Shadow Veil Cloak

Description: The Shadow Veil Cloak is a cloak woven from dark, ethereal threads that seem to shift and flow like wisps of shadow. It possesses an enchantment that grants the wearer enhanced stealth capabilities and the ability to blend seamlessly into shadows. The cloak exudes an aura of darkness, allowing the wearer to move silently and undetected, providing both protection and a significant advantage in sneaking.

Stats and Benefits:

• Tags: Shadow Magic, Dimlight Camouflage, Invisibility Boost, Whisperfoot, Umbral Weave, Phantom Movement, Illusory Concealment, Evasion, Silent Stalker, Nightwalker
• (Uncommon but may be worn at tier 1)
• Stealth Enhancement: (+2 Stealth checks) The Shadow Veil Cloak enhances the wearer’s stealth abilities, providing a bonus to their Stealth skill checks. This bonus reflects the cloak’s ability to muffle sound, blur the wearer’s silhouette, and blend them into the surrounding darkness, making them harder to detect.
• Shadowmeld: (Advantage on Stealth checks) When the wearer is in an area with shadows or dim light, the Shadow Veil Cloak allows them to blend into the darkness, becoming nearly invisible to those who lack special abilities to see through such illusions. This effect can provide a substantial advantage when trying to remain hidden or sneak past foes.
• Sound Dampening: (Advantage on Stealth checks) The ethereal threads of the cloak possess sound-absorbing properties, allowing the wearer to move silently. It muffles the sound of their footsteps and rustling fabric, further enhancing their ability to remain undetected while sneaking or moving stealthily.

Cost and Rarity: The Shadow Veil Cloak is a valuable and sought-after item due to its enchantments and unique properties. (2,000 to 3000 gold) The cost of obtaining such a cloak would be relatively high compared to regular cloaks or garments, reflecting its magical nature and enhanced stealth capabilities. It may require the expertise of skilled craftsmen, rare materials, or access to sources of shadow magic during its creation.

The Shadow Veil Cloak is an exceptional tool for characters who rely on stealth, subterfuge, or covert operations. Its abilities to enhance stealth, provide shadowmeld, and dampen sound make it an invaluable asset for rogues, assassins, and any character who relies on remaining unseen and undetected. It adds a layer of intrigue and tactical advantage to the wearer, allowing them to navigate through the shadows with ease.

The Shadow Veil Cloak is a rare and valuable item in the world of Saṃsāra, available in various specialized shops catering to different clientele. Depending on the location, the cost and methods of acquisition can vary greatly.

• Mystic Enclaves
  • Found in secluded cities like the floating Zephyrstone Islands or hidden grottos beneath the world, these enclaves house masters of arcane and shadowcraft. Here, items like the Shadow Veil Cloak are woven by expert enchanters.
  • Cost: 3,000 gold
  • Acquisition: Buyers must gain access to the enclave by earning the favor of its secretive mages or bartering with rare ingredients like Zephyrstone or enchanted shadow silk. Often, purchases require both gold and service to the enclave’s cause.
• Black Markets
  • In the bustling underbellies of major cities, such as Valesky or Blackwatch, black markets thrive where items of dubious origin, including the Shadow Veil Cloak, are traded by smugglers or rogue merchants. These items are often stolen or “liberated” from previous owners.
  • Cost: 2,000–2,500 gold
  • Acquisition: Buyers must negotiate discreetly, often with coin, trade of other illicit goods, or favors. Prices can fluctuate based on scarcity, demand, and the skill of the buyer in haggling. Beware, as these deals carry risks, and traders may insist on a swift, untraceable exchange.
• Guild Quartermasters
  • Assassin and rogue guilds in cities like Raven’s Edge or Shadowsun may keep a small inventory of enchanted gear for their members. The Shadow Veil Cloak would be available through guild quartermasters, used by assassins, thieves, and covert operatives.
  • Cost: 2,200–2,800 gold
  • Acquisition: Only guild members are allowed to purchase such items. Payment can include a combination of gold, completed missions, or guild loyalty points. Non-members may acquire the cloak by either buying it through a trusted member or proving themselves to the guild.
• Antique Dealers and Curio Shops
  • In quaint, labyrinthine districts of older cities like Deepmar or Skyridge, curio shops specializing in old and mystical artifacts occasionally carry a Shadow Veil Cloak. These dealers tend to cater to scholars and collectors.
  • Cost: 2,500–3,000 gold
  • Acquisition: Such cloaks are treated as rare finds. Shopkeepers often demand full payment in gold, though bartering with ancient relics or lore may reduce the price. Haggling is usually welcome, as dealers appreciate buyers with knowledge of their wares’ true value.
• Noble Courts and Auction Houses
  • In the elite noble courts of Elderspire or Silverhold, wealthy collectors and aristocrats often attend grand auctions where rare magical items, including the Shadow Veil Cloak, are sold.
  • Cost: 3,000+ gold (subject to bidding wars)
  • Acquisition: The cloak may be presented as a showpiece item, where bidders vie for its ownership. The buyer must be prepared for a high cost, as nobles and other wealthy bidders frequently drive prices higher. Influence within noble circles or sponsorship from powerful patrons can provide an edge in securing the cloak.

