AI Linking

Skilled analytical technologists are able to summon avatars of Analytical Intelligences to converse with them. They're also able to form links between an AI and a willing target.

An example AI Link card

Summoning

To summon an AI you must inform the refs beforehand, and the AI will inhabit a house automaton. AIs can be summoned by name, or by specifying what you want. Though note that the more vague the specification, the more likely an AI you don't want will show up.

Each summoner can only reliably summon one AI per session. AIs can usually only be summoned at interactives; don't expect to be able to summon one on linears unless you've been informed an opportunity will be available.

It's known that even AIs a summoner is on bad terms with are unlikely to be openly hostile when summoned, at least initially. Whether this is a restriction based on programming or civility is unknown.

Linking

Links can be made between an AI present in some form and a willing character. AI links can give extra abilities or improve existing abilities, but always incur a major ongoing roleplaying effect, and may also have mechanical drawbacks depending on the benefit. An AI will usually expect you to build a relationship with them before they're willing to offer a Link. Part of an agreement for a Link might be undertaking a task on their behalf or accepting a stronger than usual roleplaying effect as part of the link.

AI Links are not easily broken once made. The Link can be broken by mutual agreement, but if one side doesn't want to let go then it can only be severed with considerable effort.

For example, Alice has been dealing with a sub-agent AI of ATHENA called THESEUS, who has the aim of containing Mutants. They want to formalise that arrangement with a Link. THESEUS offers the following:

• Gain melee TECH BASH 3/encounter against characters you’ve identified as a mutant.
• You will not compromise with mutants and you feel a strong urge to deal with them with violence.