This Background represents a special device unique to your character or something that is simply not available on the mass market. It could be anything from an antique samurai sword of legendary properties (“It's ‘Oil Merchant' because one of the Emperor’s bodyguards once cut an oil merchant clean in half with it“) to an invention decades ahead of the current technological curve. A gadget may also be an existing machine concealed or altered in some way — a machine-gun briefcase, a boat capable of short flights. These items are rare as hen's teeth, and you need a good explanation why your character has something so esoteric, experimental and/or advanced.

A gadget is likely to be the target of thieves and con men. In the proper circles, the item (and your character's mastery of it) is nigh-legendary, and your character's enemies will go to considerable lengths to separate him from it. Yet, it will always return to him somehow, and it will never fail him when he needs it. If your character's gadget is ever separated from him, coincidence returns it by the end of the story (recovering it may even be the story’s focus). A gadget cannot be destroyed except in the most extreme circumstances or by killing its owner.

If your character is of a mystical bent — and many who have gadgets are, even if their superstitions take odd forms — he should take “proper care“ of his gadget. Failing to “appease the spirit of the sword“ or to perform regular maintenance on the pistol may result in a temporary loss of the gadget’s benefits until he makes amends.

To assist in creating gadgets, the different levels refer to equivalent capabilities described in Super-Science.

The Storyteller has the final say on the Background cost of the gadget you want.

This Background may be taken more than once For multiple gadgets.

• x None

• 1 The item might have a reputation recognized within a certain subculture or may assist you in performing a given task.

• 2 The item is fairly unique or notably modified, perhaps with a noteworthy reputation.

• 3 An impressive item with qualities beyond the norm, likely with a widespread reputation. In super-science term it is an Innovation that duplicates the effect of a level one Knack.

• 4 An extremely rare and powerful item probably recognized by a majority of the world's population. In super-science terms, it is an Innovation that duplicates one level two Knack or two level one Knacks.

• 5 The item is rare and powerful beyond comparison, with a reputation that overshadows that of its owner. In super-science terms, it is an Innovation that duplicates one level three Knack, two level two Knacks or three level one Knacks. Alternatively, it has some other unique and very significant capabilities.