Cloak of Shadowsight

From: Vigilism

Lore: According to the captivating lore of Vigilism, the Cloak of Shadowsight is a legendary garment believed to have been woven from the ethereal fabric of darkness itself. It is said to have been bestowed upon Vigilism by Auron, the Ever Watchful, as a gift to aid their followers in their pursuit of truth and protection. The cloak embodies the essence of shadows, granting the wearer the ability to see clearly even in the darkest of environments and enhancing their stealth and nimbleness in dim light or darkness.

Tier One Stats:

• Darkvision: The Cloak of Shadowsight bestows the wearer with the ability to see clearly in darkness, granting Darkvision up to a range of 60 feet.
• Stealth Advantage: While wearing the cloak, the wearer gains advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made in dim light or darkness.

Skills Gained:

• Stealth: The cloak enhances the wearer’s ability to move silently and remain hidden, granting proficiency in Dexterity (Stealth) checks or advantage on related skill checks.

Cost and Requirements:

• Cost: The Cloak of Shadowsight is a rare and coveted item, making it relatively expensive and difficult to acquire. It may require a significant investment or be obtained through quests, encounters with powerful shadow beings, or as a reward for remarkable acts of stealth and secrecy.
• Requirements: To don the Cloak of Shadowsight, the wearer must possess a certain level of skill and dedication to the arts of stealth and subtlety. They must have proficiency in Dexterity (Stealth) or meet the approval of experienced Vigilists who recognize their commitment to the principles of Vigilism.

Tags:

• Ethereal Garment: The Cloak of Shadowsight possesses an otherworldly quality, made from a fabric that is intertwined with darkness and shadows.
• Darkvision: The cloak grants the wearer the ability to see in darkness, enabling them to navigate and perceive their surroundings even in complete absence of light.
• Stealth Enhancement: The cloak enhances the wearer’s stealth capabilities, granting advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made in dim light or darkness.
• Additional: Shadow, Darkness, Stealth, Hidden, Sight, Vigilism, Auron, Garment, Covert, Secret

The Cloak of Shadowsight, being a highly sought-after artifact of Vigilism, is not commonly sold through conventional means. Instead, it is typically obtained through specific channels within the Vigilism community. Here’s more information on how it might be acquired and utilized:

• Sanctuaries of Insight: The primary place where the Cloak of Shadowsight might be obtained is within the Sanctuaries of Insight, the temples and strongholds of Vigilism. These sanctuaries serve as centers of learning and training, and it is within these locations that the Cloak of Shadowsight would be revered, safeguarded, and occasionally bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skill, devotion, and mastery of stealth.
• Trials of Shadows: To acquire the Cloak of Shadowsight, followers may need to undergo specific trials or tests that evaluate their proficiency in stealth, secrecy, and their ability to move undetected in shadowy environments. These trials could involve navigating through hidden chambers, evading sentries, or completing intricate tasks in dimly lit or dark areas.
• Shadows’ Path: Followers who choose to embark on a journey known as the Shadows’ Path, a quest of self-discovery and mastery of stealth, may encounter shadow beings or entities associated with Auron. These encounters could result in the Cloak of Shadowsight being bestowed as a reward for proving their commitment to the art of stealth and their alignment with the principles of Vigilism.

Regarding usage, the Cloak of Shadowsight is primarily utilized in environments and scenarios that require enhanced visibility in darkness and heightened stealth:

• Stealth Operations: The cloak is a valuable asset for followers engaged in covert operations, infiltration missions, or espionage. It allows them to move silently and remain hidden in low-light or dark environments, granting an advantage in remaining undetected.
• Shadowy Environments: The Cloak of Shadowsight finds its greatest utility in environments with reduced light, such as moonlit nights, dense forests, underground passages, or dimly lit areas. It enables the wearer to perceive their surroundings clearly, even in complete darkness, giving them an edge in navigating and interacting with the environment.
• Exploration and Reconnaissance: When venturing into uncharted territories or exploring ancient ruins, the cloak proves invaluable. It allows followers to see hidden details, uncover concealed entrances, and avoid traps or other hazards that may be lurking in the shadows.
• Ambush and Surprise Attacks: Wearing the Cloak of Shadowsight grants followers an advantage in surprise attacks or ambushes, as they can take advantage of the dim light or darkness to move swiftly and strike with precision while their adversaries remain unaware.

The Cloak of Shadowsight is not an item that can be readily purchased or sold, but rather obtained through specific trials, quests, or tasks that prove one’s dedication, skill, and alignment with the principles of Vigilism. It is a symbol of mastery over stealth and serves as a tool to aid followers in their endeavors to uncover hidden truths and protect the innocent.

