Exo Intelligence Levels

"What's the difference between a nannybug and a hound? If you're hurt, a hound will go get help, but a nannybug will get a head start on decomposing you!" - Common joke among Exo mistrusting Flatlanders

Humans have come up with 4 generally accepted levels to categorize insect/exo intelligence, 1 through 4. Level 5 is considered equal to or surpassing human level of thought. This, however, has yet to be observed and is thus not typically included in standard descriptions of Exo intelligence. The scientific categorization of these levels is something that Empire scholars are much more interested in than Flatlands sages. Flatlanders are likely familiar with the concept, but very few besides the most dedicated Exo aficionados or Veteran Foresters will be able to tell you any specific species intelligence level.

1. Mindless: Base animal/bug intelligence. Few emotions, mostly runs on hunger, procreation drive, and instinct.
2. Hive Minds: Displays social intelligence with other members of species, similar to Ants, Bees. Likely highly responsive to pheromones and likely to communicate. (Note: Not literally a hive mind. A common phrase for this type of exo: “They have the mind of the hive”)
3. Low Mind: Low to medium level sentience. This is not uncommon for the larger Exos, most notably, Throx. Dog to Elephant level intelligence. Can recognize different humans with training.
4. Thinkers (Also: Qualia, or Archaic: Full Mind): Approaching or achieving humanoid intelligence. Use of tools, seems to have emotions, possibly capable of speech or advanced communication.

Type

Natural