Shadowheart

Automatons are physical bodies made of metal. Almost all of them were built to look like dragons. Automatons posses basic intelligence that allows them to follow preprogrammed commands, but lack true sapience. They were once used as manual labor for the city, but now most are used as bodies for AIs.

Automatons have multiple different models, also known as series. Each model usually has unique features that set them apart from other models. The monoceros series, for example, can support plant life within or on their bodies. Newer series tend to be more lifelike. These models are usually supported by specific elements, referred to as fueling elements.

AIs are complex programs whose coding is based on dragon minds. Once simple, they gained sapience after the first AI advanced their intelligence and programming. Now, AIs are almost indistinguishable from dragons when it comes to their thought patterns.

AIs are created without bodies, and most chose an automaton to inhabit. A few chose to stay incorporeal, existing within the main computer system of the city. Having a body comes with a risk however, as AIs are not allowed to create copies or backups of themselves.

The AI population is kept equal to the dragon population to help ensure neither group feels overwhelmed. AIs are not deleted when dragons die: the creation of new AIs is simply made illegal.

Androids are the name for when an AI takes control of an automaton body. Androids live almost identically to dragons.

The eyes of an android are not always the same as their magic. Instead, androids use the magic that fuels their body, as well as having a natural affinity for basic lightning magic.

Designation: Monoceros
Fueling Elements: Nature
Notable Features: Capable of growing plant life within and on the body.
Production: On AI request
Known Androids: Gladiolus,Rosette
Role before AIs: Monitored the growth of crops and managed plants without dragon assistance. They were inefficient, and were scrapped before being remodeled for AI use.

Designation: Cygnus
Fueling Elements: Any
Notable Features: Very easy to modify. Almost completely indistinguishable from a real dragon without physical contact.
Production: On AI request
Known Androids: Irady
Role before AIs: Were the most common automaton type. Adaptability made them good for generic labor.

Designation: Canis
Fueling Elements: Light, Lightning
Notable Features: Posses circuitry that gives off light. Can be turned on and off.
Production: On AI request
Known Androids: Apollo,Leviathan,Radon
Role before AIs: Used as lamps for miners, night guards, and tourists. Rather expensive, but their basic ability to follow commands was often valuable.

Designation: Equuleus
Fueling elements: Any
Notable Features: About the size of hatchlings, extremely flexible and dexterous. Often used by undeveloped AI and are usually replaced as the AI matures mentally.
Production: On AI request
Known Androids: Wuyi, Sail, Laila
Role Before AIs: Worked in areas too small for dragons, or for tasks requiring extra dexterity. Were extremely important to maintenance

Designation: Carina
Fueling Element: Fire
Notable Features: Extreme resistance to heat, heavily modified individuals can make contact with lava for limited periods of times
Production: On AI request, for scientific use in fire territory.
Known Androids: Latticino
Role before AIs: Were sent into areas of fire territory too dangerous for non-fire dragons, often used for research. Some models were used for combat against fire magic.

Designation: Ophiuchus
Fueling Element: Lightning, Arcane
Notable Features: Can control drones from the hivemind, access hivemind wavelengths, and have extra safeguards against mental attacks.
Production: On government order
Known Androids: Clyde
Role before AIs: N/A

Designation: Venatici
Fueling Element: Any
Notable Features: The only automatons to posses weapons beyond the natural power of dragons. Highly dangerous.
Production: Discontinued
Known Androids: None
Role before AIs: Soldiers and guards.