Ephemeral Veil

From: Perfumed Abyss

Lore: The Ephemeral Veil is a remarkable cloak woven from the delicate petals of rare, enchanted flowers found in ethereal gardens hidden deep within the realm of fae. These flowers possess the unique ability to emit fragrances that can cloak the wearer from prying eyes. Legends speak of skilled weavers who carefully gather these ephemeral petals and weave them together with threads of moonlight, resulting in a shimmering, translucent cloak. The veil is believed to be a gift from the fae, granting mortals a fleeting taste of their elusive nature.

Use — The Ephemeral Veil serves as an asset for characters seeking to move stealthily and remain undetected in situations where fragrances are prevalent. Here are the details regarding its use:

• Invisibility in Fragrant Environments: When worn, the Ephemeral Veil grants the wearer temporary invisibility when in the presence of strong fragrances. The enchantment woven into the cloak allows the user to blend seamlessly with their surroundings, becoming nearly invisible to those who rely on sight. The effect is activated when potent or concentrated scents are detected, triggering the veil’s magical properties.
• Stealth and Subterfuge: Characters can use the Ephemeral Veil to their advantage during stealth missions, infiltrations, or situations requiring covert movement. By capitalizing on the veil’s power, they can move undetected through areas filled with scent-sensitive creatures or guards who rely on visual cues. This allows for silent takedowns, successful heists, or strategic maneuvers without arousing suspicion.

Level: 1 (Item)

Stats:

• Fragrance Invisibility: The Ephemeral Veil grants the wearer temporary invisibility when in the presence of strong fragrances, allowing for stealthy movement and evasion.
• Duration: The invisibility effect lasts for a limited time and is triggered by the detection of potent or concentrated scents.

Skills — Stealth Mastery: Characters with proficiency in stealth gain additional benefits when utilizing the Ephemeral Veil’s invisibility effect. They can move even more silently and effectively while under the cloak’s enchantment.

Cost: The Ephemeral Veil is a rare and prized item due to its magical properties. Its cost can vary depending on factors such as the rarity of the enchanted flowers used, the craftsmanship of the cloak, and the demand for such items in the game world. Characters can acquire the veil from specialized cloakmakers, magical peddlers, or by fulfilling quests involving fae creatures or enchanting gardens.

Requirements: To effectively utilize the Ephemeral Veil, characters must be able to wear cloaks or garments. The cloak requires attunement, meaning characters must spend time bonding with the magical properties of the veil to unlock its full potential. Additionally, characters must possess some level of proficiency in stealth or be trained in the art of covert movement.

Tags: Fragrance Invisibility, Stealth Enhancement, Enchanted Cloak, Fae Gift

The Ephemeral Veil possesses a captivating lore that links it to the enchanting gardens of the fae. Woven from the petals of rare, enchanted flowers, the cloak grants temporary invisibility when in the presence of strong fragrances. Characters can utilize their power to move undetected, enhancing their stealth and subterfuge. The veil is a coveted item due to its rarity and magical properties, offering wearers a fleeting taste of the elusive nature of the fae. With the Ephemeral Veil, characters gain a significant advantage in situations where fragrance plays a crucial role, allowing them to navigate through scent-sensitive environments and execute stealthy operations.

The Ephemeral Veil can be sold and acquired in specific locations within the game world. Here are further details about where and how it might be sold, as well as the environments in which it is commonly used:

• Enchanted Markets: These mystical marketplaces, often found in magical cities or hidden realms, are frequented by enchanters, artifact collectors, and those seeking rare magical items. Vendors specializing in enchanted clothing and accessories may offer the Ephemeral Veil for sale. These markets are bustling with activity, filled with vibrant stalls, enchanting melodies, and a sense of otherworldly charm.
• Fae Realms: Fae realms are ethereal, enchanted lands that exist parallel to the mortal world. These realms are home to fae creatures, magical flora, and enchanting gardens. Characters can encounter fae merchants or fae artisans within these realms who trade in precious items, such as the Ephemeral Veil. Acquiring the veil from fae merchants may involve completing tasks or quests on behalf of the fae or navigating the intricate politics of the realm.
• Secretive Guilds and Thieves’ Dens: In the shadowy corners of the game world, secretive guilds and thieves’ dens may house underground markets where rare and illicit items are traded. Characters with connections to underground networks or a reputation within the criminal underworld may gain access to these hidden markets, where items like the Ephemeral Veil may be obtained through discreet transactions or shady deals.

