Description: The Veil of Eternity is a beautifully crafted cloak made from ethereal silver fabric that shimmers with a faint glow. It is adorned with intricate patterns of celestial constellations, each twinkling with tiny sparkling gemstones. The edges of the cloak are trimmed with shimmering silver threads that seem to dance and sway as if moved by an unseen breeze. When worn, the cloak envelops the wearer in an otherworldly aura, exuding an air of timeless wisdom.
Lore: According to ancient legends, the Veil of Eternity was woven by the hands of celestial weavers, using threads spun from the essence of stars and imbued with the power of the cosmos. It is said that the cloak holds a sliver of the fabric of time itself, granting the wearer glimpses into the past, present, and future. The Veil of Eternity has passed through the hands of countless heroes, chosen by fate to wield its immense power in the face of dire challenges.
Stats:
- Rarity: Very Rare
- Level: Tier 1
- Tags: Celestial Weave, Starlight Essence, Timeless Wisdom, Cosmic Power, Hero’s Mantle, Fate’s Chosen, Prophecy’s Guide, Astral Travel, Necrotic Ward, Ancient Artifact
- Category: Magical Cloak
| Simple passive: (Always on if worn) |
| Armor Class: +1 |
| Attuned passive: (May be continuing or have charges) |
| Ability Score Increase: Wisdom +2 |
| Resistance: The wearer gains resistance against necrotic damage. |
| Attuned actionable: (May be continuing or have charges) |
| Timeless Insight: Once per long rest, the wearer can spend 10 minutes meditating while wearing the cloak to gain visions of the past, present, or future related to a specific question or problem they seek to solve. The visions received are cryptic and symbolic, requiring the wearer’s interpretation and insight to understand their meaning fully. |
| Astral Step: As an action, the wearer can activate the cloak’s magical properties to teleport up to 30 feet to an unoccupied space they can see. Once used, this ability cannot be used again until the wearer completes a long rest. |
Cost: The Veil of Eternity is a rare and sought-after artifact, making it quite valuable. It can be acquired through rare magical auctions, secretive collectors, or as a reward for completing arduous quests. Its price typically ranges between 15,000 to 25,000 gold pieces, depending on the scarcity and demand in the campaign world.
Use: The Veil of Eternity is a versatile item that benefits characters who rely on wisdom-based abilities and seek insights from beyond. Its enhanced armor class and necrotic damage resistance provide a defensive edge in combat. The Wisdom ability score increase amplifies the character’s perception and intuition. The Timeless Insight ability allows the wearer to tap into the fabric of time to gain cryptic knowledge, potentially aiding in unraveling mysteries or solving complex puzzles. The Astral Step ability offers tactical mobility, enabling the wearer to swiftly reposition during combat or overcome obstacles.
The Veil of Eternity is a treasure coveted by sages, seers, and those who crave mastery over time and knowledge. Its acquisition becomes a central point of intrigue, drawing the attention of powerful entities who may desire it for their own purposes.
Given the Veil of Eternity’s exceptional rarity, high price (15,000-25,000 gold pieces), and powerful properties, it wouldn’t be found in typical shops. Instead, acquiring or selling it would likely involve discreet dealings with specialized merchants or organizations:
- Arcane Collectors:
- These individuals would be wealthy connoisseurs of magical artifacts, with extensive knowledge and networks. They might reside in opulent mansions or hidden enclaves, accessible only by invitation or through trusted intermediaries.
- Purchasing: The collector might unveil the Veil in a private chamber, showcasing its shimmering beauty and hinting at its cosmic powers. The price would be steep, likely at the higher end of the range (20,000-25,000 gold pieces), and negotiable only within a narrow margin.
- Selling: Arcane collectors would be keen to acquire the Veil, but their offer would depend on its condition and their current collection. Expect an offer between 12,000-18,000 gold pieces, with potential for a higher price if the collector is particularly eager to possess it.
- Hidden Temples:
- Ancient temples dedicated to deities of knowledge, time, or fate might house the Veil as a sacred relic. Accessing these temples and negotiating with their guardians would be a challenge in itself.
- Purchasing: The temple might require a quest, a donation of significant value, or even a service rendered in exchange for the Veil. The “price” would be more than monetary, involving tests of worthiness or sacrifices.
