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?
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Tools vs Utilitools
Mon, 2011-01-17 15:43
#1
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
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