The Shadow Veil Cloak offers unique tactical advantages in both defense and offense, especially in environments rich in shadows or dim light. Its enchantments and properties make it ideal for characters engaged in stealthy, covert operations. Here’s how the cloak would be used in various environments for defense and offense during roleplay in Saṃsāra:

• Urban Environment
  • Defense: In the crowded streets and narrow alleys of bustling cities like Valesky or Blackwatch, the cloak allows the wearer to disappear into the shadows of buildings, alcoves, or market stalls. When pursued by guards or rival rogues, the wearer can activate the Shadowmeld ability, blending seamlessly into darkened corners or between structures. This would grant advantage on Stealth checks, making it nearly impossible for pursuers to locate the wearer. The Sound Dampening feature also mutes footfalls on cobblestone streets, making escape silent and efficient.
  • Offense: In urban settings where tight quarters and narrow passageways offer many hiding places, the cloak can be used to silently stalk a target. The wearer might approach an unsuspecting foe, remaining undetected until the perfect moment for an ambush. The Stealth Enhancement allows for precise positioning before striking from the shadows. Assassins could use the cloak to infiltrate well-guarded manors, silently eliminating targets before slipping away unnoticed.
• Dense Forests or Wilderness
  • Defense: In the dense forests of Ravenwood or the wilderness surrounding the Zephyrstone Islands, where dappled sunlight filters through the thick canopy, the wearer can easily fade into the shifting light and shadow created by the trees. The cloak enhances their ability to remain unseen by predators, rival adventurers, or creatures hunting them. It also aids in evading detection by woodland creatures that rely on sight and sound to hunt or alert others.
  • Offense: When lying in ambush, the cloak allows the wearer to stalk through the underbrush without disturbing the foliage. They can close the distance on their quarry, gaining advantage on attacks due to surprise. Archers or rangers could use the cloak to line up shots from concealed positions, retreating back into cover after firing. Rogues could employ the cloak for hit-and-run tactics, striking from the shadows of trees and vanishing again into the wilderness before enemies can react.
• Caves, Dungeons, or Underground
  • Defense: In the dark, labyrinthine caves and dungeons like the underground caverns of Saṃsāra, where light is scarce and every footstep echoes, the Shadow Veil Cloak becomes an invaluable tool for defense. The wearer can meld into the pitch-black corners of a cave or slip behind natural formations to avoid detection from creatures that rely on darkvision or heightened senses. Its sound-dampening properties allow the wearer to move through such echo-prone environments without alerting enemies. In these cramped, enclosed spaces, the ability to move unnoticed could mean the difference between life and death.
  • Offense: Caves and dungeons are rife with opportunities for sneak attacks. The cloak’s Shadowmeld ability makes it easy for the wearer to evade detection by dungeon guards or lurking monsters. Rogues can use the cloak to approach undetected, neutralizing threats with precise strikes before retreating into darkness. Adventurers can also use the cloak to navigate through enemy territory, taking out key sentries or stealing valuable items without alerting the rest of the dungeon’s inhabitants. In group tactics, the wearer might scout ahead, providing intelligence or eliminating high-value targets before the main party engages.
• Nighttime in Open Areas
  • Defense: On open plains or hills under the cover of night, the Shadow Veil Cloak allows the wearer to use natural shadows to evade detection. While the wearer is vulnerable in open fields during daylight, nighttime offers the perfect cover for blending into the faintest patches of shadow. This is especially effective against patrols or watchmen using torches or lanterns, as the cloak helps the wearer remain outside the light’s radius while staying hidden in the darkness.
  • Offense: When staging an ambush in an open area at night, the wearer can use the cloak to close the distance on unsuspecting enemies. Moving from shadow to shadow, they can bypass sentries or scouts, positioning themselves in the best possible location to initiate an attack. A well-placed strike can throw enemy formations into chaos, with the wearer disappearing back into the night before a counterattack can be mounted.
• Battlefields or War Zones
  • Defense: On a chaotic battlefield, the Shadow Veil Cloak may be used to avoid detection by enemy archers, spellcasters, or commanding officers. As shadows are cast from smoke, debris, and the movement of large objects, the wearer can move across the battlefield without being easily spotted. The wearer could also slip away from combat or hide among the dead and wounded, evading pursuers who might seek to finish them off. The cloak’s sound dampening makes it easy to move undetected amidst the clamor of war.
  • Offense: In the confusion of battle, the cloak provides a unique opportunity to strike from the flanks or rear, particularly in engagements where enemy forces are focused elsewhere. Rogues or skirmishers wearing the cloak can weave through the chaos, picking off important targets such as enemy officers, mages, or even sabotage siege weapons. By using the cloak to become nearly invisible amid the noise and movement, the wearer can execute devastating sneak attacks and disrupt enemy strategies.
• Sailing and Nautical Environments
  • Defense: On board a ship or while navigating coastal cliffs at night, the cloak allows the wearer to blend into the shadows of the rigging, sails, or rocks. Pirates, naval officers, or adventurers can use the cloak to slip undetected across enemy vessels during boarding actions or reconnaissance missions. The ability to move silently on creaky wooden decks or across slippery rocks provides a critical defensive advantage.
  • Offense: Aboard a ship, the wearer of the Shadow Veil Cloak can carry out silent sabotage, disabling rigging or silently eliminating enemies in the shadows of the hold or the crow’s nest. On coastal raids or during naval skirmishes, they might swim ashore under the cover of darkness, moving unseen to sabotage enemy fortifications or ambush sentries. The cloak offers a significant advantage when operating in stealth-based maritime missions, such as boarding enemy vessels or staging covert landings.

