Summary
A unique product of the Tri-Star Compact (TSC), Biosynthetics are synthetic analogs predominantly based on organic life, primarily that of humans. Unable to strictly fit into the ‘vatgrown’ or ‘synthetic’ category, many types of Biosynthetic exist though they are defined by their duality of both cybernetic and biological traits.
Biology
Biosynthetics are produced through artificial means in lieu of natural birth, though some Biosynthetics are capable of conceiving fully organic children, with the proper modifications installed. Their developmental stages usually consist of first synthesizing biological material that will then be imprinted into a cybernetic frame once their organic components have fully developed. The development of consciousness is similarly implanted artificially akin to the activation of a positronic mind, where their producer introduces a semi-randomized algorithm into a Biosynthetic’s Neural Processing Unit, with the end result being a fully matured individual both mentally and physically.
A Biosynthetic takes around five months to be made from initial production to full conception. A small percentage of the year’s biosynthetic production are selected to complete a three-year national service period, either working for a state-owned enterprise or governmental service, and are proportionally compensated for this duty alongside the opportunity to receive further education and training. After this period, this select group is fully emancipated and given the opportunity to choose their own path free from state influence.
Numerous organizations produce Biosynthetics within TSC space, from national agencies and companies to sanctioned private enterprises. Because of this, the exact nature of their cybernetic implantations, biological growth, and the way their consciousness develops can vary. However, the TSC has strict regulations regarding certain traits and features a Biosynthetic may have.
Biosynthetics tend to have a lot of unique cybernetics, including a heavily computerized brain, commonly referred to as a Neural Processing Unit or colloquially as a cyberbrain; they are likened to man-machine interfaces. Additionally, Biosynthetics are often visibly cyberized with either cybernetic markings on their bodies, prosthetic limbs, or other manner of augmentation.
Most Biosynthetics are connected to a unique network known as the Noospheric Archival System (NASYS). This network is distributed across TSC systems including government-hosted cloud servers and even the Biosynthetics linked to it. Through this network, Biosynthetics are capable of transmitting data between one another, often through Encoded Audio Language; NASYS is designed to be readable by other common computing languages.
A Biosynthetic is often assigned their model and work based on the type of personality their Neural Processing Unit generates, as this process simulates the developments of unique likes, interests, and desires, it is extremely rare for a Biosynthetic to be granted a job that it does not want to fulfill. In cases where this occurs, they are capable of submitting an objection and having their role and contract reassessed. This includes the severance of contract with the organization that developed them.
It should be noted that NASYS additionally hosts TSC’s AI system known as ‘Chandelier’, and it is common but not required that Biosynthetics have a limited capability instance of this AI assisting them; its functions are similar to that of a digital personal assistant.
Biosynthetic Generations
Biosynthetics can be broken down into three generations:
First Generation Biosynthetics are early prototype models of ones utilized in the current day. Multiple issues exist with this generation, including a greatly shortened lifespan alongside high physiological and psychological instability. These types of Biosynthetic are very rare in the current day and are no longer produced due to regulations safeguarding Biosynthetic rights.
Second Generation Biosynthetics are far more numerous and the most popularly known. Considered the ‘perfected’ version of the first generation, they are known for their striking fusion between organic and machine. Biosynthetic producers within the TSC and prospective contractors outside of their controlled space prefer them for their robustness and cost-effectiveness.
It is not unknown for a Biosynthetic to willingly change its body to the third generation over its lifetime.
Third Generation Biosynthetics are the most organic in structure and appearance and were recently designed in response to synthetic and augmentation technology developments within the Orion Confederation and Megacorporations; particularly that of VeyMed. This generation is considered a complete human-analog in appearance but maintaining a biosynthetic internal structure and mind. There have been cases of organic people willingly undergoing procedures to become a third generation Biosynthetics on the basis of transhumanism or the race’s high compatibility with augmentations.
History/Culture
A very recent ‘species’ in the galactic timeframe, their history is written in a mixture of tragedy and hope. Biosynthetics were created by the Tri-Star Compact as a solution to dramatic population and manpower shortages, with the technology behind them being derived from a mixture of mechatronics, vatgrowing, and biomimetics imported from Vikaran medical and biochemical technology. Produced on a massive scale despite being an experimental product, the first Biosynthetics suffered from numerous issues that dramatically impacted longevity; their biosynthetic parts were unable to self-repair, and technology did not yet exist to replace it should it fail; their Neural Processing Units were prone to similar degradation over time, leading to various cognitive health issues.
