Capes

There are great debates over capes or no capes among the RLSH.

They have a certain aesthetic.  Are they practical?  Is it just for dramatic flair? Will it get in the way?

Let’s discuss some issues that come up with capes.  This way, you can make the best decision for yourself.

Mobility

If a cape gets in the way of your mobility, it becomes impractical.  Mobility is your ability to move without hindrance.  This may affect the length of a cape.  If you opt for a long cape, you may decide to have it only go down to your calves or to your ankles, but not floor length.  The reason is so you don’t step on it during a fight, a run, or simply by walking.  A long cape should be tested for practicality before patrol.  Obstacles to consider regarding mobility: walking, running, going up and down stairs, moving in reverse, riding a bike, jumping over obstacles, and rolling on the ground.

Mystery

A cape can hide what is under it.  This means that you can hide hand movements, holding objects, etc if your cape is blocking the view. This can also help provide you with a bit of stealth.  You may also be able to accomplish this same sort of thing with a coat.  You may need to have this benefit.

Protection

A cape can offer additional protection from the weather (shade, rain, cold weather, wind) and as a fire blanket (if made of the correct material).  It can also be used for first responder measures if you need to drag someone or warm someone up.

Gets Caught

Capes can get caught in things or can be grabbed by people.  Additionally, you can end up pinning yourself down if you aren’t used to moving with a cape.

Additionally, there are a ton of cape variations.  Cloaks tend to cover the body, as we see with Batman, but can be shoved over the shoulders if needed.  Capes tend to fall along the back of the body, as we see with Superman.  These can feature hoods, eccentric big collars, standing collars, shirt collars, crew neck collars, and no collars.  Superman’s cape, for example, has two separate attachment points and does not feature a collar.

There are 5 general lengths to consider: mini cape (may fall as low as the waist), the half cape (falls to the butt), mid-thigh (falls to mid-thigh), calf length, and the full length.  These lengths can apply to most capes and cloaks.  Additionally there are “other” styles, such as a split cape like what Storm from the X-Men is known for.

Some capes feature logos or designs, trim, studs, fancy edges, secret pockets, and/or weighted points.

How are we feeling on the whole capes issue? Would you rather have no cape? Perhaps you would prefer a coat. Can a cape be useful? Are some capes better than others?