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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Shades of Eternity" data-source="post: 9473982" data-attributes="member: 10869">Doing some stewing for when I do a blog entry and trying to see if this works.Open to feedback.<h3>Garter Folk and Technology</h3>The Garter Folk, an anthropomorphic serpent-like people, have crafted a distinct technological aesthetic that blends their natural agility with the retro-futuristic charm of 1950s dieselpunk and atompunk. Their gadgets and weapons are built around glowing vacuum tubes, chrome finishes, and buzzing machinery, with excessive waste heat considered a signature of their designs. However, there are some technology that goes the other way to take advantage of the natural stealth abilities.<h3>Weapons & Combat Gear</h3> <ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Venom-Tipped Bayonets Adapted from standard bayonets, these blades would be small, attachable knives mounted on rifles, infused with venom reservoirs that release toxins on impact.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Effective for close-quarters combat, especially after their firearms have discharged.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Silenced Submachine Guns Light, portable SMGs like the Uzi or MP5, equipped with suppressors for quiet, stealthy operations. The Garter Folk’s focus on hit-and-run tactics would favor these over bulkier firearms.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Ambushes, urban warfare, or jungle combat.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Venom Grenades Grenades that explode to release a cloud of neurotoxic gas, repurposing chemical weapons like tear gas or mustard gas. These would be smaller, deployable by hand or launchers.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Area denial, crowd control, or weakening enemy forces from a distance.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Dart Guns Air-powered or CO2-based dart guns, used by wildlife conservationists in the 20th century, are adapted for tactical use. Each dart could be coated with a paralyzing venom.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Taking down opponents without lethal force, or incapacitating targets for later questioning.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Tripwire Nets Garter Folk would utilize light tripwire-activated nets, similar to those used by law enforcement. These nets could constrict and tighten around captured enemies, leveraging their natural knowledge of constriction.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Trapping or immobilizing intruders, disabling movement without engaging in direct combat.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Sniper Rifles with Thermal Sights Rifles like the M21 or Dragunov, with thermal scopes to detect heat signatures. Garter Folk could use these from hidden positions, picking off enemies at a distance.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Defense of territory from afar, or taking down key targets from stealthy vantage points.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Slingshots or Sling Bows Silent and easy to use, slingshots or adapted bows could be modified to fire venom-tipped projectiles. They'd rely on precision rather than firepower.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Stealthy takedowns or deploying venom-coated projectiles without the noise of firearms.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Tripwire Mines Like the Claymore, tripwire-activated mines are be used to guard critical areas, but instead of explosive charges, they could release bursts of venomous gas or incapacitating chemicals.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Area defense, especially near choke points or vulnerable spots in their territory</li> </ul></li> </ol> <ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Coil Bolas – A set of bolas designed to trip and constrict enemies, made from durable synthetic fibers that mimic their own constricting ability. These would work well with their quick, slithery movements.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: The bolas can tighten upon impact, restricting movement and inflicting gradual pressure.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Sticky Venom Mines – Small, adhesive mines that can be placed on surfaces or thrown at enemies. Upon detonation, they release a sticky substance laced with venom that slows or incapacitates targets.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Can trap enemies, leaving them vulnerable to further attacks.</li> </ul><h3>Armor & Defensive Equipment</h3> <ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Kevlar Body Suits Based on 20th-century Kevlar vests, lightweight body armor could be designed with flexibility in mind, allowing Garter Folk to maintain their serpentine movements while protecting against bullets or shrapnel.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Personal protection during raids or combat, with mobility prioritized over heavy protection.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Gas Masks Gas masks like the M17used by militaries in the 20th century would be essential for Garter Folk who use venomous or chemical weapons in combat. These masks would also offer protection against their own toxin-based grenades and sprays. They also come with a rebreather function for underwater or subterranean travel.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Field equipment during engagements involving toxic gases or venom clouds.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Camouflage Nets & Ghillie Suits Adapted ghillie suits, originally used by snipers, could help Garter Folk blend into natural surroundings, especially in jungles, swamps, or other dense environments. These would offer them stealth advantages.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Ambushes and covert operations, particularly for long-term surveillance or defense setups.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Metal Mesh Armor Light metal mesh armor could offer protection from sharp weapons while remaining flexible enough for their natural movement. Similar to chainmail, but lighter and tailored for serpentine bodies.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Defense against knives, arrows, or other piercing weapons without losing agility.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Vibration Sensing Helmets– Helmets equipped with technology that enhances the snake’s natural vibration-sensing capabilities, allowing the Garter Folk to detect movement around them, even in low visibility.