While the majority of individuals scanned into replicators are split between the Stored and the Replicants, a minority of the Stored had a different idea. The introverted nature of the computer simulations bothered them – why bother with the outside world at all when it can all be created inside as a simulation? As time went on they became increasingly concerned over the differences between themselves, their children and the rest of humanity. The small 'islands' of the Stored running at faster times also worried them. They began to think that the isolation from the real world and direct interaction with other people was part of the problem, if not the core of it.
Given all of this, and their own psychohistorical projections, they believed that the Association of Stored Humans was doomed as a civilization. So they got out early, making their own life boats.
To do this, they began designing robot bodies that could contain enough computing power to run themselves independently of the servers of the rest of the Stored. Each one got his, or her, own body. Most of these are as human looking as can be managed by the designers and builders, though some are beginning to branch out into non-human bodies for a variety of roles.
Since then, the Reincarnate (or more popularly, the Revenants) have quietly moved out and among other human civilizations making friends and learning.
As a splinter of the Stored, they define themselves frequently in reaction to the Stored, or very much like them. One difference is the way the Revenants seek to experience things directly, preferably as many things as possible. As a result, they seek the new and can be found as explorers, actors, artists, and any other profession where they can expect to have new experiences. It also leads them to change careers when they get bored or simply want new experiences.
Revenants are governed by a representative meritocracy, with citizens sitting for exams to advance in the government. All posts in the government are assigned by the exams – including the representatives of regional departments. The executive is chosen from the top 20 examinees by the citizens and representatives (with representatives having 10 times the voting power of a citizen). Its an odd system, but it seems to work for them.
Revenants split between creating eggs and sperm based on their scanned DNA and using artificial wombs, or by creating children and placing them in child bodies that are periodically upgraded to allow more capability. The children of the latter category are fully adult size due to computing requirements (7.5 liters), though they aren't adult by any stretch of the imagination. These child bodies are deliberately downgraded to keep them from destroying themselves.
The Revenants are thought of as creepy by many (after all, it is a 'ghost' inhabiting a machine), but basically human – though with some very hedonistic tendencies. The Stored think of them as weird nerds that go about things the hard way.
All societies from the core rules can be found among the Revenants. As can all of the additional ones save, Pantropists Beta.
Common Name: Revenants
Benefit: Revenants have no biological body and are immune to aging, poisons and disease. Use their Cognitech for determining their lifespan and to resist computer attacks. They also receive a free robot body of their to use.
Inspector Status: Equivalent to an FBI agent or customs inspector.
Core Values: Identity and Sensation
The Masqueraders see Identity as “who you really are underneath your mask.” For Revenants, it means, “You are a unique and individual being; there is only one of you, and you alone hold power over your self.” The interpretations and consequences of this provide a good amount of the Revenant worldview.
Sensation is that the universe is a vast, fascinating place and there to be experienced. This CV means that the Revenants will seek out new experiences and avoid boredom. It can be used to tolerate painful or unpleasant experiences. "To enjoy the flavor of life take big bites" sums up much of their beliefs on this.
Civilization | Bio | Cog | Meta | Nano | String |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Revenants | N/A | 5-9 | 2-8 | 3-9 | 1-7 |