Distributed by: Assailant's Blade and Ford Prefect The Inspectors Thoughts.... --------------------------- How many times have you had the need to be able to sneak up on somebody, enter a building unnoticed, or simply walk around without being seen, or heard? Well, if you are a normal person, you probably have had it at least once. This months column is on Evasive Principles, and how you can get started in a world of hidden adventure. The first thing you need to worry about is how visible you are. There are many myths about camoflage. Yes, camoflage does work, and very well at that. I have been within 3 feet of a person with his flashlight shining on me, yet my form was to broken for him to pattern me into a human figure. Thats what camoflage does. The green is for the tree, and brush, black for the shadows, and brown for the dirt and foilage. The more camoflage the better. Face nets, gloves, socks, shoes, wallets, and underwear are all easy to find at your local sporting good store. Along with your outerwear, you need footwear. This should carefully be chosen. One of the best pairs of shoes you can use are the black karate shoes. Well.. they might not look good, but they provide very dark, comfortable movement, as well as quietness. Another usefull item is a camoflage watch band. They not only protect the face of your watch, but they keep light from reflecting off of it, giving away your location. Entering Buildings ------------------ When you find the place you want to explore, trash, or just go into, there are several things you must think about. First, is their a security system gaurding the building? How secure is the place? Where are you going once you get in? You should whenever possible, explore the building, making a mental map of it, during open hours when you will be unnoticed. Watch for things like magnetic reed switches on the windows and doors, cameras, and beam breakers between doors and halls. Obviously, some things may be placed where you cant see them, (pressure mats, motion detectors..etc) so you should be carefull and remember the places you saw that looked to ungaurded. Also remember that some cameras may be placed for effect. Mountain West sellsdummy camers for about $200. There is absolutly no way to distinguesh the difference between these and real cameras, so don't get too smart on the James Bond crap. Basically get a feel for what you are getting into. The Big Night ------------- Once you have explored the place and you know what youre after, it's time for planning. Planning involved what you are going to take with you, who you take with you, (there is saftey in pairs, and one could always be a lookout), and when you go. Some of the things you may take are flashlights, with the lense painted red with fingernail polish, or a red filter. Remember, white light travels the furthest, and if there is anything you don't want to do, it's put yourself in the spotlight. Red light is more easily absorbed by objects, yet has poor range. When you, and if you decide to take sombody with you, fill them in on the facts, where you are going, for what and why. There is nothing stupider than having somebody tag along, who speaks out loud, is clumsy and light minded, he can only get you caught. How To Enter The Building ------------------------- Entering buildings obviously depends on the location and what type of building. If the place is on Main street, youre not going to walk in the front door. Most places have a back door, usually in an alley or dark corner. This should be your first choice. If the building has a second story, there is a possibility of the owner not thinking too heavily about locking all sliding glass windows or doors, unless you are looking at a museum or FBI office. One very good way of entering buildings, but mostly overlooked is with a lockpick. Lockpicks have had bad rumors put on there name. No, you can't pick a lock in 5 seconds, but the facts are nice. Within about 2 weeks of getting myself a pick, I could open a master lock, the big ones, in about 3 seconds, and the little ones in about 5. Schlage locks are more difficult that masters, but they are not impossible. A good pick can be bought for about $30.00. You don't want to have to break anything while entering the building, and for heavens sake, were gloves when touching any smooth, non-natural surface. Surgical gloves do just dandy! Let's say, for the sake of time and space, that you managed to enter the building unnoticed. Now what? Well, the best thing to do is lay flat on the ground and sit for about 10 minutes. This will allow your night vision to get into the swing of things. Watch out for retna burn in. This is when you look out of the center of your eye. Since most of the time, you are doing this, the center of the retena becomes de-sensised. If you look out of the corner of your eyes, things will be clearer. Movement -------- So you have to move around, huh? Well, here are a couple of pointers. Move slowly, about 10 feet, and wait. Just listen. Chances are, if you have been discovered, the owner or gaurd won't try to sneak up onto you, he will most likely just turn on his light, and scan the room. This is why you have been remembering the path you took, on the way in. If Somebody finds you, the best thing to do, unless you know you can take him, is run. As soon as you hit a shadow, drop and hold your breath. He will run past you, possibly shining his light on you, but you are spread out like a tree, or a stump. Tell us about it.. ------------------ So you just trashed a building, getting card numbers, a few passwords, and other goodies. Don't keep it to yourself! Tell us about how you did it. Be a hero, not a herpi! Don't tell Eugene, the town nark, however, or you may find some interested people, other than your friends.