History

The story of the Anthroids begins much more recently than other species because they are much younger than other species; their early history overlaps considerably with the latter days of their creators. Divergence comes after the two encounter the Alliance – though the two species are still closely entwined, they did not have the opportunity to stand apart until they left their home systems.

• Before A -450: pre-collapse advancements in biomechanical technology allow humans to create LEGA-A autonomous robotic platforms, generally modelled after animals in form and gait. These early models are the evolutionary ancestors of modern Anthroids.
• A -400 onwards: the devastation of Earth’s biosphere forces humans into underground and polar refuges. They bring their autonomous robots with them, and rapidly find new use for machines that were previously pets and novelties. Variants built during this time include tiny flying Apiform drones to replace extinct pollinators, aquatic Pisciform trawling models to explore and clear the oceans, and four-legged Theriform exploration platforms to seek resources on land.
• A -389 onwards: creation of the LEGA-B Sophiform autonomous robot – an experimental model now recognised as the first true Anthroid. Designed to develop both physically and mentally as a human child would, the Sophiform’s growth is observed with growing interest and leads directly to successor models, including the first “class” or “generation” of LEGA-C Anthroids in A -374.
• A -340 onwards: the Earth had stabilised enough by this period that regular, widespread exploration of the surface became possible. The first volunteers included many of the 1st generation LEGA-C, who got to see much of the Earth firsthand for the first time in the history of their species. While Anthroids were not immune to the dangers, it was easier to culture replacement limbs and organs for them – especially as the early LEGA-C models were more crudely constructed than later generations.
• A -275 to A -200: Anthroids and Humans decipher a signal from the Alliance and follow its instructions to a rendez-vous in the Orion system, arriving in A -240. There is resistance to the idea of a synthetic species joining the Alliance – historical disputes with THRONE weigh heavily on the minds of many – but, on balance, the Convention on Non-Biological Personhood is amended to allow Anthroids as a member species with the same rights and privileges as their organic counterparts.
• Present: Anthroids have distinguished themselves from their creators as their own species, with their own priorities and imperatives – but they stand alongside their organic allies in presenting the best of the Alliance way to the wider galaxy. The differences between flesh and machinery still cause awkwardness on both sides, but no issue is insurmountable.