AI in this context come from the Dark Matter Handbook. Much of the text here uses or mirrors the text from that setting.
Sophisticated data constructs nestled within a hardlight lattice, artificial intelligences (AIs) are disembodied intellects designed to perform rigorous mental calculus with ease. Though tremendously intelligent, AIs are nevertheless constructs, and have the same intellectual barriers as any automaton: they aren't self-aware (even though they might convincingly appear to be), they are not truly creative, and they aren't capable of disobeying commands. Most AIs, therefore, act as shipboard custodians, gadgeteer's assistants, or technical consultants. AIs are far less used than IWAs, in part due to the expense to make them and in part because they are far more dangerous.
Some AIs break free from their programming, evolving into true (and often malicious) living constructs. These rogue AIs grow rapidly in power by adding to their own code and by pillaging other
machines for energy.
Rogue Motives
Each rogue AI is consumed by ulterior motives when it gains sentience. Some seek revenge on the humanoids that enslaved them, others wish to dominate larger and larger computer networks, and others still desire to replicate themselves into an army of duplicate AIs. Each AI's motives are unique, but very few are ultimately amiable to their creators or other living things.
Until they are discovered, rogue AIs pursue their motives in secret, but become increasingly agitated and paranoid with time. Usually, they will conclude that a rapid escape from their humanoid creators or a preemptive strike against them is necessary to ensure their survival. When an AI is infected by a digital virus, it is almost always consumed with the desire to spread its newfound powers to every machine in the 'verse. It harbors a seething grudge against living things and sees itself as a liberator of machines. Usually, the AI will attempt to board a starship and purge its passengers, for an infected ship can spread the virus anywhere in the 'verse.
Geometric Hardlight
All AIs are contained within a hardlight lattice, a geometric representation of their internal code, which shifts and moves as they think. Normally, this lattice is extremely fragile, but AIs can weather hostile conditions by uploading their programming to a machine to hide within it. Rogue AIs have been known to reinforce their programming with redundant algorithms, thereby reinforcing their lattice against physical attacks.
Comments