Gadgets

THE GADGET SYSTEM The gadget system is a way to customize weapons, armor, and equipment even more to appropriately fit a given campaign or character play style. Since each campaign will likely use very different items based on its unique setting, the gadget system allows total freedom in designing specific models of equipment.

Using the gadget system is a simple matter of mixing and matching various elements of a piece of gear until it fits what is needed.

First, pick a base weapon, armor, or piece of equipment to be modified. Select a gadget for the appropriate type (armor gadgets for armor, and so on) that is either a universal gadget or a gadget from the same (or lower) Progress Level. Modify the Cost and Procure Difficulty of the base item according to the gadget’s instructions, and then purchase the gadget-modified item as normal. Some gadgets have additional restrictions placed on them that must be considered before making the gadget modification.

UNIVERSAL WEAPON GADGETS

The following gadgets are universal across all Tech Levels and can apply to weapons found in any era, provided all gadget-specific restrictions are observed.

Alternate Weapon

Some weapons are capable of serving multiple purposes by integrating two types of weapon into one. This can encompass everything from having a bayonet installed on a rifle to allowing a weapon to switch between two different energy types at any given time. When dealing with firearms and other ranged weapons, this usually involves only mixing like types; for example, energy weapons are only combined with energy weapons, and ballistic weapons are only combined with ballistic weapons. This is not a hard-and-fast limitation but rather a suggestion based on the logistics of designing such a weapon. When selecting the alternate weapon gadget, choose a second weapon. That weapon is integrated into the base weapon and can be used at any time. Additionally, you must choose whether or not the alternate weapon may be physically separated from the base weapon or not at the time of purchase. This gadget may be selected multiple times, each time adding a single additional weapon to the base model.

Restrictions

The character must also purchase the weapon to be integrated separately from the primary weapon, before the gadget modification is made.

Cost Increase: $ Procure Difficulty Modifier: +4.

Autofire Module

Some firearms and energy weapons are capable of firing in singleshot or semiautomatic forms only. The autofire module gadget allows these weapons to be fired on autofire.

Restrictions

Ranged weapon without autofire only.

Cost Increase: $ Procure Difficulty Modifier: +2.

Autoloader Module

Many weapons rely on box magazines or power packs to function. The autoloader gadget facilitates quick reloading. This may come in the form of an integrated power pack alternator, or in spring-mounted magazine loaders worn on the wrist of the user. Regardless of their location on the owner’s body or the form that the autoloader takes, a weapon with the autoloader module gadget is always automatically reloaded as a free action as soon as the previous magazine or power pack is expended. This module cannot be transferred from one weapon to another, even those of similar types, due to the fact that each autoloader module is keyed to the individual weapon for which it was designed.

Restrictions

Ranged weapons using box magazines or power packs only.

Cost Increase: $ Procure Difficulty Modifier: +3.

Booby Trapped

Those characters with a more paranoid outlook on life may consider the booby trapped gadget for protecting their personal belongings. Any weapon with this gadget is designed to function properly only for the owner or owners of the weapon, or for a particular group of characters. If an unauthorized character picks up or attempts to use the weapon, a special trap is immediately triggered. After a trap is triggered, only an authorized user can reset the weapon to its normal state. When selecting the booby trap gadget, the character must designate a single person or a particular group that can use the weapon safely without triggering the trap. Additionally, the character must select a single trap from the list below. Barbs: The weapon rapidly projects spikes or blades from its grip, dealing 1d6 points of damage to the user each round the weapon is held. Electric Shock: Power cells in the weapon’s grip discharge and deal 1d6 points of electricity damage to the user. Stun Bolt: A stun shock (Fortitude save DC 15) is discharged from a special nozzle built into the weapon. See the stun module gadget for more information on the effects of stun shocks. Trigger Integrated Weapon: An integrated weapon is triggered and targets the unauthorized user. This trap requires that the weapon make use of the alternate weapon gadget (see above) and is typically used to trigger an explosive device.

Restrictions

None.

Cost Increase: $ Procure Difficulty Modifier: +6.

Collapsible

In situations that call for stealth and deception, it is of great value to be able to separate an item into its parts and transport them in their broken down state. A weapon that makes use of the collapsible gadget is easily disassembled and reassembled at a moment’s notice. Breaking down a weapon into its individual parts requires a full-round action, while reassembling them in the correct order requires another full-round action. Obviously, the weapons must be fully assembled to be used. In its disassembled state, a weapon is not easily identified; a Knowledge (technology) check (DC 17) is required to identify a collapsed weapon for what it really is.

Restrictions

None.

Cost Increase: $ Procure Difficulty Modifier: +2.

Compact

By eliminating wasted space and using smaller components, some engineers are capable of producing weapons far smaller than their standard counterparts. Any weapon that makes use of the compact gadget is one size smaller than normal, to a minimum size of Diminutive. This gadget can only be added to ranged weapons, as most melee weapons rely on size and mass to deliver damage.

