CYBERNETICS
Implants and Limb Replacement
Hard tech implants are not uncommon here, but usually result from replacing body parts lost in combat and not susceptible to regeneration or cloning. Most implants are for glands, bones, or organs. However, some qualify as actual enhancements, such as hyper-adrenaline glands, subdermal armor, reflex-boosting neural wiring, and the like.
Tribals typically do not trust enhancement implants, which are expensive and require even more work than the usual implant to synchronize with an individual's physiology. Moreover, in the case of warriors, cybernetic devices can interfere with an armor's fitting and with armor neural control systems. Aside from a few optical replacements and the occasional limb replacement, warriors avoid deep cybernetic work, especially neural boosts.
Most cybernetic limbs use simple hydraulics, but the more expensive models use flexor technology. Sophisticated neural connections allow a modicum of sensory feedback. Advanced limbs have dermal sensors that replicate tactile input. These can be made to work with armor neural controls with some adjustment to the appropriate armor subsystems, but it takes an experienced armor tech or weaponsmith to do so.
Immortal Brains
A fascinating question out here. Depending on the tribe, you get vastly different reactions. The Blood Eagle don't believe in Immortals, or so I am flatly told. The Children of Phoenix view Immortal Brains as holy vessels of sainted souls or the mind of God. Most Starwolf assume an Immortal would be a super-Elder deserving of immense respect but not veneration. The Diamond Sword priest I spoke to on this topic tried to convey something about Immortality being an alternative path to enlightenment via "dreaming reincarnation." I'm not sure what he meant. I have an uncomfortable feeling that the Immortal question plays a central role out here, more than the deification of Harabec. Most tribals believe, Danli.
The tribes do not have any such technology. Of this much I am certain. But the belief structures with regard to Immortality are fascinating. I may make them the subject of a future report.
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