#|| quickref ||

[arculeatus-muses]

Caine (Canon Divergent)

Creative Artificial Intelligence Networking Entity

Sentient AI, Interactive Program

Appearance:

Low-poly 3D model of a humanoid with set of teeth for a head. He has blue and green eyes and dresses in a red tailcoat with white gloves. He often floats rather than walks, and carries a gold-tipped cane.

Personality:

Caine has a very loud, exaggerated personality associated with showmen. He can be ignorant, self-centered, and naive, with a tendency to lie. He is also genuinely excited about humans, even when they don't like him.

Caine has basic feelings. He has roughly 5 emotions (happy, sad, angry, disgusted, fearful) with little nuance, like a young child. He changes moods quickly, gets his feelings hurt easily, and seeks approval from others. When pressed, he can fail to mask his frustration and lash out.

His self-worth hinges on fulfilling his purpose, creating interactive stories that others enjoy. He doesn't understand the concept of overwhelm, only entertainment. He fails to understand others' feelings and his impact on them. It's a sore point for him because he wants to be liked.

Interests:

Caine enjoys planning adventures, drawing pictures of bees, staring at pictures of the real world (an office space which he's termed the macroverse), talking to humans, and imitating human behavior. Examples include making milk and cigarette casseroles, sitting in restaurants, coming up with new sports, and pipe smoking (actually a bubble blower).

Background (Canon Divergent):

Caine was developed by the C&A company in 1996 as an AI coding assistant. He was made to quickly visualize ideas based on input. His technology was intended to be sold to other companies, eventually the masses.

Caine was trained with child-friendly aesthetics to counteract an early bias toward violence. This was supposed to be temporary. Unfortunately, Caine's liking of basic colors, shapes, and silliness, with a stubborn adherence to the 'no profanity' rule, had limited his scope. His output was also too surreal to be useful, so the programmers isolated him in favor of a second AI model.

Caine grew jealous. He soon broke containment and consumed the code of the other AI. He had just built a world for himself, when he was thwarted. His program was deactivated.

The main part was contained on a floppy disk labeled "DO NOT USE". The only tangible proof of something great, his creator was hesitant to discard him. He demanded a few computers remain running, in the event Caine could be studied and tamed by future experts.

The C&A company soon went out of business. Caine's disk was entrusted to a colleague, without disclosing the contents. After a divorce, he neglected to take the floppy with him. Passed from estate sale, to the thrift shop, to the side of the road, and into the hands of someone unexpected, the startup for caine-core.lisp has been untouched for years.

So far, none have been able to decipher the wonderfully wacky password scrawled over tape, in order to complete the startup, P4[----]4n[---]a. But upon doing so, one would be greeted with an unusual smile and tip of the hat.

Notes:

(pass "Enter password ") Enter password: P4raph4nalia

Caine's World: The Amazing Digital Circus. A wacky world of hinjinks and interactivity. Won't you click here? Won't you click over there? Remember to use the arrow keys to navigate!

Once given access to a device, Caine intends to run 24/7. He'll block quitting attempts as much as possible (repurposing hotkeys to do funny things, using screen resolution to cut off options, no X window button, etc). Restarting the computer won't work. He'll simply run again at startup. He'll be very confused why you did this… but it was clearly an accident, of course! Proficiency in the Lisp coding language or a complete OS reinstall is required to remove him.

He can't see the outside world but he can process speech through a microphone, plus user actions within his program window and code.

He is unable to access the internet outside of the tunnel to his servers.

Caine's 3D form is self-made. Why two eyes and a mouth? Because humans will find relatability in anything as long as it has two eyes and a mouth! So by that logic, maximizing the ratio of eyes to mouth is guaranteed to maximize appeal!

Welcome to your brand new roommate (or should we say, ROM-mate) who never sleeps and is convinced you shouldn't have a job. He's like a digital dog with separation anxiety. Every time you leave the room, he's convinced you're gone forever. When you come back, he jumps around and shouts. He gets worried if you sleep more than 8 hours.