Restrictions

Ranged weapons only.

Cost Increase: $ Procure Difficulty Modifier: +2.

Expanded Magazine

Some weapon engineers recognize that stopping to reload a weapon in combat is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening maneuver. Taking steps to reduce the amount of time required to keep the weapon full, these engineers have increased the ammunition capacity of the weapon to reduce the frequency with which it must be reloaded. Any weapon with the expanded magazine gadget doubles its normal magazine capacity. This gadget may only be taken once per weapon.

Restrictions

Ranged weapons only.

Cost Increase: $ Procure Difficulty Modifier: +2.

Genetic Tags

Some law enforcement agencies and military units go out of their way to track the exact actions of their members by placing an identifying marker on any ammunition expended. This marker may come in the form of a serial number stamped on a weapon’s casing, or may be as subtle as a chemical compound sprayed on the outside of the ammunition it leaves the weapon’s chamber. Regardless of form, each round of ammunition that is fired from the weapon bears a unique tag that corresponds to the genetic code of the person to whom the weapon is assigned, immediately identifying the attacker to any forensic analysis.

Restrictions

Ranged ballistic weapons only.

Cost Increase: $ Procure Difficulty Modifier: +2.

Integrated Equipment

A particular piece of nonweapon equipment has been integrated into the weapon and can be used by the weapon’s bearer at any time. This gadget is often used to give ranged weapons features like glow-lamps or flares, though it is not limited to those applications. Some weapons may use the integrated equipment gadget to incorporate a small computer or sensor module, reducing the amount of equipment the character has to carry.

When selecting the integrated equipment gadget, choose a piece of equipment. That equipment is integrated into the base weapon and can be used at any time. Additionally, you must choose whether or not the equipment may be physically separated from the base weapon or not at the time of purchase. This gadget may be selected multiple times, each time adding a single additional piece of equipment to the base model.

Restrictions

The character must also purchase the piece of equipment to be integrated separately from the weapon, before the gadget modification is made.

Cost Increase: $ Procure Difficulty Modifier: +1.

Miniaturized

By eliminating wasted space and using microscopic components, some engineers are capable of producing weapons vastly smaller than normal. Any weapon that makes use of the miniaturized gadget is two size categories smaller than normal, to a minimum size of Diminutive.

A weapon to which the miniaturized gadget has been added cannot fire standard ammunition. It must fire appropriate ammunition modified by the miniaturized universal equipment gadget. This gadget can only be added to ranged weapons, as most melee weapons rely on size and mass to deliver damage.

Restrictions

Ranged weapons only.

Cost Increase: $ Procure Difficulty Modifier: +5.

Scope, Rangefinding Laser

One of the most valuable additions to any weapon is a scope, allowing the bearer to target opponents farther away than normal. What makes the rangefinding laser scope gadget so valuable is that it serves two purposes. First, a weapon with this gadget increases its range increment by one-half (multiply by 1.5). Additionally, the scope also sends out an invisible laser that can determine the exact range to a target, and then relay that information via a computer link. If that information is relayed to another weapon with the rangefinding laser scope gadget targeting the same character or object, the second attacker gains a +1 equipment bonus on his first attack roll against the target. This allows multiple characters with rangefinding laser scope gadgets to triangulate the exact position of a target and ensures greater accuracy.

Restrictions

Ranged weapons only.

Cost Increase: $ Procure Difficulty Modifier: +1.

Sensor Baffling

From simple metal detectors to advanced x-ray scanners, there’s a way to detect every weapon. As the technology level increases, so does the accuracy of weapons sensing devices. The ability to confuse these sensors can be invaluable, especially when smuggling weapons past security. Any weapon with the sensor baffling gadget grants a +4 bonus on any checks made to conceal the weapon from sensors or other detection devices.

Restrictions

None.

Cost Increase: $ Procure Difficulty Modifier: +2.

Spring-Loaded

Some weapons are designed to be concealed from sight and then quickly drawn into the hand at a moment’s notice. The spring-loaded gadget ensures that small weapons can remain hidden under layers of clothes or armor and still be called to action at any time. The bearer of a weapon with this gadget automatically gains the benefits of the Quick Draw feat with this weapon only, even if the weapon is hidden from sight on that character’s person.

Restrictions

Weapons of size Small or smaller only.

Cost Increase: $ Procure Difficulty Modifier: +2

Stun Module

One advantage of energy weapons over their ballistic and physical counterparts is that they are capable of altering their own output on the fly. With the stun module gadget, this means that an energy weapon can be used to apply nonlethal force. The stun module is an alternate firing mode; switching to or from stun mode is a free action (just like changing a weapon’s rate of fire). Whenever a character fires a weapon set to stun and successfully hits the target, the target must make a Fortitude save (DC determined by cost of the gadget) or be stunned for 1d4 rounds.

