Every team needs the resident gearhead/techie. And for the Heroes of Olympus, they’ve been blessed with the sharp tools and even sharper mind of Leo Valdez, the son of Hephaestus. His crafty creations have saved the lives of his friends on countless occasions, which is why we’re counting down our five favorites.
Holographic Scroll
Leo has created pre-recorded holographic scrolls to communicate with his friends when he needs to warn them of danger or inform them of his location. Sometimes the picture quality isn’t that great, but rumor has it many campers at Half-Blood have begged Leo to share his technology. Something or other about trying a new dance challenge.
Archimedes Sphere
The ultimate multi-tool. Found within the abandoned workshop of Archimedes, this sphere granted Leo the ability to tinker with all of his unfinished projects and create new ones. If you’re a burgeoning inventor, whether you want to construct a death ray or a personal army of automatons, you need this sphere in your toolbox.
Buford, the Walking Table
But sometimes what inventors need the most in their supply closet is a trusted ally. Even if that ally is a walking table with an affinity for Lemon Pledge. Leo and Buford share a special bond, and the table even assisted in the construction of Argo II. So keep that in mind next time you forget to use a coaster.
Magical Toolbelt
The Archimedes Sphere may contain more raw power, but the Magical Toolbelt that Leo found in Bunker 9 may be the most useful tool any demigod currently possesses. It allows one to summon any tool imaginable, be it a hammer, wrench, or screwdriver. And while it doesn’t produce enchanted weapons, the belt does provide an endless supply of snacks. And at the end of the day, isn’t that more important?
Festus
There was no way Festus wasn’t going to take the top spot. Initially known as the Bronze Dragon, Festus went nuts and hid in the woods following the death of his prior caretaker, Charles Beckendorf. Leo not only rebuilt and reprogrammed the dragon but also gave him a new purpose and family in the form of the Heroes of Olympus. We can find a lesson in there about how the best inventors can restore a person’s heart and trust… But really, sometimes it’s just cool to have your own giant mechanical dragon.