From: Lineage 5821 of the Kaelic Veilweavers
This shoulder covering consists of a short mantle of shadow-infused cloth layered over thin metal plates that drape from the shoulders to the upper arms. It occupies the shoulder region and provides additional coverage that can be adjusted over the chest harness. The mantle includes small steam-powered clasps that allow it to be drawn forward for brief facial obscuration or left open to expose Kaelic Tracings if needed for ritual identification. Inner surfaces bear etched mist spiral patterns consistent with Shadowvault iconography. When attuned the item enhances minor umbramantic effects already available through lineage training and contributes to the total of up to ten attuned items permitted at tier one without triggering excess-item penalties. The construction supports rapid transition between resting form and assumed humanoid forms while remaining fully workplace appropriate and free of any exposed areas.
Veilmantle Pauldrons 9021 originated in the Shadowvault workshops where Kaelic Veilweavers required shoulder coverings that could shift between open display of Kaelic Tracings during rituals and brief forward drape for obscuration during movement through crowded cavern passages. The short mantle was cut from shadow-infused cloth that had been exposed to controlled ley flow so that minor umbramantic effects already practiced by the wearer would find a ready path along the inner surface. Thin metal plates were set beneath the cloth to hold the drape without adding stiffness that would hinder arm motion during form changes. Steam-powered clasps were added at the collar so that a short directed phrase or manual toggle could draw the mantle forward over the lower face for several seconds or release it to rest on the shoulders. Mist spiral etchings on the inner face aligned with temple iconography and served as a visual confirmation during Shadowchants that the wearer remained within balanced practice. The pauldrons were sized to sit over the upper edge of a chest harness without occupying that slot and to leave the hands and neck free. Testing confirmed that the covering remained fully closed in all positions and supported transitions between resting and assumed forms without binding at the shoulders.
• Tier one stats place the item at Common rank with a resilience of seven. Hit points equal the possessing avatar’s maximum hit points plus seven. The pauldrons occupy the shoulder slot exclusively and count as one worn magical item toward the tier one limit of nineteen total items and ten attuned items. Attunement requires a simple process of one full minute while the pauldrons are worn openly. Benefits cease if the item is placed in extradimensional storage or if the avatar’s hit points drop to zero. Armor Check contribution is limited to plus one.
• Skills gained while openly worn or held include one temporary point in Shadowvault Ritual and one temporary point in Tar-Sef Articulation. These points remain active only while the pauldrons are worn and attuned and do not count against the character’s maximum trained skill level of six at tier one. The points support participation in communal vision-sharing and the directing of phrases toward the clasps.
• Multiple passives magic consist of a continuous enhancement to minor umbramantic effects the wearer already possesses through lineage training so that such effects gain a small increase in duration or clarity. A second passive keeps the mantle fabric from binding during form transitions so that shoulder movement remains unrestricted. A third passive maintains the mist spiral etchings in a state that faintly resonates with nearby Shadowvault energies when the wearer is within a temple space.
• Multiple activatable magics include a once-per-turn ability to draw the mantle forward via the steam clasps for three seconds obscuring the lower face while leaving the eyes clear. A second activatable requires an action to release a brief pulse along the inner etchings that slightly amplifies the next minor umbramantic effect the wearer produces. A third activatable permits the wearer to focus for six seconds and align the mantle with an assumed form so that the drape adjusts automatically during the change with the effect lasting until the next long rest.
• Specific slot is the shoulder slot. The pauldrons cover the shoulders and upper arms and may overlap the top of a chest covering without occupying that slot. Only one item may occupy the shoulder slot at a time.
Tags: Veilmantle, Steam Clasp, Mist Spiral, Shoulder Drape, Umbramancy Aid, Form Transition, Ritual Mark, Shadow Cloth, Temple Align, Face Obscure, Balanced Wear, Metal Plate, Collar Toggle, Upper Arm, Ley Exposed, Chant Confirm, Open Display, Closed Drape, Arm Free, Neck Clear, Transition Smooth, Icon Match
Acquisition and Commerce of Veilmantle Pauldrons 9021
• The Veilmantle Pauldrons 9021 are produced in Shadowvault workshops and upper cavern forges by Kaelic Veilweaver artisans who set shadow-infused cloth over metal plates and fit the steam clasps. An avatar obtains a pair by participating in a series of Shadowchants and contributing a small inscribed tablet then receiving the pauldrons from the overseeing Shadowweaver after clasp testing. Crown or guild commissions that involve ritual identification or short-term obscuration during movement sometimes issue the pauldrons as equipment retained after the task. Lineage members who have already placed a conduit in an archive may request a personal set in exchange for downtime spent etching mist spirals for other coverings. These methods depend on standing and completed contributions rather than direct coin at the point of receipt.