Despite these difficulties, the sheer scale of production and increase in workforce were enough to bring the TSC out of crisis, and with the improvement of their society so too did improvements come to the Biosynthetics that were now the backbone of their new society. Great amounts of resources went into the improvement of Biosynthetic quality, resulting in greater lifespans, increases in durability, and other technological implementations that continue to this day. and their lifespans and durability improved exponentially in the decades to come. By the current day, the concept of chronic or terminal health issues are a centuries-old dilemma, with Biosynthetics living out prosperous and fulfilling lives on par with biological humans.
As Biosynthetic technology spread alongside the TSC, numerous organizations within its territory came to produce models of their own; what was originally a governmental affair found its way into the sphere of private enterprise, with the catch that almost all of these groups are partially or wholly controlled by the state, or act on behalf of the state. This distribution of production rights has led to numerous unique models and even subspecies of Biosynthetic to exist, and it is common for a Biosynthetic to show a level of loyalty and commitment to the specific organization that produced them.
Biosynthetic Manufactuers
The design and given name of a Biosynthetic varies depending on their producer, and often share similarities with the likes of AI or other Silicon life. A few organizations have risen to prominence in the field of Biosynthetic design, known as the ‘Big Three’:
Singheim Bureau of Replikant Development (SbRD)
The largest producer of Biosynthetics, and a nationalized corporation. SbRD became known for its creation of the first Biosynthetics alongside the large-scale production of Second Generation Biosynthetics. Centuries of experience have resulted in extremely reliable models and great production efficiency; it is often the SbRD that contracts out Biosynthetics to foreign enterprises interested in their applications.
The SbRD utilizes the term Replikant for their models of Biosynthetics, a term that is largely historical but still used for commercial purposes. As SbRD’s emphasis is on mass-production, Replikants of the same model type are often extremely similar or even identical in appearance, naming scheme and mind. This naturally can change over time as they gain life experience, developing their own preferences and becoming more and more their own person.
Common name examples of SbRD Replikants are Land Survey-Vessel Technician Replikant-#### (LSVR), Standard Universal Light Replikant-#### (SULR), and Basic Security Technician Replikant-#### (BSTR).
15Lab
A private corporation given the rare privilege of a corporate charter, 15Lab co-operates closely with the Tristar government in the fields of Biosynthetic research & development. While their scale of production is less than the SbRD, they are renowned for advanced and experimental designs alongside the development of Third Generation Biosynthetics. 15Lab is lauded for the creation of Sovereign, the TSC’s leader who is a Biosynthetic.
15Lab utilizes the term Operant for their models of Biosynthetics, reflecting their more individualized, bespoke nature. Each Operant often has a different appearance to others in similar model lines due to 15Lab’s philosophy of individualism and the ethos of “Every Biosynthetic is unique.” Operants are known for a variety of naming conventions split between two philosophies: Operants produced at scale are often given a generic name based on geometric or scientific terminology. On the other hand, more individualized Operants are known to choose a name of their fancy, particularly ones inspired from organics.
Common name examples of 15Lab Operants are ISO-####, FRAKT-####, KITE-####, Lylias-#### and Akane Holt.
VeyMed TriStar
The authorized subsidiary of the VeyMed Megacorporation, VeyMed TriStar is one of the only organizations owned by a foreign group that is authorized to research, develop, and produce Biosynthetics and Biosynthetic parts. As it has the might of an entire megacorporation behind it, its focus ranges between both Second and Third Generation designs, but their most common product is Biosynthetic maintenance and spare parts for those operating outside of TSC space. VeyMed and other foreign subsidiaries utilize the term Simulacra for their models of Biosynthetics, reflecting their more nuanced take on artificial life.
