Veil of Illusory Thorns

From: Thornvine Dartleaf

Lore: In the mystical lands of Aetheria, hidden within the heart of an enchanted glade, exists a story passed down through generations about the Veil of Illusory Thorns. Long ago, the glade was said to be home to a mysterious sorceress named Elara, renowned for her mastery of illusions and enchantments. Elara’s powers were so profound that she could bend reality itself, creating illusions that were nearly indistinguishable from the real world.

One fateful night, under the glow of a full moon, Elara discovered the Thornvine Dartleaf, a unique plant with thorns imbued with potent enchantments. As she harvested the thorns, she noticed the moonlight dew that glistened on the leaves, seemingly infused with magical energies from the celestial body above. Curious, she decided to combine the moonlight dew with the thorns and crushed enchanting flower petals she found in the glade.

As Elara mixed the ingredients, she felt the magic within the glade respond to her enchantments, as if the very forest itself was lending its power to her creation. With a few drops of water, she turned the mixture into a paste, and as she applied it to her skin, an illusion of thorny vines wrapped around her, creating a protective barrier that shimmered like moonlight.

Word of Elara’s creation spread throughout the enchanted forest, and many sought her out, hoping to learn the secret of the Veil of Illusory Thorns. However, Elara was wise and knew that the power of the illusionary potion was not to be taken lightly. She decided to guard the recipe carefully, revealing it only to those she deemed worthy of its use—those who sought to protect the enchanted forest and its inhabitants from harm.

Use: The Veil of Illusory Thorns is a versatile and unique potion, coveted by adventurers, spies, and protectors of nature alike. When applied to the skin, it creates an illusionary shroud of thorny vines, resembling a protective barrier. This illusion serves as a defensive measure against physical attacks, providing a deceptive layer of protection. It can confuse adversaries, making it challenging for them to pinpoint the user’s true location.

In the hands of skilled infiltrators, the Veil of Illusory Thorns becomes a valuable tool for stealth and escape. By manipulating the illusionary vines, the user can mislead enemies, making them believe they are in a different location or creating diversions to sneak past guards or adversaries unnoticed.

Values and Attributes:

• Level Requirement: Teir 1
• Stats: When applied, the Veil of Illusory Thorns grants the user a +2 bonus to Dexterity (Stealth) checks and Dexterity (Acrobatics) checks for 1 hour. Additionally, the user can use a bonus action to create minor illusory effects, such as the sound of rustling leaves or distant footsteps, within a 10-foot radius around them.
• Skills: Requires proficiency in alchemist’s tools or deception to create and effectively use the Veil of Illusory Thorns.
• Preparation Time: 2 hours
• Cost: 40 gold pieces for the ingredients and alchemical supplies.

Process:

• Collect Thornvine Dartleaf thorns and soak them in moonlight dew under a full moon for 1 hour, allowing the thorns to absorb the magical essence.
• Crush enchanting flower petals into a fine powder and mix them with the thorns.
• Add a few drops of water to the mixture, creating a paste.
• Apply the paste to the skin, creating the illusion of thorny vines wrapping around the user.

Tags: Illusion, Stealth, Deception, Enchanted Forest, Protective Barrier, Diversion, Protection, Misdirection, Enchantment, Mystical, Elusive, Camouflage

Where, When, and How the Recipe is Sold: The recipe for the Veil of Illusory Thorns remains a well-guarded secret, known only to a select few individuals with ties to the enchanted glades and a deep reverence for the mystical arts. As such, the recipe is not openly sold in conventional marketplaces or alchemy shops.

The enchanted glades, where the Thornvine Dartleaf and enchanting flowers can be found, serve as the primary environment where knowledge of the recipe is passed down. Within these magical realms, wise sages, forest-dwelling hermits, or members of secretive magical orders preserve the ancient knowledge. They carefully choose those they deem worthy and trustworthy to share the recipe.

The best opportunity to learn about the Veil of Illusory Thorns is during special gatherings or events that take place under a full moon, where the magical energies are at their peak. During these gatherings, the chosen few may undergo trials, proving their respect for nature and their understanding of the balance between illusion and reality. Those who successfully pass the trials may be initiated into the secrets of the potion and given the responsibility to safeguard the knowledge.

Environment and How the End Results are Used: The enchanted glades, with their mystical aura and potent magical energies, play a significant role in the creation and use of the Veil of Illusory Thorns. The potion’s power is most potent when crafted under the light of a full moon, as the moon’s influence enhances the enchantments within the thorns and the moonlight dew. These enchanted environments serve as the perfect backdrop for the initiation rituals where the recipe is shared.

