Some wearables (2)

Dear reader: since last we talked about this topic, I've had the chance to change some of my most common wearable items. Others, on the other hand, didn't. Let's make a quick trip with some illustrations:

First, you will remember I was carrying around a deluded deep red silk backpack. I learned that Dave the Necromancer was a little bit stronger and now had a nice component pouch, so I paid him a visit and after some loud arguments (via mandrake roots), he agreed to part ways with his. I really love the look of necromantic gear, but it is generally too heavy for a dodger like me. Dave's backpack, though, besides looking cool, is a pound lighter than mine, and much sturdier. It carries the same weight and items but it is a bit smaller, so I have to leave my wooden harp at home now:

This is a thoroughly menacing backpack.  The frame of the backpack is composed of three pairs of skeletal arms, reaching around the sleek black leather as if to restrain it in place.  Two more pairs of skeletal arms act as the straps, the fingerbones moving and clasping onto each other as if alive.  To complete the theme, a stylized skull picked out in red-tarnished iron grins morbidly from the middle of the backpack.  Silvery runes run through the black leather like quicksilver.

Octarine light pulses around it like an evil heartbeat.

It has the hazy octarine sparkle of a magical talisman.

The ornate bone backpack has one skull pocket and one main pocket.

I have also stored away most of my Agatean clothes, which were quite heavy, and rescued both my old yellow robe and my trusty boots. The latter have the advantage of being able to sheathe my components dagger, which also means I no longer have to carry the emerald-studded belt, and *can* carry the silvery gray saya of my kodachi. 

Moving away from clothes to other wearables: I have been carrying, and continue to do so, the following trinkets on me:

Frostkiss Sentinel (Ice blue crystal brooch)

This is the last remaining bit of a lot of very lovely and spammy glass jewelry I had Libby Twinkle make for me from crystal eggs.  It is still beautiful, but it also has some practical uses:

This is a delicate brooch made of glittering ice blue crystal.  It is shaped up into a finely faceted oval, decorated with coiling silver filigree.

It seems to be strangely sensitive to the warmth of other people.

Frostkiss Sentinel is an ice blue crystal brooch.

It gives off a steady but dull octarine glow.

It has the hazy octarine sparkle of a magical talisman.

It is in excellent condition.

Blue ring

Even more utilitarian,  if still fancy, is a blue crystal ring for portalling out of unpleasant situations. I've been giving it quite a lot of use lately...

You recognise the blue crystal ring to be a ring of recall.  The ring is a single piece of a sapphire, cut and polished until its facets sparkle in the light.

It gives off a steady but dull octarine glow.

It is in excellent condition.

Everbright Bauble (Mirrored timepiece)

Not only has this piece been a long time with me: it also multiplies uses in lots of amazing ways.  It is a pretty silver necklace; it tells the time; it is a permalight; its mirror allows me to cast Floron's for scrying, and because it counts as a silver necklace, I am currently employing it to magically lighten the weight of my kodachi:

The face and hands of this timepiece are silver while the numbers have been picked out in mother of pearl.  It could be closed and worn as a large pendant.

The current time displayed is: 8:40pm, Wednesday 15th May Prime, UC 2049.

Everbright Bauble is a mirrored timepiece.

It has the hazy octarine sparkle of a magical talisman.

It appears to have something written on it.

It is in excellent condition.

Twisted black amulet

I am currently wearing two of these. not only do they look amazing (no demonologist should be without them!), but they prove incredibly protective. A long time ago I made a big stock of them and as soon as they've melted, I go to the Djelibeybi vault for more:

This piece of black-stained silver isn't quite flat, and isn't evenly rounded, as though it had been warped by a fire.  The spikes and hooks around the rim have a disturbingly organic look, and the eldritch runes spiralling around the face are never the same twice.  Occasionally, you can make out glimmers of meaning in the runes, but the bitter, doleful words always retreat and change before your mind can do more than take a glimpse of the vast, empty infinity of unpleasant truth behind the blackened silver.

The metal looks dull and lifeless.

