@ObiwanRyan
Zith
Zithites may be confused as simply being intelligent machines, yet their exact nature requires a better description. Zithites in their truest form are code, mass data which it itself has become sapient over time. The machines or 'shells' which Zithites inhabit is no different to clothing for ourselves, but a vessel for which they may use to interact with the real.
Zithans and Zithites have a matriarchal-egalitarian society where equality between selves are held, yet the highest leadership is held by an all-female subspecies thus labeling it as a matriarchy. There is also naturally a greater respect to the fairer sex, even if both genders are responsible and capable for the continued management of a hive.
Regarding employment and jobs of any kind, Zithans are naturally inclined towards 'work', both meaning its contemporary description and any action which benefits the hive as a whole in some way or form, the effect of which is similar to how humans neurochemically react to sugar. Work is crucial for a Zithan's wellbeing, for within a balanced consideration of it one feels energized and mentally stable, yet the lack of work can slowly bring about conditions similar to sleep deprivation.
'Zithites' meaning "Made from Zith" (Not unlike 'Zithans' meaning "Born from Zith") is but a mere umbrella term for all sapient machines that old their origins to the planet Zith. Zithites can look and function like Zithans, Zithites can take the form of normally industrial and utilitarian machines, Zithites can be filled with a variety of physical integrations. A physical form or 'Shell' is nothing more but clothing and current occupation to a Zithite.
It's said that Zithan souls or 'umbras' are gaseous, and quickly dissipate once the vessel is broken, but Zithite umbras are liquid and can be poured to take the shape of new shells. This is the religious perspective which explains the Zithite ability to transfer their code and consciousness into different machines, along with their memories and experiences separately.
No matter how free Zithites are to switch between shells, aspects of their self are still limited to hardware. Emotions, comprehension, sensations, these things and more are physical chips and attachments within a shell that the Zithite can access, and any damage or changes to them will affect the Zithite's perception of reality.
There is a threshold that every Zithite bares within themselves, a line based on their own mental fortitude and strength of will. If a Zithite were to cross this line, either through continual unbearable stress and extreme emotional/logical overloading, they will undergo Data Corruption as their minds are lost to madness and their actions made without sanity.