It is said that the rivers remember all; with the constant flow of their currents, that beautiful memories are forever in motion. Chaos is not an unfamiliar idea to the world of Aloria. Riverhide is the calm before the storm - the chaos - first created as a warbanner that fluttered proudly in the Last City of the Living. Presented in such a morbid plane of existence where death is so rife, the waterfowl standard was flown as a statement by the Anglian Witch who called it a gift: that ‘no aggressor could wear out the patience bestowed by Regulus’ teachings’, and that ‘His love would forgive the Lost one day.’
Origins
While Riverhide’s powers are best told as a fable, its previous sightings, though rare, have made ostensible claims to its humble yet miraculous nature. Some say it was a lover that wove the tapestry in a farewell, while others say they made it themself after a long night weaving in a storm. Either way, Riverhide was seen planted atop the wall of Maarya by an Anglian Witch stationed in Kur, where it remained to weather the Beyond’s worst. When the Anglian Witch retired from Kur, so too did Riverhide, where they took up service at Regulus’ temple in the Draackenrust Mountains. What vestigial remains of the warbanner was transformed into a cloak, where it was passed down from apprentice to apprentice, until it was eventually lost during a flood. Though devastating to the local crops and land, it was miraculous the flood accrued no fatalities, with Riverhide being seen on the bank of the Axell River but soon to disappear again. The cloak wound up being seen on the back of a despotic Count once more, he who barred the common folk from fishing in his rivers. It was rumored that he had Riverhide in his possession for ten days, before lightning struck him on clearest eleventh. Again, it was by miracle that the Count did not perish, and that he saw it as Regulus' warning to ‘do better’. He lifted the ban, and so Riverhide was seen blown away by a strong gust of wind after. Many more odd accounts such as this have been told, with only two themes identified across all of them: that it never stayed on one’s shoulders for long, and that a body of water was always nearby.
Appearance
Riverhide is a large blue cloak that depicts a white stream flowing down its center. This pattern is embroidered on, though looks to be unfinished with the incomplete motif of a waterfowl present, or that it had largely been torn off because of its time in Kur. Riverhide itself is one of a kind, but has sparked a trend amongst some young Anglian Witches, who now incorporate bodies of water into their fashion. It is up to speculation if Regulus lended a direct hand in the blessing of the cloak, as the original owner never confirmed or denied. However, there is a handmade quality to the piece that suggests the creator had a deep love for their invention. It warps to fit the body of whoever wears it, rippling down their frame in great waves.
Artifact Mechanics
Riverhide is a Primal (Dragon God Magic) Artifact Artifact. As Riverhide is an Artifact, there are several rules associated with Artifact Ownership, see Artifact page. Riverhide also provides the following specials:
Permanent Mechanics
Riverhide has a strong history with the Crown Witches of Regulus, primarily from Anglia. Along with most Draconists, these groups favor Riverhide’s wielder.
When exposed to water, the cloak absorbs all dampness. It protects the user from getting wet.
Artifactspark Mechanics
Riverhide possesses a benevolent nature. During an Event, the player may consult the Event DM to ask if Riverhide can save them from mortal danger. If so, make sure to communicate with the Event DM to determine if this mechanic would work, and how it takes effect.
Riverhide has swapped shoulders between many Anglian Witches. Bearing this in mind, the wearer becomes capable of growing medicinal herbs on the go, producing new exotic plants, which can be used for mundane healing. Additionally, it grants the user Archon Mechanics 5 and 6.
