Probesmiths
The Probesmiths are a paleocivilization which derives its name from numerous derelict interstellar probes discovered in the Starweb since the Second Interstellar Period and attributed to them.
At first, these probes were thought to be one-off constructs of multiple distinct civilizations, but as more findings were made, it was realized their common design elements and age (approx. 112 million years before present) made them the work of a single, and quite industrious, civilization.
Probesmith probes were highly advanced, employing a combination of fusion torch engines and solar windriding to traverse the interstellar void. Some, if not all, were capable of self-replication, making them true Von Neumann probes, a technology with which their builders could have explored the galaxy—albeit slowly. Probesmith craft likely never exceeded more than one-tenth to one-third lightspeed. The fact that the Probesmiths were apparently content for their vehicles to travel at this speed is often used in support of Change Theory, but others point out it is not actually known for sure whether the probes traversed space on their own or were sent through wormholes opened to their destinations. Evidence of impact scarring and radiation wear on several probes supports the idea that at least some of them made starflights on their own.
Beyond this, the probes are scientifically curious because of the high level of replication technology they embodied, perhaps even beyond the modern Starweb in some respects, and for sparse but definite evidence they may have been powered by a "zero-point" or "vacuum-energy" device of low but unlimited output which kept them functional during centuries of low-relativistic cruise. The Exploration Service, Existential Risks Directorate, and several corporations on the libertarian planet Franklin have substantial bounties for the first intact example of this technology.
Since the probes were self-replicating, all of them could have gotten their start from a single unit launched for a relatively modest investment, explaining the design similarities and why the Probesmiths accepted their sublight technology: maybe they never did, and the probes were a sideshow for a later wormhole-based civilization, ignored and left to replicate on their own. If so, it is ironic they went on to become their creators' most enduring legacy, at least in this corner of the galaxy.
Facts about the builders themselves remains obscure—no Probesmith worlds have ever been found and their constructs bear no hints, such as plaques or time capsules, which would assist in identification.
Known for centuries, the Probes hold little interest outside of xenological circles, collectors, and treasure hunters. Most units found are fragmentary, only a handful of relatively-intact ones have surfaced.
At first, these probes were thought to be one-off constructs of multiple distinct civilizations, but as more findings were made, it was realized their common design elements and age (approx. 112 million years before present) made them the work of a single, and quite industrious, civilization.
Probesmith probes were highly advanced, employing a combination of fusion torch engines and solar windriding to traverse the interstellar void. Some, if not all, were capable of self-replication, making them true Von Neumann probes, a technology with which their builders could have explored the galaxy—albeit slowly. Probesmith craft likely never exceeded more than one-tenth to one-third lightspeed. The fact that the Probesmiths were apparently content for their vehicles to travel at this speed is often used in support of Change Theory, but others point out it is not actually known for sure whether the probes traversed space on their own or were sent through wormholes opened to their destinations. Evidence of impact scarring and radiation wear on several probes supports the idea that at least some of them made starflights on their own.
Beyond this, the probes are scientifically curious because of the high level of replication technology they embodied, perhaps even beyond the modern Starweb in some respects, and for sparse but definite evidence they may have been powered by a "zero-point" or "vacuum-energy" device of low but unlimited output which kept them functional during centuries of low-relativistic cruise. The Exploration Service, Existential Risks Directorate, and several corporations on the libertarian planet Franklin have substantial bounties for the first intact example of this technology.
Since the probes were self-replicating, all of them could have gotten their start from a single unit launched for a relatively modest investment, explaining the design similarities and why the Probesmiths accepted their sublight technology: maybe they never did, and the probes were a sideshow for a later wormhole-based civilization, ignored and left to replicate on their own. If so, it is ironic they went on to become their creators' most enduring legacy, at least in this corner of the galaxy.
Facts about the builders themselves remains obscure—no Probesmith worlds have ever been found and their constructs bear no hints, such as plaques or time capsules, which would assist in identification.
Known for centuries, the Probes hold little interest outside of xenological circles, collectors, and treasure hunters. Most units found are fragmentary, only a handful of relatively-intact ones have surfaced.
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