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A haversack isn't just a backpack. You just need to find an image you like - google search for haversack gets something like this that is still a haversack, but at least a little less forest trail-y. a deeper search might yield something better. It doesn't require a re-fluff as it is still a haversack.
A quick look through the equipment descriptions in ultimate equipment will show you a full diversity of bags, sacks, packs etc. So adding a little game flair to the shape of yours should not be a problem
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There's this if you have access to the Seeker of Secrets book. Seems slightly more classy to me than a backpack, based on the description. Your character can be a hipster with a courier bag. Be sure that everyone knows it's NOT A PURSE and don't forget to rock a man-bun.
Ultimate Equipment has an illustration for the Handy Haversack. I don't have access to that book right now, but I seem to recall it looked roughly like a messenger bag, not like the traditional backpack.
Ultimate Equipment has an illustration for the Handy Haversack. I don't have access to that book right now, but I seem to recall it looked roughly like a messenger bag, not like the traditional backpack.When was the last time you equated a bicycle messenger with high society? Be honest. In today's high society, you can spot the old money the well to do, from the nouveau rich. They're the ones that don't even carry wallets. That's what exchequers and other servants are for.
If you carry ANYTHING that looks the slightest like adventuring gear, a vagabond commoner is what you're going to be taken for.
I think I'll let Hermès answer this one.
I'd say just reskin it as something you normally would carry around. Maybe a little more cost to make it look nice and look like something else. Part of me even ponders making it something like a cloak or trenchcoat of holding. Fill it with jelly babies, and make sure your scarf is long enough ...
Handy haversacks do not look like backpacks. They're like large purses, and I could see all sorts of higher class people wearing them, especially if they were fancier-looking ones (which would probably only cost 50-100g to "fancify", although GM could charge more if he wanted).
They wouldn't wear them to like formal events or anything, but I don't see why they wouldn't wear them in some other cases.
Because that "caste" of society wouldn't ever do such a thing. It being functional or useful or any of that isn't the point. They wouldn't do it because it is beneath them. In a feudal society if you were wealthy enough you were essentially waited on hand and foot. There was someone there, day and night, to do or take care of even the most basic necessities. You probably wouldn't even carry gold on you for business, as it would be unwieldy, so easier (and safer) to use the equivalent of bank notes. That is if "you" even went and didn't have someone else do it.
Not saying there can't be "fancy" bags, but I would certainly say the nobles and such wouldn't be using them, as they had no need typically. So not sure what your definition of "high class" would be, but that would be mine. Also, anything that big could be used to carry dangerous materials or weapons. And if you were wealthy enough, you wouldn't want anything like that around you to help avoid things like assassination attempts or the like.
This is going off long term memory here:
But iirc, the Handy Haversack was based off the messenger pouch and/or medic pouch of the WWI era soldier. Usually heavy canvas or leather looped over the opposite shoulder. Pouch mostly to the front and above the hip.
Definitely not remotely similar to a backpack and actually smaller than most 'man bags' or many purses that you see these days. Maybe not nobles outfit compatible, but a far cry from a woodland hiker look.
I would have no problem (even in PFS) saying that this particular Handy Haversack is made of an attractive cloth that matches my cloak.
Yes... that's your classic example of nouveau rich vs. old money. It's not something an Onassis would carry. A Trump might carry it, but then again, what does someone who eats pizza with a fork know about class?I think I'll let Hermès answer this one.Ultimate Equipment has an illustration for the Handy Haversack. I don't have access to that book right now, but I seem to recall it looked roughly like a messenger bag, not like the traditional backpack.When was the last time you equated a bicycle messenger with high society? Be honest. In today's high society, you can spot the old money the well to do, from the nouveau rich. They're the ones that don't even carry wallets. That's what exchequers and other servants are for.
If you carry ANYTHING that looks the slightest like adventuring gear, a vagabond commoner is what you're going to be taken for.
However I really don't have any interest in getting into a debate of how you think "old money" acts. Unless you're arguing that it's impossible to distinguish between in your own words "nouveau rich" and "a vagabond commoner" then it doesn't really matter. Rknop wants to wear classy gear that's functional but doesn't look like he's a commoner going into the woods. The Hermes bag I linked earlier shows that it's perfectly possible to make gear that's both functional and hard to mistake for something a vagaband commoner would carry. Taste is relative, but it's hard to argue that the Hermés bag does not look exclusive.
