Root-Anchor

Adventuring Gear, common

The Root-Anchor is a vital piece of equipment for any Mist-Whisker sailor navigating the tight and tidal passages of the root-labyrinth. It consists of a large, weighted iron-wood spike, roughly 3 feet long, equipped with a series of spring-loaded barbs. The anchor is designed to be hammered or wedged into the porous wood of the Mother-Tree’s roots, providing a secure and permanent tether.

Properties

1. Secure Mooring: When successfully deployed (DC 10 Strength check), the root-anchor can hold a vessel or an object weighing up to 2,000 lbs in place, even against strong currents or storms.

2. Climbing Aid: The anchor can also be used as a heavy-duty piton. While using a root-anchor to secure a rope, characters have advantage on Athletics checks made to climb the root-surfaces.

3. Improvised Weapon: In an emergency, the root-anchor can be used as a melee weapon (+4 to hit, 1d8 + 2 piercing damage).

4. Difficult Removal: Removing a deployed root-anchor requires a DC 14 Strength check. On a failure, the barbs remain stuck in the root, and the anchor must be cut free.