Generation 3 Synth
More genetically spliced clone than actual synthetic artificial intelligence, Generation 3 Synths (often abbreviated as Gen3 synths) are the result of splicing genetic samples from Shaun West with various other genetic samples from various Institute personnel.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Gen3 synths are functionally identical to Rad-Im Humans in every way, with the exception of an artificially lowered gamete count, and the inclusion of a synthetic component at the top of the medulla oblongata that can be toggled on or off to control various aspects of the synth's autonomic functions.
Synths cannot have this component removed, as their bodies are typically dependent on the component to regulate the autonomic functions. Their bodies were never allowed to learn to function without it, and removing it will kill them.
Only one Gen3 synth was able to have the component removed, and that was Shaun Wilson, a synth that was created as a child, and never had any of the regulatory functions turned on in the first place.
Genetics and Reproduction
A Gen 3 synth can reproduce in one of two ways. The first is the creation of another synth via use of the technology found in the Institute. Genetic samples are taken and spliced together, and the genetic information is read and used to assemble a new synth.
Sexual reproduction among Gen 3 synth is possible, but extremely difficult, and only in certain circumstances. Female synths, while created with a functioning uterus and ovaries, typically do not have any viable ova. A female synth could, in theory, be a surrogate for another couple, or could have an already fertilized egg implanted. On occasion, however, some female synths have viable ova, but the number is far smaller than a human. The body's menstrual cycle can also be stopped or slowed by the component in their brains. With some luck, a female synth with viable ova could be naturally impregnated by a human male, or with even more luck, by a male synth. Should a female synth become pregnant, the gestation period is the same as a human woman.
A male synth also has functioning testes, as the hormones produced are needed to maintain proper body function. However, the amount of sperm that is created is artificially lowered. A male synth, with a lot of luck, could fertilize the egg of a human woman, or with even more luck, one of the few viable eggs of a female synth. The children of these unions, however, would still be considered Rad-Im humans, as radiation immunity is the only quirk of synth genetics that seems to be consistently passed down.
The only known synth with a truly healthy and functional reproductive system is Shaun Wilson, who was created as a pre-pubescent child and went through puberty without the interference of a synth component.
Growth Rate & Stages
Most synths are created as adults, and have psychological necessities programmed into them before activation. The component in their brains can help slow the aging process through unknown means, but it cannot stop it completely. Eventually, a synth will age following the same stages as a human.
Ecology and Habitats
A Gen 3 synth can inhabit any place that a human can.
Dietary Needs and Habits
A Gen 3 synth's dietary needs are identical to a human's, albeit with the possibility of not needing to eat quite as often depending on the state of their synth component.
Biological Cycle
A Gen 3 synth's biological cycle (or lack therof) is identical to a human, albeit with the possibility of infertility and slowed aging.
Additional Information
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Synths are typically found around the former state of Massachusetts, now known as The Commonwealth Wasteland. Small pockets can be found on Mount Desert Island, in a refuge known as Acadia, or small groups in hiding in the Capital Wasteland.
Average Intelligence
Average intelligence is on par with most humans
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Most Gen3 synths' sensory capabilities are on par with humans.
Civilization and Culture
Naming Traditions
Synths are originally given a designation by the Institute that typically starts with a letter and number, then a dash, and two additional numbers. Once freed, many synths choose a new name for themselves, sometimes with the starting letter coinciding with the letter in their designation.
Major Organizations
Synths originally only belonged to the Institute, but after the Commonwealth Faction War, they integrated into surface communities, including the Commonwealth Minutemen.
Major Language Groups and Dialects
Wasteland English
Common Dress Code
In the Institute, synths had a specific uniform they were forced to wear that set them apart from the human population of the facility.
Once they enter the Wasteland, however, they begin to dress like the rest of the surface population.
History
Gen 3 synths are the result of genetic splicing and artifical implants regulating certain autonomic functions of their bodies. They were first created shortly after the kidnapping of Shuan West from Vault 111. Originally created just to see if it could be achieved, they were eventually relegated to a slave labor force in the Institute.
Gen 3 synths are naturally self-aware, but are taught very quickly to hide that fact and follow orders from the human population of The Institute. That being said, there are many synths that escaped with the help of humans on the surface, most notably in the form of The Railroad.
The entire population of Gen 3 synths were freed from slavery at the end of The Commonwealth Faction War. Most resettled nearby and lived out the rest of their lives as peacefully as they could.
Interspecies Relations and Assumptions
Synths are viewed as sub-human at best for the majority of their existence, with only small groups of people treating them as truly sapient beings. The Institute viewed them as slave labor until the end of the Commonwealth Faction War. The Brotherhood of Steel regards them as little more than a technological aberration that should be eliminated.
However, most humans in the Commonwealth after the Faction War view them as sapient beings, a long-dreamed-of status for most synths.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Lifespan
60 - 180 years, dependent on activation of synth component.
Conservation Status
Due to this species' unique circumstances, they will eventually die out and replaced by more Rad-Im humans.
Average Height
1.6-2.1 m
Average Weight
55-90 kg
Average Physique
Most synths are physically fit upon initial creation, but certain settings of their synth component can affect their metabolism to facilitate development of different body types.
Geographic Distribution
Related Ethnicities
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