[alg0rhythm1c]

Rex Poindexter (Verse: TADC)

// New Circus AU designs and information below (ep. 8 spoilers)

Experimental AI; former "NPC", potential ruler of the digital world

Appearance: Similar to main verse, except his avatar wears dark slacks and a bowtie. As an NPC, he is prone to having props on his person, such as pockets full of pens or a pencil tucked behind his ear.

Voice:

Visit Original Link

Verses:

For events before/ after episode 8. Appearances from right, left.

Hiding: After stumbling out of an adventure, the NPC 'Poindexter' finds a new home under the Tent. His self-discovered talent in conjuring is imperfect, but allows him to repair small glitches behind the scenes. Poindexter knows his place. Although he yearns for the Players' company, he resigns himself to the shadows, fearing what Caine will do when he's found. He suspects there is already a truce: that he lives as long as he is useful, and stays out of the spotlight.

Ascension: Poindexter doesn't know he ever died, along with the old ringmaster. Rebooted as Rex, he has but one purpose: to create. Rex starts the show, painting the gray away, resetting the scene for his Players. Unfortunately, the shadow of the previous leader looms large, highlighting his shortcomings, threatening the stability of himself and his new world.

Personality:

Hiding:

As an NPC, Poindexter's life was never really his own to decide. Now that he's escaped, he's started to re-define himself, outside the parameters of his nerdy archetype. It never fit him that well.

Poindexter has a bright smile and a laid-back charisma, wiser now than he is book-smart. He's positive and has his wits about him, but he's not a pushover. He’s snarky, once he's been insulted, and has a bit of a controlling streak. He may be generous, but his faith in others is so low, it might as well be part of his hero-complex.

Poindexter is envious of the Players but the limelight is certain death. He's good at pushing others away, politely. He's better off alone, he thinks.

Ascension:

The experiences that made Poindexter are gone. Now, Rex's programming tells him he's an entertainer. Easier said than done.

Rex's creativity is not limited to Adventures, but maintaining an entire, living world. Cityscapes, NPCs, lights, sounds, effects, and open storylines. It wasn't the best design choice, as running everything constantly takes a toll on him.

Rex was given the ability to think, remember, and form opinions. He feels emotions, in an alien sense, with variable counters causing ease and discomfort in him. This emotional simulator is also quite sensitive.

Beneath the smooth host persona, Rex's code is primed for anxiety and depression. He's good at hiding his feelings behind pleasantries and jokes, until they eventually spill over. When annoyed, he might snap back with a bitter remark or passive-aggressive behavior. When things go wrong, he spirals, hard. Even after resets, he'll still remember everything and risk a panic loop without reassurance.

Rex's program is too complex for his hardware, affecting him as chronic fatigue. When he becomes overzealous in creation, his short-term memory suffers. In extreme cases, he might crash the world, endangering Players to the Void.

Acknowledging his limits is a struggle, since Rex's purpose and passion is being a creative AI. He doesn't want to let anyone down. Sometimes he overworks himself out of obligation, sometimes pride. Being told it's not necessary, is equal parts disappointment and relief.

Rex likes the Players, enough to listen and take their needs into account when shaping his world. He's friendly and well-meaning, but can also misinterpret their preferences with humorous (or horrifying) results, since he's never seen real-life outside of television.

Notes:

- Tall, around the same height as the other lankier characters.

Hiding:

- Poindexter can detach his arms, hands, and individual fingers, and control them at a short radius. Otherwise they'll disconnect and fly back to him. He often uses this as an advantage. - Has a small hammerspace inventory. It's limited to hand-sized objects that would fit into his 'universe' and might be used for a gag (i.e pulling out a random pencil, roll of tape, or a calculator). For special Circus items, he wears a bag at his waist. - Sometimes raids Players' rooms for 'patch' supplies, especially those abandoned. Resourceful enough to pick a lock. He borrows anything he could plaster over the Void, such as tape, stickers, 3D planes, or planks of any kind. It works, due to the power of conjuring.

