AKS-74U “Krinkov”
Assigned to Participant 012 - PJ Summers
Description: Lightweight, compact variant of the AK-74. Comes with a folding stock and an 8.1 inch barrel. Magazine holds 30 rounds of 5.45x39mm intermediate rifle cartridges. The Krinkov can operate in semi-auto or fully automatic, with a rate of fire of 650 rounds per minute. Has an effective range of up to 400 meters.
Notes: Ah, the so-called Krinkov. One of my favorite members of the Kalashnikov family, it was designed after the Red Army put out a requirement for a short personal defense weapon to equip airmen and tank crews. Adjustments had to be made to the rifling and they had to stick a fancy muzzle device on the end just so the thing would actually hit stuff with the little eight inch barrel they fit it with. It’s basically a really handy version of the AK-74 that’s only about six pounds fully loaded. A compact, versatile, and powerful weapon in the right hands - keep it close.
Bagpipes & Dirk
Assigned to Participant 016 - Glenda Foxworth
Description: A twelve-inch thrusting dagger, modeled after a traditional weapon of the Scottish Highlands. Included with a set of brand-new authentic bagpipes, handmade by a craftsman in Edinburgh.
Notes: I was inspired after spending months listening to Dr. Sycamore’s gentle Scots brogue. This is an authentic Scottish Dirk, made from high carbon steel and sharpened to a razor’s edge. The pipes are also the real deal, although if you don’t know how to play them it’s not going to sound pretty. Though truthfully, even if you do know how to play them, it still probably won’t sound great.
Body Armor
Assigned to Participant 008 - Chevy Gallagher
Description: A full set of ballistic armor, with ceramic plates rated to stop conventional rifle rounds and provide resistance to shrapnel. Comes with armored shoulder plates and a groin plate, as well as a kevlar neck-guard for additional protection.
Notes: It’s not a weapon, but it’s still one of the better pieces of equipment we’ve listed. Just don’t think you’re invulnerable, because there’s still plenty of things out there that can kill you. Also worth noting that even though it stops bullets from going through you, you’ll still absorb the kinetic energy they’re carrying with them. I would also suggest not getting shot too many times, because the plates will gradually become less effective with each hit.
Bucket of Dice, Wizard Hat
Assigned to Participant 015 - Julia Raymond
Description: Fifteen liter galvanized steel bucket containing hundreds of twenty-sided dice. Includes a large woolen wizard hat.
Notes: Roll for initiative!
Chiappa Little Badger
Description: Minimalist single-shot survival rifle, chambered in .22 Long Rifle. Folds in half for easy storage, with ammunition pouches affixed to the wire stock. Must be manually cocked to fire.
Notes: Useful if you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere and you need something lightweight to hunt birds and squirrels with, and not much else. Don’t get me wrong, a well-placed shot with a hollow-point .22 is still quite lethal, especially in a place where you’re not likely to get much in the way of medical treatment. Just don’t expect it to have much in the way of stopping power, especially if your target is anything more than human.
Colt 1860 Army Revolvers
Assigned to Participant 019 - Harper Gray
Description: A matched pair of Colt 1860 Army Revolvers. Cap-and-ball design that requires manual loading of powder, ball, and a wax seal to reload. Fires a .44 caliber lead ball at an appreciable velocity, with significant discharge of smoke owing to the black powder propellant used. Extensive use will require cleaning of the barrels and mechanism in order to maintain accuracy and function.
Notes: Yee-haw! Back in the day, this was the best thing a man could carry on the frontier. That is, until we came up with cartridge-firing revolvers. Then smokeless powder. Then self-loading pistols. So they’re pretty obsolete by this point, actually. However! You do get two of them, which sort of obviates the problem of the long and messy process of reloading these things. Alternatively, you could give the other one to a friend, if you trust like that. Personally I recommend wielding your guns akimbo in situations like this.