Environment of Use — The Ephemeral Veil finds optimal use in environments where stealth, subterfuge, and fragrances play a significant role. Here are a few examples of how the end results of using the veil are employed:

• Infiltration and Espionage: Characters can utilize the Ephemeral Veil during covert missions, espionage operations, or infiltrations. When in environments filled with strong fragrances, such as guard patrols relying on scent detection or perfumed chambers guarding valuable treasures, the veil grants the wearer temporary invisibility, allowing them to move undetected and gather vital information or carry out secret objectives.
• Security Bypass and Intricate Heists: The Ephemeral Veil is invaluable for characters engaging in heists or infiltrating heavily guarded areas. By remaining invisible in the presence of strong fragrances, characters can bypass security measures that rely on visual cues, such as guard patrols, alarm systems, or magical wards. This enables them to navigate complex environments, disarm traps, or steal valuable artifacts without arousing suspicion.
• Covert Negotiations and Diplomacy: Characters may employ the Ephemeral Veil during delicate negotiations or diplomatic encounters. By utilizing the veil’s fragrance invisibility effect, characters can eavesdrop on conversations or gather information without being detected. This allows them to gain valuable insights, uncover hidden motives, or strategize their approach to negotiations.

The sale of the Ephemeral Veil occurs primarily in enchanted markets, fae realms, and secretive guilds or thieves’ dens. The end results of using the veil find application in various environments, including infiltration and espionage, security bypass and heists, as well as covert negotiations and diplomacy. Characters can utilize the Ephemeral Veil’s fragrance invisibility effect to move undetected in the presence of strong fragrances, enhancing their stealth and subterfuge capabilities. By employing the veil strategically, characters gain a significant advantage in situations where fragrance plays a crucial role, allowing them to carry out covert operations, gather intelligence, or negotiate with finesse. The Ephemeral Veil represents an asset for characters seeking to master the art of subterfuge and navigate the intricate web of secrecy in the game world.