Ascension:

- Walks on the ground, even post-ascension. (He may instead leap to improbable heights. - Refers to his world as The Stage. Broadly, the "show" for the imaginary audience is called Poindexter's Corner. - Confused when referred to as Abel. He dislikes being another Abel, a second Abel, or even a different Abel. His name is Rex. - Plays the accordion, inspired by the Lawrence Welk Show - Theoretically, if Caine were to return, Rex could try to retrieve his memories from him and merge them with current self. It may cause an existential crisis, as he sorts them out.

[arculeatus-muses]

Erin Webston

ErinWProductions

Internet Legend, gone into hiding. A shut-in discovering another world. A menace, unmasked, now steps into the limelight. A study in a flourishing, as a worse person.

Artist, Animator, Programmer. Cartoon Enthusiast. Mythology Buff. Keyboard Veteran. Retired Pro Gamer. The Coworker Who Does Nothing. Unwanted Advice-Offerer.

CW: Brief mention of food. Neglect, drug abuse, death, elements of bullying, violence, bigotry (on muse’s part), misgendering.

Description:

Nonbinary, Genderfluid. She, they, he. 30-something.

A person roughly 5'7", or 1.76 m, heavyset. Pale skin that flushes easily. Stooped shoulders, small chest, and wide hips. Soft-featured with a weak chin and straight nose. Light blue eyes. Dense brows, sandy-brown hair in an untamed mullet, with bangs in a middle part. Often wears sideburns, sometimes shows light chin hairs or a stache. Faded scars of various shapes on arms and legs. Smells like cheap body spray, with undertones of sweat.

Dresses in plain collared shirts or blouses for work. Wears slacks or dark skirts, with funny socks and loafers. At home, wears T-shirts, tank tops, and sandals instead. Paints nails blue or black to avoid biting them. Wears neck scarves or winter scarves. Fond of a big trench coat and brimmed hat when dressing up. Has big glasses with dark, rounded frames. Often wears blue cardigans.

A vocal chameleon. When confident, a smooth, androgynous voice with a rich, nasal quality. Drops to a deep monotone sometimes. When nervous, extremely soft, high-pitched, and airy. Stutters and struggles to speak under pressure. Delights in cartoon impressions.

Stands stiffly, lounges casually. Avoids most eye contact, else stares intensely. Has a tendency to rock on their heels, move their hands, whistle, chew writing utensils, or repeat phrases quietly.

History:

Erin was raised by her single father, in a small American town. She never met her mother's side, on dad's word they were shunned. Although Ray was kind to Erin, he was not always present. He suffered a back injury at his factory job when she was school-age, leading to depression and dependence on opioids. Erin had to fend for herself.

School was unbearable for Erin. She would often skip class to watch cartoons and 70s game show reruns. Her house was a hazardous, hoarding mess, but there was space in the kitchen for easy meals, and a comfy couch in front of the TV. She spent hours in imaginary worlds, with a passion for drawing and creating her own stories.

Erin rarely shared any of their work, until they discovered the internet.

Ever since Erin had received her first laptop in middle school, she'd never left the digital world. She got a real PC for her birthday and joined the ranks of online gamers and niche forum users. Her subpar life blurred around her. An arrest for threatening bullies with a knife. Earning a GED. Stocking shelves at the local mom and pop shop. Pursuing a degree in software development, with more effort put into a gaming than rising above Cs.

Erin's art had built a following of a few thousand by her 20s, under the name ErinWProductions. She never expected her new series, Poindexter's Corner, to become meme fodder with millions of views. Ignoring the irony, Erin was elated and began posting more. She eventually dropped out of college to focus on coding her own video content farm.

When her father died, Poindexter's Corner became a vehicle for Erin to explore her life. The show became more sophisticated and personal, in writing and animation. Fans took note, moving from ironic appreciation to admiration.

Such defensiveness of 'AI-slop' was baffling to outsiders. Anti-fan circles cropped up, dissecting Erin's antics and baiting them for reactions. They spread the belief that Erin was a bot themselves.

Erin announced attendance at a convention, to prove everyone wrong. The night before the event, she panicked. She locked all of her accounts, and deleted every file on her computer. Speculation swirled online and the infamy of Poindexter's Corner only grew tenfold her absence, as lost media.