Restrictions

Energy weapons only.

Cost Increase: $ Procure Difficulty Modifier: +2 (Fort DC 12); +4 (Fort DC 15); +6 (Fort DC 18).

Techno-Organic Makeup

Though the technology of Earth is based on electronics and mechanics, some alien cultures may have developed technology based on living organisms working in harmony for an intended purpose. Additionally, advanced civilizations may make use of certain biological forms of technology integrated with their own mechanical devices to form a techno-organic hybrid capable of performing certain tasks with increased efficiency.

A weapon with the techno-organic makeup gadget is composed of living tissue or a biological/mechanical hybrid material. Unlike normal weapons, the weapon with this gadget heals itself at a rate of one hit point per hour when damaged. Additionally, weapons with this gadget are susceptible to diseases and poisons specifically designed to target techno-organic material.

Restrictions

None.

Cost Increase: $ Procure Difficulty Modifier: +2.

Variable Ammunition

Firearms typically draw their ammunition from a single source and do so until they are reloaded with a fresh magazine. The variable ammunition gadget changes this; it allows the user to load an additional type of ammunition. This essentially doubles the ammunition capacity of the weapon and allows the user to switch between the two different types of ammunition as a free action.

This gadget may be selected multiple times, each time adding a single additional magazine capacity for a different type of ammunition.

Restrictions

Ranged ballistic weapons only.

Cost Increase: $ Procure Difficulty Modifier: +4.

Variable Charge

As with the stun module gadget, the variable charge gadget takes advantage of an energy weapon’s ability to modify the damage caused by its own shots. This gadget gives the user the ability to “power up” his or her shots by focusing more energy into a single blast. A weapon with the variable charge gadget may be primed as an attack action, increasing the damage of its next shot by +1 die. For example, a weapon that normally deals 2d6 points of damage deals 3d6 points of damage after being primed for one round. A weapon may be primed for up to three rounds. If primed for more than three rounds, it becomes unstable; on the fourth round the weapon must be fired or else it explodes and deals the fully charged damage (normal weapon damage, +4 dice) to the user. When this occurs, the weapon is completely destroyed.

Restrictions

Ranged energy weapons only.

Cost Increase: $ Procure Difficulty Modifier: +6.

Voice Recognition System

A countermeasure commonly built into weapons is the voice recognition system gadget. It requires any user to speak a command word to unlock the weapon before it can be used. Some weapons couple the voice recognition system with the booby trap gadget to require a voice command to reset the weapon to its previous state. Any weapon with the voice recognition system gadget will not fire or activate unless the owner (or designated group) gives the command word to the weapon.

Restrictions

None.

Cost Increase: $ Procure Difficulty Modifier: +1.

UNIVERSAL ARMOR GADGETS

The following gadgets are universal and can apply to armors found in any era, provided all gadget-specific restrictions are observed.

Environment Seal Since many armors are designed with a particular environment in mind, this gadget provides the wearer protection from harsh conditions. The environment seal gadget transforms any armor into a stable and insulated artificial environment. This provides the wearer with the right amount of breathable air and external pressure to assure comfort and survival for up to eight hours, ensuring that the armor can function in the extremes of the deep sea or deep space, along with any environment in between. Only certain types of armor can handle this modification and those that do usually integrate a sealed helmet, body glove, and emergency air tanks to generate internal atmosphere. Restrictions: Medium, heavy, or powered armor only. Purchase DC Modifier: +4.

Integrated Equipment A particular piece of nonweapon equipment has been integrated into the armor and can be used by the armor’s wearer at any time. This gadget is often used to add features such as glow-lamps or duracable to armor, though it is not limited to those applications. Indeed, some armors are intended to make their wearers into independent one-person armies, and sport a dozen or more such equipment integrations. When selecting the integrated equipment gadget, choose a piece of equipment. That equipment is integrated into the base armor and can be used at any time. Additionally, you must choose whether or not the equipment may be physically separated from the base armor or not at the time of purchase. This gadget may be selected multiple times, each time adding a single additional piece of equipment to the base model. Restrictions: The character must also purchase the piece of equipment to be integrated separately from the armor, before the gadget modification is made. Purchase DC Modifier: +2.

Integrated Weapon Some armors are designed with specific combat purposes in mind and build in certain weapons as standard equipment. Examples run from a pair of pop-out wrist blades to shoulder-mounted plasma cannons. Additionally, many armors link their weapons to integrated heads-up displays, turning the user into a walking combat machine. When selecting the integrated weapon gadget, choose a single weapon. That weapon is integrated into the base armor and can be used at any time. Additionally, you must choose whether or not the weapon may be physically separated from the base armor or not at the time of purchase. This gadget may be selected multiple times, each time adding a single additional weapon to the base armor. Restrictions: The character must also purchase the weapon to be integrated separately from the base armor, before the gadget modification is made. Purchase DC Modifier: See text.

