Ameri Padded Coat

These long coats are very distinctive- high collars, long sleeves with heavy cuffs, and extend down between the wearer's knee and ankle. Each has five or six buckles along the length of the garment, and one heavy belt around the waist. Made of layered cloth (often with metal plates sewn into the innermost layers), they are the trademark of the Ameri caravan merchants. Often dyed in eyecatching colors, they serve both as a method of identification and protection.
Additionally, most Ameri merchants- and almost all spies and assassins who don one- will 'modify' theirs to fit their circumstance. Sometimes it's as simple as changing the cut or length of the garment, or rearranging the metal plates (if any,) but often it includes secret pockets, sewing items into collars, cuffs and into the layers themselves. All manner of items have been pulled from these coats in times of need- thin-bladed poisoned throwing knives, coins, lockpicks, vials of poison, parchments, small Lumenstone crystals and Memory Gems are equally likely.
And, in dire situations, more than one desperate merchant has swung his garment like a flail, lashing enemies with the metal plates sewn into it. Often rich merchants in colder climates will decorate the cuffs and collar with furs.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

The coats make use of strong cloth (Linen, wool or cotton as needed by the Merchant's preferences) layered repeatedly, sometimes with small metal plates between the innermost layers- either over critical areas or the entire torso and arms. Some particularly cautious merchants have the exterior layer faced with hardened leather or canvas.
The thick cloth, held tightly together, can turn aside a dagger strike or even an arrow shot at range- though it won't prevent someone determined from harming the wearer.

Significance

In addition to being a symbol of the Ameri merchants, the garment is a sort of flexible toolbox, making it as much survival gear as clothing.

Rarity

Ubiquitous among Ameri merchants and those who wish to impersonate one, but almost never sold to outsiders.

Weight

Varies

Dimensions

Varies- garment

Base Price

Varies, but usually moderately expensive.