Compound Bow
Description: Compound Bow, designed for big game hunting. Comes with a quiver of razor-sharp barbed arrows and a small scope to assist in aiming. Levering system allows a greater draw weight and ease of use, as the user does not have to hold back the full weight when aiming.
Notes: Difficult to use, but silent and eminently reliable. I’ve never been partial to a stick and a string, but I won't lie - it looks really cool.
Circular Saw
Assigned to Participant 013 - Catarina Markovitz
Description: A Makita 61cc construction saw, designed for large scale cutting jobs. Comes with a diamond blade for cutting through concrete, an abrasive blade for cutting through steel, and a serrated blade for cutting through wood. Blades can be changed easily using a small hex wrench that comes with the saw. Blade head is on a mount that absorbs vibration for user comfort. Powered by a small tank of gasoline. Weighs approximately nineteen pounds.
Notes: I was going to give you a chainsaw, but then I remembered that these things exist. This is better. Now you’ve got a bit more flexibility in what you’re gonna use it for. Plus, they’re designed to be used with water or cutting oil, which means this thing fully does not care how much blood and gore it gets exposed to. Just don't try and sneak up on anyone with it.
Dragunov
Assigned to Participant 018 - Dustin "Dusty" James
Description: Also known as the SVD. Soviet marksman's rifle. Semi-automatic, magazine fed, firing the 7.62x54r cartridge from ten round detachable box magazines. Comes equipped with a 4x24 magnification optical sighting system.
Notes: Though it might look like an AK, this rifle actually has a few significant differences from the Kalashnikov pattern rifles. It also packs a hell of a punch by comparison, and isn't capable of automatic fire. This weapon is for the patient.
Gift Basket
Assigned to Participant 017 - Daniella Bonifaco
Description: A wicker basket containing a Bible, Crucifix, Holy Water, Rosaries, Communion Wafers, and one bottle of consecrated wine. Also comes with a small ten-inch club used for killing caught fish, colloquially known as a Priest.
Notes: Everything you need to set up an ad hoc church service. Where you’re going, you’ll need it.
Gouda Wheel
Assigned to Participant 004 - Reinette Rennes
Description: A twenty-pound wheel of authentic Gouda cheese from the Netherlands. Wax coating helps maintain freshness.
Notes: That’s a wheely good bit of cheese you’ve got there! Weirdly enough, this was Dr. Finch’s suggestion.
Hammer and Sickle, Soviet Flag, and a bottle of Russian Standard Vodka
Assigned to Participant 009 - Misha Yeager
Description: 3’x5’ Vintage flag of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Also included are an agricultural sickle, as well as a blacksmith’s hammer and a 750ml bottle of Stolichnaya Vodka.
Notes: Пролетарии всех стран, соединяйтесь! You have nothing to lose but your chains.
Human Femur
Assigned to Participant 001 - Darren Decker
Description: A human femur, which has been thoroughly cleaned since retrieval from its previous owner.
Notes: As I understand it, the guy this used to be a part of ran afoul of Dr. Sycamore and got tossed on the island on the last test run. Bummer! Anywho, it’s better than nothing. Bones are actually pretty solid, and I bet you could club someone with this. Alternatively, keep it with you as motivation not to die out there. Your call.
Hunting Spear
Assigned to Prototype X02-A
Description: A five-foot hunting spear tipped with an eighteen-inch blade, designed for killing boar.
Notes: It doesn’t get much more old-school than this. Dependable, and fantastic for keeping dangerous creatures - or people - at bay.
IKEA SNUTTIG Plushie, Bear Spray
Assigned to Participant 025 - Naomi Faith
Description: IKEA’S SNUTTIG Bear Plushie.
“The polar bear likes it when it's cold, but is just as happy to snuggle up in your warm embrace to hug and keep you company. Did you know that real ones can weigh up to 800 kilograms?!”
The can of Bear Spray has eight seconds of firing time, and uses a dymel-nitrogen propellant that remains effective at low temperatures. Has a twenty-five foot range and causes respiratory distress and temporary eye-tearing, but no permanent damage.
