds. A persona lock can also be removed from a skill given at least the skill and the Aspect; it is intentional that you need the full Personality Designer program to do this. Simple Persona take at least a month, Standard Persona at least two months, and Complex Persona take at least six months. 'Twins' or very similar backgrounds will reduce time. Animal persona are also possible. Designed rather than constructed persona have NWPs based on their level (usually their HD) and background. In addition can act as Ecology Designer, but this function requires Life Theory I to use. This program checks designs for most problems and can warn of potential flaws. Standarised Simple Persona, Standard Persona, and Complex Persona (all ultimately based on the Worker Template, with standard Persona Skills, and where appropriate with memories of being a gardener), a Simple Animal persona for a riding horse, a Standard Animal Persona for a hunting dog, and a Complex Animal Persona for a farm cat, are given away free with Personality Designer. This program is very large and complex and its internals are beyond almost all Techs; very great care is taken over who this program is sold to, some of the more specific programs are more freely available. May be split into two parts; this requires MC: PD (3MC). Size: 50MC, split- 26+26+3MC.
Level: 7th.
(Minor) Reality Generator Control: ((M)RGC) is needed for a Reality Generator to operate, the Minor form for a Lesser Reality Generator or limited effects. Programming II is required to use this, and also Reality Theory for very ingenious tricks. Reality Generator Control program does not act as Matter Scanner Analysis program even if the Reality Generator can function as one. Device Matter Scans (assume these are 10MC each) of all the devices listed that a Lesser Reality Generator can act as, and control programs for the listed functions (again assume 10MC each), are given away free with Minor Reality Generator Control (assume a total of 200MC). In addition device Matter Scans for the next two Marks of these, as well as all devices listed that a Reality Generator can act as, and control programs for the listed functions, are given away free with Reality Generator Control (assume a total of 200MC). This program is very complex and its internals are beyond almost all Techs. Size: 18MC, 50MC or 50MC x 3.
Level: 7th+.
Minor Reality Generator Control: (MRGC) see (Minor) Reality Generator Control. Size: 18MC.
Level: 7th.
(Minor) Reality Shield Control: ((M)RSC) is needed for a Reality Shield to protect a volume, the Minor for a Lesser Reality Shield or for from limited effects. Programming I and some Reality Theory may assist non-automatic control against particularly sneaky attacks. The local Standard Matter Pattern (for standard reality), 100MC, is included free with this. This program is very complex and its internals are beyond almost all Techs. Size: 9MC, 25MC or 25MC x 3.
Level: 7th+.
Minor Reality Shield Control: (MRSC) see (Minor) Reality Shield Control. Size: 9MC.
Level: 7th.
Personality Extraction: (PX) extracts a Personality Pattern, in particular from a Matter Pattern. Is also capable of extracting Interface Patterns, Reflex Patterns and Body Patterns (without any equipment), but only if they are part of, or associated with, a living mind; from a Mental Matter Pattern (see "Information Devices") can only extract Interface Patterns and Personality Patterns. This program will not act as the Personality Analysis program. The program is sold in preferance to Matter Scanner Analysis wherever possible; however the internals of this program are beyond almost all Techs. May be split into two parts; this requires MC: PX (2MC). Size: 50MC, split- 26+26+3MC.
Level: 7th.
Lesser Matter Scanner Analysis: (LMSA) extracts details from a Matter Pattern, but only up to the detail of a Lesser Matter Pattern (see "Information Devices"). This means that no details of personalities (etc) may be extracted, but programs and reflex patterns can be. Extracted details, such as Machine Patterns, Reflex Patterns and Body Patterns, are ready to use in the various Synthesisers. Otherwise this acts as Matter Scanner Analysis, though it does not have the Personality Analysis capability. Care is taken over who this program is sold to, though it is greatly preferable to sell this to the full Matter Scanner Analysis program. May be split into two parts; this requires MC: LMSA (3MC). Size: 50MC, split- 26+26+3MC.
Level: 8th.
Auto Doc Control: (ADC) is needed for an Auto Doc to operate. Biological Theory II is required to use this. It works best with a Body Pattern of the body to be repaired or at least one of the same race. This program can cause an Android Mould to act as an Auto Doc of equal L (minimum mark III), and can also function as Android Mould Control causing an Auto Doc to function as an Android Mould of equal L. This program has a number of carefully designed safety interlocks, which are far more effective than Medical Monitoring at preventing things like reducing function, and its internals have been organised to be beyond almost all Techs (Programming III, Research III, Life Theory II, and an Auto Doc to study to destruction, might allow you to start, and no ethics about the animals and people you'll kill while experimenting). Size: 15MC.
