---
# System prepended metadata

title: Prototyping

---

# Prototyping
Prototyping is a new feature for science on the TG codebase. It involves the use of raw materials, power and scavenged goods from maintenance to create new inventions. Some of these inventions have tangible uses- many do not, and are mostly for fun.

## How it all works
To begin, scientists will head to the prototyping lab, which will contain several key items- the **Blackboard**, the **Patentron 3000**, and the **Prototyper**.

The **Blackboard** is where prototyping starts. Upon interacting with the blackboard, three undiscovered inventions will be rolled from the list. The player will select one of these three invention options as the **Focus of Research**. Upon doing so, they will be given a semi-randomised list of components needed to construct the invention in the **Prototyper**.

Components can include:
* Cables
* Stock Parts (Scaled to the level of invention)
* Prototype Parts (These will be detailed below)
* Raw Materials

**Prototype Parts** are key to this system. They are constructed from junk parts and other raw components found in maintenance. At least one is static to each invention and will not be randomised. These include:
* Prototype Jet Thruster
* Prototype Circuitboard
* Prototype Lens
* Prototype Ignition Coil
* Prototype Tesla Coil

Once the player finds a component, they will place it into the **Prototyper** to add it to their invention. Once all components are added, the **Prototyper** is ready to construct the invention. Once it is done, the player will place the invention in the **Patentron-3000** to receive a cash payout for the discovery of the new device, as well as a tech disk to unlock it at the science lathe for further production.

Should the player be unsatisfied with the rolled inventions, or once they finish the three rolled inventions, they will need to reroll the **Blackboard** using **Chalk**. The prototyping lab starts with a box of chalk giving 5 rerolls, and more can be ordered at cargo or rarely found in maintenance.

## So what can I invent?
A number of inventions can be discovered, organised into three tiers- gizmos, gadgets, and inventions.

Gizmos are the lowest tier items, and mostly consist of gimmicky, limited-usefulness items which are fun to play around with.
* Rocket Rollerskates
Fast rocket-powered rollerskates. Must be filled with fuel in order to be used, with welding fuel providing normal performance, liquid oxygen giving a higher top speed, and plasma giving ludicrous speed.
* Advanced Photocopier
Prints a photocopied item until running out of toner.

Gadgets are mid-tier items, with defined (if niche) uses.
* Microwave Gun
A small gun with a large microwave dish attached. If used on food which can be cooked in a microwave, it will cook it. When used on living beings, it has a low chance to cause mutations, and builds up radiation on the target.

Inventions are the highest-tier items, with powerful effects and useful functions.
* Prototype Stock Parts
Upgraded stock parts. Gives a bonus in a certain area in exchange for a tradeoff in another- i.e. more efficiency in exchange for a much higher power draw, etc.
* Rocket Bike
A rocket powered vehicle. Slow while in gravity, but very fast without. Takes high damage upon hitting a wall while boosters are engaged. Can be fuelled with hydrogen, plasma or tritium gas, with varying flame/trail colours and speeds based on the fuel used.
* Mouse Generator
A generator powered by mice on small wheels. Can hold up to 10 mice, at which point it will generate around the same power as a Ms. Pacman Generator. The only input the generator needs from that point is some cheese every so often so the mice do not starve. If this happens, they will need replaced. DO NOT ALLOW THE REGAL RAT TO SEE THE GENERATOR.