Housebreaker harnesses, known in thieves' cant as a spider,[3] were versatile harnesses designed to aid thieves and serious cat burglars with climbing and breaking into buildings.[1][3]
Description[]
Housebreaker harnesses consisted of a number of leather straps that linked together, one to be hooked around each thigh and over each shoulder,[1][3] as well as one broad leather strap that was to be secured around the waist.[1] A number of hooks, safety clips, or adjustable clamps were attached to these belts.[1] Though other designs instead incorporated up to eight or more additional straps of varied length, usually measuring no more than 2 feet (0.61 meters), at the end of which would be small metal rings.[3]
With both designs a thief could affix all manner of tools to the attachments, though their primary purpose was for having rope attach to them[1][3] or for tether lines.[1] This eliminated the threat of falling for a thief, allowed them to secure themselves to walls, and gave them free use of their hands for other tasks, such as lockpicking,[1][3] cutting glass, checking for traps, etc.[3]
A housebreaker harnesses could equally be worn with ease over clothing or leather armor.[3]
Availability[]
- In Athkatla, one could find housebreaker harnesses for sale in the market Waukeen's Promenade.[5][note 1]
- In Zhentil Keep, one could find housebreaker harnesses for sale at Lita's Equipment.[6][note 2]
Notable Owners[]
- Artemis Entreri, a ruthless assassin.[4]
- Spider Parrafin, the reincarnation of Regis, owned a housebreaker harness that he kept within his pouch of holding.[7]
Appendix[]
Notes[]
- ↑ For Duty & Deity states that every nonmagical item featured in the Arms and Equipment Guide can be purchased at Waukeen's Promenade.
- ↑ Ruins of Zhentil Keep states that everything from the Arms and Equipment Guide, except for arms and armor, can be purchased at Lita's Equipment.
Appearances[]
Novels & Short Stories
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Grant Boucher, Troy Christensen, Jon Pickens, John Terra and Scott Davis (1991). Arms and Equipment Guide. (TSR, Inc.), p. 114. ISBN 1-56076-109-1.
- ↑ John Nephew, Carl Sargent and Douglas Niles (1989). The Complete Thief's Handbook. Edited by Scott Haring. (TSR), p. 127. ISBN 0-88038-780-7.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 John Nephew, Carl Sargent and Douglas Niles (1989). The Complete Thief's Handbook. Edited by Scott Haring. (TSR), p. 97. ISBN 0-88038-780-7.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 R.A. Salvatore (March 2002). Realms of Shadow ("That Curious Sword"). (Wizards of the Coast). ISBN 0-7869-2716-X.
- ↑ Dale Donovan (May 1998). For Duty & Deity. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 10. ISBN 0-7869-1234-0.
- ↑ Kevin Melka, John Terra (March 1995). “Campaign Book”. In Julia Martin ed. Ruins of Zhentil Keep (TSR, Inc.), p. 97. ISBN 0-7869-0109-8.
- ↑ R.A. Salvatore (February 4, 2014). The Companions. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 20. ISBN 0-7869-6522-3.