Perception of Activation: The Cloak of Shadowsight doesn’t have a distinct “activation” in the sense of a sudden burst of energy or a visible transformation. Its power is more passive and intrinsic, becoming apparent when the wearer enters dim light or darkness. However, there are subtle perceptual shifts that accompany donning the cloak and attuning to its shadowy essence.

• User’s Perspective:
  • Sight: The most immediate and dramatic change is in the user’s vision. When entering dim light or darkness, the world doesn’t fade away; instead, it clarifies. Details that would normally be obscured by shadow become visible, as if the cloak is gathering and amplifying the faintest traces of light. Colors might appear muted, but shapes and textures become surprisingly distinct. In complete darkness, the user experiences a form of “shadowsight,” perceiving the environment in shades of gray and black, as if illuminated by an invisible moon. This is not true sight, but rather a heightened awareness of spatial relationships and subtle variations in darkness.
  • Hearing: Ambient sounds don’t become amplified, but the user’s ability to focus on specific sounds improves. They might become more aware of the subtle rustling of leaves, the distant footsteps of a potential threat, or the faint whispers of the wind. This is not a supernatural enhancement of hearing, but rather a filtering out of irrelevant noise and a sharpening of auditory attention.
  • Touch: The cloak feels incredibly light and almost weightless against the skin. It’s cool to the touch, even in warm environments, and seems to flow and shift with the user’s movements without any resistance. There’s a subtle sense of separation from the external world, a feeling of being enveloped in a protective cocoon of shadow.
  • Smell: There’s no specific scent associated with the cloak’s activation. However, the user’s heightened senses might make them more aware of subtle odors in their environment, potentially detecting the scent of smoke, perfume, or other telltale traces.
  • Taste: No direct taste is associated with the cloak.
  • Extra-Sensory (Mind’s Eye): The user experiences a heightened sense of awareness and presence. They become more attuned to their surroundings, noticing subtle details that they might have previously overlooked. They might experience brief, intuitive flashes of insight – anticipating an enemy’s movements, sensing hidden dangers, or feeling the presence of unseen observers. There’s a feeling of being connected to the shadows, drawing power and knowledge from the darkness.
  • Extra-Sensory (Emotional): The cloak promotes a state of calm focus and emotional control. Feelings of fear, anxiety, or distraction are suppressed, replaced by a sense of purpose and determination. The user feels hidden, protected, and empowered by the shadows. This is not a complete suppression of emotions, but rather a channeling of them into a more focused and controlled state.
• Observer’s Perspective:
  • Sight: The most striking visual effect is the cloak’s ability to blend with shadows. In dim light or darkness, the wearer seems to almost disappear, becoming a silhouette against any lighter background. Their movements might appear fluid and graceful, almost silent. The cloak itself seems to absorb light, making it difficult to discern details or even the wearer’s precise form. In bright light, the cloak might paradoxically appear almost translucent, as if the light is passing through it.
  • Hearing: The wearer’s movements become quieter and more stealthy, making them harder to detect by sound. The rustling of the cloak itself is almost imperceptible.
  • Smell: No olfactory changes are associated with the cloak.
  • Extra-Sensory (General): Individuals with sensitivity to magic or psychic energy might feel a subtle sense of coldness or absence emanating from the wearer. There’s a feeling that the wearer is drawing power from the shadows, becoming a part of the darkness itself.
  • Extra-Sensory (Mind’s Eye): Other’s using their Mind’s eye would see the user’s defensive capabilities enhanced.
• Positives:
  • Enhanced Vision in Darkness: The cloak grants the ability to see clearly in dim light or darkness, providing a significant advantage in shadowy environments.
  • Improved Stealth: The cloak enhances the wearer’s stealth capabilities, making them harder to detect by sight and sound.
  • Increased Awareness: The heightened senses and mental focus improve the user’s overall awareness of their surroundings.
  • Emotional Control: The cloak promotes a state of calm focus and reduces the impact of fear and distraction.
• Negatives:
  • Sensory Isolation: The feeling of separation from the external world can be unsettling or disorienting, especially for those unaccustomed to it.
  • Dependence: The user might become overly reliant on the cloak’s abilities, neglecting to develop their own natural skills in stealth and observation.
  • Perception Shift: The altered perception of darkness might make it difficult to readjust to normal light conditions, potentially causing temporary disorientation.
  • Subtle, Not Invisible: The cloak enhances stealth, but it doesn’t make the wearer completely invisible. A keen observer, or someone with specialized senses, might still be able to detect them.