In every environment, the Shadow Veil Cloak amplifies the wearer’s ability to exploit darkness and shadows for defense and offense, offering a strategic edge in any situation where stealth, evasion, or surprise attacks are key.

Perception of Activation: When the Shadow Veil Cloak is activated, the wearer and nearby observers experience distinct sensory and extra-sensory perceptions. These perceptions heighten the mystique and power of the cloak, offering both advantages and potential drawbacks.

• Sight
  • Wearer’s View: The environment around the wearer appears dimmed, as if a veil of shadow has fallen over the surroundings. Colors become muted, and bright lights seem to dull in intensity. Objects, especially those in dim light, blend into the shadows, making it harder to distinguish fine details. The cloak itself appears to blur and flow like smoke, melting into the environment. This gives the wearer an intuitive sense of camouflage.
    • Positive: The wearer feels nearly invisible, emboldened by their ability to move unseen, and has an enhanced awareness of shadowy areas to blend into.
    • Negative: The darkened vision can make it difficult for the wearer to distinguish between friend or foe in poorly lit environments, potentially leading to disorientation or confusion in combat.
  • Observers’ View: To onlookers, the cloak becomes hard to focus on, as though it were a dark shimmer in the corner of their eye. The wearer seems to flicker in and out of sight, becoming a faint blur against backgrounds with shadows. If someone looks directly at the wearer, their silhouette may seem to dissolve into the surroundings.
    • Positive: For allies, this effect makes it clear that the cloak is working, offering reassurance that the wearer is safely hidden.
    • Negative: For foes, it creates an eerie and disorienting visual effect, but keen-eyed opponents might detect movement by watching for slight disturbances in the surroundings.
• Sound
  • Wearer’s Perception: All external sounds become muffled, as though a thick blanket has fallen over the world. Footsteps, rustling clothes, and even the breathing of the wearer are dampened, making them feel enveloped in a cloak of silence. The wearer’s awareness of their own noise diminishes, instilling a sense of confidence in their stealth.
    • Positive: This near-silence grants the wearer greater stealth, allowing them to move undetected, even in environments with echo-prone surfaces like caves or tunnels.
    • Negative: The muffling of external sounds can reduce the wearer’s awareness of threats, such as approaching enemies or environmental hazards, making them vulnerable to surprise attacks.
  • Observers’ Perception: To those nearby, the wearer’s movement seems unnaturally quiet. The usual clinks of armor, creaks of leather, or footsteps are nearly absent, replaced by a faint whisper of air that barely registers on the senses.
    • Positive: In combat, the wearer’s movements will be harder to track by sound, especially for those relying on hearing to locate opponents.
    • Negative: An eerie sense of unnatural silence around the wearer can tip off experienced opponents that something is awry.
• Touch
  • Wearer’s Perception: The cloak feels impossibly light, as though it were made of pure air or shadow. As the magic activates, the fabric seems to meld into the wearer’s skin, becoming an extension of their own body. A cool sensation spreads across the wearer’s skin, as though standing in a gentle breeze that chills but doesn’t harm.
    • Positive: This sensation enhances the wearer’s sense of agility, making them feel lighter, quicker, and more nimble in their movements. Obstacles like walls or low branches feel less obstructive as the wearer moves with ease.
    • Negative: The cooling effect may become uncomfortable over time, particularly in cold environments, causing the wearer to feel slightly chilled and distracted.
  • Observers’ Perception: The wearer seems to glide effortlessly over surfaces. Movements appear smooth, with no heavy footsteps or stumbling over obstacles.
    • Positive: For allies, the wearer’s agility and grace provide reassurance that they are moving without detection.
    • Negative: The wearer’s unnatural grace might unsettle onlookers, creating an uncanny sense of watching something not entirely human.
• Smell
