Rope Hem

Ultimate Equipment Guide II

Author Greg Lynch, J. C. Alvarez

Publisher Mongoose Publishing

Publish date 2005

A rope hem appears to be nothing more than the latest fashion, a thick hem quilted with several seams running along its length. Actually, the rope hem is an extremely useful modification, at least for those who are interested in sneaking about with a rope. The hem of the garment is actually made of a slender but very strong Climbing rope, fashioned of silk and steel. The rope is sewn together and sewn onto the garment itself with a minimum number of loose stitches, allowing it to be easily pulled away from the garment and readied for use (going from hem to Climbing-ready rope is a full-round action).

The rope of a rope hem is 50 feet long, and can support a maximum weight of 200 pounds. Obviously, this modification is only practical for garments with long hems, such as the bottom hem of a dress or a cloak (though the waistline hem of a pullover jerkin would also work). The rope is as weak as it is because it must be able to move along with the garment, so as to not arouse suspicion. A garment with a stiff hem, such as a hoop skirt, can be outfitted with a stronger rope, of silk around a core of very thin steel cable, able to support a maximum weight of 500 pounds. Once used, the rope hem can be reattached with a successful Craft (sewing) skill check DC 20.

• Rope Hem (normal): +100 gp to price of garment
• Rope Hem (stiff): +125 gp to price of garment