These stories first appeared in Hunt's Book of Weapons, an in-game collection of found documents curated by an unknown researcher. They are replicated here in their original format. This means that many of the stories are not presented chronologically, or in one grouping, and it is left to the reader to put together the puzzle pieces and determine to what extent they contain fact, fiction, or fable.
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Electric Lamp
ELECTRIC LAMP. (See also, ILLUMINATION) The invention of the
first portable, handheld electric light followed the invention of the first
incandescent light bulb in the late 1890s, though prototypes were reportedly in
the field five years previous. Early designs required the transport of a heavy
battery, though the light of both models was more consistent and reliable than
that produced by lanterns. Some electric lamp prototypes could be mounted on
the shoulder with straps, or on the barrel of some firearms. The distance of
the light's beam varies depending on the bulb.
Fusees
FUSEE. (See also, ILLUMINATION, SIGNAL) A fusee, or flare,
is a type of pyrotechnical projectile that produces a very bright light for an
extended period of time without the inconvenience of a loud and destructive
explosion. Most fusees can burn for at least 10 minutes and can reach up to
1500 Celsius in temperature. Fusees are generally used to mark a location,
create a source of light, or to signal for help.
Flare Pistol
FLARE PISTOL. (See HANDGUNS, FLARES). The first flare gun was developed by Edward Wilson Very (b. 1847), an American naval officer who served during the Civil War. It's a single-action, large-bore handgun designed to fire flares. Flares can be used as a distress signal, or for illumination. While they are not intended to be used as a deadly weapon, they can nevertheless be utilized for such a purpose. If one was to do so, the threat to a target would be twofold: the initial impact of the shot and the subsequent conflagration caused by the flare itself.
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