The Cortex

One of the greatest early mechanikal inventions was the cerebral matrix, which was subsequently refined into the cortex. The highlight of the arcane mechanik’s art, this artificial mind can give life to a steam-powered automaton and allow it to respond to commands. As it accumulates experiences, the cortex is capable of slowly learning over time. This eventually leads to improved performance, although it can also lead to unexpected idiosyncrasies. ’Jacks that see prolonged use develop unique quirks and even distinct personalities that often reflect the proclivities of their operators.

Designed to operate within a specific environment, a steamjack can seem quite clever when focused on a familiar task, but cortexes of the simplest grades do not adapt well to new situations or unfamiliar environments. Steamjacks with higher-grade cortexes can handle a wider variety of environments and are better suited to acting with only a few instructions, but even they have limitations. Warjacks are extremely skilled at telling friend from foe on the battlefield and negotiating obstacles in pursuit of targets, but even these wondrous machines require greater supervision on a bustling city street, where danger is not always readily apparent.