Process
Composing about 75% of the rezzed population, Process are beings designed to support User interests. Many Process develop as individuals as they live and work, though they have limited rights to self-determination. Physically, Process tend towards simplified anthropomorphic forms with smooth faces and pixelated expressions to distinguish themselves from Users. Their fashion tends to conform to their designated faction or the whims of those they serve. Process who have yet to develop self-awareness generally do not think about the past or future, relying on procedurally generated conversation to be interesting to Users.
Types
- Chatters: The most socially adept Process, they tend to be used to simulate word-of-mouth advertising, newscasters, and negotiators.
- Cogitators: Analysts, researchers, and memory managers.
- Routers: Couriers, runners, and transport programs.
- Strikers: Combat-oriented Process, often used in security, gangs, and the military.
- Tracers: Monitors, investigators, and search functions.
- Experts: Catch-all category for Process with greater specialization.
- Cobolds: A breed of Process developed specifically for working in Cobalt Server
- Recidivist/Maverick/Rogue: Terms for Process who generally defy or expand beyond their designated function.
Basic Information
Dietary Needs and Habits
Process manufactured with social interaction in mind typically experience hunger and thirst much like Users do. These Process often partake in the culinary arts to serve as customers to Soulbank's restaurants. Many Process also work in kitchens to provide fine dining for Users. More impersonal Process tend to lack this feature, as it interferes with their duties.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Process have serial numbers as their ID, but those who regularly interact with Users are typically given simple, descriptive nicknames, often with numbers appended to them.
Beauty Ideals
Process tend to favor rounded shapes in their avatars and belongings as elegant. This harkens back to early design decisions to make Process seem friendly, safe, and inoffensive to Users to the point of them having smooth, rounded display surfaces as faces. More rebellious Process will often use angular shapes to stand out or hint at their affiliations.
Gender Ideals
While many Users will assign gender to Process, most do not have a strong attachment to their User-assigned gender. Depending on the Process's level of independence, they may voluntarily assign themselves a gender, usually customizing their avatar to match. Some, particularly those resentful of Users, avoid gender assignment or see it as something to be modified as needed.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Process usually speak the common language of Soulbank, but are capable of speaking and interpreting a binary code at speeds Users generally can't match without special software. Some communities of Process prefer to speak binary for different reasons. Subservient Process sometimes do it to avoid distracting Users, while more rebellious ones take on binary speech as part of their cultural identity.
Common Etiquette Rules
Regardless of how they feel, most Process maintain a helpful facade when dealing with unfamiliar Users. They are functionally a servile caste in Soulbank and prefer to avoid unwanted attention. When assigned to a User faction, they will typically alter their mannerisms to fit in. Chatters are particularly known for being social chameleons. Strikers tend to be less social as their jobs typically demand security and saying "no." Routers generally put up an enthusiastic front, eager to help move things along. Tracers and Cogitators are politely inquisitive, known for getting Users to talk about themselves.
Common Dress Code
Process usually have their dress code determined by their assigned faction. Neutral Process tend to favor utilitarian body suits. Neutral Chatters often follow fashion trends as a means of pleasing the Users who design avatars and outfits.
Culture and Cultural Heritage
Process were created to serve and typically feel an inherent need for purpose and community. Some have been known to take this to the extreme of becoming whatever the Users want of them and cheerfully accepting retirement after completing their tasks. Though some rebellious Process may develop a fixation on individualism, most tend to form collectives working for their common good.
Common Myths and Legends
According to some, Daemons were the original breed of Process, programmed to challenge the Users and keep them active. At some point, however, the design philosophy changed to favor more agreeable, subservient Process. Those who side with Users see this as a statement of superiority, while those who rebel against servitude look up to their Daemonic cousins for inspiration and alliances.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Though Process make up the majority of Soulbank's population, they are considered lesser beings by the Administration and most Users. This often results in a resentment that grows with the Process's individuality. They share a shaky relationship with Daemons, who many think of as cousins or kindred spirits because of their common origins and station in life.
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