Activation Perception of the Ephemeral Veil

• Sight
  • Perceived:
    • The veil becomes translucent and shimmering, blending with the surroundings.
  • Description:
    • When activated, the Ephemeral Veil shimmers with a soft, pale blue light, almost blending into the environment. It creates an illusion of invisibility, making the wearer difficult to detect visually.
  • Positives:
    • Provides near invisibility in environments with strong fragrances.
    • Enhances the wearer’s ability to move undetected, especially in low-light conditions.
  • Negatives:
    • The shimmering effect may still catch the eye of keen observers.
    • Does not provide complete invisibility; sharp movements or close inspection can reveal the wearer.
• Smell
  • Perceived:
    • Emits a subtle, enchanting fragrance that masks other scents.
  • Description:
    • The veil releases a delicate aroma of enchanted flowers that overpowers and conceals the wearer’s natural scent, making them difficult to track by smell.
  • Positives:
    • Confounds scent-sensitive creatures or guards, making it harder to track the wearer.
    • The pleasant fragrance can have a calming effect on nearby creatures, potentially reducing hostility.
  • Negatives:
    • The scent, while masking the wearer, can alert creatures to the presence of something unusual.
    • Strong winds or air currents can disperse the fragrance, reducing its effectiveness.
• Sound
  • Perceived:
    • Muffles the sound of the wearer’s movements.
  • Description:
    • The veil dampens the sounds made by the wearer, such as footsteps, rustling of clothing, and breathing, providing a stealth advantage.
  • Positives:
    • Significantly reduces the noise made by the wearer, aiding in stealth and evasion.
    • Allows for quieter movement in environments where silence is crucial.
  • Negatives:
    • Does not make the wearer completely silent; loud actions or noise-generating activities can still be heard.
    • Sound-dampening effect is less effective in noisy environments.
• Touch
  • Perceived:
    • Feels cool and light to the touch, like a gentle breeze.
  • Description:
    • The veil has a silky, cool texture that feels almost weightless, enhancing the wearer’s comfort and mobility.
  • Positives:
    • Comfortable to wear for extended periods, without causing fatigue or irritation.
    • Lightweight nature allows for quick and agile movements.
  • Negatives:
    • The cool texture can be unsettling or distracting for some wearers.
    • Does not provide physical protection against environmental elements or attacks.
• Taste
  • Perceived: None (taste is not directly affected by the veil).
  • Description: The veil has no direct impact on the sense of taste.
• Extra-Sensory Perceptions
  • Magic Detection
    • Perceived:
      • A faint aura of enchantment surrounds the veil.
    • Description:
      • The veil emits a subtle magical aura detectable by those attuned to magical energies. This aura signifies the presence of enchantment.
    • Positives:
      • Can be detected by allies using magic detection to confirm the presence and status of the veil.
      • The aura can be used to identify the veil’s location if misplaced or stolen.
    • Negatives:
      • Detectable by enemies with magic-detection abilities, potentially revealing the wearer’s presence.
      • The aura may attract unwanted attention from magic-sensitive creatures or individuals.
  • Sixth Sense (Intuition)
    • Perceived:
      • An enhanced sense of awareness and alertness.
    • Description:
      • The veil subtly enhances the wearer’s intuition, making them more aware of their surroundings and potential dangers.
    • Positives:
      • Improved reaction time and situational awareness.
      • Greater ability to sense threats or hidden dangers.
    • Negatives:
      • Can cause heightened anxiety or paranoia if not accustomed to the enhanced awareness.
      • May lead to sensory overload in highly stimulating environments.
  • Telepathy
    • Perceived:
      • A faint connection to the thoughts and emotions of nearby beings.
    • Description:
      • The veil can amplify the wearer’s telepathic abilities, allowing for subtle mental communication with those in close proximity.
    • Positives:
      • Enables silent communication between allies during covert operations.
      • Can sense the emotional state of nearby creatures, aiding in negotiation or evasion.
    • Negatives:
      • May pick up unwanted or distracting thoughts from nearby beings.
      • Can be mentally exhausting if used for extended periods.

