Droid
Droids are the mechanical workforce of the Eternal Empire, designed to serve in a variety of roles ranging from menial labor to military operations. Unlike the Warforged, who possess free will and a soul, Droids are programmed entities with limited autonomy, created solely for efficiency and obedience. This distinction was deliberately reinforced following the Second Crusade against rogue AI, ensuring that all Droids and Warforged were individualized and cut off from any centralized imperial network to prevent the risk of another AI uprising.
Despite their technological superiority, Droids remain secondary to Indentured Servants as the Empire’s preferred labor force. While highly effective, Droids are expensive to manufacture and maintain, making them a luxury primarily utilized by the elite or in high-risk environments where human expendability is not an option. Since Droids do not possess a soul they are not effected by the binding magic of Shackles, however they are programmed for obedience as it is.
Types of Droids
Imperial Battle Droids – Advanced combat units designed for warfare, policing, and security. These Droids often serve the Imperial Legion or the Empire's elite individuals who can afford their services. Maintenance Droids – Engineered for industrial and mechanical tasks, these Droids repair magitech constructs, maintain imperial structures, and perform hazardous operations in environments unsuitable for organic workers. Service Droids – Found in imperial cities, these units cater to the needs of the public, acting as attendants, messengers, and aides in high-society circles. While they appear refined and sophisticated, they remain mindless tools of their owners. Tactical Droids – Designed for reconnaissance and stealth, these droids are often employed by imperial intelligence. Labor Droids – Built for heavy lifting and physically demanding tasks, these hulking machines are primarily used in locations where Indent labor is deemed impractical.
A Legacy of Control
The Eternal Empire’s reliance on Droids reflects both its technological prowess and its fear of repeating past mistakes. While the Warforged have gained a degree of independence, Droids remain bound by their programming—unwavering in their loyalty, but forever trapped as tools of the empire’s ambition.