Miscellany Equipment

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by Bill Logan

Contents

Tag-Tracker

A Tag-Tracker is a hand-held metering device. Its sole purpose is to seek Trace-Tags. It sends out a high strength radio frequency (RF) wave that bounces off nearly everything within a 5km radius, returning to the Tag-Tracker’s sensor array.

When a Tag-Tracker sends out its signal, the RF energy powers the micro circuitry in any Trace-Tags it strikes, similar to the way electromagnetic fields can be induced with electrical transformers. The Trace-Tag then provides its identification number details back to the Tag-Tracker along the reflected RF signal.

The reflected details include an identification number and a distance. The Tag-Tracker sends multiple signals out at one time, and because of the nature of the shape of the RF signal, more details are calculated: the distance, and direction.

Of additional value, the general geographic shape of the 5km radius is calculated, showing mountains, valleys, contours, crevices, water, trees, and manmade structures. Even if not used to trace tags, this feature alone makes this device valuable to explorers and survivalists. The location of each Trace-Tag, along with its identification number, is shown on the small circular display as a blinking blip on the calculated map.

The Tag-Tracker is powered by a standard SEU powerclip. It takes 5 SEU to activate the series of RF blasts and calculations, allowing 4 uses from a 20 SEU powerclip. There is no powerjack for attaching a power beltpack or backpack.

Note that it is possible to plug a Trace-Tag (or MedTrace-Tag) into a Tag-Tracker and type in a name to cross-reference with its number, causing the display to show the name instead of the identity number.

On worlds with heavy industrial populations, it is entirely common that satellites link population corporate databases to individual identification numbers so that medical professionals and bounty hunters can link up and determine the identity of a person simply by his Trace-Tag.

Trace-Tags

These are tiny circuit boards, 1.25cm by 2.00cm. They have passive circuitry – they have no power requirements. They are worn or carried (in a common pocket, sewn into the uniform or skeinsuit, even worn around the neck with a lanyard) by individuals whose employers must keep track of them. Each Trace-Tag has an identification number that is nearly unique (the random number seed is such that it takes several billion iterations before a duplicate identity number is generated). Trace-Tags shown in the picture below are extremely magnified to show details.

MedTrace-Tags

These variants of the Trace-Tag broadcast additional information about the person carrying it: heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, blood oxygen level, etc. This extra information allows a medicallytrained individual to make a diagnose attempt from far away – as long as the person carrying the MedTrace-Tag’s race, gender, and general health history are known. Other than the cost, and the fact that it must be worn against the skin (or in some cultures implanted just under the skin on the inside of the forearm), it’s generally treated about the same as a normal Trace-Tag.

Grapple Link Gun

These devices resemble large crossbows with unique bolts, much too large and bulky for simple combat use. They are aimed and fired, and generally not meant to actually hit anything.

As the specialized link-bolts are fired, a microfilament line is ejected from its bottom. The line remains attached to the Grapple Link Gun. When the firer of this device releases his trigger, a small current traces up the grapple line and causes the link-bolt to snap its grapples open. When fired properly, this device can properly and effectively secure itself to any pole, wall top, gargoyle, statue, window, power line, or any other item the firer can imagine.

Once secure, the firer spends a turn securing the back end of the micro-filament line to some other similar structure. The Grapple Link Gun then can be used as a swing pulley, to allow someone to slide in the direction of gravity towards the far end of the secured grapple. This allows for movement between high buildings, trees, canyons, or just about any other long distance.

In Combat. If fired in combat, treat the device as a “Bow” on the weapons chart, but impose a -1 Initiative Modifier and -10 chance to hit because of the bulk and odd shape of the device. It causes 2d10 damage when it strikes, because of the size of the bolt. More effectively, the Grapple Link Gun can be used to trip up a fleeing foe. This is rolled as a normal attack, using the grapple extensions at the right time. The opponent must make a RS avoidance roll or fall, taking 1d10 damage from the unceremonious flop, and is then held by the microfilament line and can be pulled, dragged, etc. by the firer (of course, a simple knife will end the dragging). It takes one turn to load a Grapple Link Gun with a link-bolt, and another turn to aim and fire. Despite being called a “gun,” it is not intended for this type of use.

Link-Bolts

These large, heavy bolts are fired from the Grapple Link Gun (above). They have strong dura-plastic parts capable of firing through thin wood. The micro-filament line that comes out of the rear of the bolt is thin but quite strong, able to extend out to a range of 30 meters and hold a weight of 300kg. Remember to take into effect the increased effect of gravity on the weight of a character, and to factor in the sum of the weight of the equipment he carries.

When a link-bolt pack is purchased, it comes with three link-bolts and a handy carrying case that attaches to the belt and straps to the thigh to keep from bouncing about.

Rebreather Mask

This mask seals around the face, adhering to the wearer’s flesh easily. It draws oxygen through its specialized membranes, and provides sufficient breathable air to the wearer for about 120 turns (that’s about 12 minutes). It cannot be worn when in normal atmospheres, only when submersed. Rebreather masks must be purchased for, and will only work for, the species for which it is designed. The membranes do not have a long self life. If kept in storage too long, the membranes wear as if used for one minute per week of storage. For this reason, they are usually hermetically sealed in a plastic shrink-wrap until needed. The mask is disposable when its membranes are spent.

Thruster Pack

This is a heavy backpack rocket, complete with flammable fuel gel tank. It creates powerful thrust to propel a character skyward. A character can fly around at a rate of 200kph. It takes a RS roll to land effectively (or take 1d10 damage). The character cannot hover and cannot turn well (if using a square map, he must travel five squares in a straight line before making a single 45 degree turn). The thruster pack can be used for 10 hours (one day of 200kph travel) before requiring more fuel. Yazirians may use this and take full advantage of their fleshy gliding wings. Using their wings and a thruster pack, they are able to hover, turn perfectly (one square forward and up to a 90 degree turn), and climb and dive with great agility.


Miscellaneous EquipmentCost (Cr)Wgt (kg)
Tag Tracker (5km radius range) 750 1
Trace-Tags (3) 100 --
MedTrace-Tag (1) 100 --
Grapple Link Gun (5/10/30/--/--/--) 300 4
Link-bolts (rack of 3, 30m, 300kg test wgt) 50 1
Rebreather Mask (by species) 100 1
Thruster Pack 500 5+fuel
Replacement Gel Tank 100 5