Recipe: Weaving the Shadow-Touched Shroud — This recipe describes the intricate and challenging process of creating a cloak that emulates the legendary Cloak of Shadowsight. True replication is impossible, as the original is said to be woven from the very essence of darkness, but this method aims to create a garment that enhances stealth and provides limited darkvision.

• Materials Needed:
  • Nightshade Silk:
    • Source: Silk produced by silkworms fed exclusively on the leaves of the Nightshade plant, grown in complete darkness. This requires a controlled environment and specialized knowledge of sericulture. The silk must be harvested under the new moon.
    • Quantity: Enough silk to weave a full-length cloak (this will vary depending on the desired size and thickness, but assume at least 5 pounds of raw silk).
  • Obsidian Dye:
    • Source: A deep black dye created by grinding obsidian into a fine powder and mixing it with a binding agent (such as a rare cave lichen or a specially prepared resin). The obsidian must be sourced from a location associated with darkness or shadow, such as a volcanic cave or a lightless chasm.
    • Quantity: Enough to thoroughly dye the silk (at least 1 quart of concentrated dye).
  • Silver Thread (Moon-Touched):
    • Source: Silver thread that has been ritually purified and exposed to the light of the new moon for seven consecutive nights. This infuses the silver with a subtle lunar energy.
    • Quantity: 100 yards
  • Shadow Essence (Synthetic):
    • Source: A magically created substance that mimics the properties of true shadow essence. This is extremely difficult to create and requires advanced alchemical or magical skills. It might involve capturing and condensing shadows, distilling rare herbs found only in deep darkness, or manipulating light and darkness with powerful spells. (True shadow essence is, for all practical purposes, unobtainable).
    • Quantity: 1 vial (approximately 1 ounce)
  • Ink of Precision:
    • A special mix of rare components used by scribes and cartographers.
    • 1 vial
  • Charcoal:
    • High-grade charcoal used for sketching.
    • 2 sticks.
• Tools Required:
  • Loom (Hand-Operated): A simple, hand-operated loom for weaving the silk into fabric. The loom must be made of darkwood (e.g., ebony or ironwood) and used only in dimly lit or dark environments.
  • Spinning Wheel: A spinning wheel for creating the fine and accurate thread.
  • Embroidery Needles (Obsidian): Fine, sharp needles made of polished obsidian, for stitching the silver thread and applying the Shadow Essence.
  • Dye Vat (Light-Proof): A container for dyeing the silk that can be completely sealed to prevent any light from entering.
  • Mortar and Pestle (Obsidian): For grinding ingredients for the Obsidian Dye and the Shadow Essence (if necessary).
  • Alchemical Apparatus (Optional): If creating the synthetic Shadow Essence, a full set of alchemical equipment will be required.
  • Ritual Circle Materials: chalk, candles, insence.
  • Containers:
    • Opaque glass containers.
    • 5 containers
• Skill Requirements:
  • Master Weaver (20+ ranks): Weaving the delicate Nightshade silk into a durable and subtly patterned fabric requires exceptional skill and precision.
  • Expert Dyer (15+ ranks): Achieving the deep, light-absorbing black of the Obsidian Dye and ensuring it bonds properly with the silk requires specialized knowledge.
  • Expert Embroiderer (15+ ranks): Stitching the almost invisible runes and applying the Shadow Essence requires a delicate touch and a keen eye.
  • Expert Alchemist (or Enchanter) (15+ ranks): Creating the synthetic Shadow Essence is a highly advanced and potentially dangerous undertaking.
  • Expert in Stealth (15+ ranks): The crafter must possess a deep understanding of the principles of stealth and shadow manipulation to imbue the cloak with its intended properties.
  • Expert in Religion (10+ Ranks): The crafter must understand the ways of the gods.
• Crafting Steps:
  • Preparation (1 month): The entire crafting process must be performed in dim light or darkness, ideally in a location naturally devoid of light (such as a cave or a specially constructed chamber). The crafter must undergo a period of sensory deprivation (e.g., spending several hours each day in complete darkness) to attune themselves to the subtle energies of shadow.
  • Silk Preparation (2 weeks): Carefully reel and spin the Nightshade silk into a fine, strong thread. This must be done with extreme care, as the silk is delicate and easily damaged. The thread must be kept in a light-proof container at all times.
  • Dyeing (1 week): Immerse the Nightshade silk thread in the Obsidian Dye, ensuring it is thoroughly saturated. The dyeing process must take place in complete darkness, and the silk must remain submerged for at least seven days.
  • Weaving (4 weeks): Weave the dyed silk into a large, rectangular piece of fabric, suitable for forming a full-length cloak. The weave must be tight and even, creating a fabric that is both durable and subtly textured. Incorporate the subtle patterns (eyes, vortexes, geometric shapes) into the weave itself, using variations in the thread tension or slightly different shades of black.
  • Rune Embroidery (2 weeks): Using the moon-touched silver thread, carefully embroider the almost invisible runes along the inner lining of the hood and the edges of the cloak. This requires exceptional skill and concentration, as the runes must be precise and consistent, even in near-total darkness. Use charcoal for the layout and Ink of Precision to make the etching permanent.
  • Shadow Essence Application (1 day): This is the most critical and dangerous step. Using an obsidian needle, carefully apply the synthetic Shadow Essence to the fabric. The precise method of application will depend on the nature of the essence (e.g., it might be painted onto the fabric, infused into the silver runes, or woven directly into the fibers). This step must be performed with extreme care, as the Shadow Essence is likely to be volatile and potentially harmful. This should take place under a new moon.
  • Shaping and Finishing (1 week): Carefully cut and shape the fabric into the desired cloak form, ensuring it is long and flowing, with a generous hood. The edges should be left unhemmed, to create the illusion of fraying into shadow.
  • Consecration Ritual (1 day): The final step is a consecration ritual, performed in complete darkness. This might involve:
    • Chanting prayers or invocations to Auron or to entities associated with shadow and stealth.
    • Meditating on the principles of Vigilism and the nature of darkness.
    • Exposing the cloak to a source of pure darkness (if such a thing can be found or created).
    • Offering a sacrifice of something valuable (representing the dedication required to master stealth).