It is in excellent condition.

Senssu Fan

Not strictly worn, but carried. And yet once could say that for a person steeped into Agatean culture, it is an indispensable item, and non trivial skills and cultural accomplishment are necessary for opening and shutting it with elegance:

The fan is an essential accessory for any noble, allowing one to accentuate any mood and speak volumes with a tiny gesture.  At need, they might snap open this particular example to reveal the sharpened steel ribs and deliver a most pointed lesson in proper etiquette.  The strong, rich crimson silk has been beautifully painted with running horses.

The crimson senssu fan is currently open.

It is in excellent condition.

Sung family crest

And finally, my Agatean family crest. I am a loyal follower of house Sung. Besides, I have converted the silver carp into a talker:

Finely crafted in silver, this sigil shaped like a koi carp marks the owner as a member of the Sung family.

Just beneath the surface, you can make out what looks like a pair of glittering eyes.

It emits a slight octarine glow.

It appears to have something written on it.

It is in excellent condition.

> 

read crest

You read the Sung family crest:

Written in neatly engraved letters:

Winswand, Sagely Lotus of House Sung

More apparel - kimono, obi and zori

As you could guess from the hat, I have a predilection for Agatean fashions and styles. I am, after all, an honoured member of house Sung, and one must look the part, besides playing the part. Here are some further examples of my wearables:

This is a beautiful sapphire blue kimono that has been dyed with a delicate monarch butterfly pattern which circles around the lower portion of the skirt.  It has long, sweeping sleeves which drape down almost to the ground and encase the wearer's arms in a sheath of silk.  The kimono has been delicately embroidered with thin threads of gold leaf around the hem.  The inside of the kimono is lined with a delicately sewn layer of soft gold silk lining.  The way the bias has been cut indicates that this kimono was probably created for a ceremonial occasion.

The sapphire blue ceremonial kimono has two sleeve pockets and one side pocket.

This is a wide gold obi that has been finely crafted and wound in the style associated with the skilled artisans of Bes Pelargic.  Made of high quality heavy silk, its long sash is meant to be tied tightly around the waist and cinched up in an intricate bow. The obi has been hand painted with a multi-shaded fishscale pattern that extends down its length.

This is a handcrafted pair of wedge soled zori, which are a type of loose Agatean sandals traditionally paired with a kimono.  The zori have been covered in a soft gold silk that has been stretched across the bridge of the sandals and secured under the sole with a large number of small brass clothing tacks.  The silk has been delicately hand-painted with several differing shades of watercolour to depict a sunset pattern.  They have been squared off at their corners to indicate that they are to be worn by a man.  Finally, these zori have been adorned with a pair of simple sapphire blue coloured straps that hold them somewhat securely to the feet.

Some apparel - my hat!

Just made a return after a long time away, and as I have rented the services of DALL-E for the current month, I thought it would be a good idea to create a nice portrait of myself. This has proven to be more difficult than I expected, but in the interim, we can enjoy pieces of clothing and jewellery I am carrying - the program seems relatively good at doing that. First stop: my wizard hat:

This proper sapphire blue, silk crepe wizard's pointy hat has a perfectly cut lapis lazuli mounted front and centre which is surrounded by neatly embossed dragons. The embossed dragons are impressed into the silk crepe in such a way that the relief seems almost too realistic as they dance around the lapis lazuli, encircling it completely.

Ah, yes: the boots

We don't have custom wizard shoes or boots as yet -at Rebecca Palm's there's some cheap pointy wizard shoes, but they don't quite do the trick-, so I have to content myself with the following pair of luxurious black men's boots, the result of a quick visit to a famous Morporkian (rather, Ankhian) cobbler...

>look boots

These solidly crafted boots are designed for the more demanding wearer and are crafted from luxurious black dragonhide in a wizardly style. The bronze buckles lightens the obvious strength of the design, and it sports a flat heel.
It could sheathe a knife or dagger.
The pair of luxurious black men's boots contains: Blade Of Morgul.
It is in excellent condition.

New Cloaks!