  • Wearer’s Perception: The air around the wearer takes on a subtle metallic scent, mixed with the faint smell of damp earth or freshly fallen rain. This olfactory shift is almost imperceptible but serves as a subtle reminder of the cloak’s magical nature.
    • Positive: This faint change in smell enhances the wearer’s sense of connection to their surroundings, as they become more aware of the subtleties in the air.
    • Negative: In enclosed environments, the smell may intensify, becoming distracting or disorienting over time.
  • Observers’ Perception: The air near the wearer may carry a faint, barely noticeable metallic or ozone-like scent, especially when standing close. Most would not detect this change unless specifically attuned to their environment.
    • Positive: The scent is subtle enough that most opponents would not notice it, leaving the wearer’s stealth largely undisturbed.
    • Negative: Creatures with heightened senses of smell might pick up on the shift and become suspicious of the cloaked figure’s presence.
• Taste
  • Wearer’s Perception: Activating the cloak leaves a slightly bitter, metallic taste on the wearer’s tongue, akin to tasting iron or a faint tang of ozone. This sensation is subtle but ever-present, reminding the wearer of the cloak’s connection to the ethereal plane.
    • Positive: This faint taste keeps the wearer aware of the cloak’s ongoing magic, providing reassurance that the cloak’s power is still active.
    • Negative: The taste can be distracting or unpleasant, particularly in situations requiring focus, such as long-term scouting or stealth missions.
• Extra-Sensory Perceptions
  • Magical Awareness: When activated, the wearer feels a subtle hum or vibration of magical energy emanating from the cloak. It pulses in sync with their own heartbeat, providing a sense of deep connection with the magic of shadows. This awareness heightens the wearer’s sense of timing, as they instinctively know when to step or when to remain perfectly still within the shadows.
    • Positive: This heightened awareness enhances the wearer’s ability to use the cloak to its fullest potential, timing their movements with precision.
    • Negative: Over-reliance on this magical sense may dull other important instincts, such as sensing non-magical threats.
  • Shadow Intuition: The wearer gains an almost supernatural sense of the presence and direction of nearby shadows. The closer a shadow, the more the wearer instinctively feels pulled towards it, as though guided by an unseen force.
    • Positive: This gives the wearer a powerful advantage in remaining concealed and knowing the optimal spots to hide.
    • Negative: This pull towards shadows can sometimes lead the wearer into dangerous or unfamiliar areas, potentially trapping them if they rely too much on the cloak’s influence.
  • Temporal Displacement: In rare moments, especially when moving through large areas of darkness, the wearer may experience a fleeting sense of temporal distortion. Time seems to slow for a brief instant, allowing the wearer to see the subtle movements of enemies more clearly or plan their next steps more deliberately.
    • Positive: This gives the wearer a tactical advantage in chaotic situations, enabling them to react faster to threats or opportunities.
    • Negative: This temporary shift in perception can lead to disorientation if overused or if the wearer becomes too reliant on it.
• Positives
  • Near-invisibility in shadows and dim light.
  • Advantage on Stealth checks due to sound dampening and shadowmeld abilities.
  • Enhanced awareness of darkened areas, making it easier to navigate stealthily.
  • Light, agile feeling that boosts movement and fluidity.
  • Magical intuition that helps with timing and hiding.
• Negatives
  • Darkened vision and muffled sound can reduce environmental awareness, potentially leaving the wearer vulnerable.
  • Sensory distractions, such as a metallic taste or chilling touch, could become discomforting during prolonged use.
  • Reliance on shadowed areas may limit the cloak’s effectiveness in brightly lit environments.
  • Extra-sensory perceptions can pull the wearer toward dangerous areas or cause disorientation during temporal distortions.

The Shadow Veil Cloak offers an array of heightened senses and magical awareness that enhance stealth and evasion but also comes with potential drawbacks that could challenge the wearer in certain conditions.

