Disguised Camera
Function: Hidden cameras have become easily accessible to the public, often replacing closed-circuit video surveillance. They’re cheap and popular. Parents use them to spy on babysitters, bosses watch employees in offices or break rooms, girlfriends snoop on boyfriends (and vice versa). The monsters of this world find hidden cameras endlessly useful, as well: predators watch the habits of favored prey while surveying the boundaries of their territory, and some sorcerers litter their sanctums and libraries with these cameras as well, monitoring every corner and shelf obsessively.
Stationary cameras such as these come in countless forms: clock radios, smoke detectors, air purifiers. All the devices are functional in addition to being cameras. Clock radios still have alarms and tell the time, and desk lamps still illuminate one’s paperwork. Such items must be of Size 2 or greater. Smaller cameras, such as those that might look like a pen, wristwatch or pair of eyeglasses, are more expensive (Cost •••), and have a Size 1 and Structure 2.
Hidden cameras don’t usually transmit an image to a monitor as the action happens, but instead require that the captured video be viewed later after hooking it up to a TV’s audio/video inputs. The resultant video is low resolution with washed-out coloring, and only lasts about two hours. Better cameras are available, but come with a bigger price tag. Assume that any bells and whistles (better video, wireless monitoring and playback, longer recording time, submersible up to 30 yards) add +1 to the Cost, up to a maximum of Cost ••••. For a similar price tag, characters can also purchase cameras that do transmit an image wirelessly to a monitor. This monitor must be within a quarter-mile.
Characters actively hunting to find such disguised cameras can make a Wits + Investigation roll, with a penalty equal to the Cost of the camera. (The higher the cost, the more authentic the device appears.) These items are designed to be hard to find, and a casual passerby will not be allowed a Wits + Composure roll to accidentally find it.
Stationary cameras such as these come in countless forms: clock radios, smoke detectors, air purifiers. All the devices are functional in addition to being cameras. Clock radios still have alarms and tell the time, and desk lamps still illuminate one’s paperwork. Such items must be of Size 2 or greater. Smaller cameras, such as those that might look like a pen, wristwatch or pair of eyeglasses, are more expensive (Cost •••), and have a Size 1 and Structure 2.
Hidden cameras don’t usually transmit an image to a monitor as the action happens, but instead require that the captured video be viewed later after hooking it up to a TV’s audio/video inputs. The resultant video is low resolution with washed-out coloring, and only lasts about two hours. Better cameras are available, but come with a bigger price tag. Assume that any bells and whistles (better video, wireless monitoring and playback, longer recording time, submersible up to 30 yards) add +1 to the Cost, up to a maximum of Cost ••••. For a similar price tag, characters can also purchase cameras that do transmit an image wirelessly to a monitor. This monitor must be within a quarter-mile.
Characters actively hunting to find such disguised cameras can make a Wits + Investigation roll, with a penalty equal to the Cost of the camera. (The higher the cost, the more authentic the device appears.) These items are designed to be hard to find, and a casual passerby will not be allowed a Wits + Composure roll to accidentally find it.
Item type
Electronic / Cybernetic
Weight
Durability: 1
Dimensions
Size: 2
Base Price
Cost: ••