EXOSKELETON

You have a complete set of external titanium bones mimicking your skeletal structure. This system of bones is bolted to your spin and limb bones and powered by a system of servos, actuators, pneumatics, levers, and hydraulics.  This cybernetic augmentation allows you to move with greater strength and endurance.  This technology was originally designed for persons with spinal injuries but was quickly adapted for other military and civilian purposes.

There are three service models MK1, MK2, and MK3.  The MK1 provides you with a Strength score of 18.  The MK2 provides you with a Strength score of 22. The MK3 provides you with a Strength score of 26.  All service models provide a +2 armor bonus to EAC and KAC.

There are a few drawbacks to this augmentation. Your Strength score for all models is considered static and cannot be modified by any other means.  However, this also means you can’t be Strength drained. Your exoskeleton can be rather unwieldly and permanently reduces your Dexterity score by 2.  This is one of the few cybernetic augmentations that increases your weight.  You are twice as heavy as an average person of your race.  You suffer a -10 penalty on Athletics checks to swim. 

Cybernetic exoskeletons are extremely draining on the biological host.  All service models require an uninterrupted 8-hour shutdown period to recharge.  Each day you go without shutting down you lose 4 Strength.  Multiple days of Strength loss can be regained in a single 8-hour shutdown session. If you are reduced to 0 Strength you cannot move until the system is fully recharged by a shutdown session.  You can decrease the shutdown time to one half by plugging into a power source.  If your power source is a battery your exoskeleton requires 20 charges an hour.  In general, your shutdown period is reduced by an hour for every hour you are plugged in.

A medical exoskeleton provides you with a Strength score of 9 and no armor bonus.  All the drawbacks apply to a medical exoskeleton.  The energy requirements of a medical exoskeleton are much lower than service models so you do not require a shutdown period with this augmentation to avoid strength loss.