Notes: Adorable! I’m sure you two will be the best of friends. And in case you make some enemies, you’ve got some bear spray to keep them at bay.
Ice Axe
Assigned to Prototype X02-C
Description: A vintage ice axe used for mountaineering. Leash close to the head is used for climbing steep slopes. It can also be used with two hands if necessary.
Notes: Useful for climbing up icy slopes, and killing your political adversaries.
KS-23
Assigned to Participant 021 - Arthur "Art" Miles
Description: Soviet-manufactured riot shotgun, originally made by using rejected 23mm anti-aircraft gun barrels. The bore is the equivalent of 6.27 gauge in American nomenclature, significantly larger than traditional twelve-gauge (18.5mm) shotguns. The recipient will find it issued with buckshot Shrapnel-25 shells, which are devastatingly effective at up to twenty-five meters. It uses a pump-action, with a magazine capacity of three shells in the magazine with an additional shell in the chamber.
Notes: You won’t believe who I had to bribe to get this thing! A six gauge shotgun, isn’t that crazy?! The Reds sure knew how to make a boomstick. It’s heavy, sure, but you’ll still want to hang on - she packs one hell of a punch.
The Lubricator
Assigned to Participant 005 - Rachana Kumar
Description: This is a commercial grade chemical sprayer designed for spraying pesticides on crops. It is powered by a C02 canister and doesn’t require manually pumping a piston in order to pressurize the tank, although there is still a small hand-pump just in case. Instead of pesticide, it has been filled with an oil-based personal lubricant.
Notes: It sprays lubricant that’s incredibly slick, probably won't freeze, and is quite difficult to wash off. I call it the Lubricator. I hope you’ll find some novel uses for it.
Machete
Description: High quality machete made by Columbia River Knife & Tool. Twelve-inch carbon steel blade with a corrosion-resistant powder coating. Comes with a sheath and a small whetstone.
Notes: Slaughter is the best medicine. There’s really nothing like a good machete, is there?
Meat Cleaver
Assigned to Prototype X02-A
Description: Two-handed cleaver designed to process large animal carcasses. In addition to the large blade, it also has a sharpened hook at the opposite end.
Notes: Find some meat!
Mild Steel Katana
Assigned to Participant 010 - Thaddäus Wiegand
Description:A decorative katana, built from mild steel commonly used in cheap, mass-produced kitchenware. Has been sharpened slightly.
Notes:These weapons are legendary, and can cut through solid steel. Japanese smiths spend years working on a single katana, and fold it up to a million times to produce the finest blades known to mankind. Katanas are thrice as sharp as European swords, and thrice as hard! Anything a longsword can cut through, a katana can cut through better. I'm pretty sure a katana could easily bisect a knight wearing full plate with a simple vertical slash. Katanas are simply the best sword that the world has ever seen. This is a fact and you can't deny it.
Actually, none of that is true, and this is a decorative replica that isn’t going to stand up to much. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t pretend it’s a real sword! You could probably still stab someone with it if you’re determined enough. Channel your inner mall ninja!
Net Gun + Blu-Ray Copy of Predator (1987)
Description: Powder-actuated net gun, designed for capturing wild animals. On firing, deploys a large weighted net that wraps around its target. Uses a bolt-action that accepts .308 caliber rifle blanks to launch the 10’x10’ nylon nets. Canisters screw into the muzzle and are easily detachable; kit includes several replacement net canisters and blanks for repeat shots. Also includes a blu-ray copy of the 1987 action-thriller Predator, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Notes: There’s something out there waiting for you, and it ain’t no man. You’re all going to die.
Obedience to Authority: An Experimental View - Milgram, Stanley (1974) + Altor Survival Pistol
Assigned to Participant 003 - Elizabeth Rodney
Description: Stanley Milgram’s 1974 overview of his experiments at Yale University concerning the surprising ease with which ordinary persons can be commanded to act destructively against an innocent individual by a legitimate authority. Comes with an Altor Survival Pistol, which is a single-shot nine millimeter pistol designed to be exceptionally cheap and simple to use.
