Laundry Codes As Magical Writing

A friend shared a video on Facebook of a layman’s interpretation of the laundry codes commonly found on clothing care tags.  These bizarre hieroglyphics make absolutely no sense to anyone not trained in the minutiae of the Laundering Arts.

None. 

Zero. 

Zilch. 

Zip. 

Nada. 

But, like the hobo symbols and glyphs of yesteryear, these arcane sigils hold special meanings to those who know how to decipher them.

 Magical writing should be the same.  If the player characters are gathered around a magical circle engraved in the floor or are trying to read the runes on an enchanted sword they found in the last dungeon they explored then Spellcraft or Knowledge (Arcana) checks or Bardic Knowledge may provide the answers they seek with a simple roll of the dice but for Dungeon Masters who like to use handouts or props for the players to pick up, handle, and inspect, a custom-made set of symbols (as long as they are consistent) are a good way to add “flavor” to a campaign. 

That and listening to players guess at the meanings could provide tons of laughs for everyone at the table. 

Also, what if the symbols were part of an actual code?  What if the local thieves’ guild operates under the cover of a laundry service and passes information between members through the assorted care symbols, knowing that no one else can understand them even if they are intercepted?  What about spies in a more modern setting?  Maybe the “No Chlorine Bleach” symbol means that security is only armed with nonlethal weapons.  Or the “Delicate Wash Only” sigil indicates that a keycard is required to gain access to a specific room.  Go wild!  Use your imagination!

And finally, I offer you a magical item for taking the time to rad this far through the article...

Greater Grimoire of Textile Care for the Professional Launderer 

This thick tome has a bleached canvas cover and pages made of linen.  Each page has been embroidered with a wide assortment of sigils and symbols that provide care and cleaning instructions for all manner of apparel.  Each symbol is described in detail with specific instructions for handling garments marked accordingly.  If anyone reads this book, which takes a total of 48 hours over a minimum of six days, she gains an inherent +5 bonus to Profession (Launderer) or Launderer as a bonus Nonweapon Proficiency (if using 2nd edition rules).  Additionally, a spellcaster following the instructions from this book may deduct 10% from the gold and experience cost associated with creating a magical robe, cloak, shirt, vest, etc.  Once the book is read, the magic disappears from the pages and it becomes a normal book.