- Selling: Temples might be reluctant to part with such a relic, but if convinced of the seller’s noble intentions or facing dire circumstances, they might offer sanctuary for the Veil rather than a monetary reward.
- Secret Societies:
- Organizations dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of time and fate might seek the Veil for their own purposes. Contacting these societies and gaining their trust would be risky and require careful maneuvering.
- Purchasing: The society might demand a demonstration of the Veil’s powers, a pledge of allegiance, or even a dangerous task in exchange for its ownership. The price would be steep, potentially involving compromising situations or long-term commitments.
- Selling: Secret societies might be interested in acquiring the Veil, but their offer could involve obligations, oaths, or even threats if the seller hesitates. Expect a price within the range of 15,000-20,000 gold pieces, but with significant strings attached.
- Black Market Auctions:
- While risky, black market auctions catering to the wealthy and powerful could feature the Veil as a prized item. These clandestine events would be shrouded in secrecy and require connections to access.
- Purchasing: The auction would be fiercely competitive, with bids escalating quickly. The final price could far exceed the typical range, potentially reaching 30,000 gold pieces or more if multiple interested parties are present.
- Selling: The black market could offer a quick sale, but the seller would need to be wary of scams, double-crosses, and potential repercussions from the artifact’s previous owners or those who covet its power. Expect a price between 10,000-15,000 gold pieces, but with considerable risks involved.
It’s important to remember that acquiring or selling the Veil of Eternity would be a significant event in the world of Saṃsāra, potentially attracting attention from powerful figures and triggering unforeseen consequences. The price, therefore, extends beyond mere gold pieces, encompassing risks, favors, and potentially even the seller’s freedom or life.
The Veil of Eternity, with its blend of subtle defenses, wisdom enhancement, and time-related abilities, offers unique roleplaying opportunities in both defensive and offensive scenarios across diverse environments. Here’s how a player might utilize it:
- Defensive Roleplay:
- In the midst of a chaotic ambush: As arrows and spells fly, the wearer calmly draws the Veil around them, its shimmering folds deflecting projectiles and weakening the impact of magical attacks. They might whisper a prayer to the celestial weavers, their wisdom amplified by the Veil, guiding their instincts and helping them anticipate enemy movements.
- Facing a fearsome necromancer: When confronted by the chilling aura of undead minions and necrotic energy, the wearer stands firm, the Veil’s resistance to necrotic damage providing a comforting barrier. They might call upon the wisdom granted by the Veil to discern the necromancer’s weaknesses, guiding their allies and bolstering their courage.
- Navigating a treacherous political intrigue: In a court filled with deception and hidden agendas, the wearer discreetly drapes the Veil over their shoulders. Its subtle aura enhances their perception, allowing them to discern subtle cues and uncover lies. They might use their amplified wisdom to navigate the treacherous social landscape, choosing their words carefully and influencing events from the shadows.
- Lost in a labyrinthine dungeon: As the party struggles to find the way forward, the wearer closes their eyes and meditates, drawing upon the Veil’s Timeless Insight. Cryptic visions of the past, present, and future swirl before their inner eye, providing clues to the dungeon’s layout or revealing hidden dangers that lie ahead.
- Offensive Roleplay:
- Confronting a corrupted priest: The wearer dramatically throws back the Veil, revealing their unwavering resolve and the celestial patterns shimmering on its surface. They might deliver a scathing rebuke, their words imbued with the wisdom of ages, shaking the priest’s confidence and exposing their deceit.
- Outmaneuvering a skilled assassin: In a tense chase across rooftops, the wearer activates the Veil’s Astral Step, teleporting short distances to evade the assassin’s attacks and gain a tactical advantage. They might use this ability to appear unexpectedly behind their foe, turning the tables and seizing the initiative.
- Negotiating with a powerful dragon: Standing before the fearsome dragon, the wearer calmly adjusts the Veil, its celestial patterns catching the light and drawing the dragon’s attention. They might engage the dragon in a philosophical discussion, their wisdom amplified by the Veil, earning the dragon’s respect and potentially forging an alliance.