As for how the end results are used, those initiated into the secrets of the Veil of Illusory Thorns employ it for various purposes:

• Stealth and Espionage: Skilled spies, infiltrators, and rogue-like adventurers utilize the Veil of Illusory Thorns to blend seamlessly into their surroundings. The illusionary vines allow them to remain hidden, even in plain sight, enabling them to observe, gather information, or execute their missions without being detected.
• Defensive Measures: Protectors of nature and the enchanted glades use the Veil of Illusory Thorns to create illusions of thorny barriers around themselves or their allies. This protective illusion can confuse attackers, making it challenging for them to land blows or target specific individuals.
• Diversions and Distractions: The minor illusory effects that the potion allows the user to create can be employed to create diversions and distractions. This proves useful when navigating dangerous environments, distracting adversaries, or facilitating strategic retreats.
• Performances and Entertainments: In certain mystical gatherings or theatrical performances, the Veil of Illusory Thorns is used to captivate the audience and add an element of wonder to the spectacle. Illusionists and bards use the potion to enhance their art and create mesmerizing shows.

Due to the versatility of the Veil of Illusory Thorns, it is regarded as a precious and valuable asset in the magical world. Its users must wield its power responsibly, as the fine line between illusion and reality requires careful consideration and respect for the natural order of things. As such, only those who have shown wisdom, integrity, and a profound connection with nature are entrusted with the knowledge and use of this magical elixir.

The Enchanted Masquerade

In the realm of Aetheria, there exists a legendary tale known as “The Enchanted Masquerade.” This captivating story has been passed down through generations and is whispered by bards around campfires, recounted by storytellers in bustling taverns, and shared among children with wide eyes.

Long ago, in the heart of the enchanted glades, there lived a wise and mystical sorceress named Elara. Her mastery of illusions and enchantments was renowned far and wide, and her sanctuary in the forest was known as the “Grove of Illusion.”

Every year, under the light of a full moon, Elara would host an extravagant masquerade in the heart of the enchanted glades. It was a night of enchantment and wonder, where the forest itself seemed to come alive with magic. Guests from all corners of the realm would don elegant masks, their identities hidden in the shadows of the night.

It was said that the true magic of the masquerade lay not only in the intricate illusions and enchantments that Elara crafted but also in the mysterious elixir known as the “Veil of Illusory Thorns.” Only a select few were privileged to partake in the potion’s secrets, and those who were initiated into its use became the talk of legends.

As the night of the Enchanted Masquerade approached, anticipation filled the hearts of the realm’s inhabitants. Those lucky enough to receive an invitation would prepare meticulously, donning exquisite masks and vibrant costumes, ready to step into a world of enchantment and illusion.

Among the guests was a young adventurer named Lysandra, whose desire to learn the magical arts brought her to the Grove of Illusion. With eyes gleaming with wonder, she mingled with fellow guests, each concealing their true identities behind their masks. Lysandra was in awe of the illusions that surrounded her, as enchanted butterflies fluttered through the air, and flowers bloomed with iridescent hues.

As the moon rose to its zenith, Elara took the stage, and the guests hushed in anticipation. She revealed the Veil of Illusory Thorns, a shimmering potion that seemed to reflect the moonlight itself. The select few initiates stood forth, each taking a sip of the elixir, their eyes sparkling with the power it bestowed upon them.

Throughout the night, the guests marveled at the wonders of the enchanted masquerade. Illusions danced and weaved, creating an atmosphere of mystique and delight. Lysandra watched in awe as her fellow initiates weaved intricate illusions, transforming the glade into a world of dreams and wonder.

However, not all was as it seemed. In the shadows, dark forces watched, their intentions hidden behind malicious masks. They sought to steal the secret of the Veil of Illusory Thorns, believing it could grant them unparalleled power.

As the night wore on, chaos erupted when the malevolent forces attempted to disrupt the masquerade. In a moment of peril, Lysandra, empowered by the Veil of Illusory Thorns, stepped forth, conjuring illusions of thorny vines that confused and diverted the attackers.

With courage and wisdom, Lysandra protected the sacred elixir, defending the enchanted glades from harm. As the dawn broke, the malicious forces retreated, defeated by the combined power of the Grove’s protectors.

The Enchanted Masquerade had become a tale of heroism, wonder, and the delicate balance between illusion and reality. Lysandra’s bravery and the power of the Veil of Illusory Thorns were celebrated throughout the realm, forever etched into the realm’s folklore.