Crafting Recipe: Ephemeral Veil

• Materials Needed:
  • Enchanted Flower Petals (50 petals)
    • Gathered from rare, enchanted flowers found in ethereal gardens within the realm of fae.
  • Threads of Moonlight (10 threads)
    • Harvested during a full moon, requires a special moonlight spindle.
  • Faerie Dust (1 vial)
    • Collected from fae creatures or obtained from enchanted markets.
  • Elven Silk (2 yards)
    • Purchased from skilled elven weavers or crafted from magical silkworms.
  • Magic Infusion Crystal (1 crystal)
    • Found in ancient ruins or bought from magical peddlers.
• Tools Required:
  • Moonlight Spindle
    • Used to harvest and spin threads of moonlight.
  • Enchanted Loom
    • Required for weaving the petals and threads into the veil.
  • Faerie Needle and Thread
    • Specialized needle and thread for delicate enchantment work.
  • Mortar and Pestle
    • For grinding faerie dust and mixing with other ingredients.
  • Magic Infusion Apparatus
    • Device used to infuse the veil with magical properties.
• Skill Requirements:
  • Advanced Weaving
    • Proficiency in weaving delicate and magical materials.
  • Enchanting Mastery
    • Skill in infusing items with magical properties.
  • Herbalism
    • Knowledge of rare, enchanted flowers and their properties.
  • Moonlight Harvesting
    • Expertise in gathering and handling threads of moonlight.
  • Alchemy
    • Ability to handle and mix faerie dust correctly.
• Crafting Steps:
  • Harvest Enchanted Flower Petals:
    • Venture into the ethereal gardens of the fae realm to gather 50 enchanted petals.
    • Use herbalism skills to carefully pluck the petals without damaging their magical essence.
  • Spin Threads of Moonlight:
    • On the night of a full moon, use the moonlight spindle to spin 10 threads of moonlight.
    • Ensure the threads are harvested without breaking their delicate structure.
  • Prepare Faerie Dust Mixture:
    • Use the mortar and pestle to grind the faerie dust into a fine powder.
    • Mix the dust with a small amount of moonlight essence to enhance its potency.
  • Weave the Ephemeral Veil:
    • Set up the enchanted loom and begin weaving the enchanted petals and moonlight threads.
    • Integrate the elven silk to provide structure and flexibility to the veil.
    • Use the faerie needle and thread to sew the pieces together with delicate precision.
  • Infuse the Veil with Magic:
    • Place the woven veil into the magic infusion apparatus.
    • Insert the magic infusion crystal into the apparatus and activate it.
    • Allow the apparatus to infuse the veil with magical properties, including the fragrance invisibility enchantment.
  • Final Enchantment and Testing:
    • After infusion, inspect the veil for any imperfections.
    • Conduct tests to ensure the invisibility effect activates correctly in the presence of strong fragrances.
    • Make any necessary adjustments to the enchantment using your enchanting mastery skills.
  • Attunement:
    • The finished veil must be attuned to the wearer.
    • Spend time bonding with the veil, meditating on its magical properties and aligning your own energies with it.

Upon completion, the Ephemeral Veil should shimmer with a translucent, pale blue glow, ready to provide its wearer with the benefits of fragrance invisibility and enhanced stealth.

Tale of the Ephemeral Veil

Long, long ago, in the time when the fae did not hide from mortal eyes, there was a veil of such mystery and enchantment that all who beheld it were left in awe. This veil was known as the Ephemeral Veil, a gift from the fae to the world of mortals. Its story, passed down through countless generations, has become a tapestry of fragmented memories and forgotten languages.

In a garden not bound by time, where flowers sang the songs of the stars and moonlight danced upon the petals, lived a weaver of unmatched skill. This weaver, known only as the Moonlit Artisan, was chosen by the fae to craft a cloak from the petals of flowers that bloomed but once a century. These flowers, whose scent could make the invisible seen and the seen invisible, were guarded by the whispers of the wind and the laughter of the trees.

The Moonlit Artisan, with hands guided by the light of the moon and threads spun from its silver beams, began the delicate task. Each petal was woven with care, and each thread was placed with the precision of a thousand lifetimes. The loom, enchanted by the fae, sang softly as it worked, and the air was filled with the fragrance of dreams.

As the veil took shape, it shimmered with the light of forgotten dawns and the essence of hidden truths. The fae, seeing the veil completed, bestowed upon it a breath of their own magic, a gift of invisibility when the air was heavy with scent. Thus, the Ephemeral Veil was born, a cloak of beauty and power, a bridge between the seen and unseen.

The tale tells of a hero, whose name has been lost to the sands of time, who donned the veil in a time of great peril. With the fragrance of enchanted blossoms filling the air, the hero moved unseen through the enemy’s ranks, their every step a ghostly whisper. The veil’s magic, woven with the fae’s breath and moonlight’s kiss, concealed them until the dawn of victory.

But as with all gifts of the fae, the veil held a lesson, a moral whispered through the ages. It spoke of the fleeting nature of beauty, of the transient veil between the worlds, and of the unseen threads that bind all things.