- Unraveling a conspiracy that spans generations: By meditating with the Veil and utilizing its Timeless Insight, the wearer pieces together fragments of historical events, prophecies, and hidden connections. They might use this knowledge to expose the conspirators, predict their next move, and ultimately thwart their plans.
The key is to integrate the Veil’s properties into the character’s actions and dialogue, showcasing its benefits in a way that feels natural and engaging within the context of the scene. By creatively incorporating these elements, players can enhance their roleplaying experience and bring the Veil of Eternity to life in the world of Saṃsāra.
Perception of Activation: Veil of Eternity
- User’s Perspective:
- Sight: The Veil erupts in a dazzling display of shimmering light, the celestial constellations woven into its fabric glowing with vibrant intensity. Rainbow hues dance and swirl around the edges, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle.
- Touch: A surge of energy flows through the wearer’s body, tingling at their fingertips and radiating outwards. The Veil feels lighter and more fluid, as if imbued with an otherworldly grace.
- Hearing: A faint celestial chorus seems to echo in the wearer’s ears, a harmonious blend of ethereal voices that carry whispers of wisdom and forgotten lore.
- Smell: A subtle fragrance of starlight and stardust fills the air, a mystical aroma that awakens the wearer’s senses and invigorates their spirit.
- Taste: A fleeting sweetness lingers on the wearer’s tongue, like a taste of the cosmos itself, hinting at the vast knowledge and power contained within the Veil.
- Extrasensory: The wearer feels a profound connection to the fabric of time and space, a sense of belonging to something far greater than themselves. Glimpses of past, present, and future flit through their mind, offering fleeting insights and premonitions.
- Observer’s Perspective:
- Sight: The Veil’s sudden activation is a breathtaking sight, the shimmering light and swirling colors captivating all who witness it. The celestial constellations etched upon its surface seem to come alive, pulsing with an inner energy.
- Hearing: A faint, ethereal hum emanates from the Veil, a sound that resonates with the observer’s soul, stirring a sense of awe and wonder.
- Extrasensory: Those sensitive to magical energies may perceive a powerful aura radiating from the Veil, a tangible manifestation of its immense power and hidden secrets.
- Positives:
- The activation process is visually stunning, creating a captivating spectacle that inspires awe and respect.
- The sensory feedback provides the wearer with a clear indication of the Veil’s activated state.
- The extrasensory perceptions enhance the wearer’s connection to the cosmos, granting them access to valuable knowledge and insights.
- Negatives:
- The Veil’s activated state is highly noticeable, potentially attracting unwanted attention from those seeking its power.
- The extrasensory perceptions, while empowering, can be overwhelming for some users, leading to sensory overload or disorientation.
Crafting Recipe: Echo of Eternity — This recipe outlines the process of creating a cloak reminiscent of the Veil of Eternity, capturing a glimmer of its essence and power.
- Materials Needed:
- Rolls of finest silver silk, spun under starlight
- Gem dust of various colors (diamond, ruby, emerald, sapphire)
- Threads of pure moonlight, harvested during a full moon
- Tears of a celestial being (extremely rare)
- A whisper of time, captured in a crystal vial
- Tools Required:
- Loom enchanted with celestial energy
- Needle crafted from starlight
- Thimble woven from moonlight
- Scissors forged in the heart of a nebula
- Artisan’s workbench imbued with wisdom
- Skill Requirements:
- Weaving (master level)
- Enchanting (journeyman level)
- Astral perception (basic proficiency)
- Deep understanding of celestial patterns and lore
- Crafting Steps:
- Preparation: Prepare the loom by infusing it with celestial energy, aligning it with the constellations and invoking the blessings of the celestial weavers.
- Weaving the Fabric: Carefully weave the silver silk threads on the enchanted loom, following the patterns of the constellations. Infuse each thread with gem dust, creating a subtle shimmer and sparkle.
- Embellishing with Moonlight: Using the starlight needle and moonlight thimble, embroider the edges of the cloak with threads of pure moonlight, capturing their ethereal glow and fluidity.
- Imbuing with Essence: With reverence and care, weave a single tear of a celestial being into the fabric, imbuing the cloak with a touch of cosmic power and wisdom.
- Infusing with Time: Uncork the vial containing the whisper of time, allowing it to gently infuse the cloak, granting it a connection to the past, present, and future.
