Stealth Boy

Lore & Background

Following the nuclear apocalypse, production of these devices ceased, turning existing stockpiles into incredibly valuable commodities. Over the decades, they have been found in military bunkers, scavenged from ruined armories, and traded on the black market for exorbitant prices. While some factions may possess a few Stealth Boys, they are rare and not standard equipment for any faction—most wastelanders view finding a working Stealth Boy as a stroke of incredible luck that could mean the difference between life and death.

In Their Own Story

The rain slicked the rusted corrugated metal of the ruined factory, masking the sound of boots on wet concrete. Elias held his breath, his heart hammering against his ribs like a trapped bird. He clicked the small green canister in his hand; a soft hum vibrated through his palm as the world began to warp around him. The towering super mutant guard turned slowly, its massive eyes scanning the shadows where Elias had just been standing. Nothing but empty air and falling rain met the brute's gaze. Elias stepped forward, silent as smoke, slipping past the monster's flank before the hum faded and he reappeared in the safety of the dark alley.

Reader's Guide

The Stealth Boy is a consumable item that activates instantly upon use, enveloping the user in a field of optical distortion. To operate it, one simply pulls the trigger or presses the activation button on the side of the canister, which initiates a countdown timer for roughly sixty seconds. During this window, the user becomes visually undetectable to most enemies. However, stealth is not guaranteed; making loud noises, kicking objects, or moving too quickly can still alert nearby foes who rely on hearing rather than sight. Additionally, while invisible, the user cannot attack effectively without revealing their position immediately after striking. This device is wielded by a wide array of characters, from desperate scavengers and lone wanderers to elite soldiers of organized factions like the Brotherhood of Steel or the Enclave. It is most effective when used for bypassing heavily guarded areas, escaping encirclement, or setting up ambushes where surprise is the primary weapon.

Did You Know?

• The device does not make the user silent; noisy footsteps can still give away a hidden position to enemies with good hearing.
• In earlier iterations of the technology, the invisibility field was known to occasionally cause nausea or dizziness in new users due to sensory disorientation.
• The distinctive green glow and screen of the Stealth Boy have become a cultural symbol of the Wasteland, often appearing in graffiti and propaganda.