Why would PCs wear capes?

[caudor]

From looking at fantasy artwork, it seems that heroes and capes (sometimes cloaks) go together.

Aside from fashion appeal, what use would a cape be to an adventurer? Wouldn't it just be one more thing for a monster to grab hold of? Are capes a sign of social status or have some specific utility that make them worthwhile?

I can't think of any tactical benefits from wearing a cape. Are they really just eye-candy?

 

[Mark CMG]

To hide whatever can be hidden beneath...

 

[BiggusGeekus]

Other than for fashion?

Capes were pretty popular when rapiers were popular. Rapiers, foils, and epees are fast weapons, but they aren't massive. So a cape can be used as an effective shield. You grab your cape about halfway down, maybe jerking it off your neck entirely, and you use the corner (or the whole thing) to knock aside the attack. Obviously, this is less useful against a battleaxe.

Also, you can make little pouches in the corners and store some coins in there. You're sewing the coins in, so you can't just whip them out, but it's a nice trick to prevent pickpocketing and it doubles as a smuggling technique.

 

[UniversalMonster]

From looking at fantasy artwork, it seems that heroes and capes (sometimes cloaks) go together.

Aside from fashion appeal, what use would a cape be to an adventurer? Wouldn't it just be one more thing for a monster to grab hold of? Are capes a sign of social status or have some specific utility that make them worthwhile?

I can't think of any tactical benefits from wearing a cape. Are they really just eye-candy?

I don't think there's any reason other than because they look cool.

Maybe in a cool or cold weather setting though. You can't just have your character zip up the old Member's Only jacket when you have to go hang around outside (or even sleep outside). Also, it doubles a blanket.

 

[francisca]

From looking at fantasy artwork, it seems that heroes and capes (sometimes cloaks) go together.

Aside from fashion appeal, what use would a cape be to an adventurer? Wouldn't it just be one more thing for a monster to grab hold of? Are capes a sign of social status or have some specific utility that make them worthwhile?

I can't think of any tactical benefits from wearing a cape. Are they really just eye-candy?

Been watching The Incredibles?

Um, let's see: How about wearing a cape to wrap around oneself to ward off wind, rain, and sun?

 

[shaylon]

Nice answer BG!

They are also used as protection against the elements. Travelers wear cloaks/capes to protect against the rain and wind.

-Shay

 

[MojoGM]

I suppose you could rip it off in combat and fling it over the head of your oppenents to gain a sneak attack!

A good swashbuckling maneuver!

 

[Aaron L]

Warmth, magical effects (in D&D) concealment as Mark said, and Im sure lots and lots of other reasons I cant think of right now. But don't discount fashion as a damn good reason to wear one!

 

[Crothian]

Well, there are no jet engines to get trapped in so they should be safe

 

[caudor]

Well, there are no jet engines to get trapped in so they should be safe

I would assume that capes (as opposed to modern day ties) come off easily. Otherwise, I could have fun with this as a DM...

DM: The dragon's maw barely misses you as you turn to run away.

Player: Great! I'll keep running!

DM: Unfortunately, the dragon has a mouth full of your cape.

Who needs jets when you have Dragons