1001 contraptions your gnome would build

Post/Author/DateTimePost
#1

pluisjen

May 18, 2009 16:02:50
So, I've seen quite a few already and I'm really curious what bizarre devices Gnomes would build in your games to either create mayhem, bother party members, or for science!

The one that all my players wanted in an old game was:

1. The "Dragon's head", a primitive launcher in the form of a dragon's head (I wonder where they got the name?) that launched flasks of alchemist's fire.

I've also had

2. Gnomish Mecha-Armor to create the high-level, heavily armored and 12ft tall city guards for some higher level players.

What've you seen or created?
#2

prator_the_golden

May 18, 2009 17:58:32
3. Automatic Crossbow: Taking the idea of a repeating crossbow a step further, the AC is a large, short range, rapid-fire crossbow that is commonly mounted on top of a wall or turret and used to bombard large crowds of enemies. Other versions are mounted on wheeled wooden platforms, to gain a mobile artillery advantage on any battlefield. They generally take two people to operate, and are most commonly used for defensive purposes, since they do not have the range of other crossbows or siege weapons.
#3

MrCustomer

May 18, 2009 22:32:54
4: Gnomish Packpack of escape. Basically a large pot filled with flasks of alchemists fire turned upsidedown in my backpack with a small hole for a wand of burning hands at the bottom. The idea was to reach down and activate the wand, blast burning hands into the pot thereby igniting all the flasks and creating a large explosion which would be blast the pot, and therby the backpack and my gnome who is wearing the backpack to safety.

Our party was facing a particularly nasty wizard, and my gnome was out of useful spells and low on hps, so I decided it was time to make my escape.....

Took the party weeks to get the smell of burnt gnome out of their clothes.
#4

halfslime

May 18, 2009 22:55:56
5. Soles of Slickness: Fashionable shoes, alchemically augmented to be very slippery. This allows the wearer to slide all over the place as if they're on ice or some other slippery substance. As well as being great for moonwalking, it is possible to slide around at very high speeds with these shoes, allowing the wearer to outrun just about anything. However, maneuvering can be tricky.

6. Wizard Tank: A steam-powered tank equipped with one or more catapults specially designed to fire gnome wizards with fly spells prepared. The tanks fire with their main cannons at the enemy while the gnomes rain fireballs from above.
#5

abraham

May 20, 2009 18:59:42
7.automatic squirter!(basically a machine gun version of a squirt gun,maybe run like a gattiling gun?)
#6

Kerrus

May 20, 2009 19:23:48
8. The Class VGR-1216 Photon Pack- guarenteed to halt any undead problem you might have (Use activated Searing Ray 3d6/8)
#7

DragonsWrath

May 20, 2009 22:11:25
9) Any gnome I play would somehow invent a vehicular application of dragscoop ionics and electropropulsion magnetronics.

#8

lord_karsus

May 20, 2009 23:38:11
16) The "classic" Da Vinci 'cart with spinning blades'.
#9

awestriker

May 21, 2009 8:58:11
17. A mechanical squirrel for espionage purposes.

18. A motorcycle.
#10

ocarina_guy

May 22, 2009 15:49:51
19. I'm not kidding on this one. The gnome decided to mod the warforged so he could transform into a ballista and roll out. What did the ballista fire? The gnome.
#11

abraham

May 24, 2009 19:50:53
20.bazooka gum!
#12

thegreatgalstaff

May 24, 2009 21:47:59
my gnome Clifton the Tinkerer, specialized in making items and in 4th I basically made him a NPC that could make almost anything and this was the first thing that he made. it was 3.5, I took him all the way to 47 due to a Homebrewed rule, that I gained .5% extra XP per item I made for the party to make up for me using XP to make items, well I made 50+ items that was in use so I gained levels 25% faster, but I stayed within 5 levels of the party because every 2 levels or so I would upgrade armor and every 4 levels I would do weapons, everyone loved him.... but i digress, he has moved to 4th and this is his first invention...in 4th