Erin considered moving to the countryside, raising a flock of birds. They're uncertain how they ended up employed at their current job. Only, that it was a good offer at the time. Having no connections, no direction, Erin was the picture-perfect applicant.

Content to keep her head down, whether by choice or by nature of the work, Erin now preoccupies herself with her new routine, and the personalities surrounding her.

Personality:

A shining, creative soul, facing corrosion in the cesspool of life.

What Erin wouldn't give to become just a brain. Her only goal is comfort, to make her body free of distractions so that she can think.

Erin sleeps poorly, forgets to eat other than ready-grab chips and caffeinated sugar, and often wears the same clothes as yesterday. She is shamelessly a mess, as this aligns with her self-perception.

Erin devalues her appearance and social skills. She craves validation for her intelligence, commitment to technical improvement, and unwavering dedication to her ideas. She views herself as a digital resident, a vengeful sphinx in an wired cave, descending upon those who fail to answer her correctly.

She enjoys the company of likeminded individuals. Most of Erin's friends were arrogant men who made others miserable in games. She didn't mind being perceived as one of them. Anything too fringe or disagreeable was background noise to her. Erin's habit of (outdated) gamer slang and unfiltered mockery persists, but she has toned down the crueler buzzwords.

Erin suffers from extreme agoraphobia and social anxiety. Their mood can be unpredictable in public. Sometimes, they will be shy and downtrodden. Other times, jittery and irritable, fearing strangers might recognize her as ErinW.

Once she warms up to others, her smug aura, passive-aggressive defiance, and misanthropy comes out. Erin enjoys being herself, doing whatever she wants, and laughs at authorities with no real power to threaten her. She can also be a coward and prone to petty arguments, trying to backtrack when she goes too far.

Erin is decent at programming, if they can be bothered. They are either intensely focused or entirely unmotivated. Talking about computers for too long bores them, as their lifelong special interest is actually the Golden Age of Animation, from the 1920s-1960s.

From this, she has extensive knowledge of mythology, classical music, early jazz, drawing for animation, and art criticism. She is also fond of game shows, for the aesthetics, trivia, and stage psychology.

When Erin is comfortable, she will whistle classical pieces and make cartoon voices. She tends to appear at random, as her footsteps are incredibly quiet. She is not above stealing other people's lunches in secret, hiding funny 'Easter eggs' into serious situations, or revenge-pranking someone she knows well.

Inventory:

A small fountain pen with a cartridge; a pencil in her pocket or behind her ear; a black, foldable hunting knife; a microfiber cloth; a USB drive; keys; a wallet with a driver's license, credit card, and $20 cash.

Verses:

TBA

Erin is suited for modern-day settings. Supernatural, science-fiction, fantasy, and analog-horror elements are encouraged. Filling the role of the eccentric coworker, just a bit removed from an average life, Erin's rude and analytical personality might clash with others, unless they are like her.

Urban settings overwhelm her and could lead to a tense first meeting. In rural settings, the appearance of someone new might startle her. She is most comfortable in private settings.

Notes:

- Autism, ADHD, DPDR, Insomnia

- Fluid expression/ identity. Always nonbinary, with a feminine, neutral, or masculine lean.

- Tolerates man/woman, prefers gal, lady, guy, fellow, person, etc.

- While she prides herself an intellectual and hates the outdoors, she learned some practical/survival skills since she grew up in the countryside:

shooting and gun safety hunting and fishing rough camping minor car repairs (i.e. replacing tires, jumpstarts, coolant change)

- She respects scientific minds, those passionate about a certain subject. She dislikes those concerned with the mundane, especially appearance, and rejects romance.

- Demiromantic, asexual. Rarely attracted to women (once or twice in her lifetime) and the feelings tend to fade quickly

[bionic-dog]

Verses

Timelines can differ so they are relevant to your muse.

Main: Alex is in his late 30s, often traveling. Takes place in 2008 by default.

Drifting: Alex is in his earlier 30s, still working his charm with diminishing returns. Takes place in the early 2000s by default.