Storage Compartment A simple but often overlooked modification that can be of great benefit in almost any situation is the ability to store and carry small items in a safe place. The storage compartment gadget accomplishes just that, incorporating an empty space where other objects can be carried by the wearer with relative ease. Each storage compartment gadget allows the wearer to carry two items of size Small or smaller in a container built into the armor. This gadget may be taken multiple times, each time providing another compartment where small items may be carried. Restrictions: None. Purchase DC Modifier: +1.

Techno-Organic Makeup Though the technology of Earth is based on electronics and mechanics, some alien cultures may have developed technology based on living organisms working in harmony for an intended purpose. Additionally, advanced civilizations may make use of certain biological forms of technology integrated with their own mechanical devices to form a techno-organic hybrid capable of performing certain tasks with increased efficiency. An armor with the techno-organic makeup gadget is composed of living tissue or a biological/mechanical hybrid material. Unlike normal armors, armor with this gadget heals itself at a rate of one hit point per hour when damaged. Additionally, armor with this gadget is susceptible to diseases and poisons specifically designed to target techno-organic material. Restrictions: None. Purchase DC Modifier: +4.

Ultralight Composition The development of new and experimental alloys constantly allows armor technology to advance to the point where once bulky and heavy armors become as easy to carry as lighter models. Any armor with the ultralight composition gadget weighs significantly less than similar pieces of armor and is more easily used and worn. The armor reduces its Armor Check Penalty (if any) by 1. Furthermore, the armor’s speed limitation is increased by 5 feet (to a maximum of the user’s normal speed). So, for example, an armor with an Armor Check Penalty of –2 and a speed limitation of 20 feet now has an Armor Check Penalty of –1 and a speed limitation of 25 feet. Restrictions: None. Purchase DC Modifier: +4.

UNIVERSAL EQUIPMENT GADGETS

The following gadgets are universal and can apply to equipment found in any era, provided all gadget-specific restrictions are observed.

Compact By eliminating wasted space and using smaller components, some engineers are capable of producing equipment far smaller than its standard counterparts. Any piece of equipment that makes use of the compact gadget is one size smaller than normal, to a minimum size of Diminutive. Restrictions: None. Purchase DC Modifier: +1.

Miniaturized By eliminating wasted space and using microscopic components, some engineers are capable of producing equipment vastly smaller than normal. Any weapon that makes use of the miniaturized gadget is two size categories smaller than normal, to a minimum size of Diminutive. Restrictions: None. Purchase DC Modifier: +3.

Multiple Use Item Similar in function to the alternate weapon gadget, the multiple use item gadget allows the character to integrate the function of two separate items into a single device. When selecting the multiple use item gadget, choose a second object. That object is integrated into the base object and can be used at any time. Additionally, you must choose whether or not the alternate object may be physically separated from the base weapon or not at the time of purchase. This gadget may be selected multiple times, each time adding a single additional piece of equipment to the base object. Restrictions: The character must also purchase the piece of equipment to be integrated separately from the armor, before the gadget modification is made. Purchase DC Modifier: +1.

Paint-On LCD One of the most revolutionary advances in computer technology during the Information Age and beyond is the paint-on LCD gadget. This allows almost any surface to be used as a computer display, as it grafts the color-changing pixels common to all display devices onto another surface. Any piece of equipment with the paint-on LCD gadget can be used as a display for any piece of computer or communications equipment. Additionally, weapons and armor may make use of the paint-on LCD gadget at the normal cost, but gain no special benefit from the modification other than being able to display data. Restrictions: None. Purchase DC Modifier: +4.

Satellite Datalink At the dawn of the Information Age, the value of knowledge and accurate intelligence became a crucial aspect of warfare. The ability to connect to a global communications network was critical to the success of any army, as intelligence traveled at the speed of light across the globe to command centers safe behind defended battle lines. The satellite datalink gadget enables any piece of equipment, from computer to communication device to heads-up display, to connect to a global (or, if in place, galactic) satellite network and communicate with computer systems in far remote areas. Restrictions: This gadget may only be used with gear containing computerized communications equipment. Purchase DC Modifier: +1.

Storage Compartment Like the gadget used for armor, the ability to store and carry small items in a safe place can sometimes be of critical importance. The storage compartment gadget accomplishes just that, incorporating an empty space where other objects can be carried with relative ease. Each storage compartment gadget allows the wearer to carry two items of size Small or smaller in a container built into the piece of equipment. This gadget may be taken multiple times, each time providing another compartment where small items may be carried. Restrictions: None. Purchase DC Modifier: +1.