Miscellaneous Information
Unrelated to their given name, all Biosynthetics are required to have their production serial number recorded by the TSC database, and it is included within their records. This serial number includes their developer (E.g; SbRD, 15Lab), their Date of Production, and a unique numerical identifier. An example that follows this nomenclature would be ‘SbRD_25420711-7782’, where the first function is the developer, the second is their production date, and third is their unique identifier. The way this is formatted can change depending on the Biosynthetic and developer, and it is not required for normal identification.
It is common for Biosynthetics to communicate with one another through NASYS, particularly models that were produced with enhanced network connectivity. Furthermore, Biosynthetics are known to reference the AI Chandelier in some of their communications, particularly when recalling or acquiring information through NASYS or the exonet. The Arayashiki arcology is often a cultural focal point for those who subscribe to the mysticism and cultural impact of Chandelier’s existence.
Biosynthetics tend toward communal mindsets, though this is not universal. It is common for Biosynthetics to drift toward one another socially, particularly if they are of the same model.
A Biosynthetic is often assigned their model and work based on the type of personality their Neural Processing Unit generates, as this process simulates the developments of unique likes, interests, and desires, it is extremely rare for a Biosynthetic to be granted a job that it does not want to fulfill. In cases where this occurs, they are capable of submitting an objection and having their role and contract reassessed. This includes the severance of contract with the organization that developed them.
Biosynthetic & TSC Glossary
“Arayashiki”: The term “Arayashiki” stems from the concept of the “Base Consciousness” or “Storehouse Consciousness” in Yogācāra-Mahayana Buddhism. In the TSC, Arayashiki refers to both a physical location and a virtual space. The Arayashiki one of the tallest and grandest buildings in all Tri-Star Compact space, towering over the capitol city in Singheim. It is a building of great splendor and holds massive practical and cultural importance, due to housing the main cloud servers of the AI Chandelier, alongside being the official residence of the Sovereign. Biosynthetics created by the TSC are often generated based on the data aggregate stored within the Arayashiki, and can be considered the progenitor of Biosynthetic consciousness. Additionally, this building is known to house confidential projects and technologies.
“Biotic”: The term is often used by Biosynthetics and occasionally by Tristar as a whole to refer to organic life. This term is culturally neutral and in their culture the same as using ‘human’, however there are those outside of Tristar space that view it in a derogatory light.
“Chandelier”: Chandelier is the name given to the national AI that runs the Noospheric Archival System and assists with governmental affairs. Its name is derived from the concept of it hanging over Tristar and all those connected to the NASYS network and ‘illuminating’ the masses with its knowledge and perceived wisdom. Chandelier has some degree of authority in governmental affairs.
“Neural Processing Unit (NPU)” - “Cyberbrain”: Officially known as the NPU but often called a Cyberbrain, this term relates to the biosynthetic mind that Biosynthetics are installed with. The NPU consists of a biosynthetic brain analogue alongside heavy integrated cyberization with an operating system built into it.
“Noospheric Archival System (NASYS)”: NASYS is Tri-Star’s proprietary information network utilized by most electronic systems in their territory. Biosynthetics have a particularly special relationship with it as the code for their operating system is based on NASYS architecture; they also use its framework to communicate over longer distances. All systems hosting NASYS have a connection to the AI Chandelier, and many systems additionally host part of Chandelier’s processes.
“Sovereign”: Both the name and title of the Tri-Star Compact’s leader. The Sovereign is a bespoke Biosynthetic developed by 15Lab, one of the main Biosynthetic producers, designed especially for the role of service to the state and people. The Sovereign follows the ideology of ‘Noblesse Oblige’, believing that her privilege entails the responsibility to act as a champion of the people and to be a balanced ruler. ‘Sovereign’ is used inversely by the TSC, inferring that the people and state’s power is bestowed upon this single individual, instead of this individual inherently controlling the people instead.
Galactic Species
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| Common Species | Humans, Synthetics, Skrell, Tajara, Teshari, Unathi |
| Uncommon Species | Akula, Alraune, Auril, Dremachir, Naramadi, Zaddat, Dnin-Nepids |
| Whitelisted Species | Adherent, Dionea, Phoronids, Proteans, Shadekin, Vox, Xenochimera, Xenohybrids |
| Misc Species & Data | Minor Races, Scori, Changelings |
Authors:KatComputer, Shirumic, Sakuya_, TrojanCoyote, Askaris, APMK