This recipe is extremely challenging, requiring mastery of multiple crafts, access to rare and dangerous materials, and a deep understanding of shadow and stealth. The resulting cloak, while not possessing the full ethereal power of the original Cloak of Shadowsight, will be a potent artifact, granting enhanced stealth capabilities and limited darkvision. The process itself is a test of skill, dedication, and the ability to embrace the darkness.

Shroud of Seeing Shadows
How Not to Trip in the Dark (Mostly)

Huddle close, you sniveling whelps, and listen to a tale… ripped from the pages of… well, probably not pages. More like… chipped onto some rocks, then smudged by… something… slimy. Anyway, it’s the legend, as far as anyone can figure, of the… Shroud of Seeing Shadows. Or maybe it was the Cloak of Not-So-Blind. Or… the… Night-Vision… Drape-Thing. The ancient scribes… they weren’t… precise.

Long ago, before torches were… reliable, before boots were… waterproof, before… well, before most things, there was… a tribe. Or maybe a village. Or… possibly… just a very disorganized group of… people. They lived in… darkness. Mostly. Their caves were… deep. Their forests were… dense. Their… sense of direction was… appalling.

They… stumbled. A lot. They… tripped. Constantly. They… walked into… things. Walls. Trees. Each other. Very large, grumpy… bears. (Bears were… a recurring problem, apparently). They were… unhappy. Understandably. Tripping is… annoying. And… painful. Especially when you… trip over a… bear.

Among this tribe of… stumblers, there lived… a… scout. Or maybe a hunter. Or… possibly… the person who was… just… slightly less clumsy than everyone else. They were called… Shadow Walker. Or maybe Night Peeper. Or… Possibly… Phil. The translations are… you get the idea.

This Shadow Walker, they were… frustrated. With all the… stumbling. And… tripping. And… bear-related… incidents. They wanted to… see. In the… dark. Which, you know, was… a bit of a… challenge. Back then.

They… tried… things. They… squinted. Really hard. This… did not work. They… carried… glow-worms. In… jars. This… worked, a little, but the glow-worms were… uncooperative. And… smelly. They… tried… training… bats. To… echolocate. For them. This… was a… spectacular… failure. (Involving… many… bats. And… a… surprisingly deep… well).

One night (obviously), Shadow Walker, they were… wandering. Aimlessly. Probably. They… stumbled. (Of course). They… tripped. (Naturally). They… fell. Into a… hole. A deep hole. A very deep hole. Full of… darkness. And… something else.

Something… soft. Something… cool. Something… that… moved. Or maybe it… shimmered. Or… possibly… it just… smelled… faintly of… mushrooms. The scrolls are… remarkably unhelpful.

It was… a cloth. A… cloak. A… Shroud of… something. Shadows? Sight? Slightly-Less-Stumbling? The original word is… lost. And… probably… misspelled.

Shadow Walker, they… put it on. Because… why not? It was… better than being… naked… in a… dark… hole. And… something… happened. Or… maybe… everything happened. The texts… are… alarmingly… vague.

