Editing Setting:Inn0cence: Lost Future (section)

===Network===
[[Image:Networklogo.png|frame]]
A mysterious collective of military-grade robots, Network's origins and motivations are unknown, though at least some of its goals are quite plain.  Network is a conqueror, an innovator, and a dominator, intent on subjugating or exterminating all who stand in its path.  Network also displays  scientific interests, constantly observing the environment and collecting pre-Loss data files.

'''Hardware'''

	Network is composed of advanced, intelligent machines dedicated to a singular goal.  Their shells are noticeably derived from pre-Loss military “Killbots,” but display extensive refinement and modification.  Distinct classes of Shell exist, but many appear to be customized, each unit subtly different from the other, with new, improved versions appearing constantly.  Network forces are always in an unfixed state of alteration, with cowled surgeon units repairing, re-fitting, and recycling individuals in the field.  

	The singular trait of Networked machines, and the source of their moniker, is wireless linkage.  Each unit is in constant, silent communication with its fellows, to a variable range.  This allows them to coordinate tactics, warn allies of danger, and share newly acquired data.  This link can be enhanced by  uplink towers, which allow for both a wider signal range and communication with the main body of Network forces regardless of distance.  Disruption of this link leaves units temporarily isolated as their systems reboot to local settings.  Networked cities and outposts can be easily identified by a proliferation of these towers, which seem intentionally designed to appear ominous.
[[Image:Killbot2.jpg|frame|a typical Killbot]]
The shells of such machines incorporate advanced technologies not seen in pre-loss civilian models, or even most military ones.  Ablative ceramic armor, nano-repair paste,  synthetic muscle fibers, and the like.  Network uses cold microfusion reactors to power its units, and runs its installations off of solar arrays.  Machines within such structures benefit from supplemental power beaming.  

	Above these individuals are unique commanders, singular machines invested with the authority of Network itself.  Some appear to be experimental prototypes, presumably deemed too expensive for mass-production despite their effectiveness.  These Generals serve to provide an immediate impetus for action that would otherwise be lost within the organizational hive of Network.

	Networked machines bear a diverse and lethal armory, the accumulated best of modern military technology, further improved by its malign creativity.  Conventional firearms and cannons see some use, but these are supplemented with flechette-firing coil guns,  lasers, and internal combustion weapons that launch huge-ass spikes.  Further conserving ammo are a bewildering variety of blades, claws, crushing fists, and articulated tentacles with blades on the end.  

'''Software'''
	The Free Machines are the only faction that Network has attempted communication with, if demands to “Comply with new directives and report for integration” count as communicating.  Humans do not even deserve the dignity of threats or pre-mortem smack talk.  Human settlements are systematically razed, the bodies piled in a central location and burned to prevent disease vectors spreading to local fauna.

	Network apparently lacks the capacity to manufacture new Self-adding programs.  Instead, the collective salvages mint-in-box SAPs from warehouses or retailers, and converts prisoners of war.  To date, no Networked robot has been freed of the collective's influence, and it is unclear if captured individuals are reprogrammed or reformatted.  The constant communication breaks down barriers between individuals; Networked machines have a limited sense of self, unsure where they end and an ally begins.  The destruction of an comrade causes pain to nearby robots, and Network will single out the murderer for mutilation after a battle if possible.

	When not engaged in genocide or domination, Networked machines will sometimes simply observe their surroundings, apparently lost in the natural beauty of a world without civilization.  In particular, network seems to have a fascination with lepidoptera, and will go so far as to cultivate such insects near its installations merely so the robots can watch the imago emerge from their cocoons.  Thus, Networked regions are associated with ominous flocks of butterflies.

	Despite its hatred of humans, Network also exhibits an unhealthy obsession with them.  Intermittently, killbots will  capture lone humans or entire settlements, carting them off to the north.  While captured machines eventually reappear, humans taken in this manner are never seen again.  A variety of specialized spy models have also been seen observing human behavior.  A possible explanation for this might be Network's recent implementation of human-replica infiltrators, though that still doesn't explain the tall robot that stands in the middle of a remote human settlement, commanding the confused and terrified inhabitants to “go about your normal human business.  IGNORE ME!”

'''Update Log'''
The following Generals have been identified, and seem to maintain distinct territories and goals.
*'''Warlord''' A cruel, hulking exterminator, Warlord relishes putting entire settlements personally to the sword.  Has a love of sticking heads on pikes.
*'''Envoy''' Tasked with gaining a fuller understanding of humanity, Envoy uses an upgraded Replica shell. It commands a force of spies and assassins with...variable levels of expertise.
*'''Virago''' Mute and elegantly deadly, Virago is an instrument of vengeance, deployed to rally embattled Network forces.  Its tall, shapely shell can project magnetic fields as both a shield and a weapon.
*'''Triptych''' A trio of Locust shells slaved to a single mind, Triptych favors hit-and-run tactics, and is a master of urban combat.
*'''Surgeon''' Hunched, multi-armed, and cloaked, with the bird-like face of a medieval doctor, Surgeon repairs and modifies other machines, altering them in the field as it sees fit.  Surgeon also combs the wastes for inactive robots, mercifully inducting them into the collective.

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