Shadowcloak Cloak

From: Aetherborne

Lore: The Shadowcloak Cloak possesses a mysterious and intriguing lore. Legends tell of a secretive guild of Aetherborne assassins who mastered the art of manipulating shadows and harnessing the power of darkness. These skilled individuals wove the cloak from shadowy threads infused with Aetherborne energy, imbuing it with the ability to grant its wearer unparalleled stealth and protection. It is said that those who don the Shadowcloak Cloak become one with the shadows, their movements undetectable and their presence obscured.

Use: The Shadowcloak Cloak serves as a powerful tool for those who operate in stealth and rely on the element of surprise. When worn, the cloak allows the creature to blend seamlessly into the shadows, granting them a significant advantage on Stealth checks. By manipulating the shadowy threads infused with Aetherborne energy, the cloak shrouds the wearer in darkness, making it difficult for others to perceive or track their movements.

Additionally, the Shadowcloak Cloak provides a small bonus to the creature’s Armor Class (AC) when they are targeted by ranged attacks. The cloak’s shadowy properties create an elusive and shifting aura around the wearer, making it harder for projectiles to find their mark. This bonus to AC provides an extra layer of defense specifically against ranged weapons, enhancing the wearer’s resilience against such attacks.

Values:

• Level:  Tier 1
• Stats Modifiers: None
• Skills gained:
  • Stealth: Proficient
• Cost: 600 gold pieces
• Tags: Light Armor, Aetherborne, Stealth, Ranged Defense, Assassin’s Gear, Shadow Manipulation, Elusive, Undetectable, Legendary, Guild Relic, Dark Infusion, Protective Veil, Master crafted, Whispering Fabric

The Shadowcloak Cloak does not provide any direct modification to the creature’s level 1 stats. However, it grants proficiency in the Stealth skill, allowing the wearer to move silently and hide effectively. This proficiency provides a bonus to related ability checks, enabling the wearer to navigate through the shadows with expertise.

In terms of cost, the Shadowcloak Cloak is considered valuable due to its rare materials and the skill required to craft it. It commands a price of 600 gold pieces, reflecting its quality and the benefits it provides to the wearer.

The Shadowcloak Cloak is categorized as light armor, designed to provide stealth and agility rather than heavy protection. It bears the Aetherborne tag, indicating its connection to the Aetherborne lineage. Additionally, the cloak’s properties lend themselves to stealthy activities, denoted by the Stealth tag, granting advantage on related checks. Lastly, the cloak offers a bonus to the wearer’s AC specifically against ranged attacks, emphasized by the Ranged Defense tag, making it an advantageous asset against long-range threats.

In the world of Saṃsāra, the Shadowcloak Cloak, steeped in legend and imbued with Aetherborne power, would command a high price and be sought after by assassins, rogues, and those who walk the shadowed paths. It would be found in exclusive and clandestine locations, often requiring a degree of reputation or connection to gain access. Here are some potential places where it might be bought and sold, along with their associated cost:

• The Black Lotus Bazaar: Nestled in the heart of the sprawling city of Amaravati, this shadowy market operates under the veil of night. Here, one can find all manner of illicit and rare goods, including magical items and artifacts. The Shadowcloak Cloak would likely be found in the possession of a secretive merchant, perhaps in a hidden alcove or behind a concealed door. The price would be steep, perhaps 1,000 gold pieces or more, and negotiations would be conducted in hushed whispers.
• The Whispering Woods: Deep within the ancient forest, where sunlight struggles to penetrate the dense canopy, dwells a reclusive order of druids known as the Shadow Walkers. They are rumored to possess knowledge of forgotten lore and artifacts, including the Shadowcloak Cloak. To acquire it, one would need to gain their trust, perhaps by completing a dangerous task or proving their dedication to the shadows. The cost might not be monetary, but rather a service or favor that would aid the druids in their mysterious endeavors.
• The Thieves’ Guild: In the bustling port city of Kalinda, the Thieves’ Guild operates a network of underground tunnels and hidden chambers. They traffic in stolen goods and information, and the Shadowcloak Cloak would be a prized possession. To obtain it, one would need to navigate the treacherous world of the Guild, perhaps by completing a high-stakes heist or earning the favor of a powerful figure. The cost would be exorbitant, perhaps 2,000 gold pieces or more, and the transaction would be shrouded in secrecy.
• The Wandering Mystic: Occasionally, a solitary mystic or sage travels the roads of Saṃsāra, peddling their wares from a humble cart or a worn satchel. They might possess knowledge of rare and forgotten items, including the Shadowcloak Cloak. To encounter such a mystic would require luck and perhaps a bit of destiny. The price might be negotiable, depending on the mystic’s whims and the buyer’s ability to barter or offer something of value.

