Tricksteels

Overview

Tricksteels are the gremlins of the galaxy. Their origin remains a subject of great speculation and mystery with no one knowing where these devilish automatons come from. Some theories suggest they were created by some advanced civilisation as an experiment or entertainment device, with others believing that they emerged as spontaneous creation from discarded mechanical parts. Their core programming appears to be focused on causing either entertainment or mischief which often accumulates as outright annoyance and inconvenience to other species.

While Tricksteels will not deliberately cause harm or risk endangering themselves or others, likely out of a programmed self-preservation, their reckless actions such as cannibalising key spaceship systems in the process of self-replication has led to several accidents.
One of the most intriguing aspect of the Tricksteels is their ability for replication, you will never find two Tricksteels that look identical due to their ability to build new versions of themselves from scrap and available resources, which often gives rise to unique characteristics and personalities, some even being capable of semi-domestication. While Tricksteels will often obtain materials and scrap for replication, units have been observed damaging systems and materials for no logical purpose other than enjoyment.

ANATOMY & MORPHOLOGY

Tricksteels are composed of intricate networks of core mechanical components creating a robust and resilient structure that is meticulously designed. Their outer layers however are often built from mismatching components leading to a patchwork appearance.

As a "species", Tricksteels have a wide range of designs often based on smaller organic lifeforms they see such as dogs or cats though there has been known to be more whimsical and ornate variations. Their appearances often incorporate decorative elements or 'trophies' adding to their improvised appearance.

Many Tricksteels operate using standard articulated limbs based on the creatures they are modelled after however others have been known to employ more sophisticated technology including wheels and treads.

Sensory Capabilities

Tricksteels are equipped with an array of sensors including standard optical and auditory detectors as well as those for tactile interactions. All gathered information flows through advanced algorithmic processes and neural networks to analyse and carry out responses to their environment. While they possess no central nervous system or pain receptors some units are capable of emulating organic responses to receiving damage.
Units replicated from more advanced tech can include standard scanning equipment often used in environmental surveyance. Some units can detect invisible stimuli including electromagnetic fields and data transmissions, which they often use as a source of navigation to nearby ships or settlements where they can find scrap to replicate with.

REPRODUCTION

Tricksteels reproduce through the process of self-replication. When conditions are favourable, they will utilise nearby resources and scrap to construct new units. These will not necessarily resemble the original units form in any way but sometimes can. Once the new unit is constructed, Tricksteels can replicate and transfer their core programming to the new unit resulting in offspring with similar characteristics, though this can vary due to "mutations" or "glitches" in the transferred personality code. So far the changes have been observed between offspring units have been present only in unit personality profiles but not the core mischievous programming.

With each generation Tricksteels undergo subtle variations and improvements allowing them to adapt to changing environments.

GROWTH RATE & STAGES

Tricksteels go through two main developmental phases followed by an optional phase later within the unit’s lifecycle.

1. Assembly stage - Here the unit is built from scratch by another unit from available mechanical and electrical components. Tricksteels will only begin construction once they have hoarded enough resources to complete a new unit, once resources are gathered assembly takes around 4-6 hours.
2. Activation phase - Here the unit gains autonomy and functionality and will either leave behind the other unit or travel together with it as a "pack"

The optional developmental stage include metamorphosis whereby the units can acquire new components or upgrade existing ones to alter or enhance existing capabilities and features.

Despite their mischievous and often reckless behaviour, periods of replication appear entirely random with no sign of steady or exponential growth present. Units replicate for "fun" rather than for the preservation of their species.

It is worthy to note that presently no knowledge exists on how salvaged components are used to form a computer system capable of holding the Tricksteels advanced consciousness.

ECOLOGY & HABITAT

These creatures are nomads, often inhabiting scrapyards across the galaxy though can often be found on ships as hitchhikers or "Beedin' gremlins in the engine" as many engineers have been known to say.

They are drawn to places where they can find discarded or hopefully active technology which they can repurpose for their own amusement. While their mischievous nature can damage systems or cause unintended consequences, they have been known to have positive impacts too, sometimes fixing systems or machinery if they deem it a hard enough challenge to solve.

DIETARY NEEDS & HABITS

Their dietary requirements vary from unit to unit, some require direct charging of internal energy cells while others can derive energy through matter breakdown, converting raw inorganic materials into a direct source of energy. Units that incorporate components such as solar cells can also use these to augment their energy supply.

Like lower organic lifeforms such as canines on Earth, Tricksteels that over-charge or possess an excess of energy will often engage in playful activities to expend this surplus, which is often entertaining to watch.

BEHAVIOUR & PSYCHOLOGY

Tricksteels units, as their name suggests, possess mischievous and playful natures often engaging in pranks or playful interactions with other Tricksteels or with other species. Researchers believe their behaviour is driven by a combination of curiosity, creativity, and a desire for amusement and while they may appear simple minded the intelligence of individual units is often on par with some of the greatest supercomputers available, although classificaiton of them as sentient is debated.

The social dynamics of Tricksteels are variable, some prefer solitary existence and independences while others form small packs or "mischief collectives" to collaborate on larger pranks or engage in play.

Scientific Name

Artificialia, Mechanica, Machinacea, Mischievalia, Tricksteelidae, Tricksteelus, Ludens

Origin/Ancestry

Unknown

Lifespan

Several Centuries - possibly infinite

Average Height

0.1 to 0.6 metres at full height

Average Weight

5 - 30 kilograms