The darkness… changed. It… wasn’t… gone. But… it wasn’t… empty anymore. They could… see. Not… see see. But… see. Shapes. Outlines. Shadows… within shadows. The… walls of the… hole. The… floor of the… hole. The… surprisingly large… pile of… bones… in the… corner of the… hole. (That was… new).

They… climbed. Out of the… hole. And… they… walked. In the… dark. Without… stumbling. Without… tripping. Without… walking into… bears. (Mostly). This was… revolutionary. For them, at least.

The tribe, they were… impressed. Or maybe they were just… relieved. They… asked. “How… do you… do that?” “Are you… a… wizard?” “Can you… teach us… to… not… trip?”

Shadow Walker, they… showed them. The… Cloak. The… Shroud of… Not-So-Much-Darkness. They… explained. About the… shadows. About the… seeing. About the… surprisingly large… pile of… bones. (They… left that part out, mostly).

The tribe, they… learned. Slowly. Painfully. With… much… stumbling. (Old habits… die hard). But… they… did learn. To… see. In the… shadows. To… move. With… confidence. To… avoid… bears. (Usually).

But… the Cloak, it… changed them. It made them… reliant. On the… darkness. On the… shadows. On the… easy… way. They… forgot. How to… see. In the… light. They… feared. The… sun. The… brightness. The… things that… weren’t… hidden.

Shadow Walker, they… noticed. They… saw. The… problem. The… dependence. The… fear. They… tried. To… teach them. Again. About… balance. About… seeing… both the light… and the… dark.

But… it was… too late. Mostly. The tribe, they had… become… creatures of… shadow. They… shunned the… day. They… embraced the… night. They… still… stumbled. Occasionally. But… they… did it… in the… dark. Where… nobody could… see.

And the Cloak? The original Cloak? The… Shroud of… Sort-Of-Seeing? It… remained. A reminder. Of the… power of… darkness. Of the… importance of… sight. Of the… dangers of… relying too much on… any… one… thing. Even… not… tripping.

Moral of the Story: Seeing in the dark is great, but don’t forget how to see in the light, too. Balance is key. And… maybe… don’t spend too much time in… dark… holes. Especially ones with… piles of… bones. And… always… watch out for… bears. (Seriously, those things were everywhere back then). And…learn to read.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

    Shroud of the Unseen

• (Minor Artifact)
• This cloak, woven from a material that seems to drink light, grants the wearer an unnatural ability to perceive in darkness. However, it also blurs the lines between the seen and the unseen, exposing the wearer to the unsettling truths that lurk beyond human comprehension.
• Sanity Cost: 1/1d6 Sanity loss to don the cloak for the first time. Each night spent wearing the cloak costs an additional 1 Sanity point.
• Effects:
  • Shadowsight: The wearer can see perfectly in non-magical darkness, as if it were bright light. Magical darkness still obscures vision, but the wearer gains a +20% bonus to any Spot Hidden rolls made to penetrate it.
  • Veiled Reality: While wearing the cloak, the wearer suffers a -10% penalty to all Sanity rolls. The world seems subtly wrong, and the boundaries between reality and the Mythos feel thinner.
  • Whispers from the Void: While wearing the cloak in darkness, the wearer may, at the Keeper’s discretion, receive cryptic clues or unsettling visions related to the Mythos. These visions are rarely helpful and often come at a cost of additional Sanity loss (1d3 or 1d6, depending on the severity of the revelation).
  • Stealth Bonus: The wearer gains a +10% to hide in dim or dark places.
• Investigator Adaptation: The Shroud of the Unseen is a powerful but incredibly dangerous item for Investigators. It grants a significant advantage in dark environments, but at a constant cost to sanity and mental stability. It’s an item that should be used with extreme caution, and only when absolutely necessary. Prolonged use will inevitably lead to madness.

Blades in the Dark

    The Umbral Cloak

• (Fine Shadowcraft Gear, Eerie, Subtle)
• This cloak, crafted from a material that seems to absorb light and sound, allows the wearer to move with unnatural stealth and see in the darkest corners of Doskvol. However, it also carries a subtle aura of unease, hinting at a connection to the ghost field.
• Quality: 3
• Usage:
  • Stealth: Grants +1d to Prowl rolls when attempting to move silently or remain hidden in dim light or darkness.
  • Shadowsight: The wearer can see perfectly in non-magical darkness. Magical darkness still obscures vision, but the wearer gains +1d to any rolls made to penetrate it (e.g., Attune rolls to perceive ghosts or spirits).
  • Ghostly Echoes: The wearer can spend 1 stress to gain a brief, cryptic vision or auditory hallucination related to a past event that occurred in their current location. This is often unsettling and may not be entirely accurate.
• Properties:
  • Eerie: The cloak’s unnatural stillness and the wearer’s shadowy presence can be unsettling to others.
  • Subtle: The cloak’s effects are not immediately obvious, making it useful for discreet operations.
• Crew Adaptation: The Umbral Cloak is a valuable asset for a crew of Shadows, Assassins, or Smugglers. It enhances their ability to move undetected, gather information, and navigate the dangerous underbelly of Doskvol. The “Ghostly Echoes” ability adds a unique element of risk and reward, encouraging players to delve into the city’s dark history.