- Final Touches: Using the nebula-forged scissors, carefully trim the edges of the cloak, ensuring a perfect finish. Channel your astral perception to align the cloak’s energies with the celestial currents, awakening its latent powers.
Note: This Echo of Eternity, while possessing a glimmer of the original Veil’s power, will not be as potent. It will offer a +1 bonus to AC, a +1 increase to Wisdom, and resistance to necrotic damage. The Timeless Insight ability will be limited to once per week, and the Astral Step will have a reduced range of 15 feet. However, it will retain a touch of the Veil’s celestial beauty and mystique, marking its wearer as a seeker of wisdom and a guardian of time.
Weaver of Stars and Time
Before the dawn of ages, when the cosmos was still a swirling tapestry of stardust and dreams, there lived a celestial weaver named Lyra. With nimble fingers and a heart filled with starlight, she wove tapestries of cosmic energy, capturing the essence of time and fate within their shimmering threads.
One day, Lyra received a vision from the celestial beings, a prophecy of impending darkness that threatened to unravel the fabric of existence. Guided by this vision, she embarked on a quest to weave a cloak of unparalleled power, a garment that would embody the wisdom of the cosmos and safeguard the threads of time.
Lyra journeyed to the furthest reaches of the universe, gathering threads spun from starlight, tears of celestial beings, and whispers of time captured in crystal vials. With these precious materials, she began her magnum opus, weaving day and night, her loom humming with cosmic energy.
As she wove, Lyra infused the cloak with her own essence, her wisdom, and her unwavering belief in the power of hope. The constellations themselves danced upon the fabric, their celestial light illuminating the tapestry with visions of past, present, and future.
Finally, after eons of tireless work, the Veil of Eternity was complete. Its shimmering folds held the weight of ages, its celestial patterns whispered secrets of the universe, and its touch bestowed upon the wearer a profound connection to the cosmos.
Lyra, her task fulfilled, gifted the Veil to a chosen hero, a champion destined to confront the encroaching darkness. With the Veil as their guide and protector, the hero ventured forth, facing trials and tribulations, their wisdom and courage amplified by the celestial garment.
Through the Veil’s power, the hero glimpsed into the past, learning from ancient mistakes. They navigated the present with clarity and foresight, their decisions guided by wisdom beyond mortal comprehension. And they peered into the future, steeling their resolve against the trials to come.
In the final confrontation with the forces of darkness, the Veil shimmered and pulsed, its starlight weaving a shield of protection around the hero. With renewed determination and the wisdom of ages at their command, the hero triumphed, safeguarding the threads of time and ensuring the continued harmony of the cosmos.
Moral of the story: Even in the face of overwhelming darkness, the threads of hope and wisdom can weave a tapestry of resilience and guide us towards a brighter future. The power of the cosmos resides within each of us, waiting to be awakened and woven into the fabric of our destiny.
Suggested conversions to other systems:
Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)
Item: Veil of Eternity
- Description: A shimmering silver cloak adorned with constellations that seem to shift and glimmer with an unnatural light.
- Armor: +1 to armor (may reduce depending on the character’s Build)
- SAN Loss: 1/1d6 SAN loss upon first donning the Veil due to its otherworldly nature.
- Special: The wearer gains +2 to POW. Once per day, the wearer can attempt a successful CON roll to gain a fleeting vision of the past, present, or future related to a specific person, place, or object. The visions are often cryptic and open to interpretation.
Blades in the Dark
Item: Veil of Eternity
- Effect: When wearing the Veil of Eternity, you gain +1 to Insight rolls and +1 armor. Once per downtime, you can use the Veil to gain a vision related to a current score, reducing its position by one step on the progress track (e.g., from Risky to Controlled).
- Special: The Veil may attract unwanted attention from those sensitive to the supernatural or those seeking powerful artifacts.
Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)
Item: Veil of Eternity
- (Very Rare)
- Armor Class: 11 + Dex modifier (max 2)
- Weight: 1 lb.
- Properties: When attuned to this cloak, you gain a +2 bonus to Wisdom saving throws and Wisdom (Perception) checks. You also have resistance to necrotic damage.
- Special: Once per long rest, you can use an action to cast the Augury spell without expending a spell slot. You can also use an action to cast the Misty Step spell without expending a spell slot.
