Welcome! These forums will be deactivated by the end of this year. The conversation continues in a new morph over on Discord! Please join us there for a more active conversation and the occasional opportunity to ask developers questions directly! Go to the PS+ Discord Server.

Tools vs Utilitools

5 posts / 0 new
Last post
Macroed Nano Macroed Nano's picture
Tools vs Utilitools
On EP p 236, it lists the tools and Utilitools next to each other. It lists that each tool kit is for a specific skill like Hardware: Electronics. Naturally this makes sense since splicing wires using your teeth and bare hands would be more difficult than using the right tools for the job. However, under the Utilitool listed right below it, it says "It can transform into almost any tool, however, from a wrench, knife, or powered screwdriver to a rotary grinder or pair of pliers." and specifically notes that "Characters using a utilitool gain a +10 modifier to skills involving repairing or modifying devices with mechanical parts, opening locks, disarming alarm systems, or performing first aid." So, the utilitool, which is the size of a large fountain pen and therefore far more concealable than an entire tool kit, costs the same as a tool kit, can become almost any tool, and gives a specific bonus to a lot of skills, yet costs the same as a kit. Am I missing something obvious, or is there a real benefit to having a tool kit rather than a utilitool? If the kits are portable, then I'm guessing that it's not going to be including large or heavy items like band saws or lathes, I could see those in a tool shop, but not a tool kit. Given the ability of nanobots to rearrange molecules into darn near anything, and the need for some form of battery to run the bots, wouldn't the utilitool be able to mimic most if not all of the tools found in the kits? Or if the kits do have tools that the utilitool can't mimic, shouldn't they give some sort of bonus for the tests that they're made for?
Axel the Chimeric Axel the Chimeric's picture
Re: Tools vs Utilitools
I'd assume a number of things in regards to them both: 1. A utilitool is nanotech. Not everywhere has nanotech. 2. A utilitool cannot, as you noted, transform into a bandsaw, lathe, or similar large tools. I highly doubt a utilitool can turn into a blowtorch and fuel supply in a reasonable timeframe, if at all. 3. Utilitools require raw materials. Certain tools, such as argon-ion lasers, would require materials and a potentially difficult assembly process when it would be easier to just get ready-made tools. In short, utilitools are great for small hand-tools, but tool kits could involve specialized equipment that might not be so easily nano-fabbed.
nezumi.hebereke nezumi.hebereke's picture
Re: Tools vs Utilitools
I also wonder how easy it would be for a single utilitool to make something like... 4 clamps.
root root's picture
Re: Tools vs Utilitools
root@Tools vs Utilitools [hr] While a utilitool can become any tool, it is limited to the mass of the utilitool, which isn't that large. I have an electronics kit, and while I may be able to use the utilitool to sub in for my soldering iron, my screwdrivers, pliers, voltmeter, crimper, etc, and the magic of nanotech avoids the swiss-army knife problem of not being specialized enough, an electronics kit comes with things like solder, magnifying lenses, sponges, clamps, breadboards, etc, that aren't exactly a tool. Utilitools should be perfect for non-specialized tools, but for any serious work there is more than just a single tool involved. Even if it can run analysis programs and has a built-in omni-technician named Phil that gives feedback on your work with sardonic criticisms. "Yea, sure thing boss. It's good that I'm not programmed to fear for my life or anything. You, on the other hand, might want to put me down and sprint stage left. Oh well, too late now. Hope you have your morph insured."
[ @-rep +1 | c-rep +1 | g-rep +1 | r-rep +1 ]
HappyDazeAreHer... HappyDazeAreHereAgain's picture
Re: Tools vs Utilitools
I'd allow a utilitool used alongside the appropriate tools to provide the +10 it's listed as giving, but a utilitool used without also having the proper tools would allow the action but at a -10 penalty (it can do almost everything, but not as well as proper tools).