The necessity of venturing into areas ravaged by Collapses, laden with hazardous Stygium and unstable terrain, has driven the rapid advancement of robotics on Ziemia. Simple, rugged automatons, little more than mobile processing units on treads, are deployed for basic reconnaissance and the initial extraction of easily accessible materials. In contrast, highly sophisticated androids, with synthetic skin and intricate internal mechanisms, are capable of intricate tasks, from delicate scientific research within contaminated zones to operating complex machinery and even engaging in combat. Their artificial intellect mirrors this spectrum, ranging from rudimentary programming designed for specific functions to advanced neural networks capable of learning, problem-solving, and exhibiting convincingly human-like emotions and creativity.
Dolls
Androids possessing human-like intelligence are known as Dolls—named after the underlying technology, the Dynamic Omni-functional Learning Lattice. This remarkable level of technological achievement has inevitably ignited a fervent debate surrounding robot rights. Factions argue passionately about the moral status of Dolls, with some advocating for their recognition as sentient beings deserving of legal protections, while others maintain they are merely tools, albeit highly advanced ones, designed for human benefit. This ongoing societal tension shapes laws, ethical considerations, and even personal relationships within the Nomad Cities.
The versatility of Dolls makes them highly sought after by organizations who possess the necessary infrastructure and resources for their upkeep. These androids fulfill numerous roles, ranging from public-facing customer service positions within their city sectors to more specialized applications such as military deployment in their mobile Landship assets. Most entities owning them—primarily corporations—fall firmly on the "tool" side of the rights debate and treat their Dolls as expendable assets. This perspective is reinforced by the capability to back up a Doll's mental state before deployment, allowing the physical body to be replaced should it be damaged or destroyed.
Unfortunately, despite their versatility in other ways, androids are inherently incapable of utilizing Stygium Arts. This limitation stems from the widely understood connection between living beings and the enigmatic mineral. The ability to wield Stygium Arts, even with the aid of an Evoker, appears to require an organic consciousness and a natural affinity for the flow of Stygian energy, something that the intricate but ultimately artificial frameworks of androids lack.
Advancements in robotics have also allowed advanced prosthetics to be created. While the loss of limbs can be a significant hardship, these prosthetics offer a chance to regain mobility and independence. The availability of these prosthetics varies depending on socioeconomic status and the resources of individual Nomad Cities. While the wealthy can afford fully integrated, top-of-the-line replacements, more basic but still functional models are becoming increasingly accessible to those who have suffered injury due to Collapse, Stygium contamination, or other dangers of the world outside the Cities.