So... after a month away (RoundWorld), one comes back and the only thing that's new is... a wandering wizard in the Ramtops that seems to make custom wizzie cloaks that allow to sheathe wands... Well, they aren't an item I use much of ('cept pickling sticks) but it is worth a look and a try, ain't it?

Maurice Trimbleworthy says with a Lancrastian accent: Once, a wizard - well, a Lodger - came in and complained. Actually _complained_ that the hoods on my cloaks hid the mystical thingimabobs that he had dangling from his hat. Well, I said to him, why don't you push it back? He didn't have any answers to that.
say ahá! Gotcha! It's this dude...
You say: ahá! Gotcha! It's this dude...
> Maurice Trimbleworthy says with a Lancrastian accent: You can take a man out of the Ramtops, but you can't take the Ramtops out of a man. Why, I often used to go up to the top of the Tower of Art just to look over at Copperhead and Leaping Mountain.
say Do you make cloaks, Maurice?
You ask: Do you make cloaks, Maurice?
> say I would like to order a cloak, please, Maurice
You say: I would like to order a cloak, please, Maurice
> Maurice Trimbleworthy says with a Lancrastian accent: A bespoke cloak? Why, certainly.
Maurice Trimbleworthy asks with a Lancrastian accent: What material shall we make this from?
Maurice Trimbleworthy says with a Lancrastian accent: You can choose from the following: velvet, wool and silk.
say silk
You say: silk
> Maurice Trimbleworthy draws a quick elegant sketch on a piece of parchment.
A local wanders into the room. He reads a few of the notices on the bulletin board before scoffing loudly and storming out in a huff.
Maurice Trimbleworthy asks with a Lancrastian accent: And what colour would you like?
Maurice Trimbleworthy says with a Lancrastian accent: You can choose from the following: fourecksianite purple, malachite green, midnight black, charcoal grey, rose-coloured, diamond white, peridot green, sapphire blue, golden brown, raven black, mossy green, light brown, dark purple, cobalt blue, ultramarine, snow white, aquamarine, slate blue, garnet red, onyx black, dark green, light grey, dark brown, ocean blue, leaf green, smoky grey, stone grey, jet black, icy white, dark grey, dark blue, carnelian, sea green, sky blue, amethyst, ice blue, ruby red, burgundy, crimson, emerald, scarlet, indigo, violet, silver, purple, white, black, brown, green, topaz, blue, grey and red.
say malachite green
You say: malachite green
> Maurice Trimbleworthy says with a Lancrastian accent: Very well.
Maurice Trimbleworthy asks with a Lancrastian accent: Some traditional stars and moons? Or something else, perhaps?
You feel quite warm.
Maurice Trimbleworthy says with a Lancrastian accent: You can choose from the following: portraits of the seven-plus-one winds, depictions of the Tower of Art, mirrors and crystal balls, hammer and anvil symbols, snowflakes and icicles, ravens and ivy leaves, stylised birch groves, leering demon faces, the five elements, dancing skeletons, battling dragons, stars and moons, lightning bolts, swirling clouds, grinning skulls, ravening demons, crossed wands, flaming eyes, octograms, rabbits, sigils, glyphs and runes. say snowflakes and icicles
You say: snowflakes and icicles
> Maurice Trimbleworthy draws a quick elegant sketch on a piece of parchment.
Maurice Trimbleworthy asks with a Lancrastian accent: What kind of thread would you like those to be embroidered in?
Maurice Trimbleworthy says with a Lancrastian accent: You can choose from the following: rose-coloured silk, golden brown silk, cobalt blue silk, dark green silk, deep grey silk, daffodil silk, amethyst silk, purple silk, black silk, white silk, white gold, rose gold, blue silk, red gold, red silk, copper, silver, bronze and gold.
(Wizards) Dinsdale's wispy voice comes from the Sung family crest, saying that he considers trying NES.
say amethyst silk
You say: amethyst silk
> (Wizards) Dinsdale's wispy voice comes from the Sung family crest, saying: Backfires can be fatal though, can't they?
Maurice Trimbleworthy says with a Lancrastian accent: Very well.
Maurice Trimbleworthy says with a Lancrastian accent: Would you like some wand loops sewn into that? If so, there won't be room for pockets, so just say which you'd prefer.
A waiter with a haggard look on his face emerges from the room to the south and plumps himself down on the sofa with a deep, blissful groan. The gentle ringing of a bell to the east forces him to his feet, and with a slight sob he leaves the room.
Maurice Trimbleworthy says with a Lancrastian accent: You can choose from the following: wand loops and pockets.
(Wizards) Hitcher's wispy voice comes from the Sung family crest, saying: no only if you hold a pointy object
(Wizards) Kurupt's wispy voice comes from the Sung family crest, saying: Only if you have low hp.
(Wizards) Hitcher's wispy voice comes from the Sung family crest, saying: i think....
say wand loops
You say: wand loops
> Maurice Trimbleworthy says with a Lancrastian accent: An excellent choice.
Maurice Trimbleworthy says with a Lancrastian accent: Very well, let's see... that will be LSov 1|1|10|(2^3).
Maurice Trimbleworthy whispers to you with a Lancrastian accent: Your malachite green silk cloak will look like this: Long, flowing, and majestic, this cloak envelops the wearer in a swirl of malachite green silk from shoulders to knees. A number of snowflakes and icicles, done in amethyst silk thread, are scattered across the material, and the tall collar is embroidered with matching sigils of warding and protection. Just inside the front, four loops hang down, each one the perfect size to hold a wand close to hand.
Maurice Trimbleworthy asks with a Lancrastian accent: Does that meet with your approval?
(Wizards) Dinsdale's wispy voice comes from the Sung family crest, saying: How low is low?
(Wizards) Kurupt's wispy voice comes from the Sung family crest, saying: Under 2k.
say yes
You say: yes
> Vanessa Cutangle says with a Lancrastian accent: Excellent! Please take a look at our price list and then order whatever takes your fancy.
Maurice Trimbleworthy says with a Lancrastian accent: Very well, that will be around one day and sixteen hours.
Maurice Trimbleworthy says with a Lancrastian accent: Women! Wizards aren't supposed to get married, eh? Well, let me tell you, at a certain time in his life a man begins to regret that...
shrug
You shrug.