In each of these locations, the cost of the Shadowcloak Cloak would reflect its rarity, power, and the risks involved in acquiring it. It would be a symbol of status and skill, sought after by those who operate in the shadows and value the power of stealth and secrecy.

Shadowcloak Cloak: Roleplay in Defense and Offense

• Defense:
  • Urban Streets: In the bustling city of Amaravati, a thief pursued by guards slips into an alleyway, throwing the Shadowcloak over their shoulders. Instantly, they vanish into the darkness, leaving the guards bewildered and searching fruitlessly. The cloak’s concealment offers a quick escape, turning the crowded streets into an effective hiding place.
  • Dense Forest: An elven scout, clad in the Shadowcloak, observes an orc encampment from the edge of the Whispering Woods. The cloak’s camouflage lets them blend seamlessly with the shadows, their presence undetected even by the sharp-eyed orcs. Should an arrow fly their way, the cloak’s ranged defense offers a chance for the arrow to miss its mark, buying precious seconds to vanish deeper into the woods.
  • Moonlit Desert: A lone traveler, pursued by bandits across the dunes, activates the Shadowcloak. They melt into the long shadows cast by the moonlight, becoming one with the night. The cloak’s deceptive nature makes it difficult for the bandits to pinpoint their quarry, leading to confusion and missed attacks.
• Offense:
  • Noble’s Mansion: A masked assassin, draped in the Shadowcloak, infiltrates a lavish ball in search of their target. The cloak allows them to move unseen among the revelers, observing their mark from the shadows. At the opportune moment, they strike, their attack coming from an unexpected direction, aided by the cloak’s stealth.
  • Ancient Ruins: A group of adventurers, exploring a forgotten temple, encounters a fearsome guardian. One of them, wearing the Shadowcloak, uses its concealment to maneuver unseen, flanking the creature and landing a surprise attack. The cloak not only provides the element of surprise but also allows them to reposition without being detected, keeping the advantage in their favor.
  • Ship’s Deck: A pirate, clad in the Shadowcloak, moves silently across the moonlit deck, approaching a lone guard. The cloak’s stealth allows them to get close without arousing suspicion. With a swift movement, they disarm the guard, disappearing back into the shadows before the alarm can be raised.

The Shadowcloak Cloak is a versatile tool for both defense and offense, offering its wearer the gift of invisibility and the element of surprise. It can be used to escape danger, gather information undetected, or launch devastating attacks from the shadows. Whether in the bustling streets of a city, the depths of a forest, or the vast expanse of a desert, the Shadowcloak empowers its wearer to become a phantom, manipulating the shadows to their will.

Perception of Activation:

• Senses:
  • Sight: The world around you seems to dim slightly, as if a veil of twilight has descended. Shadows deepen, corners grow darker, and details blur at the edges of your vision. The cloak itself, though seemingly unremarkable moments before, now appears to shimmer and shift, its fabric rippling like a pool of dark water.
  • Touch: A cool sensation washes over your skin as the cloak settles around your shoulders. The fabric feels impossibly smooth, like silk spun from moonlight, yet there’s a subtle weight to it, a grounding presence that whispers of hidden power.
  • Hearing: A gentle hush falls over the surroundings. The world’s noises seem muffled, distant, as if you’re observing from behind a thick curtain. Yet within this silence, a new sound emerges – a soft, almost inaudible whisper, like the rustling of leaves in a phantom wind.
  • Smell: A faint, earthy scent fills your nostrils, reminiscent of damp moss and ancient stone. It’s a primal, grounding fragrance, hinting at the cloak’s connection to the shadowy forces of nature.
  • Taste: No discernible taste accompanies the cloak’s activation.
• Extra-Sensory Perceptions:
  • Empathy: You sense a wave of tranquility wash over you, a feeling of detachment from the world’s worries and anxieties. There’s a newfound sense of focus, of purpose, as if the cloak is attuning you to the silent currents of the universe.
  • Aura Sight: To those who can perceive auras, the wearer’s energy field appears to dim and contract, blending seamlessly with the surrounding shadows. It’s as if their very essence is being cloaked in darkness, making them less noticeable, less tangible.
• Positives:
  • Enhanced Stealth: The senses are subtly altered to favor stealth, making it easier to move unnoticed and remain hidden. The muffled sounds, dimmed vision, and grounding sensations all contribute to a heightened sense of awareness and a feeling of oneness with the shadows.
  • Mental Clarity: The cloak’s calming influence helps to focus the mind, enhancing concentration and decision-making abilities. This can be particularly beneficial in high-pressure situations where quick thinking and precise movements are crucial.
  • Protective Aura: The cloak creates a sense of security, as if an unseen barrier is shielding you from prying eyes and hostile intentions. This can boost confidence and reduce anxiety, allowing for more decisive action.
• Negatives:
  • Reduced Sensory Input: The cloak’s effects, while beneficial for stealth, can also slightly impair overall perception. The dimmed vision and muffled sounds might make it harder to detect subtle movements or distant threats.
  • Isolation: The sense of detachment from the world, while empowering, can also lead to feelings of isolation or loneliness. It’s important to maintain a connection to one’s surroundings and allies, even while shrouded in shadow.
  • Dependence: The cloak’s power can be addictive, tempting the wearer to rely on its concealment rather than their own skills and abilities. Over-reliance can lead to complacency and a false sense of security.

