Shadow Veil

From: Admonishing Band Spirit Guardian

Lore: The Shadow Veil is steeped in ancient folklore and whispered tales of shadowy figures who traversed the realms unseen. Legends speak of a secretive order within the Admonishing Band that delved deep into the mystic arts to craft a garment that would grant them unparalleled stealth and invisibility. The cloak’s creation involved a delicate balance between physical and ethereal materials, as well as intricate enchantments. It is said that the Shadow Veil was woven from the shadows of dusk, blessed by spirits of darkness, and imbued with their essence to grant its wearer the power of concealment.

Use: The Shadow Veil is a coveted asset for Admonishing Band members who specialize in stealth and covert operations. When worn, the cloak merges with the shadows, allowing the wearer to become nearly invisible and blend seamlessly into dimly lit environments. The veil taps into the innate darkness within the wearer’s soul, enabling them to move silently and without detection. It becomes an extension of their being, shrouding them in an aura that bends light and confuses the senses of onlookers. Whether stalking through ancient catacombs, infiltrating enemy strongholds, or gathering intelligence unnoticed, the Shadow Veil provides a significant advantage in remaining hidden and undetected.

Stats:

• Level: Tier 1
• Bonus: +1 to Dexterity checks for remaining hidden
• Advantage: Stealth checks
• Skills:
  • Stealth Mastery: The wearer gains advantage on Stealth checks, allowing them to move silently and remain unnoticed in dim light or darkness.
  • Shadowmeld: The wearer gains a +1 bonus to Dexterity checks made to hide or remain concealed.
• Cost: The Shadow Veil is a rare and highly sought-after item due to its exceptional stealth-enhancing properties. It requires skilled artisans with knowledge of shadow magic to create. At level 1, the estimated cost of the Shadow Veil would be 300 gold pieces.
• Tags:
  • Stealth: Enhances the wearer’s stealth capabilities and allows them to blend into shadows effortlessly.
  • Enchanted: The cloak is infused with mystical enchantments, granting its wearer extraordinary abilities.
  • Rare: Due to the complex craftsmanship and the rare materials involved, the Shadow Veil is considered a prized and limited item.
  • Additional: Ethereal, Shadowbound, Lightbending, Phantom Presence, Spirit-Forged, Void-Touched, Infiltration, Silent Steps, Mystic Ward, Concealment

In the world of Saṃsāra, the Shadow Veil is a rare and valuable item, coveted by assassins, spies, and members of secretive orders. Its presence in shops is a reflection of the unique culture and economy of various regions, and it is typically found in specialized or underground markets where rare magical items are traded. The cost and methods of acquiring the Shadow Veil vary depending on the shop, region, and clientele.

• The Twilight Emporium (Arcane Market)
  • Located in Skyridge, a floating city renowned for its mystical artisans, the Twilight Emporium is a shop frequented by scholars, mages, and noble adventurers. The shop specializes in enchanted clothing, with items like the Shadow Veil displayed in dimly lit alcoves.
  • Cost: 500 gold
  • Acquisition: The shop’s clientele consists of those with noble connections or deep knowledge of the arcane. Buyers must prove their magical expertise or pay a premium to access the Emporium’s rarest items. The shopkeeper may also require the buyer to offer a rare magical item in trade or perform a service for a powerful mage.
• Midnight Alley (Black Market)
  • In the shadowed streets of Valesky, where deals are made in whispered tones, Midnight Alley is a notorious black market for items of dubious origin. Here, the Shadow Veil is likely obtained through less-than-legal means and sold by rogue merchants to those who operate in the criminal underworld.
  • Cost: 300–450 gold
  • Acquisition: Buyers must tread carefully, as the black market thrives on secrecy. Negotiation is key, and barter is often the preferred method of trade. The price may vary depending on how desperate or skilled the buyer is at haggling. Transactions often require stealth or silence, with the potential for danger if rivals catch wind of the sale.
• Guild Quartermasters (Assassins and Spies)
  • The Admonishing Band has secret outposts across Saṃsāra, where their members trade rare and dangerous items. Shadow Veils are stored in hidden vaults and only accessible to those within the guild or those trusted enough to handle such tools.
  • Cost: 350 gold
  • Acquisition: Only members of the guild or those working directly with it can acquire a Shadow Veil through the guild’s quartermasters. Payment is usually made in gold, though the completion of missions or offering rare information can lower the price. Access to these items requires proof of loyalty or service to the guild.
• Curios of the Forgotten Dawn (Antique Dealers)
  • In the ancient city of Deepmar, Curios of the Forgotten Dawn is a shop filled with relics and artifacts from old times. The owner, an eccentric collector of magical items, has acquired a Shadow Veil as part of their collection, viewing it as a piece of historical significance rather than just a tool for thieves.
  • Cost: 600 gold
  • Acquisition: The shopkeeper values knowledge and will sell only to those who demonstrate an understanding of the item’s historical significance. The price reflects the antique value of the Shadow Veil, and haggling is discouraged. Occasionally, the shop will accept rare manuscripts or lore as partial payment.
• Moonlit Bazaar (Traveling Market)
  • The Moonlit Bazaar is a traveling market that appears only on nights of the full moon in remote or magical locations, such as the haunted plains of Cinderfall. Merchants here trade in rare and exotic items, often catered to adventurers and those who roam between worlds.
  • Cost: 400–500 gold
  • Acquisition: Purchases in the Moonlit Bazaar are made under the mystical light of the full moon, and the merchants here are mysterious figures who deal only in magical currency or rare materials. A buyer may need to offer an equally rare item or an enchanted artifact to acquire the Shadow Veil, and each transaction is quick, as the bazaar vanishes with the dawn.

