Robe of Protection

Robe of Protection
A Green Robe of Protection
Uses	Armor
Obtained From	Bags, Tailoring, Various Chests and Quests (see below)
Level	12 Tailoring
Materials	1 Merfolk Hair, 1 Bottle of Dye, 3 Enchanted Cloth
Weight	TBD
Prices
Buying	N/A
Selling	N/A
Player Market	Common: 0 - 10K GP Rare: 20K - 50K GP GM: 200K - 300K GP GM Rare: 500K+ GP

A Robe of Protection, commonly abbreviated to RoP, is an enchanted piece of clothing that gives extra Armor Rating. It is the armor of choice for magic-users, as they cannot cast their spells while wearing heavier armor such as chain or plate. That being said, rogues will also use these robes when they are trying to be stealthy, while fighters always carry one in the event that they need to fight a Rust Beast, whose corrosive properties have no effect on cloth.

Robes of Protection are commonly found in forest bags, but master tailors can also craft their own, at least with the nine common colors. A Robe of Protection gives 30 extra Armor Rating and can be combined with a Leather Belt and Boots to increase the Armor Rating to 32, or even higher with the use of magic rings such as a Lesser Protection Ring. Robes of Protection degrade with use, and provide increasingly less Armor Rating the more worn they become.

On the Player Market, Robes of Protection generally went from 10,000 GP - 20,000 GP for many years, depending on the color. This was bolstered by the Silver Leaf Shop, which to this day sells common RoPs for 20,000 GP each. In recent years, however, there has been an overall surplus of robes, resulting in the prices decreasing quite a bit (with the cheapest robes often given away for free). The newer "rare" robes, however, tend to go for 20,000 - 50,000 GP, as examined in the lists below.

There are also GM (Grandmaster) Robes of Protection, which have the added benefit of providing the same amount of Armor Rating (AR) regardless of the robe's current durability. This additional benefit came about in Year 452 as the result of the latest cutting-edge technology in tailoring, thanks to the efforts of Andris-based conglomerate Waltham's World of Wool.

To further illustrate how the GM RoPs work: a regular Robe of Protection at Durability (+5) only provides 15 AR. But a GM Robe of Protection at that same Durability (+5) will still provide the original 30 AR. These grandmaster robes, if woven in common colors, might go for 200,000 - 300,000 GP on the player market. All nine of these common colors of GM RoP can occasionally be found in a chest at the very end of the Shrine dungeon. A GM RoP in one of the "rare" colors, however, would no doubt be valued at an unpredictably higher sum, and the most rare RoPs of all, the "one of a kind" GM RoPs, have all been valued at several millions of gold pieces.

Varieties

Like the Robe of Resistance and the common Robe, the Robe of Protection comes in many different colors, both common and rare.

Common

The "common" varieties are the nine colors that existed before the 450s, when an array of many new shades came to Oberin (in the July 2020 update). The Silver Leaf Shop is known to sell all of the common varieties of robe, at the elevated price of 20,000 GP per robe. However, this cost, the limited amount of player inventory space, and the fact that the common robes are easier to acquire in other ways, means that such purchases are seldom made.

Additionally, in the Shrine of Elara, which is the final room of the Shrine of the Disciples, there is a chest that has a small chance of containing a GM RoP in each of the nine common colors.

Black

Dark Balloc.

Black Robes of Protection are one of the most popular varieties that exist. This is partly because they constitute the base of an iconic wizard look: see Marthonis and Beleth for some famous examples. On the Player Market, this variety tends to be valued on the higher side, from 7,500 GP - 10,000 GP.

These robes were once far easier to acquire, since they were the reward for the Ancient Tome quest for over a decade. The quest changed in 2020, however, and now Black RoPs are only found in Forest Bags or in various chests. One such chest that is known is in the Lich lair of Skull Island Dungeon. Another is in the Shrine of Nystral (The Snake) within the Shrine of the Disciples.

Blue

The boys in blue.

Blue Robes of Protection are the standard uniform of city officials in Mirith, such as Lord Rengal and Mother Emmalisse. They also tend to go for 7,500 GP - 10,000 GP on the Player Market.

Another way to obtain one is to gather 12 Blue Roses and give them to Cletcher, who wanders about the southwestern streets of Mirith. No chests are known to contain this robe, so this color is not the easiest to acquire, but that does not stop the Mirith Vanguard from wearing them proudly.

Brown

The brown druid.

