Strut Spine

Reinforced Mechanical spine column that replaces the load-bearing and nerve-channel functions of the natural spine.

Rules Reference

Field	Value
Capacity Cost	2
Category	cyber-prosthetics
Origin	Garrison and Rim orthopaedic suppliers, built for heavy-weapon crews and cargo handlers who ruin their backs young.
Rek Cost	6000 (load-bearer and gunner catalogue; fitted at garrison and Rim clinics)

Notes

Benefit: Reinforced mechanical spine column that replaces the load-bearing and nerve-channel functions of the natural spine. Treat your Strength as 2 higher for determining carry capacity and encumbrance only, gain +1 to initiative, and ignore the first point of recoil penalty you would take each round from firing heavy weapons. Minor to moderate benefit level.

Install Risk: Medicine DC 15 to implant the strut column and bridge the spinal cord. Recipient makes a Fortitude save DC 12 or gains Botched Implant: nerve pinch, intermittent numbness in the legs and -1 to Reflex until a Medicine DC 13 adjustment.

Signature: Legit. Kadiss-registered as load-bearer and heavy-weapon-support hardware, common among garrison gunners and cargo handlers. Draws no scrutiny.

Strain: The strut is rigid. The carrier loses about a finger's width of natural flex and twist, imposing -1 to Acrobatics and to contortion or grapple escapes. The column creaks audibly under heavy load.