Niccolo Machiavelli's Chains

Origin
Niccolo Machiavelli was a politician and writer in the treacherous Renaissance courts of Italy. Common to witnessing poisonings, assassinations and other forms of dirty state-building in Florence, he helped the Borgias maintain power until the Medici family returned. They expelled him from office in 1513 and arrested him on conspiracy for three weeks; afterwards his focus moved from direct political involvement to intellectual treaties.

The term “Machiavellian” came from his most famous work, The Prince, published five years after his death. It stated that a ruler needed to separate themselves from normal morality and should commit any act if “the ends justify the means”. Many have seen him and his writings as evil and pro-authority while others have viewed his teachings as supportive of republican ideals. His works are widely reviewed and re-interpreted today and is considered some of the founding pieces of modern day political science.

Effects
The wielder can figure out the hardest of problems with the simplest of answers. Many times the solution is influenced by the user’s knowledge, skillset and current surroundings; an equally effective solution can be found under different circumstances. However, some people will view their rational genius the wrong way and condemn their methods. Pete calls it "MacGyver Artifact #5 I'm not allowed to touch”.