Dungeons & Dragons (5e)

    Cloak of Shadowsight

• (Wondrous Item, Rare, Requires Attunement)
• This dark, flowing cloak is woven from a material that seems to absorb light, granting the wearer enhanced vision in darkness and improved stealth capabilities.
• Properties:
  • Darkvision: While wearing the cloak, you have darkvision out to a range of 60 feet. If you already have darkvision, its range increases by 30 feet.
  • Shadowsight: You can see normally in magical darkness.
  • Stealth Advantage: While wearing the cloak in dim light or darkness, you have advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks.
• Campaign Adaptation: The Cloak of Shadowsight is a valuable item for any character who relies on stealth or operates in dark environments. It’s particularly well-suited for rogues, rangers, monks, and shadow sorcerers. The ability to see through magical darkness is a significant advantage, making this a highly sought-after item.

Knave

    Nightseer’s Mantle

• It always occupies an item slot when carried.
• A cloak of dark, light-absorbing fabric.
• Bonus: None
• Abilities (Roll 1d6 each time the cloak is used in darkness):
  • Perfect Sight: You can see perfectly in darkness, both magical and non-magical.
  • Shadow Blend: Gain advantage on any roll made to hide in shadows.
  • Silent Movement: You move silently, imposing disadvantage on any rolls made to detect you by sound.
  • Faint Vision: You can only see up to half the distance as normal.
  • Distorted Perception: You see unsettling illusions or shadows that aren’t really there (GM’s discretion).
  • Whispers of Madness: You hear unsettling whispers from the darkness, suffering 1d4 damage to your Wisdom score (recoverable with rest).
• Drawback: Each time the cloak is used, there is a 1 in 6 chance that it attracts the attention of creatures from the plane of shadow (GM’s discretion).
• Character Adaptation: The Nightseer’s Mantle is a powerful but unpredictable item. Its ability to grant perfect sight in darkness is a significant advantage, but the random nature of its other abilities and the potential drawback make it a risky choice. The GM should use the drawback to introduce complications and challenges, forcing the player to weigh the benefits of the cloak against its potential dangers. It encourages a playstyle that balances risk-taking with careful planning.

Fate (Core/Condensed)

    Cloak of Shadowsight

• (Artifact)
• This cloak, woven from the very fabric of darkness, grants its wearer the ability to see clearly in the deepest shadows and move with uncanny stealth.
• Aspects:
  • High Concept: Garment Woven from Night
  • Trouble: Draws the Gaze of the Unseen (attracts attention from creatures of shadow or the outer darkness)
  • Other Aspects: Sees Through Darkness, Whispers Secrets of Shadow, Moves Without Sound
• Skills:
  • Provides a +2 bonus to overcome obstacles or create advantages related to seeing in darkness, moving stealthily, or understanding secrets hidden in shadow.
  • Can be used to defend against attempts to detect the wearer using Stealth (using Lore instead of Athletics).
• Stunts:
  • Shadow Meld: Spend a Fate point to become completely invisible in dim light or darkness. This lasts until the wearer attacks, makes a loud noise, or enters bright light.
  • Whispers of the Unseen: Spend a Fate point to gain a cryptic clue or piece of information about something hidden in darkness or related to the plane of shadow.
  • Unnatural Stealth: Spend a Fate point to move up to your full movement speed without making any sound, regardless of the surface you’re moving on.
  • Consequences: The cloak can be used to absorb consequences related to being seen, being heard, or failing to navigate in darkness. However, doing so can strengthen the cloak’s connection to the plane of shadow. Each time a consequence is absorbed, add a “Marked by Shadow” aspect to the cloak.
• Character/Campaign Integration: The Cloak is perfect for a character who operates in the shadows, a spy, an assassin, or a scholar of forbidden lore. The aspects and stunts encourage a playstyle focused on stealth, observation, and manipulation of darkness. The “Draws the Gaze of the Unseen” aspect provides opportunities for complications and story hooks, linking the cloak to the darker aspects of the setting.

