Spine Clamp

First Appearance and Context

During an Apert tour inside the Hylaean Way exhibits, a visiting Sline was seen wearing a spine clamp. It presented as a rigid, exoskeletal ridge running up the wearer’s back and protruding a few inches above the collar. At the top was a rectangular tab, smaller than the palm of a hand, showing a Kinagram of a large stick figure striking a smaller one. The observer recognized it as one of the “spine clamps” previously described by Quin to the observer and to Fraa Orolo.

Roles/Actions and Affiliations

• Observed function: the same individual had his right arm immobilized in a sling; the observer inferred the clamp had disabled that arm.
• Signage: the tab bore a Kinagrams icon depicting a violent act.
• Association: seen on a visitor from outside the maths.

Relationships

• Reported earlier by Quin in conversation with the observer and Fraa Orolo, providing the term and helping identify the device when it was later seen.

Descriptions/Characteristics

• Form: resembles a second, exoskeletal spine attached along the natural spine.
• Visible features: protrudes above the collar; a small rectangular tab at the top carries a moving‑icon display.
• Iconography: the displayed symbol depicted a large figure striking a smaller one.

Current Status/Location

One example was seen worn by a visitor during Apert within the Hylaean Way galleries. Broader use, authority, and mechanisms are not described in the available account.