I have to say this strikes me as an incredibly petty thing for you to argue against, Lazar. As long as he's willing to spend the extra money, where is the problem in a character wearing clothes and gear appropriate for his stature?
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I have to say this strikes me as an incredibly petty thing for you to argue against, Lazar. As long as he's willing to spend the extra money, where is the problem in a character wanting his character to wear clothes and gear appropriate for his stature?That's the whole point. How do you run your high society? If it's Andoran, running around with a messenger bag can be quite fine for a would-be courtier. In the decadent and byzantine capitals of Taldor and Cheliax, it's a different thing altogether.
On Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, your building may have the finest of automatic doors. But it's not as classy, as the building next door with a Doorman who opens it manually.
Class isn't just about spending your money... it's about HOW and what you spend it on.
Ah, now we have some wiggle room! Earlier you were arguing that noblemen don't carry their own things period.
How about an ulfen noble? I fully expect anyone of stature from that culture to carry their own gear or perish underneath the weight of it. The same goes for a nobleman from the river kingdoms, where you live or die by your own strength of arms.
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There's a major difference between Barbarian and civilized cultures. For one thing barbarians aren't looking for finery, or for that matter, even bathing. In fact, they tend to scorn those who wear the former.I have to say this strikes me as an incredibly petty thing for you to argue against, Lazar. As long as he's willing to spend the extra money, where is the problem in a character wanting his character to wear clothes and gear appropriate for his stature?That's the whole point. How do you run your high society? If it's Andoran, running around with a messenger bag can be quite fine for a would-be courtier. In the decadent and byzantine capitals of Taldor and Cheliax, it's a different thing altogether.
On Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, your building may have the finest of automatic doors. But it's not as classy, as the building next door with a Doorman who opens it manually.
Class isn't just about spending your money... it's about HOW and what you spend it on.
Ah, now we have some wiggle room! Earlier you were arguing that noblemen don't carry their own things period.
How about an ulfen noble? I fully expect anyone of stature from that culture to carry their own gear or perish underneath the weight of it. The same goes for a nobleman from the river kingdoms, where you live or die by your own strength of arms.
Not sure where you got that idea from, both the ulfen culture and the norse culture that the ulfen are based on were fond of using jewelry, fine fabrics and embroidery to differentiate between serfs and noblemen. Vikings also bathed frequently and were fastidious with their appearance. There's a difference between "their culture is different" and "they have no culture".
And the River Kingdoms are so diverse you can't make a blanket statement for them all.
Yet that's exactly what you did for all noblemen earlier.
Come to think of it, your example of the doorman and automatic door from earlier is an excellent point, but in Pathfinder the order is reversed. The doorman costs you only a few silver each day, while a magical door that recognizes who shall and shall not enter and opens automatically is a powerful sign of wealth indeed! In the same way I would expect a moderately wealthy courtier to hire servants to carry his conventional and heavy bag, while a more well-to-do nobleman would simply use extradimensional magic to carry whatever he wants on his own person at all times. Why should I wait for my idiot manservant to dig through the bag for whatever I need when I can simply reach into my magical bag and produce whatever I want whenever I want as a move action?
Overall I think using real-world old money as a model for powerful noblemen is bringing us off-track. Consider the power offered by high-level magic. If they can afford it, I fully expect noblemen to take advantage of both hired spellcasters and magic items.
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When you get down to it I expect many of the truly powerful noblemen to be nigh indistinguishable from high-level adventurers.
Core Rulebook clearly describes the Handy Haversack as a backpack.
It originated from Hewards Handy Haversack, which was based on the A.L.I.C.E. Pack.
Over the years there have been many illustrations, IMO the best were in the blue Arms and Equipment splat book for D&D 2.0?.
I think it was the illustration for the deluxe leather backpack that was best.
If someone else knows where to get a link to that, thanks.
Who's to say you can't just MAKE a fashion statement? I've seen some folks try to pass off 'camouflage' clothing that has nothing to do with concealing someone in a forest. Unless the only parts of a soldier you need to hide can be covered by a swimsuit.
That'd be something, actually. Imagine a wizard with ranks in Profession (fashion) cranking out magical kit.
And never forget that fashion and form may on occasion meet. Or not. It's all up to whim. Who's to say YOUR character can't make it fashionable?