21: The remake yourself machine.
5,000 total to basically bring in a new character with your old equipment, its great for those people who like to change but if they bring in a new character every 5 games it messes with your story so this allows them to change, but keep the soul/mind person
for heroic characters,
for 2,000 gold you can change your race and stats,
for 1,000 you can redo your feats,
for 2,000 more you can change your class.
paragon
4,000 for race and stats
2,000 for feats (you cannot have all paragon feats, they must be at least 50/50 or more on the heroic side)
4,000 for your class/paragon path.
Epic
8,000 for race and stats
4,000 for feats (same rules but its must be 50/50 for paragon vs epic, heroic feats are still OK)
8,000 for class/PP/and epic destiny.
#13

CCS

May 24, 2009 22:39:00
A drum (or belt) fed, hand/foot crank powered, gattling ballista. In an AA mount.

Bolted to the top of the parties carrage.
Cranked by a multi-hasted ogre.
#14

fish-n-chips_kid

May 25, 2009 13:24:51
A Varia Suit, like Samus's. Seen it done. Not pretty. Dm crushed it quickly. ''Crushed'' literally.
#15

DragonsWrath

May 25, 2009 22:03:22
#16

fish-n-chips_kid

May 28, 2009 20:07:13
This thing needs a bump.
#17

DragonsWrath

May 28, 2009 21:01:39
24) A device that automatically bumps old threads
#18

sier_labeguileuse_dup

May 29, 2009 11:53:02
25) The gnome should build an automated couch so the wizard isn't bother by all this silly overland walking.
#19

Ventus_Frago

May 29, 2009 13:38:13
There is an old classic called AC10 that has some really great gnome creations that i'll post here:

26. Brandon's bard in a box: a box with permanent mage mouth and divination spells cast on it that picked up any music played within 2 miles.

27. Rhan-ko's Dish Washer: A black pudding at the bottom of a long well in which you dipped ceramic dishes into on a mechanism. Requires bi-weekly flame application to keep the pudding from growing over the side of the well.

Can't remember anymore right now, but funny topic.
#20

fish-n-chips_kid

Jun 14, 2009 19:30:17
It's, it's it's... IT'S ALIVE!!!:evillaugh
#21

prator_the_golden

Jun 15, 2009 10:07:57
28. Food Dispenser: A clever gnome who wanted a way to make money fast thought this up. He took a giant magical icebox, loaded it with smoked meats, fruits, and other edible goods, and then set it up so that it would dispense one or more of these goods if you put a silver piece into the machine and pushed a few buttons. Of course, the effective price of the goods you get out of the machine is a fair bit higher than the price you would get if you bought the goods in a store, but hungry people don't care about that.
#22

alphasquirell

Jun 15, 2009 11:47:50
29. A Gnome-Killing Death Ray.

He would then hand it to a party member, have himself killed, and his new character would always have it within arm's reach.

My party hates gnomes. (worst part, they'd roleplay some story about Gnomes being an "ultimate evil" that needs to be destroyed, and in-character would justify genocide...)
#23

prator_the_golden

Jun 15, 2009 13:00:18
30. Technomancer's gauntlet Mk I:This oversized gauntlet looks like an iron golem's fist and is just about as heavy. Most gnomes aren't strong enough to use one. The Gauntlet was first invented by the great gnomish artificer, Klein Sheisskopf, who was renowned in his day for being stunningly handsome, incredibly intelligent, marvelously creative, tougher than any nail, quick as greased lightning, and strong as an ox. Most gnomes hated him, so the gauntlet was developed as a means of self-defense.

The overlapping metal plates that make up the gauntlet are highly mobile, pulled about by a series of interlocking metal wires. By pressing a few buttons on the outside, the gauntlet can reshape itself into a number of different forms. The MkI can turn into a tower shield, a metal longbow strung with wire, or a battleaxe on demand. It could also just be used as a gauntlet, but most people agree that it's too ungainly for that.
#24

pluisjen

Jun 15, 2009 15:43:10
[b]the great gnomish artificer, Klein Sheisskopf,

Does that name mean what I think it means..?

Because that's German for Little Shithead, unless I'm mistaking. Which is an awesome name for the biggest, smartest and greatest Gnome around :P
#25

prator_the_golden

Jun 15, 2009 20:41:24
You're correct. I actually do have a gnome artificer character by that name, too.