The legend of “The Enchanted Masquerade” lives on, serving as a reminder of the allure and perils of enchantment, the beauty of illusions, and the importance of guarding sacred secrets. The story continues to inspire the people of Aetheria to embrace the wonder of magic while staying true to their hearts and protecting the balance between the mystical and the mundane.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Veil of Illusory Thorns

• Type: Magical Ointment
• Potency: 20%
• Duration: 1 hour after application
• Cost: 40 gold pieces to craft
• Description: An illusionary potion that creates a shroud of thorny vines around the user, offering protection and misdirection.
• Effects:
  • Grants a +20% bonus to Stealth and Dodge rolls.
  • Allows the user to create minor auditory and visual illusions (like sounds or shadows moving) to distract or mislead adversaries.
• Usage:
  • Takes 1 round to apply.
  • Can be used once per session unless additional ointment is crafted.
• Crafting: Requires a successful Occult or Art/Craft (Alchemy) roll to gather and prepare ingredients, followed by a Hard Persuade or Hard Sleight of Hand roll to apply and control the illusions.
• Notes: The potency of the illusion decreases outside enchanted areas, reducing the bonus to +10%.

Blades in the Dark

Veil of Illusory Thorns

• Item Type: Special
• Tier: 1
• Quality: Fine
• Cost: 5 Coin
• Description: A mystical concoction that cloaks the user in a deceptive veil of thorny illusions for stealth and misdirection.
• Effect:
  • When applied, grants +1D to Prowl and Finesse actions for the duration of the score or 1 hour.
  • Allows for a Flashback to create a minor illusion to distract foes, taking -1D to the roll.
• Usage:
  • Applying takes an Action.
  • Can be used once per score.
• Crafting: Requires an Alchemy action during Downtime. Roll with 2D if ingredients are readily available, or 1D if they need to be sourced.
• Notes: The effectiveness of the illusions is halved if used outside of an enchanted or mystical setting.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Veil of Illusory Thorns

• Wondrous item, uncommon
• Description: Upon application, this potion creates an illusionary barrier of thorny vines around the user, aiding in stealth and deception.
• Properties:
  • Grants advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) and Dexterity (Acrobatics) checks for 1 hour.
  • As a bonus action, the user can create minor illusory effects (like sounds or small moving shadows) within 10 feet for misdirection.
• Activation:
  • Takes an action to apply.
  • Lasts for 1 hour.
• Usage Limitations: Can be used once per day.
• Crafting:
  • Requires proficiency in Alchemist’s Supplies or the Deception skill.
  • Ingredients cost 40 gp, and crafting takes 2 hours.
• Notes: Outside of enchanted forests, the advantage becomes +2 to the checks instead.

Knave (Second Edition)

Veil of Illusory Thorns

• Item Slot: 1
• Rarity: Rare
• Crafting Cost: 20 gold
• Description: A magical paste that forms an illusionary shield of thorns around the user, enhancing stealth and offering deceptive capabilities.
• Effect:
  • Upon application, gain +2 to Stealth and Acrobatics checks for 1 Exploration Turn (approximately 10 minutes).
  • Can create minor illusions for distraction or misdirection once per use.
• Usage: Applying the Veil takes 1 Action.
• Crafting: Requires a successful Intelligence check with a DC of 15, using alchemical tools or knowledge of local flora.
• Notes: If used outside of enchanted or mystical environments, the bonus is reduced to +1.

Fate Core

Veil of Illusory Thorns

• Aspect: “Shrouded in Deceptive Vines”
• Type: Stunt
• Description: This magical ointment wraps the user in an illusion of thorny vines, enhancing stealth and providing misdirection capabilities.
• Mechanics:
  • Invoke: Grants a +2 bonus or a reroll on Stealth or Deceive actions for one scene when applied.
  • Compel: The GM might compel this aspect to make the illusion backfire, perhaps attracting unwanted attention or making the user seem more threatening than intended.
• Usage:
  • Takes one action to apply.
  • Effect lasts for one scene.
• Creation: Requires an Overcome action with a difficulty set by the GM, typically involving Lore or Crafts.
• Notes: The illusion’s effectiveness might be influenced by environmental factors, enhancing or diminishing its effect.

Numenera & Cypher System

Veil of Illusory Thorns

• Level: 1d6+3
• Form: Ointment
• Depletion: 1 in 1d6
• Description: An enchanted paste that creates an illusion of thorny vines for protection and stealth.
• Effect:
  • Increases Speed Edge by 1 for the purpose of stealth or escaping notice.
  • Grants the ability to create minor illusions (like sounds or shadows) as an action once per use.
• Activation:
  • Takes 1 action to apply.
  • Lasts for 1 hour.
• Crafting: Requires an Intellect task with a difficulty equal to the item’s level to craft.
• Notes: In areas without magical or mystical influence, the Speed Edge increase is reduced to 0.