Notes: Dr. Sycamore suggested this, along with the gun. The build quality is a little bit better than a barbeque lighter, and it feels like a toy - but make no mistake, this is a real gun. Just kind of a terrible one. Make your shot count, because reloading this thing means screwing off the barrel and gently threading a new cartridge against the firing pin before you can screw it back on again. I can’t speak to the quality of the study in the book - I didn’t read it - but it’s not like I was going to question Dr. Sycamore at this point. Maybe it's something to flip through if you find any downtime, somehow.
Obrez
Assigned to Participant 006 - Zandah Udall
Description: A sawed-off Mosin Nagant m91/30. Firing the full-size rifle cartridge from this weapon’s incredibly short barrel results in a massive muzzle flash and significant recoil, and a significant reduction in the velocity of the cartridge. Nevertheless, it remains a deadly and reasonably concealable weapon. Magazine can hold five rounds, fed manually or by the stripper clips included with the weapon.
Notes: "Obrez" roughly translates to "sawed-off" in Russian, which is exactly what this is. These were popular during the 1917 revolution as pistols weren’t especially common, and revolutionaries needed something they could conceal underneath an overcoat. The thing is, rifle rounds aren’t really designed to be fired out of four-inch barrels, and the amount of burning powder this thing belches out means it kind of doubles as a short-range flamethrower. While it still has a rear sight, you can absolutely forget about hitting anything at range with this thing. That’s not to say it isn’t still a devastating weapon at short to medium range - it is - but you’re outclassed by anyone who has a gun that doesn’t temporarily blind and deafen them when they pull the trigger.
Oxyacetylene Torch
Description: Oxyacetylene Torch kit, designed for cutting through steel. The torch heats the metal to its ignition temperature and exposes it to a jet of oxygen, which blows away the molten oxide. Important safety considerations, aside from the torch head, include the fact that acetylene is prone to explosively decomposing at high pressure and produces flammable acetone as a byproduct. Light from the bright torch can also cause temporary blindness and retinal damage on extended exposure, necessitating the included eye protection for extended use. Cutting also creates toxic gases that may cause respiratory distress after continual exposure.
Notes: I’m hoping you can get creative with this one. While the torch itself is a pretty ghoulish and impractical thing to use as a weapon, there’s plenty of metal struts and supports on the island you could weaken or destroy with this. Also, having this handy means there’s not a single door in the place that you won’t be able to get through. Just take care to keep the cylinders away from heat sources; liquid oxygen and acetylene aren’t exactly tame chemicals.
Psilocybe Cubensis Mushrooms
Assigned to Participant 022 - Maud Sparrow
Description: One ounce of dried Psilocybe Cubensis mushrooms, dried and preserved for use. For an average-sized adult, 0.5-1g will provide a mild psychoactive reaction, 1-2 grams will provide a significant psychoactive reaction, and above 3g is typically considered a large dose among most recreational and therapeutic users. Lasts approximately twelve hours or more depending on the dosage.
Notes: This was another one of Dr. Sycamore’s suggestions. Supposedly they’re really good for working through trauma and addiction issues, in addition to being really fun. Only problem with ‘shrooms is the gut rot - these things tend to cause a bad tummy ache at the best of times. Still, I can’t say I recommend being out of your mind on psychedelics in a situation like this. Would be a hell of a way to render the competition a bit less capable if you can dose them with it, though.
PPsh-41
Assigned to Participant 026 - Esther Ježek
Description: Soviet submachine gun adopted during the Second World War. Simple design and high rate of fire (1250 rounds per minute) meant it provided the conscripts it was issued to with a significant amount of firepower that was relatively easy to use. Comes with a seventy-one round drum magazine, and reloads with thirty-five round stick magazines.