Crafting Recipe: The Shadowcloak Cloak

• Materials Needed:
  • Shadowsilk Thread: Harvested from the cocoons of shadowsilk spiders dwelling in lightless caverns. (10 spools)
  • Aether-Infused Ink: Created by distilling the essence of Aetherborne energy into a concentrated liquid. (1 vial)
  • Nightshade Petals: Gathered from the rare nightshade flower that blooms only under the new moon. (50 petals)
  • Weaver’s Needle: A fine needle crafted from obsidian, capable of piercing the delicate shadowsilk threads.
  • Loom: A specialized loom designed for weaving intricate patterns with shadowsilk threads.
• Tools Required:
  • Cauldron: For brewing the Aether-Infused Ink.
  • Mortar and Pestle: To grind the nightshade petals into a fine powder.
  • Mixing Bowl: To combine the nightshade powder with the Aether-Infused Ink.
• Skill Requirements:
  • Weaving: Proficiency required to handle the delicate shadowsilk threads and create the intricate weave of the cloak.
  • Alchemy: Basic knowledge needed to prepare the Aether-Infused Ink.
• Crafting Steps:
  • Prepare the Shadowsilk Threads: Carefully unwind the shadowsilk threads from the spools, ensuring they remain untangled and free of impurities.
  • Brew the Aether-Infused Ink: Combine the Aetherborne essence with a catalyst in the cauldron, following the precise alchemical formula. Heat the mixture over a low flame until it transforms into a shimmering, inky liquid.
  • Infuse the Threads: Dip each shadowsilk thread into the Aether-Infused Ink, allowing it to absorb the magical essence. Lay the threads out to dry in a dark, well-ventilated space.
  • Grind the Nightshade Petals: Using the mortar and pestle, grind the nightshade petals into a fine powder.
  • Create the Binding Agent: Combine the nightshade powder with a small amount of the Aether-Infused Ink in the mixing bowl, creating a thick paste.
  • Weave the Cloak: Set up the loom and begin weaving the infused shadowsilk threads into the desired pattern. Use the binding agent to secure the threads at key points, ensuring the cloak’s structural integrity.
  • Final Touches: Once the weaving is complete, carefully remove the cloak from the loom. Trim any loose threads and gently brush the surface to remove any excess binding agent.
  • Enchant the Cloak: Channel Aetherborne energy into the finished cloak, imbuing it with the power of stealth and ranged defense.

Note: Crafting the Shadowcloak Cloak is a delicate and time-consuming process. Only skilled artisans with access to rare materials and knowledge of Aetherborne magic can hope to recreate this legendary item.

Tale of the Shadow Weaver’s Shroud

In the age before memory, when the world was young and magic flowed freely, there lived a weaver named Anya. She was not a weaver of cloth, but of shadows, able to twist and shape the darkness as others might thread. Anya lived alone in a forest, her cottage nestled deep within the trees, where the sunlight struggled to reach. She spent her days weaving cloaks of shadow, each one imbued with a touch of her magic.

One day, a band of warriors came to Anya’s cottage. They were on a quest to defeat a fearsome dragon that had been terrorizing the land. They had heard of Anya’s skill and hoped she could weave them a cloak that would make them invisible to the dragon’s gaze.

Anya agreed to help, but warned the warriors that the cloak would come at a price. They would have to give up a part of themselves, a piece of their light, in exchange for the power of the shadows. The warriors, desperate to defeat the dragon, agreed to her terms.

Anya spent many days and nights weaving the cloak, drawing upon the deepest shadows of the forest and the essence of the warriors’ own light. When it was finished, the cloak was a thing of beauty, shimmering and shifting like the night sky.

The warriors put on the cloak and set off to face the dragon. They found the beast sleeping in its lair, its massive body curled around a pile of gold. The warriors crept closer, the cloak rendering them invisible even to the dragon’s keen senses.

They attacked, their swords flashing in the dim light. The dragon awoke with a roar, but it could not see its attackers. It lashed out blindly, its claws tearing at the air. The warriors, protected by the cloak, continued their assault, eventually slaying the beast.