(general) wizard wares

So... we can't go running nakkid through the streets, can we? A wizard should have a set of proper vestments, as gaudy, tasteless and pretentious as possible. Master Winswand is no exception, and has been searching the best Discworld outfitters for his clothes.

A Wizard's main piece is his hat. Even though cheap 'wizard pointy hats' are easily available, there's nothing like the custom Agatean ones we can order at the Hat shop of the Agatean Wizards Guild, located behind the bookshop in Diamond Place, Bes Pelargic. This hat has been a long time with me (when I ordered it, I was still hardly mastering the subtle language of the Counterweight Continent), and houses lots of space for rings, charms, scrolls and other trinklets:

> l hat

This proper sapphire blue, silk crepe wizard's pointy hat has a perfectly cut lapis lazuli mounted front and centre which is surrounded by neatly embossed dragons. The embossed dragons are impressed into the silk crepe in such a way that the relief seems almost too realistic as they dance around the lapis lazuli, encircling it completely.
A shimmer of octarine radiates across the surface.
It appears to have something written on it.
The sapphire blue wizard's pointy hat has one inside pocket.

Another necessary piece is an appropiate robe. I tried my own order's once, but I found them a bit boring and easy to break. I still keep one in the wardrobe for solemn occasions, but for regular movement I prefer this other one, also ordered at a custom shop in the Bes Pelargic Wizard's Guild:

>l robe

This hand tailored bright yellow, heavy satin damask robe is lined with the finest turquoise rings. They also run the full length of the robe's front as to securely fasten it closed. On the back of this robe is an embossed firebird. The robe is so exquisitely crafted that even the embossing is encircled in tiny turquoise rings. The robe drapes to the floor in clean fluid lines and sweeps the ground gently with its subtle eloquence. Now this is a robe unlike any other.
It softly pulses in dull octarine shades.
It appears to have something written on it.
The bright yellow robe has one inside pocket.