Pathfinder 2e

Veil of Illusory Thorns

• Item Level: 3
• Price: 30 gp
• Type: Consumable; Ointment
• Usage: Held in 1 hand; Bulk L
• Activate 1 minute (Interact)
• Description: An illusionary potion that cloaks the user in a protective and deceptive veil of thorny vines.
• Effect:
  • Upon activation, gain a +1 status bonus to Stealth and Acrobatics checks for 1 hour.
  • Can create minor illusions (auditory or visual) as a reaction to distract or mislead once per use.
• Crafting: Requires the Alchemical Crafting feat, Crafting skill (DC 18), and 15 gp in raw materials.
• Notes: The bonus to Stealth and Acrobatics checks is halved outside of enchanted forests or mystical areas.

Savage Worlds Adventure Edition (SWADE)

Veil of Illusory Thorns

• Gear: Special
• Cost: 40 silver pieces
• Weight: 1
• Description: An alchemical potion that creates an illusion of thorny vines around the user for stealth and deception.
• Effect:
  • Stealth: Grants +1 to Stealth rolls for one hour or until the end of the next encounter.
  • Illusion: Once per use, the user can create a minor illusion to distract or mislead as a free action.
• Activation: Action: Applying the potion takes an action.
• Crafting: Requires a successful Knowledge (Alchemy) or Occult roll at -2 to gather ingredients and concoct the potion.
• Notes: If used outside of enchanted or mystical environments, the Stealth bonus is reduced to +0.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Veil of Illusory Thorns

• Type: Magical Item
• Availability: 10
• Cost: 5,000¥
• Rating: 3
• Description: This magical ointment creates an illusion of thorny vines around the user, enhancing stealth and providing deceptive capabilities.
• Effect:
  • Stealth: Grants +3 dice to all Stealth tests for (Magic Attribute) minutes.
  • Deception: Once per use, create a minor illusion (sound or visual) to distract or mislead with a Magic + Intuition test (threshold 2).
• Activation:
  • Application takes a Simple Action.
  • Effects last for (Magic Attribute) minutes.
• Crafting: Requires an Alchemy skill test with a threshold of 8, using rare components from enchanted forests.
• Notes: Outside enchanted areas, the bonus is reduced to +1 dice.

Starfinder

Veil of Illusory Thorns

• Level: 3
• Price: 300 credits
• Bulk: L
• Type: Consumable; Ointment
• Description: An ointment that forms an illusionary barrier of thorny vines for stealth and misdirection.
• Effect:
  • Stealth & Acrobatics: Grants a +2 enhancement bonus to Stealth and Acrobatics checks for 1 hour.
  • Illusion: Once per use, create a minor illusion as a swift action to distract or mislead.
• Usage:
  • Takes 1 standard action to apply.
  • Effects last for 1 hour.
• Crafting: Requires a successful Mysticism or Physical Science check (DC 20) with access to mystical flora or alchemical equipment.
• Notes: Effects are halved outside of magical or enchanted environments.

Traveller

Veil of Illusory Thorns

• Tech Level: TL4 (with magical components)
• Cost: Cr1000
• Mass: 0.1 kg
• Description: A magical paste that provides an illusionary shield of thorns, enhancing stealth and offering deceptive capabilities.
• Effect:
  • Stealth & Dexterity: +2 DM to Stealth and Dexterity checks for 1d6 hours.
  • Deception: Once per use, create a minor illusion for misdirection.
• Application:
  • Requires 1 minute to apply.
  • Effect lasts for 1d6 hours.
• Crafting: Requires a successful Medic or Science (Biology) check (Diff 12+) using rare forest herbs.
• Notes: The paste’s effectiveness is reduced by half in non-enchanted environments.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

Veil of Illusory Thorns

• Type: Alchemy
• Rarity: Very Rare
• Cost: 50 Silver Shillings
• Encumbrance: 1
• Description: An illusionary potion that wraps the user in a deceptive veil of thorny vines for protection and stealth.
• Effect:
  • Stealth: +15 bonus to Stealth Tests for 1 hour.
  • Illusion: Can create a minor illusion once per use as a free action to distract or mislead (requires a successful Intelligence test).
• Use:
  • Applying the potion takes one round.
  • The effect lasts for 1 hour.
• Crafting: Requires a successful Trade (Apothecary) or Lore (Magic) test (Difficulty Hard (+2)) with access to the right ingredients.
• Notes: Outside of enchanted forests, the bonuses are reduced to +5.