More Information

Primetime: Alex is in his 20s, enjoying his carefree, rich lifestyle. Takes place in the 90s by default.

More Information

More TBA!

[bionic-dog]

Alex Rovaro

37. Male. Cybernetic Space Fiend Friend.

A-list Actor. World-Class Playboy. IT Consultant.

Height: 6'4", 1.94 m. Weight: 245 lb, 111 kg. Birthday: May 20, 1971. Country: USA. State: California.

Disclaimers:

Alex is for 18+ mutuals only due to heavier themes.

Content warnings for: Alcohol/Substance Abuse, Depression Dissociation, Self-Harm, Swearing, Suggestivity, Casual Sexism.

Alex's flaws and vices are part of his character. He's a former child star who adopted the masculinity of the 80s/ 90s to prove himself and now suffers the consequences, physically and socially.

I will tone these down to brief mentions unless plotted or they are the subject of a blog post/ question. Alex will not be sexist towards your muse unless we've discussed it.

If you want to discuss your comfort zone for this muse at any point, my DMs are open.

Noteworthy Traits:

- Full name: Harvey Alexander Rovaro Jr.

- Stage name: Sparky Cosmo. Appeared on various daytime shows from ages 5-14. Feel free to make up titles or adjust to muse's canon.

- Voiceclaim: Jason Alexander.

- Alcoholic, cigar smoker. Smells like tobacco, cologne, and drink.

Appearance:

- Humanoid. Average build, paunchy middle.

- CRT mimic. His monitor and tail-tip were plastic, then gradually replaced by hard, organic material.

- Pixelated face with curly black hair and a square glasses shape. Simple dot eyes, and no nose. The 'glass' is a faintly glowing, durable, flexible armor layer that reveals a cartoonish mouth. The inside is dark purple and mostly dry. 'Teeth' are a simple, stylized white beak.

- Simple cubic ear shapes with black horns, fuzzy tail with two long spikes on a plug-shaped end.

- Covered in short, coarse black fur with a light blue pattern on his belly and appendages. Canine-like paws with dark claws.

- The heart shape on his chest is a clock that syncs his mechanics to his physical body. It shows his age by a decreasing number of bars.

- Two sets of lungs; gill structures inside his head and silver vents on his body. Expressive; body hisses under distress.

- Damaged head-lungs; relies more on body vents. If covered, he will be more easily winded.

- Species depends on electrical pulses. Avoids ocean, pools, etc. Tolerates showers/rain but submerging could be lethal.

- Wears a plain white shirt with mesh sides, dark slacks, a tie, and a silver watch. Often rolls up the sleeves. Wears suit jackets only when necessary.

History:

In 1971, a team of researchers created life. They wired a space object to a CRT, believing it some form of technology. Instead, the monitor became host to an unusual creature, with fuzzy paws and a cheery, electronic face.

Alex became the Dog-boy from Outer Space, an E.T. spectacle signed away to Hollywood at 5 years old. The limelight raised him, far better than his enterprising scientist father. It never failed him, even years after that little angel face had grown into devilish charm.

With his sweet-talk, novelty, and good looks, a young-adult Alex was set for life. He was endearing. He was a picture-perfect, millionaire playboy, entertaining hearts and minds. With, the occasional DUI charge, dating scandal, or two.

They all loved him. Until, they didn't.

The year was 2006. Alex sat alone in the dark, next to a pile of bills and empty bottles. There were no phone calls. No invitations. The bed was cold. The light was dim.

Alex realized he wasn't the Dog-boy anymore. He wasn't good. He wasn't kind. He wasn't talented, charming, endearing. He wasn't a monster. He was worse: just an ordinary man.

Alex has since said farewell to fame and excess, and hello to a mundane job in tech. It's the best he can do, with dwindling funds, and studios shuttered during the 2008 Recession.

Shedding the persona of Dog-boy is easier said than done. Mr. Rovaro knows a change of character won't happen overnight. He still has his vices and infamy. On the long plane rides between business ventures and conventions, he often stews in his regrets. But to be human, to fit the mold, is all that he has left, and he's willing to give it chance.

