When found, this item appears to be a large, sealed iron barrel about the size of a 55 gallon drum, with small rings at each end, but it has a secret catch that opens a hatch in one end. Inside are 11 levers:
- Enlarge/retract (barrel gets wider and longer until 5 foot in diameter and 10 feet long with room for 2 to ride in comfort, or 3 cramped)
- Extend/retract legs and tail
- Uncover/cover forward porthole
- Uncover/cover side portholes
- Extend/retract pincers and feelers
- Snap pincers
- Forward/left or right
- Backward/left or right
- Open "eyes'' with continual light inside/close "eyes''
- Ascend/descend
- Open/close hatch
The apparatus moves forward at a TMR of 15, backward at 30. Two pincers extend forward four feet and snap for 3d6 points of damage each if they hit a creature (base SC 50, must develop special skill to improve - EXP multiple is 400). The device can operate in water up to 2000 feet deep. It can hold two man-sized characters and enough air for one person for 12 hours (divide by number of occupants). The apparatus is Protection 10 (LOW 8). 150 hit points of damage will cause a leak while 300 will cave in a side. When the device is operating it looks something like a giant lobster.
Note that the apparatus cannot "swim". If dropped into the sea, it will sink to the bottom where it can move by walking. It is good practice of have ropes tied to the two rings on the outside of the apparatus so it can be hauled up before the occupants run out of air (just in case they are not able to walk to safety). |