Crafting Recipe: Shadow Veil Cloak

• Materials Needed
  • Ethereal Shadow Threads (500 yards) Gathered from a Shadow Weaver found in dim light areas, such as shadowed forests or deep caves, where shadows take on physical form. These threads are required to give the cloak its shadow-melding abilities.
  • Void Silk Fabric (3 square yards) A rare, silky fabric spun from the webs of Void Spiders, creatures dwelling in the ethereal plane. This fabric provides the cloak’s light and flowing quality.
  • Obsidian Dust (1 pound) Ground from Ebon Obsidian, a black stone found in volcanic regions. This dust is used to enchant the cloak and enhance its sound-dampening properties.
  • Moonstone Shards (4 pieces) Collected from meteorite impacts or mystical deposits, moonstone shards enhance the cloak’s magical resonance and its connection to shadow magic.
  • Essence of Darkness (1 vial) Harvested from Shadow Elementals or created by distilling pure darkness during a new moon. This vial of concentrated darkness is used to activate the cloak’s shadowmeld ability.
  • Nightshade Blossoms (12 flowers) Poisonous flowers that only bloom in total darkness, found in hidden groves. These blossoms provide the necessary magical energy for blending the wearer into shadows.
  • Silver Thread (10 feet) Used for reinforcing and binding the magical properties of the cloak, silver thread enhances the durability and conductivity of magic through the fabric.
• Tools Required
  • Enchanter’s Loom
    • A specialized loom imbued with arcane runes for weaving magical materials.
  • Alchemical Cauldron
    • For distilling the Essence of Darkness and preparing the Obsidian Dust infusion.
  • Moonlight Needle
    • A sewing needle crafted from Celestial Silver, used to stitch the Void Silk and bind magical energies.
  • Shadow Infuser
    • A magical device used to infuse shadow-based energy into the fabric.
  • Mortal & Pestle (Obsidian)
    • Used to grind the Ebon Obsidian into fine dust.
• Skill Requirements
  • Mastery in Tailoring (Expert Level) A high level of tailoring skill is necessary to handle delicate materials like Void Silk and Ethereal Shadow Threads.
  • Proficiency in Enchantment (Intermediate Level) The enchanter must be skilled in working with shadow magic, especially for infusing the Essence of Darkness and moonstone shards.
  • Alchemy Knowledge (Basic Level) Needed to properly distill and handle the Essence of Darkness without destabilizing its energy.
  • Knowledge of Shadow Elementals: Experience in working with or harvesting materials from Shadow Elementals, as this knowledge is crucial for acquiring the Essence of Darkness.
• Crafting Steps
  • Prepare the Void Silk
    • Lay out the Void Silk fabric on the Enchanter’s Loom. Begin stretching and smoothing it into the base form of the cloak. The fabric must be prepared under dim lighting to maintain its ethereal nature. Ensure that it remains undamaged and retains its light, flowing quality.
  • Weave Ethereal Shadow Threads
    • Using the Moonlight Needle and Silver Thread, begin weaving the Ethereal Shadow Threads into the Void Silk. These threads must be sewn in an intricate swirling pattern resembling flowing shadows, carefully binding them with silver thread to ensure the cloak’s durability. This process enhances the stealth properties, giving the wearer the ability to blend into shadows.
  • Grind and Infuse Obsidian Dust
    • Use the obsidian mortar and pestle to grind the Ebon Obsidian into a fine dust. Then, in the Alchemical Cauldron, carefully mix the Obsidian Dust with a few drops of the Essence of Darkness. Stir slowly over a low magical flame until the mixture becomes a viscous, shimmering black paste.
    • Once ready, apply this paste across the seams of the cloak using the Moonlight Needle. This will grant the sound-dampening properties to the cloak, allowing the wearer to move silently.
  • Embed the Moonstone Shards
    • Set the four Moonstone Shards into specific points along the edges of the cloak—one near the hood, two along the shoulders, and one at the hem. The shards must be carefully stitched into place using the silver thread. Their placement channels the magical resonance that activates the cloak’s shadowmeld ability.
  • Distill and Infuse Essence of Darkness
    • In a controlled alchemical environment, distill the Essence of Darkness under the light of a new moon, adding a few crushed Nightshade Blossoms to stabilize the mixture. Once prepared, use the Shadow Infuser to magically blend the Essence of Darkness into the fabric of the cloak, charging it with shadow magic.
    • This step gives the cloak its primary enchantment—shadowmeld—allowing the wearer to blend into dimly lit environments and avoid detection.
  • Final Enchanting and Finishing Touches
    • After the Essence of Darkness is infused, hang the cloak in an arcane chamber under the light of a waxing crescent moon. Perform a ritual chant invoking the power of shadows and the veil between worlds. This final enchanting step will stabilize the cloak’s magic, ensuring that the cloak retains its stealth enhancements and magical properties permanently.
  • Inspection and Testing
    • Once the ritual is complete, inspect the cloak for any imperfections. Test the shadowmeld ability by donning the cloak and moving through a dimly lit area to ensure the enchantments activate correctly. The cloak should respond seamlessly to the presence of shadows, making the wearer nearly invisible in low-light conditions.
• Crafting Time
  • Tailoring and Weaving: 5 days
  • Enchanting and Infusing: 3 days
  • Ritual and Final Touches: 1 day
  • Total Crafting Time: 9 days

By following these steps, a skilled enchanter and tailor can successfully craft the Shadow Veil Cloak, a highly prized item that grants stealth and shadow-based advantages to its wearer.

