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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Decoys
DECOYS (See also, TOOLS, IMPROVISED WEAPONS) Decoys are a
simple and reliable improvised device thrown to create a sound at the point of
impact. Constructed from whatever hard material is available at hand, often
scrap metal and glass. Useful primarily in drawing attention, decoys are a
non-offensive device used for stealth and subterfuge. That said, naturally the
impact of such a device is still able to cause a slight wound. Decoys must be
kept under compression in a soft bag or pouch to eliminate their audibility, to
do otherwise is to carry on one's person a jangling noise, drawing attention,
and defeating their purpose.
Chaos Bomb
CHAOS BOMB. (See also, EXPLOSIVES) A chaos bomb is an
unconventional device intended to create a diversion rather than cause damage.
Not a bomb in the traditional sense, it is comprised of ammunition from a
variety of shotguns, rifles, and pistols. When detonated, using a handmade fuse
in lieu of a traditional hammer and primer, these charges explode in sequence.
This effectively creates the illusion of a firefight in the location where it
has been detonated or thrown, enhanced by the "skipping" movement of
the device caused by each charge. The result is most effective from a distance,
where environmental obstructions alter the noise to make it sound more natural.
It is most often used to create diversions, to disorient, and to distract.
Alert Trip Mines
ALERT TRIP MINE. (See also, TACTICAL DEVICES) An alert trip
mine is an advanced device with a specific tactical application. While a
non-fatal tool in function, the device is particularly suited to defensive
tactics, constructed from two stakes with a taut wire strung between them. Each
stake houses an additional firecracker and flare, which produce bright lights
and loud sounds. Once the tripwire is snagged, they are ignited, surprising the
unfortunate victim, and revealing their location to all in the surrounding
area. When the flare drops back down to the ground, it illuminates the trip
mine's site for a short time, making it particularly dangerous to remain in the
area once one has been set off. This device was often homemade or improvised,
being constructed out of common materials. Schematics for particular popular
designs can be found, which are especially reliable.
Blank Fire Decoys
BLANK FIRE DECOYS. (See also: DECOYS, CHAOS BOMB) Blank Fire
decoys are simple in construction, but fiendish in application. The clever
device is constructed by taking a cartridge case, sans bullet, wrapping it in a
waxed cloth, and mounting it with a metal clip. The clip positions a firing pin
over the primer. When tossed, the impact causes the metal clip to depress,
pressuring the primer with the pin and igniting the gunpowder inside. This
effectively creates the sound of a gunshot in the location where it lands. Much
louder than a conventional decoy, a Blank Fire Decoy is useful to threaten
rather than just distract. One user can scatter several of these over a wide
area to create the impression of a larger engagement. Useful in quiet combat
situations where distraction and confusion are of paramount importance, a
clever user can utilize these to outmaneuver an opponent.
Decoy Fuses
DECOY FUSES. (See also, DECOYS) A small fuse that, when lit, imitates the presence of an explosive device. Creates a small explosion that can breach closed doors and window shutters. Created by the US Army for offensive maneuvers against hidden foes, and used to flush enemies out of tight spaces by creating the illusion that they must seek shelter elsewhere.
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