REPRESSOR STEM

Cybernetic augmentation is not accepted everywhere.  There are even places where augmentation is illegal.  The repressor stem originated as a tool to threaten or punish cyborgs for their augmentations.  Repressor stems nullify your perceived threat to society. 

A repressor stem can be placed on your spine as part of a grapple combat maneuver or standard action if you are willing to allow it.  Once the repressor stem detects nerve impulses it harpoons hundreds of nanofilaments into your spine.  You are entitled to a Fortitude saving throw (DC 10 + item level) or have all your cybernetic augmentation shut down and become non-functional.  In addition, you take a permanent -2 penalty to Strength and Dexterity while the repressor stem is in place.

The penalty to Strength and Dexterity increase to -4 with the advanced repressor stem and -6 with the superior repression stem. Otherwise both the advanced and superior repressor stems function exactly like the standard.

There are three methods for removing a repressor stem.  First every repressor stem comes with an encrypted paired key. Simply swiping the key across the surface of the repressor stem as a move action causes it to withdraw its nanofilaments and fall to the ground.  Second, a Computers skill check can be used disable the repressor stem (DC = 10 + item level).  When a repressor stem is disabled it withdraws its nanofibers from the spine and falls to the ground.  Third, a skilled surgeon can remove an active repressor stem with a successful Medicine skill check (DC 20 + item level).  Because the nanofilaments are interlaced with the spinal cord this is a difficult surgery and failing the skill check by more than 5 removes the repressor stem but makes the Strength and Dexterity damage permanent.