• Family shops within Shadowdeep’s upper levels and along the arteries stock pauldrons made by resident cloth and plate workers. These shops occupy rooms near temple-adjacent forges where the proprietor and relatives assemble the mantles. An avatar purchases by presenting coin or World Bank transfer after the seller notes any lineage seal or faction mark. Suggested values in these locations commonly range from twenty to thirty-five gold after the one percent World Bank fee with the amount set by stock and demand from ritual participants. City entry adds the one percent island tax and state borders add the five percent levy.
• Coastal shops in Ironfang Harbor and Hydra’s Embrace are operated by workers who relocated from cavern workshops. These outlets sit near docks or lifts and display pauldrons with other shoulder fittings. Purchase follows standard payment. Suggested values rise with transport and typically fall between thirty-five and fifty gold after fees and the three percent city tax. Sellers may ask for a brief clasp demonstration. Cove stalls on the Obsidian Coast occasionally offer pauldrons from outside normal channels and accept only physical gold at full or higher rates without bank involvement.
• Resale occurs at the same shops or with traveling merchants. The receiver inspects the clasps and etchings then offers a return based on remaining function and local need for adjustable shoulder coverings. Interior shops commonly return ten to eighteen gold after fees and taxes. Coastal shops return lower sums due to transport costs already in their pricing and may decline items if recent temple activity has increased supply. All exchanges follow sellers’ market conditions with no fixed price by tier and with the figure set by the proprietor’s judgment of availability.
Roleplay Applications of Veilmantle Pauldrons 9021 Across Environments
• In the Shadowvault chambers and upper cavern passages of Shadowdeep the pauldrons support defensive positioning by allowing the mantle to be drawn forward for brief obscuration of the lower face while the eyes remain clear. An avatar who has registered approaching movement may activate the clasps and turn slightly so that the drape breaks direct recognition during a short reposition behind a carved screen or vent. The enhancement to minor umbramantic effects already known to the wearer can extend a small shadow veil or calming current by a fraction. Offensively the forward drape can mask the initial motion of raising a hand for a Tar-Sef guided action or the release of a held dart while the opponent’s view of the face is interrupted. The form-transition alignment keeps the mantle from binding if the wearer shifts shape during the exchange.
• Along river passages and within spring-fed hamlets the pauldrons function amid mist and moving air. Defensive use involves drawing the mantle when crossing an open section of bank or barge edge so that the lower face is briefly covered while external vibration data from other gear confirms positions. The passive resonance with nearby water-mist energies can slightly clarify a minor umbramantic sensing already in use. Offensively the pulse along the etchings can be activated just before a precision inscription or short-range action to give the effect a small increase in reliability. The clasps allow the drape to be released quickly once the action is complete.
• On the Mistral Uplands and cliffside approaches the pauldrons operate in windier conditions. Defensive application includes using the forward drape to reduce the visibility of facial features or tracings while moving between rises or against rock faces. The unrestricted arm motion supports ready use of a staff or blade. Offensively the brief obscuration can cover the moment of drawing or aiming while the wearer remains partially behind cover. The automatic adjustment during form changes aids if an assumed shape is adopted for the approach.
• In the coastal districts of Ironfang Harbor and Hydra’s Embrace the pauldrons serve amid steam and crowded platforms. Defensive roleplay centers on the forward drape while moving between cargo or under lifts to limit recognition during a short transit. The umbramantic enhancement can support a minor existing effect used to calm or obscure a small area. Offensively the combination of drape and etching pulse can mask and slightly strengthen a close action among groups. All uses remain within tier one limits and the action economy in which movement does not consume an action and the mantle stays fully covering in every position.
Perception of Activation:
• User’s Perspective registers as a light mechanical tug at the collar when the steam clasps draw the mantle forward. The cloth settles across the lower face with a soft weight that does not restrict breathing or vision through the eyes. A faint warmth moves along the inner etchings when the amplification pulse is used and the next minor umbramantic effect feels slightly more defined at its edges. Extra-sensory impressions include a brief silver outlining of the mantle’s drape visible through the Mind’s Eye and a clear sense of the cloth’s position relative to the shoulders. The form-alignment focus produces a steadying tension across the upper arms that settles once the change completes. The passive enhancement registers as a small extension in the clarity of any ongoing minor shadow or steam effect the wearer is already maintaining.
