Piton

A piton is a metal spike driven into a crack or seam in rock with a hammer. Once seated securely, it provides an anchor point for rope during climbing, descent or other work at height.

Using a Piton

The quality of the anchor depends on the rock, the crack and how well the piton is placed. Solid stone and a tight seam may hold securely; rotten rock, crumbling mortar or a badly chosen crack can fail under load.

Common Uses

• Anchoring a climbing rope.
• Creating a belay or safety point.
• Securing equipment on a steep slope.
• Marking a route through difficult terrain.
• Providing an improvised attachment point in stonework.

Noise and Time

Driving metal into stone with a hammer is not subtle. In a quiet cave or dungeon, the sound can travel a considerable distance. A party that needs an anchor may have to choose between safety and stealth.

Failure

A piton is only as reliable as its placement. The Games Master may call for an appropriate climbing or Strength-related check when the surface is poor, the load is exceptional or failure would be dramatic.

Source

This is classic adventuring and climbing equipment. Use the exact price, weight and skill interactions from the rules edition being played.