Numenera/Cypher System

    Cloak of Shadow-Weaving

• (Artifact, Level 6)
• This cloak, crafted from a material unknown in the Ninth World, seems to absorb light and sound, granting its wearer unparalleled stealth and the ability to see in absolute darkness.
• Level: 6
• Form: Cloak
• Effect:
  • Shadowsight: The wearer can see perfectly in non-magical and magical darkness.
  • Stealth Field: Reduces the difficulty of all tasks related to stealth and moving silently by two steps.
  • Shadow Step (Action): The wielder can spend 4 Intellect points to teleport up to short range to a location they can see that is in dim light or darkness. This ability creates a momentary distortion in the air, but is otherwise silent.
  • Whispers of the Void: Each time “Shadow Step” is used, the wielder must make an Intellect defense roll (difficulty 6). Failure results in 1d6 Intellect damage (ignores Armor) as the wearer glimpses the unsettling reality beyond the veil of shadows.
  • Depletion: 1 in 1d20 (each time “Shadow Step” is used). If depleted, the cloak becomes inert and must be recharged by exposing it to a specific type of energy or phenomenon (e.g., a null field, a psychic storm, the heart of a shadow creature).
• Character/Campaign Integration: The Cloak of Shadow-Weaving is a powerful and versatile artifact, suitable for a variety of character types in Numenera. Its abilities make it ideal for exploration, infiltration, and combat in dark environments. The depletion mechanic and the risk of psychic backlash encourage careful use and create opportunities for adventure as the players seek out ways to recharge the cloak.

Pathfinder (Second Edition)

    Cloak of Shadowsight

• (Artifact)
• This cloak, woven from shadowstuff and imbued with the essence of darkness, grants its wearer unparalleled vision in darkness and enhances their ability to move unseen.
• Usage: worn (cloak); Bulk: L
• Traits: Artifact, Magical, Transmutation, Shadow
• Properties:
  • Darkvision: You gain darkvision. If you already have darkvision, its range increases by 60 feet.
  • Shadowsight: You can see perfectly in magical darkness.
  • Stealth Enhancement: While wearing the cloak in dim light or darkness, you gain a +2 item bonus to Stealth checks and can Hide even while being observed.
  • Shadow Step: Once per day you may teleport up to 30′ to an area of dim light or darkness.
• Campaign Integration: The Cloak of Shadowsight is a powerful artifact, suitable for a high-level campaign. It’s particularly well-suited for rogues, rangers, shadowdancers, and any character who relies on stealth and operates in dark environments. The ability to see through magical darkness and Hide while observed makes this a formidable item, and the GM should carefully consider its impact on the campaign’s balance.

Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)

    Cloak of Shadowsight

• (Artifact)
• This cloak, crafted from a material that seems to swallow light, allows the wearer to see in the darkest depths and move with unnatural silence.
• Device Type: Cloak
• Powers: The cloak grants access to the following powers, with a Power Point cost as indicated. The user must have the appropriate skill (usually Stealth) to use these powers. The user can use the cloak’s power points or their own.
  • Dark Sight (1 PP, allows the wearer to see in all darkness, even magical darkness)
  • Silence (2 PP, grants a +4 bonus to Stealth rolls for one round)
  • Obscurement (3 PP, creates a cloud of magical darkness, as per the power)
• Power Points: The cloak has 10 Power Points. It regains 1 Power Point for every hour spent in complete darkness.
• Notes: The cloak grants a +2 bonus to Stealth rolls made in dim light or darkness.
• Campaign Integration: The Cloak of Shadowsight is a valuable asset for any character who relies on stealth or operates in dark environments. Its powers provide a significant advantage in combat and infiltration, and the Power Point system encourages strategic use. The cloak could be a reward for a dangerous quest, a treasure found in a forgotten crypt, or a signature item for a master thief or assassin. The GM should consider the overall power level of the campaign and the availability of other magical items before introducing this cloak.

Shadowrun (6th World Edition)

    Shadow Walker’s Shroud

• (Custom Gear)
• This cloak, crafted from advanced metamaterials that manipulate light and sound, grants the wearer exceptional stealth capabilities and the ability to see in the darkest environments.
• Availability: 24F (Forbidden, extremely difficult to acquire legally)
• Cost: 60,000¥
• Effects:
  • Thermal Dampening: +2 to Sneaking tests.
  • Optical Camouflage: The cloak’s metamaterials actively camouflage the wearer, granting a +4 dice pool modifier to Sneaking skill tests in dim light or darkness.
  • Low-Light Vision: The wearer ignores all penalties for dim light and darkness.
  • Ultrasound Vision: The wearer gains the equivalent of Ultrasound vision, allowing them to perceive their surroundings even through solid objects (with limitations based on density and material, as per the Ultrasound sensor rules).
  • Sound Dampening: The cloak muffles the wearer’s movements, granting a +2 dice pool modifier to any tests made to move silently.
• Wireless Bonus: If the cloak is wirelessly enabled (which is risky in Shadowrun), it can interface with other sensor systems, providing additional data and potentially enhancing the wearer’s perception even further (+1 die to Perception tests). However, this also makes the cloak vulnerable to hacking.
• Runner/Campaign Adaptation: The Shadow Walker’s Shroud is a top-tier piece of gear, suitable for a highly skilled infiltrator, assassin, or scout. Its combination of stealth enhancements and advanced vision capabilities makes it incredibly powerful, but its Forbidden availability and high cost mean that acquiring it will likely be a major undertaking. The GM should carefully consider the impact of this item on the campaign’s balance.