...."Shithead" isn't censored?

31. Technomancer's Gauntlet Mk II: Klein Shiesskopf's son, Ein Anderer Shiesskopf, was not as talented or beautiful as his father, but managed to be a lot more financially successful by making a business of manufacturing and selling his father's Gauntlets. He even improved on the design; the Mk II is a lot slimmer and lighter than the Mk I, and covers the entire lower arm with a series of overlapping plates. The upper part of the Mk II (near the elbow) has a ring six small pincer-holders, each just about the right size to tightly grip a small vial of liquid.

The Mk II was designed to be easier to use than its forebear, but customers have complained that it is less comfortable in spite of the reduced weight. Most people think the Mk II is still better, though, because it has all the features of the Mk I and can also launch vials of acid, holy water, or alchemists' fire with an impressive degree of accuracy at a rapid rate over a long range.
#26

a_lusty_alien

Jun 16, 2009 2:44:59
32. Miniaturized Giant Space Hamsters

All the power of Giant Space Hamsters (Spelljammer) in a convenient, easily transportable, pocket size rodent. Unfortunately, so much power in such a small form tends to make them spontaneously explode unexpectedly.

Warcry: "I've got a hamster, and I'm not afraid to use it!"

(Yes, I created this many years ago in a AD&D Second Edition Spelljammer game with my gnome magic user.)
#27

Shiftkitty

Jun 16, 2009 14:35:29
33. Platform shoes so the bartender won't keep ignoring you.

34. 50,000 volt hair that activates whenever someone pats you on the head and says "How's the weather down there?"
#28

DragonsWrath

Jun 16, 2009 14:43:42
33. Platform levitation shoes so the bartender won't keep ignoring you.

34. 50,000 volt hair that activates whenever someone pats you on the head and says "How's the weather down there?"

Fixed. Also, lol.


35) A tiny action figure (warforged) that is actually the party's 6th player. Keep him in a Bag of Holding, then whip him out when all else fails.
(side note: I'm so pulling this on my PCs some day... :D)
#29

rowl

Jun 20, 2009 19:18:53
32. Miniaturized Giant Space Hamsters

All the power of Giant Space Hamsters (Spelljammer) in a convenient, easily transportable, pocket size rodent. Unfortunately, so much power in such a small form tends to make them spontaneously explode unexpectedly.

Warcry: "I've got a hamster, and I'm not afraid to use it!"

(Yes, I created this many years ago in a AD&D Second Edition Spelljammer game with my gnome magic user.)

"Go for the eyes, Boo, GO FOR THE EYES!!!"
#30

LadyAthena

Jun 23, 2009 18:04:43
36) A clockwork baby covered in cotton/straw stuffing and fabric. It has three settings: Doll, Practice (for young couples), and Spy!
#31

oldmastersaru

Jun 24, 2009 19:07:39
37) Tuatha De Danaan

yes that submarine from full metal panic....
same size cost him a lot of gold (cant recall how much)
fully equip with M9 mechs about 45 of them
arm to the teeth with all kinds of weapons....
ya....(on a side note he considers this the perfect weapon)
and no matter what i threw at it i could not sink her.....
god i am a bad dm.....
#32

puppypounder

Jun 24, 2009 22:11:00
I'd build a transformer. First it's a blimp, then it's a catapult, then it's an intelligent Iron Golem. Either that or a trap that ended up droping victims into an adamant chainmail bag of holding filled with mud.
#33

scarves

Jun 25, 2009 8:12:57
Suicide Booth. I would then use said invention, and roll a new character with a less overused background than 'gnome engineer'.

I like the new sinister woodsy gnomes 4e style.

Seriously, read Kellen's background on page 11 of PHB2 and tell me that isn't a googolplex better than 'nutty gnome engineer #976,362'.
#34

LadyAthena

Jul 06, 2009 11:53:55
Suicide Booth. I would then use said invention, and roll a new character with a less overused background than 'gnome engineer'.

I like the new sinister woodsy gnomes 4e style.