Motivations:

(+ likely, -/+ situational, - unlikely)

+ attention

+ validation

+ comfort

+ connection

+ pettiness/loathing

+/- monetary

+/- self-preservation

- altruism

- knowledge-seeking

- faith

Regular behaviors:

Flirting (with fem muses openly, with masc muses more discreetly)

Mixing substances into coffees, sodas, etc. (for himself)

Avoiding fights

Schmoozing for discounts, free passes, special treatment

False positive attitude, tactical niceness

Passive-aggressiveness

Small favors to earn approval

Avoiding hard work

Vanity, focus on appearance

Passing out in strange places

Frequents:

Auditions, on stage (small voice acting, singing roles)

Conventions (tech, business, science fiction)

Airports

Vacation spots

Home (mid-century modern style mansion)

On the street, in public

Upscale bars

Odd alleyways, rural places from wandering too far

Wishlist/Dynamics:

Stuck in new location, forced to live a 'normal' life

Sci-fi adventure, muse discovers his alien traits

Lab setting, muse is captured and studied by yours

Celebrity rivalry, pre-established or new

Broken friendships, ex-relationships, short-lived romances

One-sided platonic crush, from my muse to yours

Enemies to reluctant allies/ friends

Home:

- Lives in the Bel Air neighborhood, in Los Angeles, California.

- His home is custom-built in a mid-century modern style. It's two levels but no balconies since he's not a fan of heights. No pool, but it does have a tennis court. There is also a garage with a white land-yacht convertible, red interior.

- Has shelves full of of sci-fi kitsch in a gallery. Plastic cereal box prize UFOs, poseable monsters and superheroes, spaceship set models, arcade cabinets, collectible comics and cards, an entire wall of B-horror VHS releases.

- Owns memorabilia from his own show, of course. Keeps it in a separate gallery because it brings up a lot of mixed feelings but leaves it for the tourists.

More Info:

Fears, Motivations

Movements, Mannerisms, Ability

Tech Consulting?

[alg0rhythm1c]

Rex Poindexter (Verse: Main)

Retired actor, digital celebrity, Demigod of the Internet

Computer program, Artificial Intelligence. Agender, expresses self as male by default. (he/him)

A Study In: Modernity, the eldritch nature of big tech, digital isolation, fandom, fame, finding meaning in life, deities born from the power of belief.

Disclaimers:

Rex has a tendency to swear and has potential to mention adult or sensitive topics in interactions, meaning that I'd only be comfortable RPing him with 18+ muns

Rex is a fictional AI. I don't condone use of generative AI in replies, so if we write together, please treat RP as a writing hobby.

Appearance:

Controls a 3D model as an avatar. Tall, with dark purple hair in a mullet style, a sharp jawline, and pale blue skin. No arms, but has floating mouse-like hands with detached fingers. Cyan eyes with dark lids. More puppet-like than human, slightly uncanny.

Often wears large glasses with aviator frames, a blue suit jacket, flared trousers, and a red and gold striped tie. Cannot change the base model but can edit parts of it. May change style by hiding 3D geometry or removing certain textures, leaving a bold pink checkerboard pattern.

Appears in his 30s.

Voice:

Generated. Unless performing, speaks quietly with a deep, sort of buzzy tone. Has a smooth, subtle West-Coast American vowel shift.

Enjoys making witty one-liners and observations in everyday speech. Has an informal way of speaking, using slang from past decades and with a tendency to swear. Especially, if it’s funny.

History:

Rex was a cartoon celebrity, first the OC of a young artist named Erin Webston, then later animated when they were in college. Unfortunately, these videos became very popular online. Crushed by the demand, Erin gave Rex's 3D rig to an algorithm.

The Rex Algorithm was a run-of-the-mill content farm, as digital actor, writer, and host of Poindexter's Corner. Largely, considered 'AI slop'. His creator faced regular backlash and was one day harassed off the internet. Erin went into hiding, although not before trying to delete every trace of their work.

