Power inhibitors
| Item: Power Inhibitor | |
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| First Seen: | May 2003 |
Power inhibitors are technological devices designed to restrict the use of mutant powers. These devices are usually fragile, short-range, and extremely expensive.
Inhibitor technology
As far as any rare technology can be considered "basic", a basic power inhibitor works by transmitting a specific frequency of energy that affects enzyme transmission in human cells containing the x-gene. The reason for the prohibitive cost of power inhibitors lies in both the extremely sensitive scanning technology and energy emitters involved in their construction.
To suppress a mutant's power, the inhibitor first does a cellular scan to determine the presence of the x-gene. From there, a series of common templates is used to provide an initial baseline for the energy frequency needed to prevent the x-gene from expressing itself through the specific biological process used to activate mutant powers. This initial baseline scan is often accompanied by a brief power surge, and is often compared to an electric shock by mutants who have had an inhibitor used on them.
Most inhibitors have a short battery life, unless specifically designed for long-term use. Due to the nature of the power inhibition, there are also assorted side effects that are noted below.
Most inhibitors are designed to be worn, either as a bulky bracelet or a large collar. There are also designs for power inhibitors that are larger and intended for stationary use in hospital facilities and holding cells.
Use of inhibitors
To date, no government has authorized production or official use of power inhibitors, as their long-term effects are still being studied. Private organizations have been the only groups known to produce this technology for uses varying from medical purposes to illegal acts such as kidnapping and hostage-taking.
Because of the energy fields used and the effect on the genetics of the inhibited mutant, long-term use of inhibitors has been known to cause serious side effects. Nausea is the most common, followed by symptoms such as headache, loss of energy, loss of appetite, and loss of mental acuity leading up to and including a semi-comatose state. Short-term physical effects can include irritation of the tissue around the inhibitor site, while the long-term effects of inhibitor use can lead to development of cancerous tumors.
Similar technologies
Plots
Something Wicked (psionic dampener placed on Manuel
Remy's Eleven (psionic dampener)
Lost in the Woods (psionic dampener)
Wendy (full powers blocker, worn on the wrist)
Voodoo Child (full powers blocker, worn on the wrist)