Notes: Papasha! This gun is legendary for its simplicity and extreme rate of fire. Made from stamped sheet metal and in vast quantities, this was one of the go-to submachine guns for the Red Army during World War Two. It can empty its seventy-one round drum magazines in a matter of seconds, and is the quintessential armament for those who prefer to spray n’ pray. If you've got to hose down a room with hot lead, there are few better options.
RGD-5 Frag Grenades
Assigned to Participant 002 - Luca Kobalt
Description: Three standard-issue Soviet hand grenades. After pulling the pin and letting go of the spoon, internal fuze ignites with a loud crack. Will explode after 3-4 seconds. Explosive produces around 350 fragments, with a fatality radius of around three meters and a wounding radius of 25 meters.
Notes: These are some hot potatoes. Like a lot of Soviet weaponry, these are ubiquitous in the developing world and for good reason. They’re simple, effective, and above all else - cheap. Just make sure you practice your throwing arm, and cook them for a split-second before you chuck it. Otherwise, someone might just pick it up and throw it back at you.
RPG-7
Assigned to Participant 024 - Austin Stanton
Description: An anti-tank rocket launcher designed and built by the Soviet Union, extensively exported around the globe to various militaries and insurgent groups. Fires standard PG-7VL rocket-propelled grenades at an effective range of 330m, although the rocket remains armed and dangerous up to a range just under 1000m, after which point a fuze will automatically detonate the warhead. Although the warhead is designed to punch through armor, it can be lethal to personnel within four meters of the explosion. The backblast from the launch of the rocket necessitates a safe distance behind the user of two meters, as it can also cause serious injury or death to anyone standing behind the user. Weapon is issued with two rockets.
Notes: This is about the upper limit of firepower I was allowed to issue out, and I think it’s a fun one. Look - if insurgents worldwide can figure this thing out, I’m sure a talented university student like yourself can find a good use for it too.
One important caveat - if you’re thinking about shooting this at the Monitoring Station, don’t. They’ve got an active denial system that’ll set off the rocket before it gets there, and you’ll waste your shot - then their snipers will waste you. Besides, I’m sure you’ll find more deserving targets for a rocket than that merry band of operators.
Ramset Nail Gun
Assigned to Participant 020 - Tahsin “Tess” Demir
Description: Powder-actuated Nail Gun, designed for heavy-duty use on concrete and other dense materials. Uses .22LR Blanks to drive 2-1/2" Nails into surfaces with incredible force. Safety mechanism has been disabled, allowing use without contacting a work surface.
Notes: I can't say this will be especially effective at range, but up close this will be a pretty ghastly thing to accost your competition with. Alternatively, you can use it as an actual tool, and bolt together some cover for yourselves. I have a feeling the former might be more likely.
Road Flares + Blu-Ray Copy of John Carpenter's The Thing (1982)
Description: Ten road flares, designed for emergency signaling and lighting. Kit also includes a Blu-Ray Copy of John Carpenter’s 1982 film The Thing.
Notes: I love this movie. If you make it out alive, you should really take the time to watch it. Given that your other issued weapon is a set of road flares, I don’t know if I’d bet on you, but crazier things have happened! There’s plenty of flammable shit on the island, if all else fails. I can’t say whether there’s any alien monstrosities out there hunting you - though given what Janus-Hayes typically contracts guys like me for, I wouldn’t be surprised.
Ruger No.1
Assigned to Participant 023 - Evan Keane
Description: Single-shot break action rifle, chambered in the powerful .460 Weatherby Magnum cartridge. The five hundred grain bullet generates a spectacular seven thousand foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle, enough to penetrate through thick hide, limited cover, or crush through body armor. Recoil is substantial, as is the muzzle report, as the barrel has an integral compensator.
Notes: So I’ll be blunt - this is too much gun. However, the Director told me to put a couple pieces on this list that would challenge the user, and the Assistant Director told me to put in weapons that could kill large game animals. Well, here’s a rifle that fires an absurd elephant gun cartridge. I test fired it twice, and my shoulder still hurts. Nevertheless, it’ll kill anything that walks this earth, if you can hit it. And you’d better hit it on the first try, because you'll need to reload it after each shot.
