Steam Gauntlets

Gnomish inventors have always excelled at making up for physical shortcomings through technology. While the more fringe elements of gnomish technological community advocate the use of permanent steam powered prosthetics, more civilized and sane gnomes have opted for a solution that requires less surgery. Steam gauntlets are one of the many innovations that gnomes have invented to help them open jars, mine and crush things.

Two pneumatically enhanced, steam-powered gauntlets attach to a bulky portable steam engine. This engine straps to the back of the wearer. The gauntlets themselves are more like gigantic armored mitts, and are usually adjustable to fit the hands of races of different sizes.

Wearing the gauntlets and activating the steam plant grants the wearer enhanced strength. Special stabilizers in the gauntlets allow even the smallest user the ability to pick up heavy objects. The steampowered pack is often so heavy that it can hinder use for weaker beings.

Kicking the gauntlets into overdrive is possible. Doing so further enhances the wearers strength, but the fuel in the steam plant is consumed faster. While in overdrive, the steam plant burns unusually hot.

These gloves are difficult to be dexterous in, and performing tasks requiring fine manipulation is impossible.