Enhanced Interface Node [Vector Upgrade]
Cost: 300 gc (light and heavy vector) / 600 gc (colossal vector)
Description: This device replaces the standard interface node in a Cyrissist vector and grants the warcaster bonded to the vector enhanced situational awareness in order to facilitate defensive maneuvers. Unfortunately, this close connection can also cause severe feedback if the system becomes damaged.
Special Rules: A vector equipped with an enhanced interface node gains +1 DEF for every point of its controlling warcaster’s PER above 3 as long as the vector’s interface node system is not crippled and the vector is in its controlling warcaster’s Control Area.
If the interface node of a vector equipped with this upgrade is crippled while it is within its controlling warcaster’s Control Area, the warcaster suffers painful feedback:
- A living warcaster suffers 1d3 points of damage to their Intellect aspect, ignoring their power field (if their Intellect is already crippled or becomes crippled before all damage has been applied, any remaining damage is randomly assigned to other branches of their life spiral). If a living warcaster becomes disabled due to damage suffered this way, they do not have to roll on the Injury Table but automatically suffer the Concussed result (see IKRPG, pp. 216-217).
- A clockwork vessel warcaster instead suffers a roll on the Clockwork Vessel Internal Damage Table (see NQ48, p. 67), but ignores any results except for 4 (Loss of Power) and 6 (Essence Chamber Damaged).
Installing an enhanced interface node into a vector of Cyriss or repairing a damaged enhanced interface node is handled in the same manner as installing a cortex in a steamjack (see IKRPG, p. 320).
Enhanced interface nodes are not available on the open market and can only be produced by or acquired from temples of Cyriss.
Comments welcome, as usual.