In each of these shops, the Shadow Veil is highly sought after and its price reflects not only its usefulness but the nature of its acquisition. Whether through legitimate means, shadowy deals, or guild loyalty, acquiring the veil is a reflection of the world’s intricate balance between light and darkness, magic and secrecy.

The Shadow Veil provides a significant advantage in both defense and offense, particularly for characters skilled in stealth, deception, and covert operations. Its unique properties make it versatile across various environments in the world of Saṃsāra. Here’s how the cloak can be utilized in different settings for defensive and offensive strategies during roleplay:

• Urban Environment
  • Defense: In the crowded streets and alleys of a bustling city like Valesky, the Shadow Veil allows the wearer to disappear into the shadows of tall buildings and narrow passageways. When pursued by guards or rival thieves, the wearer can use the Shadowmeld ability to blend seamlessly into the darkness of alleyways or beneath market stalls. The cloak’s stealth enhancement makes it nearly impossible for adversaries to detect the wearer in dimly lit areas. The wearer can escape detection by silently slipping through the chaos of the city without leaving a trace.
  • Offense: In urban areas, where ambushes and surprise attacks are common, the wearer can utilize the veil to stalk a target undetected. Using the Stealth Mastery of the cloak, the wearer can approach a target unseen, positioning themselves for a decisive strike. Infiltration of secure buildings or sneaking past guards becomes easy with the cloak’s ability to blur the wearer’s presence in shadowy environments. The wearer can silently disable security systems, assassinate key figures, or steal valuable items before vanishing without a trace.
• Dense Forests and Wilderness
  • Defense: In the thick, shadowy forests of Ravenwood or the overgrown jungles near the Zephyrstone Islands, the Shadow Veil allows the wearer to disappear into the natural shadows cast by the dense canopy. Hunters or predators may be actively tracking the wearer, but the cloak allows them to fade into the shadows of trees or dense foliage. The wearer can evade dangerous creatures or hostile hunters by remaining completely motionless and blending into the environment, making them nearly impossible to detect.
  • Offense: When stalking prey in the wilderness, the wearer can use the veil’s powers to get close to their target without making noise. Whether hunting wild beasts or enemies hiding in the forest, the wearer can move silently through underbrush or scale trees to gain a vantage point. The Shadow Veil enhances their ability to approach undetected, allowing for precision strikes or ambushes from unexpected angles. Archers could use the veil to line up shots from the trees, while rogues or assassins could get close enough for a deadly attack.
• Caves, Dungeons, and Underground
  • Defense: In the dark, claustrophobic confines of caves or dungeons beneath Saṃsāra, the Shadow Veil offers unparalleled defense. The wearer can meld into the darkness of narrow tunnels or hide in the shadows cast by torchlight, avoiding detection by dungeon-dwelling creatures or enemy patrols. The cloak’s Sound Dampening ability ensures that even on the echoing stone floors, the wearer’s movement is silent, making it easy to bypass traps, guards, or enemies without triggering alarms.
  • Offense: The Shadow Veil can turn the wearer into a lethal infiltrator in the twisting passages of a dungeon or underground stronghold. The veil allows the wearer to move through these spaces without alerting creatures that rely on darkvision or keen senses. Using the element of surprise, the wearer can take down key targets such as guards or sentries in near silence. In the depths of a dungeon, where visibility is already limited, the wearer can use the shadows to their advantage, executing swift, surgical strikes against unsuspecting foes.
