Mechanik’s Union

Although clockwork tools have yet to make it into general circulation, they are highly desired by those in the know. They are somewhat bulkier and more delicate than their mundane counterparts, but by automating some or even all of a given task they can provide a great boon to those that need a extra hand or need to do too many things at the same time.

Clockwork tools come in two variations: those that assist the user in their task, and those that can perform a task completely autonomously. More advanced versions can even perform either function, selected by a switch on the tool.

One area in which clockwork tools truly shine is in the task of lockpicking. Clockwork assisted lockpicking sets, or Lockbusters as they are sometimes called, are rapidly becoming a must-have tool for rogues and their ilk.

After a couple good turns of the winding key on the rear of the device, the Lockbuster is attached to the lock by means of a ring of magnets. One knob is set to apply a constant but hands-free torsion to the lock internals, leaving the user two hands to operate the pick device. The pick tool is mounted onto the back of the magnetically-attached part, and has several thin picks mounted side by side, able to be slid into the appropriate depth into the lock. The unwinding spring produces an adjustable wiggle in the active pick, easing it into the appropriate position, where it is then locked in place. This is repeated with additional picks until all the necessary parts have been compromised and the lock has been ‘busted’.

In the fully-automatic option, additional spring powered mechanisms automatically measure and adjust each of the options previously left to the user. However, even the cutting edge of clockwork technology does have its limitations, and as such these automatic lockbusters are never as skilled as creators. See IKCG pg 137 for the details on this limitation.

Typically, Lockbusters can operate for 30 seconds (5 rounds) on a full winding. This provides the user several attempts at picking the lock without having to stop to rewind the device. Winding up the Lockbuster is a standard action, as is mounting the device to the lock.

Details on the construction requirements/costs for clockwork tools of all kinds are listed on IKCG pg 149.