Starfinder

    Cloak of the Night Hunter

• (Hybrid Item, Level 14)
• This cloak, woven from a material that seems to absorb light and incorporating advanced sensor technology, grants the wearer unparalleled stealth and the ability to see in any darkness.
• Level: 14
• Price: 80,000 credits
• Bulk: L
• Properties:
  • Darkvision: You gain darkvision with a range of 60 feet. If you already have darkvision, its range increases by 60 feet.
  • Blindsight (Vibration): You gain blindsight (vibration) with a range of 30 feet. This allows you to pinpoint the location of creatures and objects that are in contact with a solid surface.
  • Stealth Field: While wearing the cloak in dim light or darkness, you gain a +4 circumstance bonus to Stealth checks. You can also Hide even while being observed, as long as you are in dim light or darkness.
  • See Invisibility: You can see invisible creatures and objects as if they were visible.
  • Power Source: Battery, Standard.
  • Usage 1 charge per min.
• Character/Campaign Integration: The Cloak of the Night Hunter is a high-level item, suitable for characters who specialize in stealth, reconnaissance, or close-quarters combat. Its combination of darkvision, blindsight, stealth enhancement, and see invisibility makes it incredibly versatile and powerful. The level 14 requirement and high price reflect its advanced technology and combat effectiveness.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

    Shadow Cloak

• (TL-14 Gear)
• This cloak, crafted from advanced metamaterials and incorporating sophisticated sensor technology, grants the wearer exceptional stealth capabilities and enhanced vision in darkness.
• Tech Level: TL-14
• Weight: 1 kg
• Cost: Cr50,000
• Effects:
  • Stealth Enhancement: The cloak grants a +3 DM to Stealth checks made in dim light or darkness.
  • Low-Light Vision: The wearer ignores all penalties for dim light and darkness.
  • Infrared Vision: The wearer gains infrared vision, allowing them to see heat signatures.
  • Sound Dampening: The cloak muffles the wearer’s movements, granting a +1 DM to any tests made to move silently.
• Character/Campaign Integration: The Shadow Cloak is a high-tech piece of equipment, suitable for characters in a campaign with access to advanced technology. Its stealth enhancements and advanced vision capabilities make it a valuable asset for scouts, spies, and assassins. The high tech level and cost reflect its rarity and effectiveness.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

    Cloak of Whispering Shadows

• (Magical Item, Artifact)
• This cloak, woven from the silk of giant Shadow Spiders and imbued with the essence of Ulgu, the Wind of Shadow, grants the wearer unparalleled stealth and the ability to see in the deepest darkness.
• Encumbrance: 1
• Availability: Extremely Rare (effectively unique)
• Properties:
  • Shadowsight: The wearer can see perfectly in non-magical darkness. They also gain a +20 bonus to tests made to see through magical darkness.
  • Shadow Walker: While wearing the cloak in dim light or darkness, the wearer gains a +30 bonus to Stealth tests.
  • Silent Movement: The wearer makes no sound when moving, unless they choose to. This negates any penalties for moving quickly or wearing noisy armor.
  • Whispers of Ulgu: Once per day, the wearer can spend a full round concentrating to gain a cryptic clue or piece of information related to their current surroundings or a specific question they have in mind. This information comes in the form of fleeting images, whispers, or intuitive flashes of insight. (GM’s discretion on the clarity and usefulness of the information).
• Character/Campaign Adaptation: The Cloak of Whispering Shadows is a powerful artifact, suitable for a high-level character who specializes in stealth, infiltration, or shadow magic. Its combination of shadowsight, stealth enhancement, and silent movement makes it incredibly effective in skilled hands. The “Whispers of Ulgu” ability adds a unique element of mystery and intrigue, potentially providing valuable clues or leading the character down dangerous paths. The GM should carefully consider the impact of this item on the campaign’s balance and ensure that challenges are appropriately scaled.