tampoon

Tampoon is a fictional term used in speculative fiction and tabletop role-playing settings to denote a small, versatile handheld device. In different works it functions as a multi-tool, data module, power source, or interface, but common threads are portability, modularity, and a blend of capabilities that can be adapted to various tasks.

The term tampoon has no canonical etymology and is treated as a constructed neologism. It is commonly introduced as a fictional name rather than a derivative of real-world words, and authors may offer varying origins or none at all.

In fiction and gaming, a tampoon may store data, generate light or heat, power other devices, or act as a bridge between disparate computer systems. In tabletop RPGs, players might equip a tampoon as a universal toolkit or emergency power capsule, valued for its compact form and reliability. Some sources describe tampoon as disposable, others as rechargeable, with differing capacities and connector standards across settings.

Cultural notes: Because tampoon appears across multiple independent works, its exact properties diverge. The term has circulated in fan wikis and indie games, where it is sometimes used as a catch-all gadget. It is not tied to any real-world product, and should be understood as a fictional construct within its respective setting.