Ghostbusters Universal
Equipment Rules and New Equipment

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In the original Ghostbusters rules, equipment is mentioned but only the proton pack is really given game rules. There weren't rules on carrying equipment either -- it was up to the GM to oversee using common sense. The second edition, Ghostbusters International, had more rules on equipment and encumbrance. Here are my rules on carrying equipment, equipment rules for the original gear and some brand new gear.

Carrying Equipment
A character can carry 3 normal items without encumbrance. Some items are smaller than normal. Three small items equals 1 normal item. A character can carry up to 9 small items provided there is a suitable container to hold them. Some items are large. A large item is equal to 3 normal items. A character can only carry 1 large item at a time. Some items, such as vehicles, are even larger than large and can only be pushed or pulled slowly.

1 large item   =   3 normal items   =   9 small items.
  

Original Equipment

Alpine Gear

Adds 3D to climbing attempts.

Aura Video-Analyzer

See someone's aura or archetype.

Beach Kit

Beach gear. Can be used to disorient humor-challenged bad guys.

Bullhorn

Helps you to speak loudly.

Cellular Phone

Talk. Normal models are built into a car, but 1990's version can be hand-held.

ECTO-1

No effect on Cool and Moves. Carries 4 Passengers and up to 10 reasonable items. See Minivan and Sports Car below.

Ecto-visors

See in the dark and non-materialized ghosts.

Geiger Counter

Detect radiation.

Ghost Trap

Trap and store a ghost. Useless for critters and monsters.

Infrared Camera

Take pictures in the dark. Invisible ghosts can be photographed.

Parachute

Jump from planes and other high places.

PKE Meter

Detect areas of high PKE activity.

Protection Grid

Hold trapped ghosts. Can't be moved

Proton Pack

Small unlicensed nuclear accelerators. Each attack on a ghost lowers its Ectopresence by 1, when it reaches 0, the proton pack holds it immobile.

Scuba Gear

Swim underwater for 30 minutes at a time.

Video Camcorder

Take moving pictures, film ads for TV. Some ghosts don't show up in video.

Walkie-Talkies

Converse over a 1-2 mile range.

  
New Equipment

Beeper

Receive pages when you are away from the office.

Camping Kit

Includes 4 sleeping bags, a 3-man dome tent, 1-man pup tent, and cooking equipment.

Compass

Tell magnetic north. Also can be used to detect magnetic fields.

Computer

Adds 3D to Accounting and related tasks. Later models can be used to play video games.

DNA Sequencer

Mix your own monster.

Duffel Bag

Holds up to 3 normal items (or 9 small items), and counts as only 1 normal item for carrying purposes.

Dynamite

Blow things up. One stick adds +5 to attack, but if you roll a ghost....

EMF Detector Measure electro-magnetic fields

Encyclopedia

Adds 2D to Brains when researching. Adds +1D if used in hand-to-hand combat.

Fax Machine

Send or receive faxes.

Global Positioning System

Only available in 1990's Ghostbusters, it allows you to find your location anywhere in this dimension.

Incense

Keep everything smelling good. Some flavors can be used to attract or repel Ghosts, or other Critters.

Lab Equipment

Adds 3D to Brains when performing experiments. The Junior Scientist model only adds 1D but is also portable.

Lockpick

Adds 3D to Moves attempts at picking locks.

Lurid Weekly Magazine

Keep up to date on all the spooky happenings. Adds 2D to Brains when 'remembering' important facts (only good once per adventure).

Measuring Tape Check distances and heights.

Microscope

See real small things.

Minivan

Subtracts 1D to Cool while inside the vehicle. Carries 7 passengers or 4 passengers and any reasonable gear. Normal Moves for car chases.

Motion Detector

Be warned moments before Something comes. Some also come with heat detection.

Notebook

Help keep notes. More useful with pen or pencil.

Sea Monkeys

These little critters are perfect organic PKE-meters. They glow when in the vicinity of high PKE.

Sports Car

Adds 3D to Cool while touching the car. Carries 2 persons but no extra gear. Adds 3D to Moves for car chases.

Tape Recorder

Take notes in the dark.

Telescope

See stars and other celestial objects.

Thermal Scanner

Detect "cold spots" and fluctuations in temperature.

Voice Stress Analyzer

Tell if someone is lying. With a Hard job, you can read their subconscious thoughts.

 

Generally, you don't see that kind of behavior in a major appliance.
--Venkman, Ghostbusters