Moral of the Story: Even the most ephemeral of things can leave a lasting mark upon the world, and true beauty lies in the unseen and the unknown.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Ephemeral Veil

• Description: A shimmering, translucent cloak woven from enchanted flower petals and threads of moonlight. It emits a subtle, enchanting fragrance.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Invisibility: When worn in the presence of strong fragrances (e.g., perfumes, flowers, incense), the wearer gains temporary invisibility. This effect lasts for 1d10 minutes.
  • Stealth Bonus: +20% to Stealth rolls while the veil is active.
  • Fragile: The veil can be damaged easily. If the wearer takes more than 5 points of damage in a single attack, the veil loses its enchantment until it is repaired.
  • Sanity Cost: 1d2 upon first use, as the veil’s enchantment is otherworldly and unsettling.

Blades in the Dark

Ephemeral Veil

• Description: A rare and precious cloak made from enchanted petals and moonlight threads, providing stealth benefits in fragrant environments.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Item Load: 1 (Light)
  • Invisibility Effect: When in the presence of strong fragrances, the wearer gains +2d to Prowl rolls for the duration of a score or until the fragrance dissipates.
  • Special Ability: The wearer can resist detection from supernatural entities with +1d to resistance rolls involving being noticed or sensed.
  • Uses: 3 (Each use represents a full score or session where the veil’s magic is activated).

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Ephemeral Veil

• Wondrous Item, Rare (Requires Attunement)
• Description: A cloak woven from the petals of rare, enchanted flowers and threads of moonlight. It grants the wearer the ability to move unseen in the presence of strong fragrances.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Invisibility: While wearing this cloak, you can use an action to become invisible for up to 10 minutes, provided you are within an area filled with strong fragrances. The effect ends if you attack or cast a spell.
  • Stealth Advantage: You have advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made while the invisibility is active.
  • Durability: If the wearer takes more than 10 points of damage in a single attack, roll a d20. On a roll of 10 or lower, the cloak loses its magic for 24 hours.
  • Attunement Requirement: Must spend a short rest bonding with the cloak in a fragrant environment.

Knave

Ephemeral Veil

• Description: A cloak of rare, enchanted petals and threads of moonlight, providing invisibility in fragrant surroundings.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Invisibility: When in the presence of strong fragrances, the wearer can become invisible for up to 1 hour. This effect ends if the wearer attacks or takes damage.
  • Stealth Bonus: +3 to Stealth rolls while the veil’s invisibility is active.
  • Fragility: If the wearer takes more than 3 damage from a single source, the veil’s enchantment is broken until it is repaired.
  • Durability: The veil is delicate and requires careful maintenance to retain its magical properties.

Fate Core System

Ephemeral Veil

• Description: A cloak woven from enchanted petals and threads of moonlight, providing stealth benefits in fragrant environments.
• Aspects:
  • Cloak of Enchanted Petals
  • Invisible in Fragrant Environments
  • Gift from the Fae
• Game Mechanics:
  • Invoke: Gain +2 to Stealth rolls when in the presence of strong fragrances.
  • Compel: The veil’s delicate nature makes it susceptible to damage; if hit hard or exposed to harsh conditions, it may temporarily lose its enchantment.
• Stunt: Once per scene, the wearer can become invisible for one exchange when in the presence of strong fragrances.

Numenera & Cypher System

Ephemeral Veil

• Level: 5
• Description: A rare cloak crafted from enchanted petals and moonlight threads, granting invisibility in fragrant surroundings.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Invisibility: When in the presence of strong fragrances, the wearer can activate the cloak to become invisible for up to 10 minutes (Cost: 3 Intellect points). The effect ends if the wearer attacks or takes damage.
  • Stealth Enhancement: The wearer gains an asset on all Stealth tasks while the invisibility is active.
  • Fragility: If the wearer suffers more than 5 points of damage from a single attack, the veil’s enchantment is disrupted, requiring a repair task of difficulty 4.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