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use. Great for ambushes or tracking enemies through environmental obstacles.</li> </ul></li> </ol><h3>Tools & Utility Equipment</h3> <ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Flashlights with Red Filters Handheld or helmet-mounted flashlights designed with red filters to preserve night vision and remain stealthy. These would allow Garter Folk to see without drawing attention.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Night operations in low-visibility environments.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Walkie-Talkies or Field Radios Compact, portable field radios like the AN/PRC-77used in the Vietnam War would allow the Garter Folk to maintain communication over large distances during operations.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Tactical coordination during stealth operations or defense maneuvers.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Coilback Packs Like rucksacks, but adapted to their physiology, these backpacks would coil around their bodies instead of relying on shoulder straps. The packs would be ideal for carrying light supplies or tools.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Carrying ammunition, rations, and tools for longer operations or scavenging missions.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Binoculars or Night Vision Goggles Light binoculars or night vision goggles would allow them to spot threats at a distance, day or night. These would be key for both defensive setups and scouting missions.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Reconnaissance and surveillance in difficult or low-light environments.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Flare Guns Used to signal for help or mark positions, flare guns would be a simple but effective way to alert others or create distractions.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Marking positions for air or ground support, signaling danger, or creating distractions.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Tail Grappling Hook A tail-mounted gadget that shoots a grappling hook, allowing the Garter Folk to climb, swing, or escape quickly in urban settings.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Fires from their prehensile tail, leaving their hands free for combat or other tasks.</li> </ul></li> </ol> <ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Venom-Tipped Drones – Small flying or crawling drones that can deliver venomous payloads or act as scouts for reconnaissance missions. These drones would be controlled via neural interface or pheromonal signals.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Equipped with tiny venomous stingers, useful for disabling enemies or marking targets.</li> </ul><h3>Transportation</h3> <ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Jeeps or Light Armored Vehicles Light vehicles like the Willys Jeep or Humveewould allow the Garter Folk to transport small squads across rough terrain. These vehicles could be outfitted with small-caliber mounted weapons for defense.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Rapid movement across their territory, patrols, or reinforcement during defensive operations.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Slithercycles Lightweight, fast-moving motorbikes adapted to the Garter Folk’s serpentine movement. These vehicles are low-profile and designed for speed and maneuverability.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Urban transportation, messengers, or recon scouts.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Inflatable Boats Inflatable rubber boats (like Zodiacs) used by military forces would allow Garter Folk to cross bodies of water quickly, especially in marshy or swampy environments, which might be common in their territory.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Water-based operations or evacuations across rivers and lakes.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Coil Tanks– Light, mobile armored vehicles that can “coil” and compress into compact forms for easier movement through rough terrain. They could deploy venom gas or immobilizing mines as part of their armament.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Offers a compact, agile defensive unit with venom-based artillery.</li> </ul></li> </ol><h3>Utility & Survival Gear</h3> <ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Venom Harvesting Kits Adapted medical kits that allow them to extract venom from their fangs safely and store it for later use in weapons or medicine. This could be analogous to 20th-century field surgery kits.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Venom extraction for use in combat, hunting, or producing antidotes.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">First Aid Kits with Antivenom Field first aid kits adapted with antivenom specific to their physiology, allowing them to treat bites, stings, or chemical exposure while in the field.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Emergency medical care during missions or accidents.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Camouflage Tents Lightweight, foldable tents with camouflage patterns to match their natural surroundings. These would serve as temporary field bases or shelters for scouting teams.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Field shelters during long missions, defense outposts in rural or forested areas.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Snare Traps Simple, effective wire snare traps could be used to catch enemies or animals. The Garter Folk might adapt these for larger targets, deploying them during defensive setups.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Defense and hunting in rural or wilderness areas.</li> </ul></li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Venom Syringes Syringes designed for tactical use, these could either deliver antivenom or be filled with venom for use as emergency weapons. Compact and portable, they'd be common in Garter Folk medical and combat kits.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Emergency venom injection for self-defense or field medicine.</li> </ul></li> </ol> <ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Pheromone Communicators </li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Devices that allow the Garter Folk to communicate through pheromone signals, which can be undetectable by outsiders and ideal for stealth operations.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Use: Operates without traditional electronics, perfect for silent communications during covert missions.</li> </ul></blockquote>

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