Mantle of Shadows

From: Hive 743 of Lumihive

Description: An ethereal cloak that blends with the Lumihive’s form. It is woven from the essence of the twilight realm, granting the wearer the ability to meld with the shadows.

Effect: Enhances Stealth checks and provides limited invisibility in dimly lit conditions.

Lore: Deep within the twilight realm, a place where the boundaries between light and dark blur, the first strands of the Mantle of Shadows were spun. Crafted by ancient weavers who harnessed the elusive energies of this realm, the mantle is believed to carry a piece of the twilight itself. Legends speak of the Lumihive that ventured into this realm, guided by a prophetic dream, to retrieve the mantle. Upon wearing it, they discovered its incredible powers. The Mantle of Shadows is now revered, a coveted artifact that Lumihive guardians wear as a symbol of honor and duty.

Use: When donned, the Mantle of Shadows seamlessly integrates with the Lumihive’s form. Its ethereal threads absorb ambient light, causing the Lumihive to appear as a mere silhouette, even in places with noticeable illumination. This grants them a significant advantage in stealth and subterfuge, allowing them to traverse Saṃsāra unseen and unheard. The mantle’s true power, however, is revealed in dimly lit conditions, where it can render the Lumihive nearly invisible, their presence reduced to a fleeting wisp.

Level One Stats:

• Stealth: +2
• Perception (to spot wearer): -2

Skills:

• Enhanced Stealth: Gives an advantage on Stealth checks when in dimly lit or darker environments.
• Shadowmeld: Grants the ability to become nearly invisible in low-light conditions for a short duration.

Slot: Armor (Cloak or Mantle)

Cost: Given its rarity and significance, the cost would be substantial. Perhaps a unique currency in Saṃsāra or a significant quest or deed to acquire.

Tags:

Ethereal, Stealthy, Twilight-crafted, Rare, Light-absorbing.

Enchantments:

• Twilight Weave: The primary enchantment that grants the Mantle of Shadows its ethereal appearance and ability to meld with the dark. It allows the wearer to be one with the shadows, blending seamlessly in dim light.
• Whisper of the Wind: A secondary enchantment that makes any noise made by the wearer’s movement softer and more distant, aiding in stealth and evasion.
• Glimmer Guard: An enchantment that provides resistance against light-based magics or attacks, ensuring the effectiveness of its stealth capabilities isn’t easily countered.

Protective Aura: The Mantle of Shadows emanates a soft, cool aura, often described as the feeling of a gentle twilight breeze. This aura is not just a sensation; it acts as a barrier, diffusing direct light sources that come too close to the wearer. The aura also has a calming effect, making those within its proximity less likely to be aggressive or confrontational.

Significance: Beyond its practical uses, the Mantle of Shadows is a symbol of honor and duty within the Lumihive community. To wear it signifies a deep connection with the twilight realm and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding the secrets and treasures of Saṃsāra. The mantle is often passed down to Lumihive guardians who have showcased exceptional valor and dedication.

Symbolism: The Mantle represents the balance between light and dark, embodying the Lumihive’s innate ability to exist between two worlds – the seen and the unseen. The cloak’s ethereal threads symbolize the transient nature of life in Saṃsāra, reminding its wearer of the fleeting moments and the importance of cherishing them. Additionally, its shimmering, almost elusive appearance serves as a metaphor for the mysteries and depths of the universe, many of which remain just out of reach, hidden in the shadows.

Other Information: Rituals often accompany the donning of the Mantle of Shadows, involving chants and dances that pay homage to the twilight realm. These rituals are said to enhance the mantle’s powers and ensure the wearer’s intentions align with the greater good. It’s also believed that the Mantle has a consciousness of its own, selecting its wearer and refusing to grant its powers to those deemed unworthy.

Whispers of the Veiled Cloak

In epoch long silent, in realm twilight-born, Lumihive sought cover, from dusk until morn. For prophecy ancient, in dream once was shown, a mantle of shadows, in twilight realm sown.

To land where light wavers, Lumihive embarked, through portal unseen, in night dense and dark. The realm whispered riddles, with shadows that dance, and there in its heart, the mantle’s first glance.

Cloak, not mere fabric, but wisp, air, and gleam, it floated, it shimmered, like dream within dream. Lumihive approached, with intent pure and clear, yet mantle retreated, evoked ancient fear.

In midst of dark vastness, a voice old did say, “To don, first must prove, by night and by day.” Lumihive, undeterred, through trials did tread, faced fear, faced the void, faced whispers of dread.

And when tests were conquered, the mantle drew near, wrapped Lumihive gently, whispered in ear. “From twilight you came, to twilight you bind, with me as your shield, through time intertwined.”

Returning to Saṃsāra, with mantle new worn, Lumihive was changed, reborn in the morn. Now guardian of secrets, of night and of lore, the Lumihive stands, forevermore.

Moral: In quest of great power, one’s spirit is tried, but with heart true and steadfast, darkness can’t hide.

Suggested conversion to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu:

• Type: Artifact
• Effect: Increases the wearer’s Stealth by 20%. Reduces chance of detection by light-based methods by 50%.

Dungeons & Dragons 5e:

Item Type: Wondrous Item (cloak)

• Requirement: Attunement
• Effect: Grants the wearer advantage on Stealth checks. In dim light or darkness, the wearer can become invisible as a bonus action. Once used, this invisibility lasts for 1 minute and can’t be used again until the next dawn.

Knave:

• Type: Cloak
• Bonus: +2 to Stealth rolls
• Property: Once per day, in dim light, meld with the shadows to become nearly invisible.

Numenera & Cypher System:

• Type: Wearable Cypher
• Effect: The user gains an asset for all tasks involving sneaking or hiding. Additionally, once a day, in low-light conditions, the user can become invisible for up to 10 minutes.

Pathfinder 2e:

• Item Type: Invested, Magical
• Traits: Illusion, Enchantment
• Effect: Grants the user a +2 item bonus to Stealth checks. Additionally, in dim light, the user can activate the cloak to become invisible for 1 minute.

Savage Worlds:

• Type: Magic Item (Cloak)
• Effect: +2 to Stealth checks. The wearer can become invisible in dim lighting or darkness conditions for 3 rounds once per day.

Shadowrun:

• Type: Magical Artifact
• Effect: +3 dice pool modifier to Sneaking tests. The wearer can activate the mantle to gain the Invisibility spell effect for 2 turns.

Starfinder:

• Type: Magic Item (Cloak)
• Effect: Grants a +2 enhancement bonus to Stealth checks. Once per day, as a move action, the wearer can become invisible for 1 minute.

Warhammer:

• Type: Enchanted Cloak
• Effect: Grants the wearer a +20% bonus to all Concealment and Silent Move Tests. Once per battle, the user can become ethereal, granting them a 2+ ward save against non-magical attacks for one round.