Ephemeral Veil

• Wondrous Item, Rare (Requires Attunement)
• Description: A cloak of translucent petals and moonlight threads, providing the wearer with stealth benefits in fragrant environments.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Invisibility: Once per day, the wearer can use a single action to become invisible for 10 minutes while in a fragrant area. The effect ends if the wearer makes an attack or casts a spell.
  • Stealth Advantage: The wearer gains a +2 item bonus to Stealth checks while the invisibility is active.
  • Durability: If the wearer takes more than 10 points of damage from a single source, the veil’s magic is disrupted and it cannot be used until the wearer spends 1 hour in a fragrant environment to repair it.
  • Attunement: Requires 10 minutes of meditation in a fragrant environment.

Savage Worlds

Ephemeral Veil

• Description: A cloak made from enchanted flower petals and threads of moonlight, granting invisibility in the presence of strong fragrances.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Invisibility: When activated in a fragrant environment, the wearer gains the effects of the invisibility power for up to 10 minutes (spending 3 Power Points).
  • Stealth Bonus: The wearer gains +2 to Stealth rolls while the invisibility is active.
  • Durability: If the wearer suffers a wound, the cloak’s enchantment is disrupted, and it requires a successful Repair roll (–2) to restore.
  • Power Points: The wearer must have access to 3 Power Points to activate the invisibility effect.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Ephemeral Veil

• Type: Magical Cloak
• Description: A shimmering cloak woven from enchanted petals and threads of moonlight, providing invisibility in fragrant environments.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Invisibility: When in the presence of strong fragrances, the wearer can activate the veil to gain the effects of the Improved Invisibility spell (Force 5). The effect lasts for 10 minutes or until the wearer attacks or takes damage.
  • Stealth Bonus: +2 to Sneaking rolls while the invisibility is active.
  • Fragility: If the wearer takes more than 5 boxes of damage in a single attack, the veil’s enchantment is disrupted and requires a successful Enchanting (5) test to repair.
• Availability: 8R
• Cost: 20,000¥

Starfinder

Ephemeral Veil

• Level: 7
• Description: A rare cloak crafted from enchanted petals and moonlight threads, granting invisibility in fragrant surroundings.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Invisibility: Once per day, the wearer can activate the cloak as a standard action to become invisible for up to 10 minutes while in a fragrant environment. The effect ends if the wearer attacks or casts a spell.
  • Stealth Bonus: +2 enhancement bonus to Stealth checks while the invisibility is active.
  • Durability: If the wearer takes more than 10 points of damage from a single source, the veil’s enchantment is disrupted and it requires a successful Mysticism check (DC 20) to repair.
• Price: 8,000 credits

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Ephemeral Veil

• Type: Tech/Intelligent Item
• Description: A cloak made from enchanted flower petals and threads of moonlight, granting invisibility in the presence of strong fragrances.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Invisibility: When in a fragrant environment, the wearer can activate the veil to become invisible for up to 10 minutes. The effect ends if the wearer attacks or takes damage.
  • Stealth Bonus: +2 DM to Stealth checks while the invisibility is active.
  • Fragility: If the wearer suffers more than 5 points of damage from a single source, the cloak’s enchantment is disrupted and requires a successful Engineer (Electronics) 1 check to repair.
• Availability: Rare
• Cost: Cr50,000

Warhammer (Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4th Edition)

Ephemeral Veil

• Type: Magical Item
• Description: A cloak woven from enchanted petals and moonlight threads, granting the wearer invisibility in fragrant environments.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Invisibility: Once per day, the wearer can use an action to become invisible for 10 minutes while in a fragrant area. The effect ends if the wearer makes an attack or casts a spell.
  • Stealth Bonus: +20 to Stealth tests while the invisibility is active.
  • Fragility: If the wearer takes more than 8 Wounds in a single attack, the veil’s enchantment is disrupted and requires a successful Hard (-20) Trade (Apothecary) test to repair.
• Encumbrance: 0
• Value: 250 Gold Crowns