Assault Androids

Androids are machines fitted with an Artificial Intelligence Core in order to give them independent thoughts and personalities. Though frame design differs, Androids are typically human in appearance with features designed to help distinguish them as machines, the most prominent of which is the pair of data horns that extend from each side of their head.

An Assault Android is a Droid fitted with a special Assault frame, granting them armor, durability and in some cases built in weapons. All Androids in the game are fitted with a Light Assault frame, which offers them a balance of mobility and defense not found in other, heavier frames. While some had the frame installed for dedicated combat purposes (eg. Shiitake, Liquorice, Cactus), others wear it to afford themselves superior flexibility and protection while they work in the industrial areas of the Genki Star. Peanut is an oddity among the crew in that she wears one only as a replacement for her own frame (Satyr) asnd jsut has not found the time to go back to her original frame. (eg. Holly, Lemon)

Combat Mode
Combat Mode is a setting inside of the Assault Frame that allows Androids to be combat effective, boosting their reflexes and abilities while also draining their battery to the point that they constantly need to recharge it.

"Combat Mode increases perception, reflexes and strength but most importantly maintains a damage dispersing field. Without it, plasma bullets would punch holes through them and lasers would saw them in half."

Trivia

 * "Legally they're considered somewhere between animals and luxury goods - there's laws against causing an Android unnecessary pain and suffering, but destroying one is considered property damage. Typically every Android is owned - either outright (like Shiitake, Aubergine and Starch) or by the facility that built them, who grant them semi-autonomy in exchange for a portion of wages earned. Even when Androids end up owning deeds to themselves, they're still expected to have a sponsor."


 * "The forerunner to the modern Android design (the Angelica line) occurred when an Earth based Core production company collaborated with a renowned doll maker to create a humanoid frame of high build quality and aesthetic design. Not only were they commercially successful and instrumental to mainstream acceptance of Androids, they established many of the conventions. There are male (and fully androgynous) Androids, but they are uncommon, and public perception is Androids are female unless stated otherwise."


 * "Android Cores can be Terran, Martian or Jovian and each has associations and stereotypes, such as Lunar Cores being high grade / authentic or Phobos Cores being cheap and reliable. Europa's Cores (and by extension, Satyr Androids) seem mysterious because of Jupiter region's isolation, with rumours that their Core manufacturing process diverged or that Androids personalities are affected by deep space. People on Earth and Mars rarely meet them and coupled with the obvious physical differences, there can be trepidation when people (or other Androids) spot the horns."


 * "Androids generally don't need fluids unless they're having trouble digesting. (like a cat eating grass). Some have picked it as a habit though, including Androids that drink coffee and alcohol and experience the effects, but it's assumed they're mimicking humans since there's no biological explanation."