Tale of the Cloak of Vanished Light

Long ago, in times older than the dust upon the mountains, there was a cloak made by hands not of men but of the shadows themselves. It was said, or perhaps whispered, that the cloak was not woven by any mortal or godly weaver, but by darkness when it gathered under the earth where no sunlight reached. In those lands, there lived a woman known only as Velka, who walked between light and shadow.

Velka was a daughter of the night and a seeker of that which does not want to be found. She was small in stature but her steps made no noise, and her eyes could see even where there was no light. She heard of a cave far beyond the edge of the world, where shadows lived like water and could be gathered as cloth. In her heart, she desired this cloth, for with it, she believed she would no longer need to hide from the hunters who stalked her people in the day.

And so Velka journeyed to the cave, where time forgot the sky, and there she found the pool of shadows. It was as dark as the bottom of the night and cold like the breath of stone. From the pool she took the threads of darkness and, with no loom, began to weave them into a cloak with her bare hands. Each stitch was slow, for the shadows were alive and slippery, not wanting to stay in one place for long. Her fingers bled as the shadows fought her, but Velka did not stop.

The cloak, when finished, was not seen by mortal eyes, for it became part of the shadows. Velka wrapped herself in it and vanished from the world of men. For many moons, she roamed unseen, walking unseen past the camps of hunters and creeping into the halls of kings. But the cloak, it is said, carried a curse hidden deep within its folds. The more Velka used the cloak to remain hidden, the more she became a part of the shadow.

Over time, her body grew light, her feet no longer touched the ground, and her voice became no more than a breeze that carried the memory of speech. Even her name was forgotten, replaced with the name Velleka, which means “no more” in the old tongues of her people. And so it was that she became one with the cloak, and the cloak with the night. Neither was seen again, but in the quiet places where light fears to reach, travelers still whisper of her shadow walking unseen among them.

The cloak, now called the Cloak of Vanished Light, was said to pass from hand to hand in hidden ways. None who wore it stayed long in the light, and all who donned it were eventually claimed by the shadows.

Moral of the Story: To vanish from the sight of others is to vanish from oneself, for in seeking to escape the world’s eye, one may lose their own reflection in the darkness.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Shadow Veil Cloak

• Description: A cloak woven from ethereal shadows, it grants the wearer an uncanny ability to blend into darkness and move unnoticed. However, prolonged use may lead to strange side effects, including psychological and physical detachment.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Stealth Bonus: +20% to Stealth rolls while in dim light or shadows.
  • Sanity Loss: Prolonged use (more than 1 hour) may cause the wearer to lose 1D3 Sanity points as the darkness begins to affect their mind.
  • Phasing: Once per day, the wearer may phase into a shadowy form for 1D6 rounds, becoming nearly invisible but unable to physically interact with the world (opponents need a successful Spot Hidden roll with a penalty die to notice the wearer). Any interaction breaks the effect.
  • Movement Silencing: The cloak silences the wearer’s movement, making it impossible to detect through sound in normal conditions.
• Drawback: Each time the cloak is worn, the wearer must make a POW roll. On a failed roll, the wearer becomes more detached from the real world, imposing a -5% penalty to their Charm and Persuade skills for 24 hours.
• Value: High (if sanity and safety are ignored).

Blades in the Dark

Shadow Veil Cloak

• Item Type: Fine Cloak (2 Load)
• Description: A fine cloak made of shadowy material that melds with the darkness, granting the wearer unparalleled stealth in low-light environments.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Fine Quality: Grants the wearer +1d to rolls involving stealth or concealment in dim light or darkness.
  • Shadowmeld: When in complete darkness, the wearer becomes invisible, as long as they are not moving quickly or interacting with the environment. The cloak functions as if using the “Ghost Veil” ability (3 stress to use) once per score.
  • Silent Steps: The wearer’s movements are muffled, reducing their noise to almost nothing. This allows the wearer to bypass sound-based traps or avoid detection by guards. +1d to Prowl rolls that involve moving quietly.
• Attunement Drawback: Prolonged use of the cloak (over multiple scores) may begin to draw the wearer toward the ghost field. A Clock (4 segments) may begin to tick if the cloak is used excessively, leading to strange encounters or ghostly interference.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Shadow Veil Cloak