• Nighttime in Open Fields or Plains
  • Defense: On an open battlefield or plain under the cover of night, the Shadow Veil becomes a powerful defensive tool. The wearer can use the natural darkness to become nearly invisible, avoiding detection by watchtowers or scouts using torches or lanterns. If pursued by mounted enemies or guards, the wearer can vanish into the dark folds of the landscape, using the cloak to stay out of sight and evade capture. The silence provided by the cloak allows the wearer to move across open fields without drawing attention to themselves.
  • Offense: When planning a nighttime ambush, the wearer of the Shadow Veil can use the cover of darkness to approach enemy encampments undetected. With the cloak’s stealth benefits, the wearer can sneak past guards, disable alarms, or infiltrate a camp before striking key targets. This allows them to sow chaos, assassinate leaders, or gather vital information without ever being seen. The Shadowmeld ability ensures that even if someone gets close, the wearer can fade into the night, making it difficult for enemies to respond effectively.
• Sailing and Coastal Environments
  • Defense: On board a ship or while navigating coastal cliffs at night, the Shadow Veil provides a way to stay unseen in the shadows cast by the ship’s sails, rigging, or the coastal rocks. The wearer can avoid detection during a raid or naval skirmish by slipping through shadowy parts of the deck or hiding in the hold. The silence of the veil also ensures that the creaking of the ship or the noise of the ocean does not betray their position, making it easier to evade enemies on board.
  • Offense: In naval battles or coastal raids, the wearer can board an enemy ship or approach a coastal stronghold undetected. Using the Stealth Mastery granted by the veil, the wearer can scale the rigging or move across a deck without alerting enemies. They can disable the ship’s weapons or sabotage crucial parts of the vessel, making it vulnerable to attack. On land, they can move silently along coastal paths, infiltrating fortifications or disabling defenses before a larger force arrives.
• Battlefields or War Zones
  • Defense: On a chaotic battlefield, where constant movement and noise prevail, the Shadow Veil provides a way to remain unseen in the confusion. As shadows are cast by the smoke and debris of war, the wearer can hide within them, avoiding detection from enemies and moving through the battlefield with ease. The cloak’s silence ensures that the wearer is not heard even amid the clamor of battle, allowing them to slip away from direct confrontations when needed.
  • Offense: The Shadow Veil can be used offensively in a battlefield setting to carry out assassination missions or disable key enemy targets without detection. The wearer can move through the chaos undetected, getting close to enemy officers, engineers, or mages. With the cloak’s help, they can strike from unexpected angles, eliminating important figures or sabotaging siege weapons before retreating back into the shadows. This guerilla-style attack disrupts enemy formations and creates confusion among the ranks.

In any of these environments, the Shadow Veil is a powerful tool for stealth, evasion, and ambush. Whether used defensively to hide from pursuers or offensively to stalk and strike from the shadows, the cloak’s unique abilities make the wearer an unseen threat capable of turning the tide of events with precise, unseen actions.

Perception of Activation: When the Shadow Veil is activated, the wearer and nearby individuals experience a range of sensory and extra-sensory phenomena. These manifestations reflect the cloak’s mystical properties and the merging of shadows with the wearer’s presence. The following details how each sense is affected:

