Delemental
First Post
I find that some of the best items aren’t in the books, but can be created easily once you and your DM decide on a fair price.
Chalk bag – A simple combination of chalk ground into a fine powder and a small sack. The chalk will permeate the fabric when patted or squeezed. Use it to chalk your hands before climbing (may allow a +1 circumstance bonus), to dust for prints (not for identifying criminals, obviously, but for identifying which of the five levers the evil priests pull to open the secret door), or for finding invisible foes (open the bag and throw).
Leather straps – Why waste valuable rope on tying up foes? Also handing for building makeshift stretchers and shelters, securing items to your pack, or for making any of the “tool on a pole” devices (mirror on a pole, lockpick on a pole, dagger on a pole, etc).
Pole – A standard adventuring staple. Of course, you don’t necessarily need a ten-foot pole. My personal favorite is the expandable pole from Song and Silence for sheer versatility. You might also be able to pack several shorter lengths and strap them together for a longer device. (Oh, and here’s a hint; a 10-foot pole is 2 silver, while a 10-foot ladder is 5 copper. With a little work with an axe, you get two 10-foot poles and a bunch of kindling at a bargain).
Canvas – Which is better; a tent costing 10 gold and weighing 20 pounds, or four square yards of canvas costing four silvers and weighing four pounds? Just combine with your pole and leather straps for a perfectly acceptable shelter. Want waterproofing? Buy a few candles and treat the canvas.
Bag of copper coins – This can be better than caltrops for slowing down pursuers in a crowded market or poor part of town. It can be used as a sap. You can also shave a few down to give them a sharp edge, which makes those Escape Artist checks easier. And let’s face it, those innkeepers get pretty sick of it when you slap down a flawless white diamond to pay for your mug of beer.
Chalk bag – A simple combination of chalk ground into a fine powder and a small sack. The chalk will permeate the fabric when patted or squeezed. Use it to chalk your hands before climbing (may allow a +1 circumstance bonus), to dust for prints (not for identifying criminals, obviously, but for identifying which of the five levers the evil priests pull to open the secret door), or for finding invisible foes (open the bag and throw).
Leather straps – Why waste valuable rope on tying up foes? Also handing for building makeshift stretchers and shelters, securing items to your pack, or for making any of the “tool on a pole” devices (mirror on a pole, lockpick on a pole, dagger on a pole, etc).
Pole – A standard adventuring staple. Of course, you don’t necessarily need a ten-foot pole. My personal favorite is the expandable pole from Song and Silence for sheer versatility. You might also be able to pack several shorter lengths and strap them together for a longer device. (Oh, and here’s a hint; a 10-foot pole is 2 silver, while a 10-foot ladder is 5 copper. With a little work with an axe, you get two 10-foot poles and a bunch of kindling at a bargain).
Canvas – Which is better; a tent costing 10 gold and weighing 20 pounds, or four square yards of canvas costing four silvers and weighing four pounds? Just combine with your pole and leather straps for a perfectly acceptable shelter. Want waterproofing? Buy a few candles and treat the canvas.
Bag of copper coins – This can be better than caltrops for slowing down pursuers in a crowded market or poor part of town. It can be used as a sap. You can also shave a few down to give them a sharp edge, which makes those Escape Artist checks easier. And let’s face it, those innkeepers get pretty sick of it when you slap down a flawless white diamond to pay for your mug of beer.
