Page 236 - Hunter - The Vigil

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a small number of hunters; its consequent scarcity is refl ected in + Stealth roll, with fi ve successes required to step through without
the item’s Cost. Characters who learn how to make it pay one leaving a footprint). It provides ghosts and spirits with a medium
dot less; the creation process requires basic amateur chemistry for communication, should they lack the capacity for more robust
tools and six successes on an extended Wits + Craft roll, with interaction with the physical world. It can improve one’s grip
each roll representing an hour of work. Potential ingredients at a critical and palm-sweating moment (+1 equipment bonus
include musk glands from various animals, secretions from when climbing, for example). Some hunters mix the talcum with
pungent plants like skunk cabbage, commercial-grade glues powdered silver or iron, creating an irritant for certain supernatural
and solvents, and chemicals such as cadavarine produced by creatures (roll Resolve + Composure to avoid an obvious fl inch
rotting fl esh. reaction if the powder contacts the skin).
Thermal-Imaging Camera Ultraviolet Ink and
Durability 1, Size 1, Structure 2, Cost ••• Portable UV Lamp
This is a camcorder-like thermographic camera that depicts Durability 1, Size 1, Structure 2, Cost •
far-infrared radiation in a display that shows temperature Hunters have many uses for so-called invisible ink, which is
differences as bands of color. The camera displays moving, real- imperceptible to the naked eye but fluoresces when exposed to

time video images, and may or may not be capable of recording the ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by a “black light” bulb. Need to
the imagery. A typical thermographic camera is sensitive to get information to a cell member whose mail isn’t secure? Write
temperatures of -20º F and above, can detect temperature an ultraviolet message on top of a mundane correspondence.
differences of 2º or more, and can read a human-sized target from Need to place a territorial or warning mark that only other cell
up to 2,400 feet away. Proper use of thermographic cameras for members can fi nd? Paint on the wall with ultraviolet pigment.
professional purposes, like medical imagery or home inspection, Want to leave guide marks so you can fi nd the critical gravestone
requires advanced training. Hunters’ needs aren’t as precise, or the way out of an elaborate sewer system, but don’t want them

but reflections, thermal shadows, background radiation and removed or obscured by vandals, caretakers or the enemy? Draw

other factors can make a thermal image difficult to interpret. your arrows with ultraviolet ink. Effective use of ultraviolet ink
Except in a simple scenario, such as a single subject against requires that the intended recipient knows where to look for
a thermally uniform background, the Storyteller may require the message. And since anyone who possesses a UV lamp — or
an untrained user to make a successful roll of Intelligence + anything that can perceive UV light — can read what’s written,
Skill (e.g. Science, Medicine) to interpret the image correctly. cautious hunters combine the tactic with the use of code. In a few
In some cases, the number of successes might determine how cases, hunters gone rogue have continued this practice, leaving
much detail is gleaned. In other situations — a ghostly message behind taunts and clues for their former allies.

written on a wall by the icy fingers of an unseen hand — the
details may be immediately obvious. Weatherproof Matches
(Box of 25)
Thermal Scanner Durability 1, Size 0, Structure 1, Cost •
Durability 1, Size 1, Structure 2, Cost •• Rare is the experienced hunter who doesn’t keep some
A less expensive alternative to a thermographic camera kind of fire-starting device with him. A lighter or a book of

(above), this is a handheld unit that measures temperatures and kitchen matches could be a last-ditch method for generating
displays the results in a digital readout. Most thermal scanners illumination in a dark environment, or it might be used
have a range of about 10 feet or so, though if not used up close, to signal to one’s teammates when other communication

it can be difficult to tell exactly what area is being read by the methods are unavailable. In extremis, a single lifesaving match
device. The scanner can detect surface temperatures from -5 to might be enough to start a fire that will drive back a monster

500+ degrees Fahrenheit. Besides locating temperature anomalies or divert it toward an ambush or trap. On the other hand, a
that might indicate supernatural activity (see “Ghostbusting,” p. fire that won’t start when it’s needed could mean death or

230), a thermal scanner can help hunters recognize an illusion for disaster. Canny hunters tilt the odds in their favor by carrying
what it is, enable the detection of concealed electronic equipment windproof matches, which have larger heads that provide a
by the heat it produces when active, or reveal hidden doorways or strong, wind-resistant flame. Most windproof matches are

passages that are thinly disguised and lead to a warmer or cooler waterproof as well, and so will light when wet or in the most
area. Note that some supernatural creatures have abilities that can severe of weather conditions. The matches are available from
disguise their abnormal temperature signatures. camping supply vendors and typically come in a box of 25.
Note that these are safety matches, which means they’ll only
Talcum Powder (Bottle)
light when used against the special striking surface on the
Durability 1, Size 1, Structure 2, Cost •
box. Where appropriate, an equipment bonus provided by
Available at any pharmacy or supermarket, a bottle of talcum
weatherproof matches ignores any weather-related penalties.
powder (or baby power or something similar) is another innocuous,
lightweight and versatile addition to the kit bag of a supernatural Wheel Immobilizer

investigator. Sprinkled over the floor or ground, it prevents any Durability 3, Size 3, Structure 6, Cost ••
solid but invisible presence from walking through the area without Famously used by city parking authorities to incapacitate
leaving a visible disturbance (Storytellers might allow a Dexterity the vehicles of scofflaws, these wheel “boots” are also available

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