SYNAPTIC AUTHORITY MATRIX

A common phrase among those who force this malware on others, “Every sub must have a dom.”  The synaptic authority matrix establishes a telepathic link between a recipient of the dominant synaptic authority augmentation (“Dom”) and one or more recipients of a submissive synaptic authority augmentation (“Sub”). The Sub can be directed by silent mental command as long as it remains within a 120ft.-range of its paired Dom or anywhere they can communicate over a local or real-time network. The Dom need not see the Sub to control it. The Dom does not receive direct sensory input from the Sub, but does know what it is experiencing.  Direction given from the Dom to its Sub must be followed to the best of the Sub’s capabilities. The Dom need not concentrate exclusively on controlling the Sub unless the Dom is trying to direct the Sub to do something it normally couldn't do. Changing instructions or giving a Sub a new command is a move action.  As a standard action a Dom can remotely assist a Sub on a skill check or allow the Sub to make a skill check untrained as long as the Dom possess the trained skill.

A Sub forced to take actions against its nature receives a Will saving throw (DC = 10 + Sub’s augmentation item level).  If the Sub saves, they can ignore the Dom’s command but gain the staggered condition.  The staggered condition remains until the Sub gives into the Dom’s command or the Dom issues a new command which may or may not entitle the Sub to a new saving throw.  Self-destructive orders are not carried out, nor can the Sub intentionally harm its Dom or make the request of others to harm their Dom.

Each Dom is limited to a number of Subs equal to its dominant synaptic authority augmentation type number and can only control creatures with CR values or character levels less than or equal to their augmentation’s item level.

SYNAPTIC AUTHORITY MATRIX USE CASES

The Synaptic Authority Matrix (“SAM”) has as many beneficial as abusive use cases.  It was originally developed for search and rescue missions.  Alien vermin would be equipped with a Sub augmentation and instructed to rescue survivors in environments otherwise hazardous to most sentient creatures.  Seeing its usefulness in search and rescue, various military and special operations groups adapted the system to combat missions.  Creatures of typical animal intelligence would be augmented with a Sub augmentation and would be used as shock troops against enemies residing in areas deemed too dangerous for non-expendable troops.  Eventually the Sub augmentation was perfected to control fully sentient beings. 

Like other cybernetic malware SAM is used to control its recipient’s actions, but in this case, it literally grants a Dom control.  When used on a sentient creature, the Dom is typically trying to influence the actions of those close to the Sub thru the Sub’s actions. However, there are Doms that use Subs out of pure malice,  who simply thrive on another’s misery.  For instance, you might see a crime boss use SAM on a rival’s “right hand man” rather than killing him, or lesser person use SAM against someone that is morally, physically, or ethically their better.