Level: 8th.
Mind Probe/Programmer Control: (MP/PC II) see (Minor/Major) Mind Probe/Programmer Control. Size: 20MC.
Level: 8th.
Synthesiser Control: (SC) controls a Synthesiser to function as various forms of specific Synthesiser. Note that the appropriate programs for all the specific Synthesisers acted as is also required. These specific programs may be assumed to be 10MC each (treat as -1L on base Synthesiser, e.g. Food Synthesiser L=5, therefore L=4), and are sold separately, only on the proof that the buyer has the NWP(s) listed as needed to build that specific Synthesiser. The Power Cell Synthesiser, Energy Essence Synthesiser, Golden Apple Synthesiser, Power Crystal Synthesiser and Inorganic Synthesiser programs are included free with this device. Also included free is the Crystal Synthesiser program, given proof of (Al)Chemical Theory III or Reality Theory II. Size: 18MC, specific- 10MC each.
Level: 8th.
Reality Generator Control: (RGC) see (Minor) Reality Generator Control. Size: 50MC or 50MC x 3.
Level: 8th.
Reality Shield Control: (RSC) see (Minor) Reality Shield Control. Size: 25MC or 25MC x 3.
Level: 8th.
(Minor) Universe Generator Control: ((M)UGC) is needed for a Universe Generator to create a universe, the Minor form for Pocket Universe Generator or to create small workshop or pocket universes. Programming II is required to use this. Also functions as (Minor) Reality Generator Control program but does not act as Matter Scanner Analysis program even if the Universe Generator can function as one. The Matter Pattern for the pocket universe 'A Perfect Garden' (a self-contained cottage and walled garden of flowers and vegetables) is included free with this. Such a Matter Pattern is not required, it just helps to get all the details correct, though if desired a suitable one must be obtained (Matter Scanned) from somewhere. This program is incredibly complex and its internals are beyond almost all Techs. Size: 36MC, 100MC or 100MC x 3.
Level: 8th+.
Minor Universe Generator Control: (MUGC) see (Minor) Universe Generator Control. Size: 36MC.
Level: 8th.
Matter Scanner Analysis: (MSA) extracts details of the precise structure of almost any material object, in sufficient detail that it includes programs and personalities, from a suitable Matter Pattern. Additionally patterns may be 'sliced' to extract the pattern of a specific object from the background in a matter of minutes; these slices constitute separate Matter Patterns, but note that they contain no environment (Universe Pattern extracted from), not even time. Analysis will usually take several hours unless a Matter Analysis Pattern is used. Extracted details are ready to use in the various Synthesisers. Understanding the details of personalities will require further analysis; this program will act as the Personality Analysis program to do this. This program is very large and complex and its internals are beyond almost all Techs; very great care is taken over who this program is sold to; deliberately restricted versions are sometimes sold. Size: 100MC.
Level: 9th.
Non Material Computer Generation: (NMCG) is used as well as the appropriate Pattern Synthesiser (PSP) program (50MC) to create a Non Material Computer. A Matter Pattern of a body may optionally be used by destroying a body, usually freshly grown (and programmed with the 'Computer's persona) in an Android Mould. This program must be run throughout the creation of a NMC; the final three weeks of construction may overlap with the use of PSP. For use during Non Material Reproduction this program will function as Scan Designer and Personality Designer, and can use as its input the Body Scans and Persona of the partners gained via the Non Material Interfaces. Note that can function as Areal Circuitry Generation program in all ways. This program is very complex and its internals are beyond almost all Techs, and is of no use except in connection with NMCs (and AC). May be split into two parts; this requires MC: NMCG (12MC). Size: 200MC, split- 100+100+12MC.
Level: 9th.
Major Mind Probe/Programmer Control: (MP/PC III) see (Minor/Major) Mind Probe/Programmer Control. Size: 20MC.
Level: 9th.
Areal Circuitry Generation: (ACG) is used to create Areal Circuitry. One or more Matter Patterns of devices may be optionally used by destroying devices. This program is very complex and its internals are beyond almost all Techs. May be split into two parts; this requires MC: ACG (6MC). Size: 100MC, split- 50+50+6MC.
Level: 9th.
Universe Generator Control: (UGC) see (Minor) Universe Generator Control. Size: 100MC or 100MC x 3.
Level: 9th.