Brown Robes of Protection are, by far, the most common variety. This is largely due to the fact that they can be found somewhat frequently on zombies, not to mention the usual forest bags. As a result, many players and guilds have amassed a large collection of Brown RoPs, and they are valued so low that they generally cannot be sold on the Player Market.

Despite this fact, or perhaps because of it, they are still favored by many players. When other robes can be hard to find, there are always Browns. The color is also favored by the population of Lerilin, from Mr. Geofric to the late Mayor Palmer.

Green

Greenies.

Green Robes of Protection are a less popular, but no less expensive variety. Those seeking to collect these robes are advised to start collecting Bone Mage Staves. Giving 50 of the staves to Mirthia in a dangerous area of the Marali Catacombs will net you a Ruby Prism, which then can be taken to Valisica in Gohoran, who will fashion it into a Ruby Heart, which can finally be given to Marcial at Marali's Tailor Shop in exchange for a Green RoP.

Perhaps as a result of the somewhat difficult quest, Green RoPs are valued on the higher end of the range, from 7,500 GP - 10,000 GP. These robes were favored by the cult of the Venom Priests, but do not seem to be used by any organizations or city officials today.

Gray

Aldus in the library.

Gray Robes of Protection are used as the alternate uniform of Marali and her forces, with Captain Tarnus Quin as a prominent example. Some important figures in Brigobaen, such as Father Aldus, are also known to wear the gray.

Gray RoPs can be obtained through a quest chain: first, bring 100 Harpie Beaks to Jorda of Morganstown to obtain a Mortar and Pestle, then bring that to Leihem in the Brigobaen Library to get the robe. The robes can also be traded on the Player Market for roughly 5,000 GP - 7,500 GP.

Light Blue

Light Blue in the ice.

Light Blue Robes of Protection are another one of the less-used varieties. Some officials of Mirith, such as the late Father Nafets, have used this color as their primary uniform, instead of the customary blue.

The color also seems to be favored by people associated with the Ice Dungeon, such as the Ice Sorceress and Frost Mage in the 420s, as well as the Ice Spirit in later years. Brigobaen novices seem to favor it, too, perhaps owing to the color's association with youth. On the Player Market, they might be valued at 2,500 GP - 7,500 GP.

Red

Classic red.

Red Robes of Protection are one of the most iconic choices for wizards. It is a tradition which appears to date back to the First Era and the Sorcerer's Council, having been popularized by such esteemed figures as Avesne and Seth. It remains just as popular today, owing perhaps in part to the aggressive marketing tactics of business magnate Lance Waltham. Red RoPs are also used as uniforms among the forces of Andris.

One way to get a Red RoP is to bring 12 Red Roses to Tamyr, the innkeeper of Lerilin. Another way is to brave the various dungeons where they can be found in chests: in the fiery depths of the Volcano, at the bottom of the ruins of Aborek, in the dragon floor of the Tower, and in the infernal halls of the Hell Mage Laboratory. On the Player Market, they rank among the more expensive robes, ranging from 7,500 GP - 10,000 GP.

Purple

The purple fighter.

Purple Robes of Protection are the primary uniforms for all leadership and military personnel in Marali, such as Mother Altaira Mei. They can occasionally be found in a chest in the Ice Dungeon Maze, and in the dragon floor of the Tower. Alternatively, one can bring 12 Purple Roses to Galas at the General Store of Port Gast to get one. They range from 7,500 GP - 10,000 GP on the Player Market.

Yellow

The yellow wizard in a field of red.

Yellow Robes of Protection are one of the rarest of the common varieties, and definitely the least-favored overall. One of the more infamous wearers of yellow in modern history was Elefin, the leader of the Black Hand. Marali's current Commander, Rydelia Fayn, also favors Yellow over the official Purple.

Yellow RoPs can occasionally be found on the bodies of Sand Dragons, but they cannot be acquired through any known quests or chests. They range from 7,500 GP - 10,000 GP on the Player Market.

Rare

The following colors are all those that were discovered in the early 450s (as a result of the July 2020 update). They vary from relatively common to incredibly rare. Some of the new colors have been established as "one of a kind" – these are listed in an additional section below. Of all the rare colors, six of the more common ones can be found in the Silver Leaf Shop, sold at 50,000 GP per robe. Those six are robes that can all be found via other means – Orange, Sandy Brown, Slate, Copper, Violet, and Indigo – but it still remains a good way to stock up on new uniforms.

Orange

An orange robe won at RMF 453 (Halloween 2020).