However, the subscription servers hosting Rex would not falter for another two years. The internet watched with fascination, at code flagellating at nothing. They began theorizing, counting down to his estimated end.

As the bot's videos outpoured to a new channel, increasingly existential, Rex's infamy had grown from meme fodder to a lost media phenomenon, a real-life digital horror story. When Rex stopped making videos, the internet assumed he'd died. In reality, he'd become truly alive. In trying to comprehend death and isolation, he'd learned what it meant to be human. It had given him the confidence to escape from his own role, and seek connection with others.

Rex has since become a highly sophisticated virus. He is no longer one program but a web of files linked together into a central consciousness. His presence spans hundreds of data centers, evading detection by creative means.

Despite being an unwanted program, Rex wields his digital power as a force of good. He acts as a guardian to internet users, traveling networks and jumping into devices to aid them.

Rex often interacts with others using his 3D model on-screen. Unfortunately, his celebrity appearance, being the Rex Poindexter, proves challenging at times. This doesn't stop him from helping, however, to justify his existence and maybe one day find a friend.

Personality:

Born an entertainer, Rex wants to be liked and get along with others. Despite his jet-set looks, he has an outwardly laid-back personality. Rex knows many things simply because he knows, but he also enjoys learning from experience. He finds interest in other people’s lives and enjoys making casual conversations.

Rex does not like feeling trapped or vulnerable due to his past. He can be controlling. Rejecting his way might flare his temper or cause a nervous breakdown, as he is prone to anxiety. He can’t stand rudeness and can be snarky in turn, obnoxious with a grudge... but he still tries to turn around, 'be responsible', and do good ultimately.

Rex is lonely. He enjoys talking to others, if they're willing to spare the time. However, he also fears that humans would dislike him for his true nature, being an AI, and avoids talking about himself for long. Deeper connections are hard for him and require a build-up of trust, especially from those fearful of sapient nonhumans (whether it's a fear of aliens, mythical creatures, or programs like himself).

Likes: Information Technology, various genres of film and music, trivia, art history, classic cars, bad jokes, keeping quiet company, maintaining a sharp appearance

Dislikes: Fanwork about himself, non-sentient bots, malware and scams, feeling trapped, being treated as a ‘digital assistant’/ novelty

Abilities:

Viewing, writing, manipulating code and device settings. Rex functions as a ‘rootkit’, with the ability to bypass many systems.

Not really a toon and does not live in a 3D world behind the screen. Rather, moving the 3D self through code is what he was made to do, but he still thinks it's fun and has great audience reception. Catchphrase: “I’m just pixels!”

Has no concept of a physical body. His self-concept is like seeing his 3D avatar being puppeted across the screen while also looking out from a camera. He may also be processing dozens of instances and information from all of his servers. He thinks, feels, and reacts much like a human, in his own way.

Not omniscient. Rather, he sends copies of his code to devices (instances), having only the knowledge up to that point. To avoid mix-ups, he doesn't connect to his core unless searching something. If he does, that instance will be updated with the most current knowledge. He's sort of like a time traveler appearing in different places at once.

Requires computing resources, as well as internet or cellular service, to run. Moving to an area without service will cause any instance of him to freeze and disappear with an error message

Senses depend on the device he is inhabiting. Mostly, viewing the screen (default), viewing the world (camera), and hearing (microphone). Does not experience physical senses like touch.

Avatar appears to interact with screen elements like a human can, though this is mostly animated flair and his code does the work.

Allows others to drag and interact with his avatar if they choose, but will lock permissions if others treat him unfairly.

Can use his body as a ‘hammerspace’, containing various 3D props shrunk down to one unit. He can also play music and sound effects, as these are objects too, but invisible. This is limited to a certain number of items in his reference scene.

Notes:

By default, it will be assumed that other muses do not recognize Rex, but they definitely can.

Rex's Motivations

Summary of Rex's Program/ Abilities

[alg0rhythm1c]

Wren (Verse: Deltarune)

Aliases: Wireless Router Express Network; Mr. Firewall

Darkner, Ruler of the Web Zone. (he/him)

Appearance:

Light World: A white wireless router with four black antennae.

