Pneumato-Projection Crutches

by Doctor Malcolm MacGuffin
 

“At times, even the most careful Scientist may be waylaid, either by accident of nature, experiment, or malicious intent. During the sometimes-substantial period of recovery, it may still be necessary for research or travel to continue, regardless of personal discomfort or peril. It is essential, then, that any Scientist in such a position have an appropriate aide to movement which also provides a certain modicum of protection from the hazards of a Scientifically active lifestyle. This Science shall provide, for that, by its very intention, is the purpose of Science itself.”

   -- Professor Harvey Wangenstein, Theories of Motion (1883)

These crutches, modified from the original designs of the Electrodyne Engineer Professor Harvey Wangenstein only by the appearance of modern materials, are based upon a standard double-tube design and are made from a specially-hardened anodized aluminum. Just below the handgrip is an pneumatic cylinder connected to the lower tubes. The crutch’s leg extends from the cylinder and runs to the tip. When the crutch is used, the leg is pushed upward slightly, partially compressing the air inside the cylinder. After approximately 200 steps or 10 minutes of average use, the cylinder is charged at its maximum pressure of 800 pounds. Once charged, the crutch can be used for its secondary purpose, as a deterrent to those who would do the wielder harm. The cylinder is activated by a stud on the top of the handgrip, propelling the lower leg forward at tremendous speed and force. A thin coating of insulation on the cylinder protects the user from harm due to temperature changes when the cylinder is discharged. The leg extends to an additional 18” in length, automatically stopping and returning to its original position at the end of its forward movement and resulting in a punch equivalent to approximately 800 lbs. This “hammerblow” can have a greatly discouraging effect upon its recipient. Partial compression at the time of activation will result in a similar, albeit decreased, outcome. Best results come when the user braces herself. A user with a brace (a second pneumatic crutch, for example) or using the Device with two hands will find that it softens the mild recoil and brings increased accuracy.

Different configurations are possible for this unit. In the “Scorpion” model, a spike projects from the tip at the end of its forward movement, for greater damage potential. The spike retracts into the leg as it returns to its original position. The “Crossbow” model features an additional, rotating cylinder, similar to that in a revolver, attached just below the pneumatic cylinder. When activated, the pneumatic cylinder fires a “pre-burst” of air to clear the open tip of any obstructions, in order to make way for the small crossbow bolt fired from one of the six chambers in the rotating cylinder. At the end of the firing cycle, the rotating cylinder turns to the next chamber. When fully charged, all six bolts may be fired before recharging is necessary. An alternative, “Crossbow B” configuration, sends the leg forward just before the bolt is fired, increasing the crutch’s accuracy. The leg may also be used for the traditional “hammerblow” attack, although the impact from such an attack will be lessened, due to the reduced pneumatic cylinder size required to accommodate the rotating cylinder. A thumb-switch on the upper tube allows three settings for the Crossbow B:  Crossbow, with the B’s reduced damage and the Crossbow’s lesser range; Hammerblow, with the B’s reduced damage; and the combined Crossbow B setting. A box of 100 bolts is provided with the Crossbow models.
 

FOOTNOTES

Theory based upon ideas presented in the Scientific paper Theories of Motion (1883), by Professor Harvey Wangenstein, Electrodyne Engineer.
 

GAME NOTES (Second Edition.)

Arete 3, Quintessence 25, Cost 7
 
 

Statistics for Pneumatic Crutches

Model	Difficulty	Damage	Range	Rate of Fire	Conceal?
Hammerblow	7 (6*)	6	18"	1	N
Scorpion	7 (6*)	7	18"	1	N
Crossbow	7	5	20	2	N
Crossbow B	7 (6*)	4	20/30/18"	1 (2, bolt only)	N

None of the models consume Quintessence while performing after normal charging, and may be used by anyone. The Mage, however, may spend a point in order to instantly recharge the cylinder. In addition, the Crossbow models allow the Mage to spend a point in order to reload the rotating cylinder with crossbow bolts. The Mage may, of course, provide her own, specialized bolts. Under normal circumstances, the Device produces absolutely no Paradox. If the Storyteller decides that the pneumatic cylinder was not fully compressed when discharged, an appropriate penalty (lessened damage, reduced range, and/or fewer bolts able to be fired) may be levied.

1998 Derek D. Bass
 

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