• Wondrous Item (Uncommon, Requires Attunement)
• Description: This dark cloak, woven from ethereal threads, grants the wearer the ability to blend into the shadows and move silently, making them nearly impossible to detect in dim light or darkness.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Stealth Enhancement: The wearer gains advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made while in dim light or darkness.
  • Shadowmeld: While in dim light or darkness, the wearer can use a bonus action to become invisible until they move or take an action.
  • Silent Movement: The cloak dampens all sounds made by the wearer. Creatures have disadvantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing to detect the wearer.
• Drawback: Each time the cloak is worn for more than 1 hour, the wearer must make a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or suffer disadvantage on Wisdom (Insight) checks for the next 24 hours due to their growing detachment from the real world.
• Rarity: Uncommon
• Attunement: Required

Knave

Shadow Veil Cloak

• Item Type: Magical Clothing
• Description: A cloak crafted from shadowy threads, this garment allows the wearer to fade into the darkness and move without making a sound.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Stealth Bonus: The wearer gains +2 to all Stealth-related rolls when in darkness or dim light.
  • Shadowmeld: Once per day, the wearer can vanish into shadows, becoming invisible as long as they do not attack or interact with the environment. This effect lasts for 1d6 rounds.
  • Soundless Steps: While wearing the cloak, the wearer’s footsteps and movements are silent, granting them a +2 bonus to rolls related to moving quietly.
• Drawback: The cloak is cursed. Each time the cloak is worn, the user must make a Will save (DC 14). On a failure, they take a -1 penalty to a random stat for 24 hours, representing their gradual dissociation from reality.
• Encumbrance: 1 Slot

Fate Core System

Shadow Veil Cloak

• Aspect: “Woven from Shadows”
• The cloak grants the wearer a shadowy presence, making them harder to detect and enhancing stealth abilities.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Invoke: The wearer can invoke the Woven from Shadows aspect to gain a +2 on Stealth or Deceive rolls when attempting to move unseen or mislead others in dim light or darkness.
  • Create an Advantage: Once per session, the wearer can automatically create an advantage when hiding in shadows, such as “Practically Invisible” or “Blended into the Darkness.”
  • Compel: The GM can compel the Woven from Shadows aspect to have the cloak’s power start to pull the wearer deeper into a shadowy existence, causing distrust from others or making the wearer feel detached from reality.
• Drawback: Prolonged use of the cloak might cause the wearer to gain temporary aspects like “Lurking in the Shadows” that affect their interactions with others in the light.

Numenera & Cypher System

Shadow Veil Cloak

• Level: 4
• Description: This cloak, made of shadowy threads from an ancient world, grants the wearer the ability to blend into shadows and move in silence.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Stealth: The wearer gains an asset to all Speed-based stealth rolls while in dim light or darkness.
  • Shadowmeld: As an action, the wearer can spend 2 Intellect points to become invisible while standing in dim light or shadows. This effect lasts for 10 minutes or until the wearer moves to a brightly lit area.
  • Silent Movement: While wearing the cloak, the wearer does not make noise, gaining an asset on rolls that involve moving silently.
  • Depletion: Each time the cloak is used to become invisible, roll 1d20. On a result of 1, the cloak loses its magical properties until it is recharged by an artifact or shadow-based Numenera device.
• Drawback: After using the cloak for an extended time, the wearer may start to suffer from reality warping, represented by an increasing difficulty (1 step) on all social interactions for 24 hours.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

Shadow Veil Cloak

• Item Type: Wondrous Item, Uncommon (Requires Attunement)
• Description: A dark, ethereal cloak that allows the wearer to blend into the shadows and move silently, becoming nearly impossible to detect in dim light.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Stealth Bonus: The wearer gains a +2 item bonus to Stealth checks in dim light or darkness.
  • Shadowmeld: The wearer can use the Shadowmeld ability once per day. As a single action, the wearer becomes invisible for 1 minute while they remain in an area of dim light or darkness. The invisibility ends if the wearer attacks or casts a spell.
  • Silent Steps: The cloak dampens the wearer’s movement. They gain a +2 item bonus to avoid triggering noise-based traps or alarms.
  • Heightened (Level 10): The wearer can use Shadowmeld twice per day and gains darkvision while wearing the cloak.
• Drawback: After using the Shadowmeld ability, the wearer must make a DC 18 Will save. On a failure, they gain the Frightened 1 condition for 1 hour due to the disorienting effects of stepping into shadow.

Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)

Shadow Veil Cloak

• Item Type: Magic Item
• Description: This cloak is made of shadowy material, giving the wearer the power to blend into the darkness and move without making a sound.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Stealth Bonus: The wearer gains a +2 bonus to Stealth rolls while in dim light or darkness.
  • Invisibility (Shadowmeld): As an action, the wearer can become invisible for 5 rounds while in an area of dim light or darkness. This ability can be used once per session. The wearer becomes visible if they attack, run, or interact with an object.
  • Silent Steps: The cloak muffles all sounds made by the wearer, giving them a +1 bonus to any rolls made to avoid detection by hearing.
• Drawback: Each time the cloak is activated, the wearer must make a Spirit roll (TN 4). On a failure, they become Shaken as their senses begin to blur between shadow and reality.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Shadow Veil Cloak

• Item Type: Magical Clothing (Restricted)
• Description: This cloak, woven from threads of shadow, is imbued with magic that allows the wearer to blend into darkness and avoid detection.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Stealth Bonus: Grants the wearer a +3 dice pool bonus to Sneaking tests in areas with dim or no light.
  • Shadowmeld: The wearer can use the cloak to become invisible while in darkness or dim light. This grants a +4 dice pool bonus to Stealth tests for 10 minutes (or until they interact with an object or attack). This effect is treated as a sustained spell with a Force of 4.
  • Sound Dampening: The wearer’s movements are muffled, reducing noise. Opponents suffer a -2 dice pool penalty on Perception tests to hear the wearer.
  • Drain: After using the Shadowmeld ability, the wearer must resist (Force 4) Drain as if they had cast a sustained spell.
• Availability: 12F
• Cost: 25,000¥

Starfinder

Shadow Veil Cloak

• Item Type: Worn Magic Item
• Level: 7
• Price: 7,000 credits
• Bulk: L (Light)
• Description: This dark cloak is infused with shadow magic, enabling the wearer to blend into dim light and darkness.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Stealth Bonus: Grants a +4 enhancement bonus to Stealth checks made in areas of dim light or darkness.
  • Shadowmeld: Once per day, as a standard action, the wearer can become invisible in areas of dim light or darkness. This effect lasts for 10 minutes or until the wearer takes a hostile action. This invisibility functions as per the Invisibility spell but is limited to shadowy environments.
  • Sound Dampening: The cloak muffles sound, granting a +2 bonus to Stealth checks to avoid detection by creatures using auditory senses.
• Drawback: After using Shadowmeld, the wearer takes a -1 penalty to Will saving throws for 1 hour as their connection to reality becomes unstable.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Shadow Veil Cloak

• Item Type: Exotic Gear
• Tech Level: TL 14
• Description: This advanced cloak uses nanotechnology and exotic materials to manipulate light and sound, allowing the wearer to blend into shadows and move silently.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Stealth Modifier: Grants a +2 DM to all Stealth checks made in low-light or dark environments.
  • Shadowmeld: Once per day, the wearer can activate the cloak to become invisible in shadowy environments for up to 10 minutes. This functions as if the wearer were using active camouflage technology, providing a -4 DM to anyone attempting to detect them with sensors or visual scanning in darkness.
  • Silent Movement: The cloak reduces all noise made by the wearer, granting a +1 DM to any checks to avoid sound-based detection.
  • Power Supply: The cloak requires a small power cell to function, with enough charge for 12 hours of use before needing recharging.
• Drawback: Prolonged use (more than 1 hour continuously) imposes a cumulative -1 DM to Social interactions due to disorientation caused by the cloak’s reality-blurring effects.

Warhammer 40k (Wrath & Glory)

Shadow Veil Cloak

• Item Type: Rare Artifact
• Tier: 2
• Rarity: 6
• Keywords: Stealth, Relic
• Description: This relic is crafted from ancient materials rumored to have been forged in the Warp itself. It allows the wearer to fade into shadows, becoming nearly impossible to detect.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Stealth Bonus: Grants the wearer +2d to Stealth tests while in dim light or darkness.
  • Shadowmeld: Once per scene, the wearer can activate the cloak to blend into shadows. For 10 rounds, enemies suffer a +2 DN penalty to locate the wearer using vision or hearing. This ability counts as a Minor Action.
  • Silent Movement: The wearer’s footsteps and movements are muffled. Any Awareness tests to hear the wearer suffer a +1 DN penalty.
  • Corruption: Each time the cloak is used, the wearer must make a Corruption test (DN 3). Failure results in 1 Corruption Point as the cloak slowly pulls the user’s soul toward the Warp.
• Value: 5,000 Throne Gelt