Gadgets are technological devices on the cutting edge of what is currently modern. They generally have a specific effect that is more fun than powerful, though a few can be truly powerful
Who Uses Gadgets?
Any character with FixIt can create technological gadgets for use in a single adventure or session. Others will pick them up for specific scenarios, or get them as part of the scenario hook. But many characters have certain staple gadgets, or have gadgets as a staple of their concept without being technological marvels themselves.
You can have the gadget as a standard item, carrying it along in your utility belt or whatever. You are assumed to build these devices during your off time. Another option is to have some organization or a friend that supplies you with new gadgets. In this case, you have a number of gadgets, that can be changed when you are at home base or meet your techie friend. Sometimes, the whole complement of gadgets is not available. Often, the GM will supply gadgets that seem useless, but can be used as part of some trick. Be prepared to field-test the most bizarre contraptions.
Gadgets are not signature items. A character can lose his gadgets, but rarely loses the source of his gadgets. Thus most gadgets can be recovered when the character gets in touch with home base. This gives characters operating on their home turf a distinct advantage: they may be able to refresh their gadgets after every scene, while deep penetration agents may only recover their gadgets at the end of an adventure or even more rarely.
Using Gadgets
Most gadgets are self-explanatory. They often require a skill roll to use, if no skill is given in the description, it is the skill normally used to perform the task. If no other skill seems appropriate, use FixIt.
Fantastic Gadgets and Gizmos
These gadgets are generally fantastic but theoretically possible devices. In real life, they probably would not be worth the effort, but in a pulp setting, they are usable and worthwhile. If you want even more fantastic gizmos, check out Arcanotech and Magical.
Gadget Descriptions
All gadgets have a few attributes. These are written in a standard format at the beginning of the gadget description as a series of words separated by commas, and always follow a certain order.
Technology: This is the technology required for the gadget to be possible to create. Technological eras or ages used are Ancient, Blacksmith, Clockwork, Steam, Combustion, Fusion, Hyperspace. It might be possible to create a device that emulates a higher technology level than locally available, but this should be rare and might require more schticks than usual.
Concealability: This is the Concealment rating of the gadget. Slick gadgets look like they were quite ordinary items, even if spotted. Generally, only a very suspicious character can recognize such a gadget with a Perception roll, though a Fix-It or Investigation roll may give clues as to its nature.