DEVIATES: Very rarely, usually due to brain damage, a Giant will fall out of synch with the rest of the race. This effectively cuts them off from the Group Memory of the current phase, but does allow them access to the information from the phase they are stuck in. Deviates also sometimes manifest bizarre abilities of a psionic nature, stemming from their brain disfunction; telekinesis, molecular control, and teleportation have been documented by the Hecatonchires. Unfortunately, as they have no desire to research these things under most phases, they have no idea how to exploit or control such wildcard powers. Deviates are usually destroyed by the Hecatonchires, or are destroyed by their unpredictable rogue powers.
Hecatonchires
are insanely hard to kill. They are effectively immortal and do not eat, at
least not in any way remotely similar to organic life. They do not breathe. Some
would say they are more akin to machines than more normal lifeforms. However,
each generation of Hecatonchires is set at a fixed number: 5,000,000.
Most of the
following information, unless otherwise noted, pertains to the WAR phase…
Technologically, the Giants are interested in efficiency and economy. Within their Group Memory reside the plans for the most essential technologies of the Giants, but these technologies are by no means frivolously created and distributed. Much of the raw physical labor that would be automated in other races in performed by the UL. A few varied points on Hecatonchires technology follow:
The height of Hecatonchire technology in the pre-stellar WAR phase of this cycle is the creation of three artificial moon-ships with which to defend their planet and also send forth to conquer resource rich planets. These moons are modular in design and will be refitted for later phases to serve as merchant vessels and pan-galactic art academies.
The Hecatonchires do not use life-support beyond the most basic of energy shields to protect electronic components from radiation; in later phases, life support will be placed aboard the moon-ships to allow for interaction with other races.
The Hundred Handed are able to operate on various levels due to their fractal arms. Ornate micro-circuits can be hand-constructed with the same easy as sheet metal can be fused into ship-armor.
The Hundred Handed are quite willing to assimilate foreign technology if their technology does not seem to be doing the job. These assimilated designs must be digested into the Group Mind before the Hecatonchires will trust them. Most innovation within the culture occurs within the THINKER phase, but it is not limited to it. The Hecatonchires know they are working with limited manpower, and cannot afford to make mistakes, or ignore an obvious technological advantage. However, the fact that they will not take prisoners during WAR phases stifles the acquisition of new tech in wartime.
The main power source of the Hundred Handed is the fusion-crystal. Generally safe, these are tremendously powerful batteries of stored fusion-power. They come in various sizes, but the same principles that power a NA-warrior’s threshers also serve to power the Blossom of Acquisition troopships. These spheres are based on crystal technologies, as are many of the machines of the Hecatonthires.
In general, the idea behind Hecatonchires design is that if something can be done with a small tool it can probably be done more impressively with a larger version. Japanese micro-engineers would be out of work on Hecate, and there is no race for a smaller, lighter cell-phone.
Most communications are delivered by hand, with the exception of communication in space, which is accomplished with the aid of the IS caste of Seers.
Null-gravity technology exists, though is very scarce. When aerial transport is required, nullgrav is used, as it is much more cost effective than jet fuelled crafts (due to the immense weight of the Hundred Handed).
There is no consumer culture amongst the Giants. Things are made according to need, and are not disposed of once that initial need is over, unless the demand for materials requires it.