Cybertech & Ability Drain

[Darth Grall]

So first time dealing with the Cybertech rules, I imagine it could be for other folk too since I didn't see anything on it, but what happens when you get drained with Cybertech components?

Cybertech Rules <-

Da Rules wrote:

Each piece of cybertech has an implantation value that indicates how invasive the implant is. The total combined implantation values of all cybertech implanted in a single creature can't exceed either that creature's Constitution score or Intelligence score—a creature's Constitution sets the physical limit of what its body can accept in the form of cybernetic implants, while the creature's Intelligence sets the mental limit of what its brain can control. An implant whose implantation value would cause the total to exceed either of these two scores does not function but still takes up a body slot. In addition, as long as a character has cybernetic implants installed whose combined implantation exceeds his Constitution or Intelligence, he takes a -4 penalty on all saving throws.

See the bold. So theoretically if a Barbarian had a cybertech leg got hit with some INT drain, they'd be unable to use this any longer, their leg would stop functioning right? Or are we saying this penalty, separate from the -4 to saves, only applies during installation?

Just want to be sure this makes sense before this comes up. Thanks to any & all replies in advance.

[DeathlessOne]

You'd be correct that they would lose the ability to utilize the installed implant, though they'd need to lose a fairly large amount of intelligence (or constitution) in order to lose the control of the legs (implantation 4 means at least 4 INT is needed to control it).

[Pizza Lord]

It doesn't just apply at implantation, if their Int or Con drops (drain) then it applies as well.

DeathlessOne is correct that it would be hard to get someone's INT or CON below 4 normally, but it's the combined total of all cybertech, so if there's multiple implants, say two legs worth 4 each and the user's Con or Int dropped below 8, then you'd likely have to determine which one malfunctions, either based on the newest implant or at random until the total was within range again.

[Darth Grall]

Thank you for your replies! Glad I wanted to clarify how this works in a vacuum and you did.

The reason I asked in the first place was that my DM has dropped an item on an NPC with an installation of [u]12[/u] for a Cybertech heart that frankly does some crazy stuff (gives you the ability to detect hearts as though tremorsense, some -/DR & a con enhancement like a belt) and wanted to affirm that's how it'd work. Obviously, if you heart stops working you'll have to deal with more than just the -4 to all saves and the ones considering it are our martials who frankly don't have good INT. Thanks for confirming all!

[DeathlessOne]

Personally, I'd sell the cybernetic heart and stay well away from it. Installation of 12 is a bit much and the potential of instant death if your Int drops below 12 is too high risk.

Besides, who wants to undergo a potential lethal surgery to replace their already viable heart?