Have Haversack, Will Travel

I know I've mentioned it before but probably none too often as I don't generally discuss Medieval Fantasy gaming as much as I do Sci-Fi, Superheroes, and practically anything else but I really enjoy coming up with Magic Items. I kinda despise calling them 'Magic Items' though, as that is one of D&D's notorious modern/technical terms for what should be a miraculous and wonderous thing. I suppose it's fine for practical purposes but I try to avoid the term when I can. 

Anyway...

I want to give more detailed information on Raelyn Riversprite's Signature Item, The Homey Haversack. 

This mysterious object is based on a very similar concept from my ol' Aerth game, which was in turn inspired by Heward's Handy Haversack, although that item is quite different from mine. The original was merely a more impressive Bag of Holding. As you'll see, this one is something else. 

The Homey Haversack is a backpack of supple black leather that appears well-used and worn by time and the elements such that is appears more charcoal gray than black. Its straps may be adjusted so that it can be worn as a backpack, over one should, or slung across the body to rest at ones hip. In additional to the mouth of the pack at the top, there are three additional pouches; one large one in front, and two smaller ones to each side. 

Upon opening the top flap and adjusting the hidden drawstring, the bag will open to be slightly wider than expected. The top of a wooden ladder can be seen just over the lip of the bag. If you enters the top and descends the ladder, they will come into a medium-sized room of stone walls and floor. It has a bed, a large chest/trunk, two desks, a simple chair, a fireplace, and a window. 

 

Regardless of the position of the Haversack in the outside world, within the item the room is always level and the temperature is generally similar to the interior of any abode in whatever land your traveling in. For example, if you are walking through snowy tundra, it will be cold in the room but certainly warmer than being outside in the snow. Best get a fire going. 

Where the smoke from the fireplace goes is unknown. Stranger still though is the window. This small window, which can be shuttered to prevent wind, snow, or rain from entering the room, always shows a view of whatever is outside the bag. When using it to sleep in, Riversprite usually hides it on a roof top or ties it up in a high tree before entering down the ladder. This allows her to view her immediate surroundings to some extent. You can stick your arm and hand out the window but only a few feet or so. Beyond that you will find it impossible to push further out. 

The room is as it is and does not provide additional items, nor does it replenish resources. Firewood much be obtained and brought in by the owner of the item. If you want to cook in the fireplace, bring in some ingredients as well as a pot and frying pan. Raelyn often catches and cooks fish, then opens the window to air out the place. Which brings us to keep it clean - you must sweep and dust yourself, as well as make your own bed. Basically, you get a furnished room and nothing more but it is a room you can carry with you. 

The outer Haversack seems immune or at least highly resistant to rain, puncture, being crushed, and the like. None of those things effect the bag and someone inside would be completely unaware of what was transpiring. In fact, the item can even be submerged in water but the window shutters will automatically close and no force can open them until the bag is once again in open air. You would see water and fish swimming by out of the window. 

Raelyn often keeps her Bow and Arrows in the sack instead of on her as she rarely ever uses them in combat. They are primarily for hunting game. She also stores any Magic Books and Scrolls she comes across in the Haversack, usually on the shelves above one of the desks. Spare clothes and a few mementos she has from her family and her time with the Elven Knights are neatly placed inside the trunk at the foot of her bed. 

Even with this amazing object, Raelyn still camps out fairly often. The interior of the Haversack is both her safespace and refuge and a place she fears being trapped in. Not trapped like it won't let her leave but that she'll get too comfortable, feel too safe, and won't want to leave. 

And that is The Homey Haversack.

AD

Barking Alien