| French-Epstein Device | |
|---|---|
| File:FrenchEpstein.png | |
| Information | |
| Type | Tool |
| First Found | Engineering Deck |
| Stackable | Yes |
| Transmutative | No |
| Duplicative | No |
| Summon Code | french-epstein device |
| [Source] | |
The French-Epstein Device is an item in System Shock 2. It can modify any weapon, except one that has already been modified fully, regardless of the Soldier's Modify skill. It is very rare and is exhausted after a single use.
Background
F-ED uses Nanites to analyze and modify any weapon. In reality, however, the weapon is modified free of charge.
In-Game
The French-Epstein Device is one of the most valuable tools available in the game, due to both its rarity and utility. Each Modification to a weapon guarantees a 15% damage buff (with the exception of first modification of Grenade Launcher that doubles the dealt damage of all but Disruption Grenades), along with a statistical bonus that is unique to each weapon. The only weapons that cannot be upgraded are melee ones like the Wrench and the Mark VI Laser Rapier, and weapons that have already been upgraded twice.
There are enough French-Epstein Devices in the game for the Soldier to fully modify three weapons, except on Hard or Impossible difficulty where F-EDs are in lesser quantity. They are easy to waste if the Soldier is careless and doesn't have neither Maintenance or Repair skills. If he is careful though, he can max out chosen weapons without putting any points into Modify skill.
Locations[1]
- Deck 1 Sector B: Cargo Bay 2B, far end (rightmost in the map), 3rd floor.
- Deck 3 Sector D: Hackable Crate in a small room, opposite the only Replicator in the level (not present on Impossible difficulty).
- Deck 4 Sector B: Crew room.
- Deck 4 Sector D: By the Interpolating Simulation Unit (not present on Impossible difficulty.)
- Deck 6 Sector B: In the Escape Pod area, lying on the ground.
- Deck 6 Sector A: Near the working Shuttle Bay shield control console, beside the window.
- UNN Rickenbacker Pod 1: From the Chemical Storeroom, follow the Nacelle B floor signs until you see a Viral Proliferator on the floor. At the end of the corridor, there's a Blast Turret. Down the hall and to the left is a room with a window to space and a Rickenbacker Turret. In that room, there's French-Epstein device lying on the floor.