• Sight
  • Wearer’s Perception: Upon activation, the surrounding world appears darker, as if the light itself bends around the wearer. Shadows elongate unnaturally, blending into the fabric of the cloak. The edges of objects blur slightly, and the wearer perceives themselves as almost transparent when in low light.
    • Positive: The wearer feels enveloped by the shadows, giving them confidence in their concealment. They experience a heightened sense of where shadows are present, making it easier to remain hidden.
    • Negative: The distortion of light can lead to difficulty judging distances, particularly when transitioning between bright and shadowy areas. The wearer may feel disoriented when exposed to sudden light sources.
  • Observers’ Perception: To others, the wearer appears to flicker at the edges, as if their form is made of shadow and air. In dim light, the cloak renders them nearly invisible, with only faint ripples in the shadows marking their movement.
    • Positive: Allies know the cloak is functioning and can rely on the wearer’s ability to avoid detection.
    • Negative: Those attuned to magic may notice subtle distortions, which could raise suspicion among enemies with heightened perception.
• Sound
  • Wearer’s Perception: Sounds around the wearer become muted, as if a veil of silence falls over the environment. Footsteps, breathing, and even the rustling of fabric are absorbed by the cloak, allowing the wearer to move without creating noise. The world feels eerily quiet, amplifying the sense of detachment from reality.
    • Positive: The wearer moves with total confidence, knowing they won’t be heard. The muted sounds help the wearer feel fully immersed in their stealthy role.
    • Negative: The extreme silence can be unsettling, making it difficult for the wearer to hear potential threats approaching or communicate with allies without breaking their stealth.
  • Observers’ Perception: To those nearby, the wearer’s presence becomes a void of sound. Even in a bustling environment, there is a noticeable absence of noise from their location.
    • Positive: This unnatural quiet can unnerve enemies, adding to the mystery and fear surrounding the cloak’s use.
    • Negative: The void of sound may draw suspicion in situations where ambient noise is expected.
• Touch
  • Wearer’s Perception: When activated, the cloak feels weightless, almost like a second layer of skin. A cool, tingling sensation spreads across the wearer’s body as if they are physically merging with the shadows around them. The air feels lighter, and any sensation of solid contact, such as walls or the ground beneath their feet, feels softer or distant.
    • Positive: This sensation enhances the wearer’s sense of agility, making them feel nimble and free to move silently and swiftly.
    • Negative: The loss of tactile feedback can make it harder to interact with objects, like gripping weapons or handling fragile items, creating a disconnect between the wearer and the physical world.
  • Observers’ Perception: The wearer’s movement appears graceful, almost ghostlike. To those watching, their form seems to glide over surfaces without making contact.
    • Positive: The wearer’s smooth movements increase their overall stealthiness and give them an otherworldly air.
    • Negative: In close quarters, enemies may notice the unnatural way the wearer moves, creating unease.
• Smell
  • Wearer’s Perception: The air around the wearer takes on a faint, metallic scent, tinged with the smell of damp earth or night air. This shift in scent feels almost ritualistic, as though the cloak itself emanates the essence of shadows.
    • Positive: This subtle change enhances the wearer’s sense of connection to the night, reinforcing the feeling of being part of the shadowy environment.
    • Negative: Prolonged exposure to this scent may cause discomfort or distraction, especially in areas where natural scents differ sharply.
  • Observers’ Perception: Those close to the wearer may notice a faint, metallic or ozone-like scent, signaling the presence of magic or something otherworldly. However, most would not detect it unless paying close attention.
    • Positive: The scent is subtle enough to go unnoticed by most, allowing the cloak’s wearer to maintain their stealth.
    • Negative: Beings with heightened senses, such as animals or magical creatures, may detect this scent and become alerted.
• Taste
  • Wearer’s Perception: The moment the cloak activates, the wearer may feel a slight metallic tang on their tongue, as if they’ve tasted iron or a faint hint of cold stone. This sensation is subtle but persistent, reinforcing the otherworldly nature of the cloak.
    • Positive: The metallic taste serves as a constant reminder of the cloak’s power, giving the wearer a mental anchor for when they are deep in stealth.
    • Negative: The taste may become unpleasant or distracting during extended use, particularly in situations where focus is critical.
• Extra-Sensory Perception
  • Shadow Sense: When the cloak is activated, the wearer gains an intuitive sense of where shadows are strongest and weakest. This extra-sensory perception allows them to instinctively know the best places to hide, even in unfamiliar environments.
    • Positive: This ability greatly enhances the wearer’s stealth, as they can move fluidly between areas of shadow without needing to consciously assess their surroundings.
    • Negative: Over-reliance on this sense can lead to disorientation when moving between light and shadow, especially in rapidly changing environments.
  • Time Distortion: In rare cases, the wearer may experience a subtle distortion in their perception of time. Moments may feel stretched, as if time slows down while they move in stealth. This allows for more deliberate actions and precise movements.
    • Positive: This heightened awareness of time can give the wearer a tactical advantage in fast-paced situations, allowing them to react more quickly.
    • Negative: This distortion can disorient the wearer when they re-enter normal time flow, potentially leading to confusion or hesitation.
  • Empathy with Shadows: The cloak creates a mild empathic bond between the wearer and the shadows themselves. The wearer may feel as if the shadows “approve” of their presence, granting a sense of safety and protection.
    • Positive: This bond strengthens the wearer’s confidence, reinforcing their connection to the shadows and enhancing their ability to stay hidden.
    • Negative: Over time, this bond can cause a growing detachment from the light, making the wearer uncomfortable or vulnerable in brightly lit environments.
• Positives:
  • Enhanced stealth and invisibility in dim light or shadows.
  • Total silence while moving, making detection by sound nearly impossible.
  • Intuitive understanding of the environment’s shadows, increasing tactical awareness.
  • A lightweight, agile feeling that improves movement and fluidity.
  • Temporary time distortion gives the wearer a tactical edge during moments of precision.
• Negatives:
  • Distorted vision and muted sound can reduce awareness of immediate threats.
  • Sensory distractions, such as a metallic taste or cool tingling, may cause discomfort.
  • Prolonged exposure to the veil’s powers may lead to detachment from reality and discomfort in bright environments.
  • Extra-sensory perceptions may become disorienting in rapidly changing environments or when moving between shadow and light too quickly.

