Mechanik’s Union

[Credit for this idea goes to Peredyne. His post on the Privateer Press forums originated it as far as I can tell. This post merely expounds upon the idea, and converts it to Clockwork instead of magical. I'm sure a mechanikal version can also be made]

The Helper Holster is an oversized pistol holster that is able to automatically reload the weapon. Clockwork mechanisms are mounted in various positions around the space for the weapon, protected by the holster’s outer casing. The ammunition is stored in a felt-lined tube, gravity fed into the clockwork mechanisms (also felt-lined) that loads it into the weapon. Therefore, the Helper Holster will only operate while it is hanging vertically; if the user is laying down or the holster is otherwise not hanging vertically, a small switch in the holster will detect this and prevent the holster from attempting to reload the weapon.

Earlier versions used more forcible means to provide a more solid feed into the weapon, but after several accidental tears of the delicate wrapping of the ammunition resulted in explosions, the vast majority of manufacturers of Helper Holsters use the more gentle-handed approach.

The device is powered by strong wound spring. Fully winding it requires 2 standard actions, and will provide enough power for 20 rounds of reloading time. When the reloading procedure is finished, a small bell in the holster is struck, thus notifying the user that the weapon is reloaded. Removing the pistol before the reloading is finished is not advised. The weapon will be unable to fire, and it may also damage the clockwork mechanisms.

Reloading certain firearms can be a difficult task even for trained gun users. Even the most advanced clockwork mechanisms can only hope to approach the skill of their creator. A standard rule for the ‘skill’ of automated devices can be found on IKCG pg 137. A Helper Holster cannot be created if the DC for reloading the weapon is greater than the effective Craft(small arms) skill of the holster + 5, as that represents the upper limit of acceptable failure rates for the reloading mechanism.

Pistols in the IK vary greatly in their reloading procedure. As a result, a Helper Holster will only accept the specific type of pistol it was designed to reload. Small switches, notches and blocks on the inside of the holster will prevent any other type of pistol from being inserted. Any modifications to the outer shape or reloading procedure for a pistol will require a new Helper Holster. Helper holsters cannot be created for rifles, blunderbusses, shieldguns, etc. Holstered pistols only!

The price of a helper holster is typically 50gp plus 50gp times the effective Craft(small arms) skill of the device. Truly exceptional work, such as that required to reload the various Gunwerks pistols, may cost much more…if it can be done at all. The Craft(clockwork) DC for creation is 20 plus the effective Craft(small arms) skill of the Helper Holster. Helper Holsters are always custom work, and the crafter needs the pistol or one identical to it for the duration of the creation.

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.