Mantle of Woe

The Mantle of Woe is Catherine Foundling's distinctive, magically significant cloak, first named in the record while she wears it. Its dark interior and conspicuous patchwork exterior reflect its history of use in battle. (Chapters 154, 252)

History

A gift and a vessel for Akua's shade

The mantle is identified as a gift from Amadeus of the Green Stretch. Catherine uses it as the anchor for Akua Sahelian's shade: Akua emerges from the mantle, and Catherine later summons and binds her to it. The shade remains associated with the garment as Catherine carries it. (Chapters 157, 166)

Worn through the later campaigns

Catherine continues to wear and use the mantle during the campaigns against the Dead King. Its outside bears the marks of her conflicts, while the black inside remains distinct from the sewn-on colors. After the Battle of Keter, she wears it down her back as she returns to Callow. (Chapters 252, 460, 478)

Abilities and properties

The mantle can contain and anchor Akua's shade, allowing Catherine to summon and bind her there. No other defensive or offensive power is known. Its visible patchwork is described as the accumulated mark of Catherine's battles rather than a separate power. (Chapters 166, 252)

Ownership and custody