Earthdawn 4E: Anatomy of a Thread Item 07 - Wayfarer Cloak

This is the seventh 4E Anatomy of a Thread Item, an ongoing series about Earthdawn Fourth Edition. Introduction and Index.

Everything contained here is the work of a fan and not associated with FASA Games.

This is a new thread item written to build some flavor to the Roheline Forest that once was. The wayfarer cloak isn't terribly powerful, but offers a variety of benefits to anyone exploring the wilderness. Rank 6 offers greater versatility in the benefits it provides (affecting four possible talents v. the typical one), but with an increased cost (2 Strain v. the typical 1 Strain). Given the nature of the talents, this is unlikely to negatively affect play and makes the ability more attractive, though with the added cost. This isn't something I recommend for any four abilities as it's highly dependent on the abilities that can benefit.

Wayfarer Cloak

Maximum Threads: 2

Mystic Defense: 10
Legend Point Cost: Journeyman

These green and brown cloaks look like rough spun wool and adorned with various leaves and other effects to help blend into the environment. Truthfully, all five True elements have been woven through the garment. They're warm, waterproof, and resistant to stains, in addition to deceptively soft. Still, they incur more wear and tear than expected of a thread item and most show signs of numerous repairs upon closer inspection.

These cloaks were once common throughout the Western Kingdoms and can still be found among elf communities, though those from lost kaers are most prized for the stories they tell.

Thread Rank One

Key Knowledge: The owner must learn the Name of the cloak.
Effect: The owner gains +1 rank to Awareness.

Thread Rank Two

Effect: The owner gains +1 rank to Wilderness Survival.

Thread Rank Three

Key Knowledge: The owner must learn who created the cloak.
Effect: The owner gains +1 rank to Tracking.

Thread Rank Four

Effect: The owner gains +1 Physical Defense

Thread Rank Five

Key Knowledge: The owner must learn where the True elements were harvested.
Deed: The owner must repair any damage incurred from continued use and use the stitches to tell their story.
Effect: The owner gains +2 to their Movement Rate.

Thread Rank Six

Effect: The owner can spend 2 Strain to gain a +3 bonus to Awareness, Tracking, or Wilderness Survival.