232. Silhouettes

Self-documenting equipment, ubiquitous AR, and intense mesh use produce massive amounts of data, data sub-sentient AIs and expert systems are constantly trawling, correlating, and running through various models and pattern matching algorithms. Expert systems are often taught to see what is around what has been hidden, making out the outlines of secrets based on anomalous data in mundane databases. Firewall's operation THIRD EYE is no different: it sees as if in silhouettes against a starry backdrop.

Post-singularity, intelligence and analysis are supplemented heavily with prognostication. Gathered intelligence enhances the predictive power of an organization, but predictive power can also be used to supplement intelligence. Predictions for the short-term future of Mars become more accurate if the model is programmed to account for the probable actions of a Mars Authority anti-barsoomian secret police, so it can be assumed that such an organization exists.

177. Storytellers

Most interactive media in the post-singularity age is intelligent and realistically responsive, either because of the actions of other players (such as in multi-user simulspace games) or because of sophisticated AI (such as in single-player simulspace games.) This trend goes farther than traditionally interactive entertainment, however, and into very old forms.

Partway between a customized choose your own adventure book and a single-player role-playing game, neverending stories (so-called because they are often designed to continue for as long as the user maintains interest) are low-tech presentation of high-tech content generation that are taking the market by storm. Entirely text-based, the stories can be run purely on mesh-inserts, and don't even requiring an ecto. The stories are usually of a single character, whose actions are determined by the user, the effects of which are determined by a specialized storyteller AI.

Storyteller AIs are typically designed to customize their content based on advice from the user's muse. Degrees of user control, writing style and the themes of the story are all customizable. Storytellers can also be used as educators, weaving lessons into the story according to the wishes of a parent or caretaker, which might encourage anything from problem-solving to adherence to certain ideologies.

Mechanics

Storytellers are AIs [Low]

Notes

Inspired by the primer from Neil Stephenson's The Diamond Age

154. Smart Seekers

Seekers have many advantages. As homing missiles, they are very accurate, different warheads allow for a great deal of flexibility, and they have the longest range of any small-arm, but there is always room for improvement.

Seekers can take best advantage of their range and homing abilities over flat landscapes, but much of transhumanity live in cluster, beehive and otherwise dense, built-up areas their guidance systems struggle with. Additionally, taking advantage of a seeker's full range often requires spotters,

Smart seekers link the missiles to an AI more powerful than any that could be run on a warhead. The AI can guide the missile through complicated, confined spaces as well as choose and prioritize targets on its own. Smart seeker AIs, however, must be run on a launcher-mounted computer. A constant link is required between warhead and AI, something that can be potentially exploited by hackers.

Mechanics

Smart seeker AIs are software [Moderate]

The software adds a +10 modifier to the attack test, but requires a constant connection with the missile, providing an opportunity for hackers.

118. Accompaniment

This is Darwin's universe, where cooperation is simply an advantage over solitary competitors, and the red queen allows for no rest or pause in improvement. Can you afford to pass up even minor advantages?

Once you have purchased accompaniment a specialized AI will produce endless, customized music designed to accompany whatever task you are currently engaged in. Basic brain-scans and an understanding of your current context allow the AI to produce a never-ending stream of music, with rhythm, volume, and mood all designed to compliment your circumstances. Accompaniment is proven to increase relaxation and focus, leading to improvements in almost all types of tasks.

Mechanics

Use of an accompaniment AI gives skill bonuses of +5, at the GM's discretion.