Scalpel
Description: Surgical scalpel with removable blades and a small sheath. Comes with a kit containing several different numbers of blades, all sterilized and ready for use.
Notes: Yikes. I can't say this is any better than a shiv, but it's one hell of a shiv if that's what you use it for. You'll have no problem slitting throats with this one. Or hey, maybe try your hand at some battlefield medicine! I don't recommend it, but there's some sutures in your medical kits if you're really so inclined.
Shashka
Assigned to Participant 014 - Jarrett Bergman
Description: Military-pattern sword issued to Red Army troops in the early years of the Soviet Union. This piece is in impeccable condition, and is built from hardened steel designed to withstand abuse. Has been sharpened prior to issue in the Experiment and is a capable if antiquated weapon.
Notes: The Russian army encountered these when they were conquering the Caucasus, and preferred them to their sabers. After a time, they were issued by the Red Army as standard-issue backswords for cavalry and dragoons in the waning days of issuing swords to soldiers. This example is exceptionally well-preserved, which is a bit of a shame considering how rare they are to find. I made sure to test it and sharpen the blade, and the steel is in excellent condition. Just don’t bring it to a gunfight, and you’ll do fine.
Telescoping Baton
Description: 26" Telescoping Baton, made from hardened steel. Tip at the end of the baton maximizes strike force in a small area. Easily concealable, and deceptively effective in close quarters.
Notes: A pretty vicious implement you'll find in the hands of various tactical teams and self-defense gurus alike. A robust, well-tested tool for cracking skulls.
TT-33
Description: Soviet-issue handgun, chambered in the stout 7.62 Tokarev cartridge. Design was heavily based off of the FN Model 1903, with some simplifications for Soviet production. Feeds from an eight-round detachable box magazine. Only safety feature is setting the hammer to a half-cock notch. Was known to be extremely reliable, if not a bit powerful for a sidearm.
Notes: This is a classic piece, widely used across the Eastern Bloc. They replaced it with the Makarov after some complaints that 7.62 Tokarev was a bit too snappy. Personally I think the bigger problem is the ergonomics; this really isn’t a comfortable gun to shoot, though it is powerful and accurate. Channel your inner secret police officer, and put this one to work.
Winchester Model 1895 Russian
Description: Lever-action rifle chambered in the 7.62x54r rifle cartridge, made by the Winchester Arms Company for the Russian Empire in World War One. Fires from a five-round internal box magazine compatible with stripper clips.
Notes: I love lever-guns. This semi-rare piece was an unusual fusion of an American rifle with a Russian rifle cartridge, made when the Russian Empire was scrambling for small arms during the Great War. It’s powerful, reliable, and easy to shoot. The manual action isn’t as easy to use as a semi-auto, but it remains a serviceable weapon in the right hands.
XL15 Flamethrower
Assigned to Participant 007 - Kay Poultier
Description: The XL15 is a civilian-designed flamethrower officially built for ground clearing and agricultural burns. It fires a fuel mixture from its wand at ranges up to fifty feet, with sixty seconds of burn time on average. Propellant is pressurized C02, with a small propane torch that ignites the fuel mixture at the muzzle.
Notes: Let’s be real here, some folks just wanted a flamethrower and didn’t want to shell out a fortune for a Vietnam-era relic that would leak and spray napalm all over them. The entire setup weighs about forty-five pounds, and includes a spare C02 tank. It can use any liquid fuel, although I filled it with a 9:1 mix of Diesel and Gasoline that should work just fine. The ignition torch runs from a small propane cylinder that should outlast the sixty seconds of burn time you get out of a full tank of fuel. Range should be about fifty feet with the current fuel mix, but it can vary depending on how viscous the fuel mix is.
Flip your PDA to the next page and you should see the user’s manual, which has everything you’ll need to know about how to use this thing. Pro tip - don’t set yourself on fire. Have fun! 