• Observer’s Perspective shows the mantle shifting forward from the shoulders to cover the lower face for the three-second interval then returning when released. The steam clasps produce a short audible click. The inner etchings may catch light briefly during the pulse. Extra-sensory observers with vibration sense note a minor change in air movement around the collar. Those using true sight perceive a faint ultraviolet shimmer along the cloth edges that fades with the activation. The pauldrons do not expose any additional areas of the wearer and the upper body outline remains consistent.
• Positives include the rapid creation of a short visual interruption at the lower face that can break recognition or mask an initial hand motion. The amplification pulse provides a small reliable increase to the next minor umbramantic effect already available to the wearer. Form alignment prevents binding during shape transitions so that shoulder mobility stays intact. The passive resonance supports ritual participation when inside a Shadowvault. The mantle remains fully covering in both open and forward positions.
• Negatives include a brief restriction of peripheral downward vision while the mantle is drawn forward. The click of the clasps can be heard in very quiet spaces. Overlapping the forward drape with a rapid arm action can cause the cloth to shift slightly out of optimal position until released. The extra-sensory outline fades quickly and leaves a residual lightness at the collar until the next movement. Repeated clasp uses in a short period reduce the speed of the draw so that later activations take a fraction longer to settle.
Recipe for Veilmantle Pauldrons 9021
• Materials needed consist of a length of shadow-infused cloth sufficient for a short mantle covering shoulders to upper arms. Two thin metal plates shaped to support the drape. A pair of small steam-powered clasps sized for the collar. Etching tools or prepared mist spiral patterns for the inner surface. Mineral-rich water and a small measure of ley-exposed residue for treating the cloth. Thin threading or rivets for assembly.
• Tools Required include cutting blades and a flat surface for shaping the cloth. A small forge or steam source for setting the clasps. An etching stylus or stamp for the spiral patterns. Clamps for holding plates during attachment. Measuring cords for collar and arm fit. A basin for any immersion of the cloth.
• Skill Requirements call for a minimum of four points in Precision Crafting to align plates and clasps. Three points in Shadowvault Ritual or equivalent for proper etching placement. Two points in Tar-Sef Articulation if phrases are used during clasp setting. Access to a workshop with steam capability. The crafter must ensure the finished mantle remains fully covering in all positions.
• Crafting Steps begin with treatment of the shadow-infused cloth in the mineral-rich water mixed with ley residue so that it accepts minor umbramantic enhancement. The cloth is cut to mantle shape and the metal plates are riveted or threaded beneath the outer layer at the shoulders. Clasps are fitted at the collar and tested for forward draw and release. Mist spiral patterns are etched on the inner surface while the cloth is held flat. The assembly is checked for unrestricted arm motion and full coverage in both open and drawn positions. Final testing confirms that a directed action draws the mantle forward briefly and that the etchings align with expected ritual use. The completed pauldrons are then ready for attunement.
Shoulder-Cloth That Drew Across Face
In the cycles when the first vaults were only hollows and the steam had not yet been taught to move small fittings there was a cutter of cloth whose hands were called by the old ones the Drawer of the Short Mantle. This one worked in the place where the shadows lay thick on the upper stone and the light from the growth was low. The Drawer took the dark cloth that had rested near the deep flow and the thin plates that the metal workers had beaten flat and the small fittings that could be made to pull with a short sound. These the Drawer laid on the flat rock and spoke the half-words that the settling mist made when it touched the wall.
For many turnings the Drawer worked. The cloth was cut so that it would rest on the shoulders and fall to the upper arms without binding the motion of the changer. The plates were set beneath so that the cloth would hold its shape when drawn. The fittings were placed at the neck so that a short sound or a touch would pull the cloth forward across the lower face and then let it return. The Drawer spoke again and the inner face of the cloth received the spiral marks that the vaults would later know. When the mantle was set on the shoulders of a young one the young one gave the short sound and the cloth drew forward. An opposing figure who had been watching the face lost the clear sight of the mouth and eyes for a moment and the young one stepped aside. The mantle stayed and the arms remained free.
Other hands tried the same cutting. Some made the cloth too long and it caught the arms when the changer moved. Some set the fittings too strong and the cloth would not return once drawn. Some placed the spiral marks on the outer face where they caught every light and marked the wearer in the dark. These mantles were set in the side places where the shadows stayed and no one wore them. The Drawer watched. Only when new hands repeated the cutting and the setting of the plates and the placing of the fittings in the same order did the Drawer allow another mantle to be worn.
