AD&D - Cloak of Guarding!
A magical item from Dragon 91...
The Cloak of Guarding is a gray woolen garment that becomes rigid upon impact, deflecting non-magical missiles and reducing damage from physical attacks. It withstands pressure until it absorbs 25 hit points of damage, after which it disintegrates. However, it offers no protection against heat, cold, or electrical attacks. It has a value of 1500 experience points and can be sold for 10,000 gold pieces.
Highlights -🧥
Material: Identical to a woolen cloak in weight and texture.
Impact Response: Becomes rigid upon physical blows, deflecting attacks.
Damage Reduction: Reduces damage by -2 per die, minimum 1.
Pressure Limit: Absorbs up to 25 hit points of damage from sustained pressure.
Disintegration: Disintegrates after reaching damage threshold.
Rest Requirement: Requires resting to regain protective powers.
Elemental Vulnerability: Maximum damage from heat, cold, and electrical attacks.
Key Insights -💡
Versatile Defense: The cloak’s ability to deflect non-magical missiles makes it a valuable asset in combat situations, offering the wearer a layer of protection that can turn the tide of battle. ⚔️
Damage Mitigation: By reducing damage from physical attacks, the cloak provides strategic advantages, allowing wearers to survive encounters that would otherwise be lethal. 🛡️
Limitations on Use: Its effectiveness is finite, as it can only absorb a limited amount of damage before disintegration; this necessitates careful management during prolonged encounters. ⏳
Resting Mechanics: The requirement for the cloak to “rest” emphasizes tactical gameplay, as players must consider when to engage or retreat to maintain their defensive benefits. 🔄
Elemental Weakness: The cloak’s vulnerability to elemental attacks serves as a critical reminder for players to be aware of their environment and potential threats beyond physical combat. 🔥
High Value: With a significant gold piece value, the cloak is not only a protective item but also a potential source of wealth, influencing player decision-making regarding its use and trade. 💰
Craftsmanship: The construction involving spun metal threads highlights a blend of magic and craftsmanship, suggesting that such items may have a rich lore and significance in the game world. 🧙♂️