Knave
Item: Veil of Eternity
- Armor: 1
- Special: The wearer gains Advantage on saving throws against spells and effects that deal necrotic damage. Once per day, the wearer can ask the GM a question about the past, present, or future. The GM will answer truthfully but cryptically.
- Encumbrance: 1
- Notes: The GM may rule that the Veil grants the wearer advantage on certain social interactions due to its impressive appearance and aura of wisdom.
Fate Core/Condensed
Item: Veil of Eternity
- Aspects: Celestial Shroud, Whispers of Time
- Invoke (Celestial Shroud): Spend a Fate Point to gain a +2 bonus to defend against any attack or overcome an obstacle requiring grace and agility.
- Invoke (Whispers of Time): Spend a Fate Point to gain a +2 bonus to any roll involving knowledge, perception, or understanding hidden truths.
- Compel: The GM may compel either aspect to introduce complications or temptations related to the Veil’s power. For example, the Veil might offer a glimpse of a desirable future, tempting the character to take risky actions to achieve it.
Numenera & Cypher System
Item: Veil of Eternity
- (Artifact, Level 6)
- Effect: When wearing the Veil of Eternity, reduce the level of any attack by one step. Once per day, you can use an action to teleport up to 20 feet to an unoccupied space you can see.
- Depletion: 1 in 1d20
- Special: Once per week, the wearer can spend an hour in meditation to gain a vision of the past, present, or future related to a specific question or problem. The GM will provide a cryptic clue or piece of information.
Pathfinder (2nd Edition)
Item: Veil of Eternity
- Price: 20,000 gp
- Armor Type: Light
- AC Bonus: +1
- Strength: —
- Stealth: —
- Runes: Fortification (minor), Resist Energy (moderate, necrotic), Teleportation (major)
- Bulk: 1
Savage Worlds
Item: Veil of Eternity
- Weight: 1
- Armor: +1
- Special: The wearer gains +2 Smarts and +2 Spirit. The Veil provides a +4 bonus to resist damage from powers with the “undead” trait. Once per game session, the wearer can activate the Veil to teleport up to 12″ as a free action.
- Notes: The GM may allow the Veil to provide a +2 bonus to Notice, Persuasion, and Occult rolls.
Shadowrun (6th Edition)
Item: Veil of Eternity
- (Artifact Focus)
- Force: 8
- Availability: 16R
- Cost: 50,000¥
- Concealability: 0
- Notes: This shimmering cloak serves as a potent focus for magic users, enhancing their connection to astral energies. It provides a +2 dice pool bonus to all Spellcasting tests and a +4 dice pool bonus to Perception tests. It also grants the user a limited form of precognition, allowing them to ask the GM one question about the immediate future once per game session. The GM will answer truthfully but cryptically.
Starfinder
Item: Veil of Eternity
- (Artifact)
- Price: 25,000 credits
- Level: 10
- AC Bonus: +1
- Max Dex Bonus: +10
- Armor Check Penalty: 0
- Speed Adjustment: 0 feet
- Special Properties: Grants the wearer a +4 insight bonus to saving throws against divination effects. Once per day, the wearer can cast teleport with a range of 30 feet as a spell-like ability.
- Bulk: L
Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)
Item: Veil of Eternity
- TL: 15
- Weight: 1 kg
- Cost: 25,000 Cr
- Armor: 1
- Notes: This advanced technological garment incorporates psionic amplifiers and temporal sensors, granting the wearer enhanced awareness and limited precognitive abilities. It provides a +1 bonus to their INT characteristic and allows them to make a Difficult (10+) INT check once per day to gain a vague premonition about the near future.
Warhammer 40,000 (Wrath & Glory)
Item: Veil of Eternity
- (Legendary Artifact)
- Availability: Unique
- Renown: 100
- Traits: Armour, Psykana, Warp-touched
- Effect: The wearer gains +3 to their Intellect characteristic and +2 to their Willpower characteristic. They gain a +3 bonus to any Psychic test that involves divination or precognition. Once per day, they can use a free action to teleport up to 12″ to an unoccupied space they can see.
- Notes: The Veil may whisper prophecies or visions of alternate timelines to the wearer, potentially leading them down a path of destiny or madness.