The word of the shoulder-cloth that drew across the face moved through the hollows. A watcher in a crowded passage wore one and drew the cloth when an opposing group looked toward the face so that the recognition failed for the needed moment. A participant in the early chants wore one and left the cloth open so that the marks on the skin could be seen when the sharing required it. Each time the short sound brought the cloth forward and the return left the shoulders clear.
Then a group in a deep hollow thought the mantle could be made to stay drawn longer and to strengthen every shadow the wearer called. They cut extra cloth and they spoke the half-words louder. The fittings they made pulled hard and the spiral marks glowed even in open air. They placed the mantle on their keenest changer and sent the changer into a passage where listeners and watchers waited. The changer drew the cloth and it stayed. The face remained covered. The changer tried to call a small shadow and the strengthened effect spilled beyond the intended place. The passage filled with dark that the changer had not meant and the watchers closed in. The mantle remained drawn and the changer did not pass through.
The others found the mantle and carried it to the upper rock where the Drawer had worked. They spoke no more half-words over it. From that day the cutters used only the measure of cloth and the strength of fittings the Drawer had used. They taught the young ones to draw the cloth for the short moment and to let it return and never to ask the mantle to hold the face covered beyond the needed breath or to push the shadow past the wearer’s own measure.
The mantle that would not return was left on the rock. Later when the vaults were built and the air-ships moved above the mountains the rock was still there. Travelers said that if one stood close a short pull would be felt at the shoulders of any who wore cloth there and that the pull warned of any attempt to keep the face hidden too long. None wore the mantle. The story was told whenever a new pair of pauldrons was finished so that the hands which cut the cloth would remember the measure of the short draw.
The moral of the story is that the shoulder-cloth which draws across the face will serve only while the hands that make it keep to the first measure and do not ask the fittings to hold the covering longer than the short sound allows or the shadow to grow beyond the wearer’s own reach.
Suggested conversions to other systems:
Call of Cthulhu Seventh Edition Adaptation
Drawmantle Shoulder Cover
This item is a short mantle of dark cloth over thin plates that occupies the shoulders. While worn it grants a bonus die on any roll made to briefly obscure the lower face or to enhance a minor existing occult or stealth effect the wearer already possesses. Once per scene the wearer may spend a point of Luck to draw the mantle forward for one round imposing a penalty die on Spot Hidden rolls made to recognize the wearer’s face. The cover has 7 hit points and is destroyed if reduced to zero. It counts as a single piece of equipment and remains fully covering. Benefits end if removed. The Keeper may tie related effects to existing skills such as Stealth or Occult.
Blades in the Dark Adaptation
Clasp Mantle
This is a fine quality shoulder covering that provides +1d to any action roll involving brief facial obscuration or the enhancement of a minor shadow or distraction effect the wearer can already produce. The mantle may be worn openly or adjusted. While equipped the wearer may push themselves on a Prowl or Sway roll that relies on the forward drape without additional stress. Once per score the wearer may activate the clasps to ignore the first level of complication from visual recognition for one action. The item has a quality rating of fine and follows standard gear rules for damage and repair. It occupies minimal load.
Dungeons and Dragons Fifth Edition Adaptation
Spiralmantle Pauldrons
Wondrous item common requires attunement. This shoulder mantle grants a +1 bonus to Armor Class that applies only against attacks targeting the shoulders or upper arms. While attuned the wearer has advantage on Charisma Deception checks made to obscure identity briefly and may add 1 to the save DC or duration of one minor illusion or shadow-related cantrip or 1st-level spell they can already cast once per short rest. As a bonus action the wearer may draw the mantle forward until the end of their next turn imposing disadvantage on Wisdom Perception checks made to recognize their face. The pauldrons have AC 11 and 14 hit points. They are destroyed at 0 hit points. Attunement takes one minute. The item weighs 2 pounds and may be worn with any armor. Benefits end if removed.
Knave Second Edition Adaptation
Forward Drape Pauldrons
This is a shoulder covering with a defense value of 0 that occupies one inventory slot. While equipped the wearer adds their Charisma modifier to checks made to briefly hide facial features and their Intelligence modifier to any minor shadow or distraction effect they can already produce. Once per day the wearer may spend an action to draw the mantle forward imposing disadvantage on checks to recognize the face until the end of the round. The item has 7 item hit points and is destroyed if reduced to zero. Repair costs half the original value. The pauldrons remain fully covering and function only while worn.