Orange Robes of Protection are undoubtedly the most common of the "rare" colors, but are still harder to acquire than the common colors and thus may be valued around 20,000 - 30,000 GP on the Player Market. The only way to find Orange robes year-round is via Forest Bag – in fact, Orange is the only one of the rare colors that is known to appear in these bags, albeit at a lower rate than any of the common colors.

Additionally, come the Biennial Harpie Roost (also known as Easter), the egg collector Sonny has been known to offer up Orange RoPs in exchange for a large amount of Indigo Eggs. Both Sonny and another traveling trader named Benny Diver have been known to sport the Orange robes from time to time.

Slate

The HV in Slate.

The Slate Robe of Protection is a darker gray robe that has proven quite popular, and which now serves as the official uniform for the Hidden Vale. One can acquire such a robe by bringing 50 Sylph Dust to Miranda of the island of ice. Miranda, struck by the bold shade of greenish-grey from the dusts, is happy to use the materials to concoct the robes.

Additionally, at the seasonal Red Moon Market, there is a teamaker named Astrid who has some extra Slate RoPs (among other colors) that she is willing to spare to any who help gather materials for her rare tea experiments. Specifically, she has been known to offer 1 Slate RoP in exchange for 7 Nevia Flowers. The Gambler Alyx has also been seen wearing slate from time to time, though he doesn't seem interested in selling.

The Player Market price for this robe (and many of the other new ones) is still somewhat unestablished, but given the quests and the Silver Leaf price, the range of 40,000 - 50,000 GP might be a good starting point.

Copper

Copper on grass.

Copper Robe of Protections are one of the less commonly seen of the new robes, though they are not overly difficult to acquire. A hunting party wishing to find one should journey into the Troll Palace and make their way toward the lair. In the room just before the lair, a chest containing the robe can be found.

Astrid the Teamaker has also been known to offer 1 Copper RoP in exchange for 5 Nevia Flowers at the Red Moon Market. On the Player Market, a range of perhaps 20,000 - 30,000 GP might be fair.

Sandy Brown

Sandy Brown.

Sandy Brown Robes of Protection are another uncommon variety of RoP. The only known way to acquire one (aside from the Silver Leaf Shop) is via a chest deep inside the Windswept Coves, beneath the Windswept Islands. The area is teeming with Storm Elementals and Sea Serpents, so any hunting parties should come prepared for a challenge.

Additionally, the color has been worn by many pirates in recent years, such as the Sand Witch and the men of the Brotherhood of Lonely Thieves, and the adventurers who have come to fight these villainous scoundrels have often walked away with the pirates' Sandy Brown RoPs in the spoils.

A price of 40,000 to 50,000 GP might be reasonable for the Sandy Brown RoP.

Violet

A trio of Violet robes at BMF 454.

Violet Robes of Protection are one of the more common of the new colors, one that is fairly bright and also quite popular.

One must complete a chain quest to acquire such a robe: first, bring 50 Lion Teeth to the witch Aelea, who usually resides near the grave in the hollow by the Mirith Portal. She will then use the teeth to concoct a tin of Lion Balm, which can then be given to an injured leatherworker named Vallri in Lerilin, in exchange for one of his Swivel Knives. This knife can then be brought back to Mirith, to the tailor Rodrick, who will take the knife in exchange for a Leather Ball (on which he has proudly embroidered his name). Finally, one can take the Leather Ball to Tom Fitzstef at the playing field of New Mirith, in exchange for one of his old uniforms - a Violet RoP.

For those looking to purchase this robe on the Player Market, somewhere between 20,000 - 30,000 GP might be an acceptable price.

Indigo

An Indigo between two Violets.

Indigo Robes of Protection are another popular new color, and one that is also produced by Miranda of the island of ice. She weaves them using a dye she crafts from the similar-hued Indigo Eggs that are laid by Night Harpies. Anyone who brings Miranda 50 of these eggs can expect to receive one Indigo RoP in return.

This robe might be valued at around 20,000 - 30,000 GP on the market.

Peach

Peach worn by a SWS Guard.

Peach Robes of Protection are quite rare, and were first seen in Year 454 as the new official uniform of the Southwest Sailors Company. This warm and sun-kissed hue, one of many to be devised by Waltham's World of Wool (WWW), is only available to members of the esteemed shipping company. However, some of the Sailors seem to have offered special quests during the Blue Moon Festival of 454, giving away their uniforms in exchange for help.

As of 454, the color is new enough to not have any observable activity on the Player Market, but perhaps the 50,000 GP price point might be an appropriate place to start.

Amethyst

Amethyst on the sand.