The shoes are much less original, and as there's no nice, wizardry and light set of them (the nearest thing being the heavy necromantic boots of Dave), I stay with the modest and classic 'wizard pointy shoes', which incidentally, spoil very soon.

There was a time when I lived through an Agatean-style-and-culture craze. I still keep some quirks and bits from then, but not the gorgeous clothing (custom kimono, obi and zori), of which we'll talk some other day...

Necromantic Gear

In the middle of a swamp, in Überwald, lies Dave, the Most Horrid and Foul Necromancer, whose classy looking gear would be the dream of every wizard (specially Midnighters or Shadows) if ir weren't for its tremendous weight, which makes it totally unpractical, bearing in mind the usual strength that wizards count on.

Nevertheless, as stated, his equipment is quite impressive. It consists of 5 magical pieces, or talismans: staff, boots, greaves, helmet and (gasp!) corslet.

>

look staff
This dark, black staff has been fashioned out of iron and has been heated until the surface is pitted and cracked. A large human skull with ram's horns has been fixed to its top as some sort of grisly knob. Along its length silvery runes race along its surface in a pattern undiscernible to the eye.
Octarine light pulses around it like an evil heartbeat.
It is in excellent condition.

>

look boots
This is a pair of sleek black leather boots that reach to knee height. They are laced in the front and are made of very thick leather. Along the front of them are a few plates of bone which appear fang-like in nature. Several silvery runes seem to flutter along the length of the bone.
Octarine light pulses around it like an evil heartbeat.
It has the hazy octarine sparkle of a magical talisman.
It is in excellent condition.

>

look greaves
This pair of greaves could only have been made by magic. They are constructed from bone and have series of serrated ridges that run along their length. The bone itself seems to flow around the wearer as if it is growing from their own flesh. Several runes seem to be moving along the greaves like living quicksilver.
Octarine light pulses around it like an evil heartbeat.
It has the hazy octarine sparkle of a magical talisman.
It is in excellent condition.

>
l helmet
This is a helmet that has been crafted by magic out of bone. It is a solid construction of bone that has a series of fang-like protrusions running in ridges up to the top. A iron band made to look almost like a crown wraps around the brow and ends underneath a pair of black ram's horns that curl down along the sides of the head. Runes flow along the length of the helmet and look as if they were made of quicksilver.
Octarine light pulses around it like an evil heartbeat.
It has the hazy octarine sparkle of a magical talisman.
It is in excellent condition.

>

l corslet
This is a ornate construction that could only have been made by magic. The armour is made out of a solid piece of worn ivory bone which wraps around its wearer to protect them fully. Interlocking bone plates flow down the arms and end in ornate gauntlets with a series of small fang-like spikes radiating upwards to the forearm. Many bone plates hang from the main breastplate and backplate forming tassets to protect the waist and thighs. The breast and back are both fully covered in a solid sheet of dark ivory bone. Spikes of various shape and size flow down the shoulders and the back like a porcupine. The spikes also flow down the front of the armour where they circle a dark black gem. A gorget reminiscent of a shoulder blade wraps rather uncomfortably around the neck and connects to the shoulder coverings. All along the thick ivory silvery runes seem to move up and down its length like living quicksilver.
Octarine light pulses around it like an evil heartbeat.
It has the hazy octarine sparkle of a magical talisman.
It is in excellent condition.

For practical reasons, the only thing of use might really be the staff, at least in a remote future when some of the incoveniences of these (like the fact that staff harnesses occupy a dexterity malus slot when worn with backpacks) are removed or (ha, ha!) the fabled staves with knobs reappear. It is a powerful polearm weapon, damn heavy and extremely cool for octograving. Nevertheless, the only use I can gather for it now (and for the rest of the gear) is as a showy outfit for one of the feasts/balls/parties that take place in the City...