They returned to Anya’s cottage, victorious but changed. The cloak had taken its toll, leaving them with a darkness in their hearts that they could not shake. Anya warned them that the power of the shadows was a dangerous thing, and that they must be careful not to let it consume them.

The warriors thanked Anya for her help and left, taking the cloak with them. They went on to perform many brave deeds, but the darkness in their hearts grew with each passing day. Eventually, they succumbed to the shadows, becoming the very monsters they had once fought against.

Moral: Power comes at a price, and the darkness, once embraced, can be difficult to escape.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

• Type: Magical Artifact, Clothing
• Description: A dark cloak woven from unknown materials, providing exceptional stealth and limited protection.
• Sanity Loss: 0/1d4 (upon witnessing its unnatural properties)
• Stats:
  • Stealth: +40%
  • Armor: 1 point vs. ranged attacks only
• Special: While wearing the cloak, the user is difficult to see in shadows or darkness. They gain a +2 bonus to Hide rolls and opponents suffer a -2 penalty to Spot Hidden rolls against them.

Blades in the Dark

• Type: Gear, Attire
• Description: A shadowy cloak that aids in stealth and offers some protection against ranged attacks.
• Effect:
  • Stealth: +1d to Prowl and Skulk actions
  • Armor: +1 Armor against ranged attacks
• Special: When taking cover in shadows or darkness, the wearer gains the Hidden quality until they move or attack.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

• Type: Wondrous Item, Cloak
• Rarity: Uncommon
• Description: A cloak woven from shadows, granting its wearer enhanced stealth and limited protection.
• Properties:
  • Stealth Proficiency: While wearing this cloak, you gain proficiency in the Stealth skill. If you are already proficient, you add double your proficiency bonus to Stealth checks.
  • Shadowy Defense: While wearing this cloak, you gain a +1 bonus to AC against ranged attacks.

Knave

• Type: Armor (Light)
• Description: A dark cloak that provides an edge in stealth and defense against ranged attacks.
• Stats:
  • Armor: 1
  • Stealth: +1
• Special: While in dim light or darkness, the wearer has Advantage on Stealth checks.

Fate Core

• Aspect: Shrouded in Shadow
• Skills: +2 to Stealth, +1 to Physique (when defending against ranged attacks)
• Stunts:
  • Vanish into Darkness: When in dim light or darkness, spend a Fate point to become completely invisible until you attack or move.
  • Shadow Step: Spend a Fate point to move through shadows and emerge in a different location within sight.
  • Eerie Presence: Create an advantage with a Stealth roll to frighten or disorient foes.

Numenera & Cypher System

• Type: Artifact (Cypher)
• Level: 1
• Form: Cloak
• Effect:
  • Stealth: When activated, the user gains +2 to Stealth checks.
  • Defense: When activated, the user gains +1 Armor against ranged attacks.
• Depletion: 1 in 1d6
• Special: The cloak’s effects last for one scene or until the user deactivates it.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

• Type: Wondrous Item, Cloak
• Level: 1
• Price: 600 gp
• Usage: worn
• Bulk: L
• Activate: 1 action (command)
• Effect: The wearer gains a +1 item bonus to Stealth checks. In addition, while the cloak is activated, the wearer gains a +1 circumstance bonus to AC against ranged attacks.

Savage Worlds

• Type: Gear
• Description: A cloak woven from shadows, granting stealth and protection.
• Cost: 300
• Weight: 1
• Stats:
  • Stealth: +2
  • Armor: +1 (vs. ranged attacks only)
• Special: While worn in dim light or darkness, the wearer gains a +2 bonus to Stealth checks.

Shadowrun (Sixth World)

• Type: Gear, Cloak
• Availability: 12R
• Cost: 15,000¥
• Concealability: 6
• Armor: 2 (Ballistic Only)
• Special: The wearer gains +2 dice pool bonus to Stealth tests and a -2 dice pool modifier for others to detect them while in shadows or darkness.

Starfinder

• Type: Technological Item, Cloak
• Level: 1
• Price: 600 credits
• Bulk: L
• Armor Bonus: +1 (against ranged attacks only)
• Special Properties: When worn, the user gains a +2 circumstance bonus to Stealth checks. In areas of dim light or darkness, this bonus increases to +4.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

• Type: Personal Equipment, Cloak
• Cost: 300 Credits
• Weight: 1kg
• Skill Bonus: +1 to Stealth
• Special: While worn in dim light or darkness, the wearer gains a +2 DM to Stealth skill checks. Additionally, they gain a +1 DM to their Armour Value against ranged attacks.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

• Type: Arcane Item, Cloak
• Rarity: Scarce
• Encumbrance: 0
• Special Rules:
  • The wearer gains a +10 bonus to Stealth tests.
  • The wearer gains a 5% chance to completely avoid any single ranged attack that targets them.