Fate Core Adaptation
Claspdraw Mantle
This is an aspect-bearing shoulder covering that may be invoked when the wearer is attempting brief facial obscuration or enhancing a minor existing shadow or distraction effect. The mantle occupies the shoulders. While equipped it provides a free invoke once per session on any roll involving the forward drape or related enhancement. The wearer may spend a fate point to draw the mantle and complicate facial recognition for one exchange. The item has a stress track of one box. If marked it is damaged and loses the free invoke until repaired with a Crafts overcome. Repair requires a scene and materials. The mantle does not add to normal stress and stays fully covering.
Numenera and Cypher System Adaptation
Spiralclasp Shoulder Sheath
Level 2 artifact. This shoulder covering depletes on a roll of 1 on a d6 after each use of the active draw. While worn it grants an asset on any Intellect or Speed task related to briefly obscuring the face or enhancing a minor esotery or distraction the wearer can already use. As an action the wearer may activate the clasps to impose a one-step penalty on tasks made to recognize the face for one round. The item occupies one equipment slot and remains fully covering. Benefits end if removed or depleted. Recharge requires a crafting task with appropriate components.
Pathfinder Second Edition Adaptation
Veildrape Pauldrons
Item 3. This shoulder mantle has a Bulk of L. While worn and invested it grants a +1 item bonus to Deception checks made to obscure identity and a +1 item bonus to the save DC of one illusion or shadow spell of 1st level or lower the wearer can cast once per day. As a single action the wearer may draw the mantle forward until the end of their next turn imposing a –1 circumstance penalty on Perception checks to recognize their face. The pauldrons have Hardness 3 and 12 Hit Points. They are destroyed at 0 Hit Points. Investment takes 10 minutes. They may be worn with any armor. Benefits end if removed.
Savage Worlds Adventure Edition Adaptation
Forwardmantle Covers
This shoulder covering provides no Toughness bonus. While equipped the wearer gains a +1 bonus to Performance or Persuasion rolls made to briefly obscure identity and a +1 bonus to any minor arcane or distraction effect they can already produce. Once per session the wearer may spend a Benny to draw the mantle and impose a –1 penalty on Notice rolls made to recognize the face for one round. The item has Toughness 4 for targeting and is destroyed if it takes a Wound. Repair requires a Repair roll and materials. The covers occupy one slot and remain fully covering while worn.
Shadowrun Sixth World Adaptation
Clasp Mantle Cover
This is an Availability 5 item with a cost of 1,200 nuyen. It occupies the shoulders and provides no additional Armor. While worn the wearer gains a +1 dice pool bonus to Disguise or Stealth tests made to briefly obscure the face and a +1 dice pool bonus to any minor illusion or distraction effect the wearer can already produce. As a Simple Action once per scene the wearer may draw the mantle to impose a –2 dice pool penalty on visual Perception tests made to recognize the face for one Combat Turn. The item has a Structure rating of 3 and is destroyed if reduced to zero. It may be worn over other clothing and remains fully covering. Repair requires an Armorer test with threshold 1. Functions require the mantle to be worn.
Starfinder Adaptation
Spiralclasp Pauldrons
This is a level 2 hybrid item with a bulk of L. While worn it grants a +1 insight bonus to Bluff checks made to obscure identity and allows the wearer to increase the save DC of one 0-level or 1st-level illusion or shadow spell they can cast by 1 once per day. As a move action the wearer may draw the mantle forward until the end of their next turn imposing a –2 penalty on Perception checks to recognize the face. The pauldrons have 10 hit points and hardness 2. They are destroyed at 0 hit points. They weigh 1 pound and may be worn with any armor. Benefits end if removed.
Traveller Second Edition Adaptation
Draw Mantle Fitting
This is personal equipment with a cost of Cr 400 and a mass of 0.5 kg. While worn it provides no additional Protection. The fitting grants a DM+1 on any Deception or Stealth check made to briefly obscure the face and a DM+1 on any minor related effect the wearer can already attempt. Once per day the wearer may activate the draw as a minor action to impose a DM–1 on Recon checks made to recognize the face for one round. The item has 5 hits and is destroyed at zero. Repair requires a basic Mechanic check. It occupies minimal space and remains fully covering while worn.
Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay Fourth Edition Adaptation
Veilclasp Shoulder Mantle
This is a Poor to Average quality shoulder covering with an Encumbrance of 0. While worn it grants no additional Armour Points. The mantle provides a +10 bonus to Charm or Stealth Tests made to briefly hide facial features and a +10 bonus to any minor illusion or distraction effect the wearer can already produce. Once per day the wearer may spend an Action to draw the mantle imposing a –10 penalty on Perception Tests made to recognize the face for one Round. The item has 4 Wounds and is destroyed at zero. Repair requires a simple Trade Test. It may be worn over clothing and functions only while equipped.