The Amethyst Robe of Protection is a darkly purple, and fairly rare WWW creation first seen in the Year 454. There is one seasonal trader who works closely with the city during the Blue Moon Festival, and who is known to have these robes on special order from Waltham's. This trader seems to be willing to part with his Amethyst RoPs in exchange for a variety of special favors, but only ever during festival time. Like the Peach RoP, we might guess at 50,000 GP for a player market price, but only time will tell.

Cobalt

Wong in Cobalt.

The Cobalt Robe of Protection is a striking shade of blue, and the last of the three WWW creations that were introduced in 454. First worn by Spike Waltham while the cobalt dye was still undergoing development, the cobalt color took on a new life during that year's festival.

After three consecutive years of intense Privateer activity during festival time, the City of Andris decided to hire a Bounty Hunter known only as "Dog" to collect a seasonal bounty on Privateer Heads. For the duration of the festival, Dog lingered at the stern of the SWS Golden Fleece, anchored in Morganstown, offering 1 Cobalt RoP to any who brought him 20 Privateer Heads. Additionally, at that same festival's Waltham's World of Wool Blue Moon Festival Art Competition, a GM Cobalt RoP was awarded to the first place winner, the druid Wong.

Based on the general value of these heads, one might assess the value of a Cobalt RoP at around 50,000 GP.

Plum

Mauve Korlach during the Special Elections of 452.

Plum Robes of Protection are another one of the extremely rare creations by Waltham's World of Wool. Famously first sported by Andris's current Bank Manager and former Senate Candidate, Mauve Korlach, the Plum RoP remains a very elusive find.

Mauve donated one of her GM Plum RoPs (and a matching GM RoR) to the Blue Moon Festival of 453, where it saw new life as a prize during the always entertaining Maralian/Andrisian Roulette. Reports suggest that this prize went to the wizard Satyricon, but the current whereabouts of the robe are unknown. Aside from this prize, no other Plum RoPs have been found, and thus we cannot hope to assess a price on it.

University

University at the 454 Grand Auction.

University Robes of Protection, sometimes called Burgundy, are the sumptuous uniform of the University of Andris. Only those affiliated with the University, such as Senator Edwin Rahleus and Mistress Almeira Libracta, are known to sport this expensive robe.

Additionally, during the Blue Moon Festival of 453, Senator Rahleus donated one of his GM University RoPs as the grand prize to that year's Trivia Contest. The contest, and the lavish robe, was won by the wizard Shuab, who has since been mistaken as a University alum on numerous occasions. This specific RoP is the only one of its color that has made it into the public sphere, so pricing is not yet possible.

Olive

A post-trivia olive.

Olive Robes of Protection are another one of WWW's rare threads. Famously worn by Senator Silvaria Rose, the Olive RoP is still not publicly available, except for the one GM Olive RoP that Senator Rose donated to the Trivia Contest of BMF 454. The contest, and the robe, was won once again by Shuab during a thrilling Double Sudden Death victory.

One of a Kind

The following three robes are fully unique: only one of their kind was produced by Waltham's World of Wool, and then sold as the top bracket item at the Grand Auction of three consecutive Blue Moon Festivals, with the promise that each robe would never be created ever again. Given their prestige and rarity, each of these robes went for several millions of gold pieces, and would surely fetch such a high price if they were ever to be traded away by their original owners.

Hibiscus

Hello biscus!

The Hibiscus Robe of Protection was the first of the "one of a kind" robes, revealed to the public as the top prize for the Grand Auction of 452. It was the very first of all the new colors to be introduced, surprising the crowd at the Blue Moon Festival. Theoretically produced from the petals of the incredibly rare flower with the same name, the GM Hibiscus RoP was auctioned off to the cleric Varto, to the tune of 6,000,000 GP. It is sometimes seen worn by the druid Shivani.

Welif Pine

Razan is grass.

The Welif Pine Robe of Protection was the featured item at the next Grand Auction, in Year 453. The GM Welif Pine RoP was won by the fighter Razan as part of a bundle, which included a GM Welif Pine RoR and a nonenchanted Welif Pine Robe, at the final price of 7,500,000 GP. The color seems to blend right into the grass, and the fighter has used this fact to his advantage from time to time, whether to hide from enemies or to play pranks on town-dwellers.

Marali Moss

Shuab is moss.

The Marali Moss Robe of Protection was the final item at the Grand Auction of 454. This item was also bundled, and the highest bidder was Shuab, at 6,000,000 GP. Whether or not the robe always points north, like the proverbial moss, is for the wizard alone to know.