Seriously, read Kellen's background on page 11 of PHB2 and tell me that isn't a googolplex better than 'nutty gnome engineer #976,362'.

*shrug* Just because it's been done by other people doesn't mean you can't have fun with it. I actually don't care for the sinister forest gnomes but that's just a personal preference.

38) Well Balanced Serving Tray - This item has a hollow track that travels the circumference of the tray with what are essentially iron ball bearings trapped inside; the top is a patchwork of mini pressure plates. As the server removes items from the tray and the pressure plates sense the change in weight distribution, the iron ball bearings are propelled around the track (as counter weights) by magnets. Unfortunately, the precise nature of this serving tray renders it much too cost prohibitive for 99% of taverns. The 1% that could afford it aren't really sure they need it...
#35

DragonsWrath

Jul 06, 2009 12:13:13
38) Well Balanced Serving Tray - This item has a hollow track that travels the circumference of the tray with what are essentially iron ball bearings trapped inside; the top is a patchwork of mini pressure plates. As the server removes items from the tray and the pressure plates sense the change in weight distribution, the iron ball bearings are propelled around the track (as counter weights) by magnets. Unfortunately, the precise nature of this serving tray renders it much too cost prohibitive for 99% of taverns. The 1% that could afford it aren't really sure they need it...




39) The Epic Serving Tray - Never spill your serving tray, ever again! The Epic Serving Tray, available for just 19.99 gp when you order now, works just as well as the Well Balanced Serving Tray, for a tenth of the price!
Our patented E-Z Fit Glove technology means you never have to worry about awkward serving trays, EVER AGAIN! Just slip on the Epic Serving Tray Glove Attachment, place the tray on top, and whisper the magic word. Abracadabra! The Epic Serving Tray will never slip off your hand!

Buy now and get not one, not two, but THREE Epic Serving Glove attachments...
#36

LadyAthena

Jul 06, 2009 12:34:38
*villainous d'oh!* Those over at Mage-Mart are always undermining my prices! ... I will have to infiltrate them and take them down from the inside.... I must stop their treacherous rollbacks once and for all...
#37

randomguywithknife

Jul 06, 2009 16:09:22
a gnome i once played got a shoe string of impossibility(he could pretty much alter reality when inventing)

40) armor firing cross bow- fired parts of opponents armor at them slowly lowering ac
#38

Johnathan_Vagabond

Jul 07, 2009 11:20:25
41) A Whizzbang: First it goes "WHIIIIIIIiiiizzzzzzzzzz" then it goes "BANG!"

42) Gnomeroller: An outer and inner wheel, separated by ball bearings, the rolls on the outside without rolling on the inside. The gnome still has to use his feet to make it move though.
#39

seyeklopz

Jul 20, 2009 23:54:27
My gnome mage/thief made fire trap crossbow bolts. They are made entirely of steel with a small flask on the tip. This flask has a stopper that opens when it is pressed in. He resets them by pulling the stopper closed, setting a safety catch, and casting firetrap on it with a keyword. Firing the arrow without speaking the keyword causes firetrap to detonate on impact.

-1 to hit and has a shorter range
It does d3+1 damage to unarmored. Leather or better takes d3-2
d4 +1/level (maximum d4+20) fire damage in a 5' radius.

Extremely munchy, yet within the rules.

These can also deliver sprays of liquid or, if modified, compressed gasses.
#40

tigereye504

Jul 21, 2009 17:55:37
My gnome mage/thief made fire trap crossbow bolts. They are made entirely of steel with a small flask on the tip. This flask has a stopper that opens when it is pressed in. He resets them by pulling the stopper closed, setting a safety catch, and casting firetrap on it with a keyword. Firing the arrow without speaking the keyword causes firetrap to detonate on impact.

-1 to hit and has a shorter range
It does d3+1 damage to unarmored. Leather or better takes d3-2
d4 +1/level (maximum d4+20) fire damage in a 5' radius.

Extremely munchy, yet within the rules.

These can also deliver sprays of liquid or, if modified, compressed gasses.

fill the arrows with potions of fireball, than use the auto-crossbow mentioned earlier. None shall reach the castle wall!


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