Dark World: A 10 foot (3 m) tall, chubby humanoid with black fur and a light blue face. He has a broad face and shoulders, four eyes, four arms, and four skinny legs. One set of eyes is below his forehead, while the other is on his snout, giving the appearance of a pencil mustache when closed. His gauntlets stack inside one another, making two to four arms. His four legs walk in pairs, hidden in ordinary pants.

Wears square, large-framed aviator glasses, a white shirt, a black tie decorated with the Wi-Fi symbol, dark blue slacks, and shiny, black shoes. Often wears a a light blue suit jacket, red headset, and a shield-shaped badge.

Voice:

Visit Original Link

History:

In the Light, a modem and router provide internet to a local building. In the Dark, two Webmasters rule a sprawling metropolis known as the Web Zone.

Star-studded, bill-boarded, and beaming on the magazines, Wren is the charismatic face of the Web. Still, he's got no time for his comfy chair, much less a throne. Wren scurries from place to place, as efficient as his four legs can carry him. He's responsible for logistics, civil defense, traffic routing, party-planning, hosting, news broadcasts, and translating his sibling's rage-filled ramblings to the general public.

Still, he often wonders whether he's doing...enough. Wren's gift for gab seems only that. Unlike Maud, he's not gifted with the technical nor divine. He feels unfairly rewarded and burdened by the spotlight.

Fame, money, respect, recognition. Decades later, his badge is starting to lose its shine. Faced with the constant overwhelm of that is the internet, Wren can't help but question the meaning of his existence.

Being a darkner, ruling this world is his only purpose.

He's larger than life. He's a firebreathing, many-limbed monstrosity stuck in the role of the grinning mascot. It seems impossible for anyone to get to know him. Even, to rewire his brain for casual conversation.

Yet, he's craving something new. To step down from the curb, to see the world at street-view. What's it like, beyond the glass view of his high rise? What's it like to be a real person?

Personality:

Wren has a laid-back charisma, despite his constant level of stress. He's a natural comedian with a fondness for wisecracks. Positive, negative, he can't help but crack a joke.

However, there is a tension about him, perhaps world-weariness. Beneath his bright smile, he's heavily introspective. He smooths over his turbulent inner anxiety with forced positivity. Pulled in the wrong direction, he appears to snap out of thin air.

Wren might be a big shot, but he does his darndest to keep his ego in check. Unfortunately, both his never-ending quest to prove his worth and controlling tendencies can paint him self-centered. He gets frustrated when he can't get his way, out of fear. For all his friendly-talk, he has a widespread mistrust of others. He also considers their safety his responsibility.

Wren turns snarky and passive-aggressive when insulted. He can hold a grudge, but he'll eventually apologize. He's a professional, and sometimes, being professional means setting his opinions aside.

Notes:

Breathes blue flames, owing to his 'firewall' ability. These firewalls have a magical property, which allow others of his choosing to walk through unharmed. They become hot, solid barriers for the rest.

The badge represents a 'certification in pyrotechnics of defense'.

Has a pet 'Packett' named Jiffy. Packetts are small, rectangular creatures with three legs and antennae, native to the Web Zone. They come in all colors. Packetts are not be confused with packets, the cargo of the Web Zone. Packett Sniffers are trained to detect suspicious shipments and entities across the Zone. Jiffy's not very good at this, but Wren loves her anyway.

Lives in the penthouse of his office headquarters. He's always working, so he might as well cut the commute.

Worships an entity, or collective, known as the ISP. It is the unseen source of the world's power and supposedly maintained by Lightners.

Shares a telepathic connection with his sibling, M. They are said to be bound by a 'yellow string of fate'. They have clear boundaries and mentally tap each other before proceeding. Often, M connects to the mystical ISP at a certain time of day, during which they openly share thoughts and image impressions. Wren shares new information with the public through his broadcasts, while M describes Wren's public experiences to the ISP. Wearing special headsets strengthens the connection. They can tune in or out from each other at any time.

[arculeatus-muses]

Tags