I am in the process of revising Nebuleon for a second edition and one of the elements is Artificial Entities, namely the system for creating them. AE (what I cal AI in Neb) have always been a critical part of the setting and a fav for people to play. They have some criticisms though, mostly the system is too complex for their generation. Don't worry that part though, I am more interested in if people have played AE/AI in other games and if so:

1. Do you enjoy playing Artificial Entities?

2. Do you prefer detailed component builds or simple template builds or a combo? Or, for that matter, something else entirely.

3. Any examples of character types you really enjoyed?

4. What elements of playing AI did you enjoy the most? Because they were tough? Smart? Modularity (swapping parts or skills)? Something else entirely?


For the record, I like the chance to play an entirely alien perspective with hooks to biological society that are artificial and able to be observed as such. So, things like "You know, I truly hate you and all bounty hunters. Not, really, but I am programmed to so I do" sort of thing. Obviously, a bit more complex than that but hopefully you get the gist.

Thanks,
Bill

I'm already playing two possible "AIs" as a GM in my game /campaign.


One of my players comes from a planet and star system where Androids and AIs are regarded as regular citizens with equal rights. (She doesn't think much of the 3rd Imperium....and vice verse)


Yeah sure - why not?

 If you make the character creation fairly easy to handle - sounds  like it might be fun with the right group.


- Ed C.

> 1. Do you enjoy playing Artificial Entities?

As much as any other race.  


> 2. Do you prefer detailed component builds or simple template builds or a combo? Or, for that matter, something else entirely.

A combo.  I like to see templates, but I also like to be able to make my own.  The droid rules in Star Wars WEG come to mind.  


> 3. Any examples of character types you really enjoyed?

Yeah, I played a total ripoff of the HK droid from SW KotOR and had a blast with it.  Meatbag.  

Transformers also seem like they would be fun.


> 4. What elements of playing AI did you enjoy the most? Because they were tough? Smart? Modularity (swapping parts or skills)? Something else entirely?

I liked being able to add component parts and devices, outfitting the droid for specific missions.  


FWIW, PIG's HardNova also has some pretty decent bot build rules you might want to check out for inspiration.

Pete

I've played a few AEs. Mostly I enjoyed playing a hyperspecialized character, although I tend to play those anyway just to facilitate team play. I especialy enjoyed playing Droids in WEG Star Wars because they were recognized as noncombatants, I could generaly roll through a firefight with both sides trying to shoot around me.

I don't like having too much emphasis put on the physical forms of the robots, I wouldn't enjoy upstaging the the human PCs in athletics or combat. (Of course if there were no human PC's then sign me up for transformers and robo-claws.)

I've enjoyed them. I prefer to be able to use whatever mechanics are necessary to fit the setting. In short if the option to be custom built is possible, I'd use it as PC or NPC, except when rushed for time and I just want a "Generic Sentient Arms Merchant Whose Gone Rogue.." or something, then I want a fast system that lets me not worry about many complexities to get a playable character.

Now if the custom built system is easy to use, then no problem that works.
 

I enjoyed the ability to hotswap bodies in one game (THS), I've enjoyed fixed forms (starships), and others with less flexibility as well, in general it was just a way to take a longer view than most 'meatbags' worried about

Yes, I would play a robot/cyborg PC. A starship AI PC might be a bit more problematic if there is more away action than on ship action.

I think the anwser would be yes considering how GURPS Transhuman Space has fans and how it is setup.

haven't played one, either AE/bot or AI.  would love to, tho.  

when i saw the thread title, the first thing i thought of was wintermute, from gibson's neuromancer.  it would be a fun challenge to play a character with no physical body.

To expand a bit, those of you who have played AE characters, what elements draw you in? A powerful AE able to bend steel with its bare receptors? The modular nature allowing switch-outs? I am not expressing myself well tonight but hopefully you get what I am asking. Basically, the things that attracted you to the character.

As for disembodied AE, one of my best pcs was a ships AE with drones to perform different tasks. The problem was the drones did not always obey (had limited awareness themselves) and especially when she would try and send them to their destruction.

Bill