…by John H. Watson, MD
The Doclopedia #2,483
Updates For…: Stuff You Need: Steampunk Secret Agent
1: If you are a gentleman, your government issue walking stick. It will contain a sword or dagger, a compass, an 18 inch breathing tube and the ability to fire six .32 caliber rounds. Some walking sticks might contain other items.
As of 1890, the gun portion of these walking sticks can be replaced with an electrical shock unit that can be used 8 times. Additionally, each stick now has a small electrical torch (flashlight to you Yanks).
2: If you are a lady, your government issue rings (1 with compass, 1 with 3 poisoned needles), Chinese fan (razor sharp edges), cameo brooch (3 smoke capsules), and “cleavage gun” (to be hidden therein, 4 shot .22 caliber derringer).
Not mentioned is the stab proof, shot resistant corset. Starting in 1898, the brooch can also include a gas capsule that causes vomiting. Also available are leg holsters & sheaths for guns or knives.
3: Miniature steam powered spiderbomb. These will go in a straight line (including up walls or across ceilings) for up to 150 feet, then wait 10 seconds before exploding with the force of two sticks of dynamite.
The 1892 “Big Dragonfly” version of this is the size of a sparrow and can rapidly fly 300 feet while delivering an explosion of comparable size. It is nearly silent while flying.
4: Membership card in the International Adventurers Club. You would be surprised at the doors this will open.
Note that these cards were redesigned and upgraded in 1890 to include a photograph. All agents should get one or more, depending upon how many aliases you use.
5: A good pocket watch, preferably with a watch chain that can serve as handcuffs or garrote.
It is also possible to get watches that can double as torches/flashlights, emit smoke or gas, and explode when a timer goes off.
6: Government issue 9mm pistol and ammunition that can (and should) include normal, incendiary, tracer, explosive and paralyzing rounds.
Our American friends may prefer the .44 caliber version, which can conceal small items in the grip.
7: Lockpicks, miniature camera, telegraph key & connecting wires, acid vial and difference engine codebreaker. All concealed in commonly carried objects.
The French have recently created a very complete first aid/field surgery kit that fits into a shaving powder can. Be aware that the codebreakers need to be replaced about every 6 months.
8: Robot detection spectacles. Due to the recent rash of robots made to resemble humans, these are now standard issue.
As of May, 1893, the Robot Threat is no more. However, the spectacles are still very useful for detecting hidden machinery of all sorts.
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