The Shadow Veil is a powerful item, offering unparalleled stealth and sensory control at the cost of physical and mental strain when used over extended periods. Its activation draws the wearer deeper into the shadows, creating both advantages and challenges.

Crafting Recipe: The Shadow Veil

• Materials Needed
  • Ethereal Shadow Thread (300 yards) Obtained from the Shadow Weaver, creatures that dwell in the darkest corners of the world where no light reaches. This thread is the primary material that gives the cloak its ability to blend into shadows.
  • Void Silk (2 square yards) A fabric spun from the webs of Void Spiders found deep within the astral plane. This material allows the cloak to be weightless and enhances the wearer’s agility.
  • Obsidian Powder (1 pound) Crushed from the volcanic rock Obsidian found in the blackened lands of Krakshara. Used to enhance the cloak’s sound-dampening properties and reinforce the magical structure.
  • Moonlit Essence (1 vial) Extracted from the light of the moon during an eclipse using an Arcane Prism. This liquid binds the cloak to the mystical forces of darkness, activating its invisibility properties.
  • Nightshade Blossoms (10 flowers) Harvested from the toxic Nightshade Grove. These rare flowers give the cloak its ability to influence shadows, allowing the wearer to meld into their depths.
  • Silver Thread (20 feet) Used to stitch the cloak, binding the magic within the fabric and reinforcing the enchantments. Must be enchanted with Lunar Magic before use.
• Tools Required
  • Enchanter’s Loom
    • A specialized loom that can handle magical threads and fabrics, used to weave Ethereal Shadow Thread and Void Silk together.
  • Alchemist’s Cauldron
    • For distilling the Moonlit Essence and creating the Obsidian Powder infusion. Required to properly merge the materials without destabilizing their properties.
  • Moonlit Needle
    • Crafted from celestial silver, this needle is enchanted to bind magic into fabrics. Essential for stitching the Void Silk with Silver Thread.
  • Shadow Infuser
    • A magical apparatus used to infuse the cloak with darkness, allowing it to tap into shadow-based abilities and become attuned to the wearer.
  • Arcane Prism
    • A tool used to capture and distill the moonlight during an eclipse, needed to craft the Moonlit Essence.
• Skill Requirements
  • Master Tailoring (Expert Level) The crafter must have significant experience working with magical threads and fabrics, particularly in blending Ethereal Shadow Thread and Void Silk.
  • Proficiency in Enchantment (Advanced Level) Essential for imbuing the cloak with the necessary stealth and shadow-based abilities, especially when using Moonlit Essence and Nightshade Blossoms.
  • Alchemy Knowledge (Intermediate Level) Required to handle volatile ingredients like Nightshade Blossoms and properly distill the Moonlit Essence without losing its magical properties.
  • Lunar Magic Proficiency: Needed to enchant the Silver Thread and ensure that the cloak’s abilities are bound to the moon’s cycles, increasing its potency in dim light or darkness.
• Crafting Steps
  • Prepare the Void Silk
    • Stretch and align the Void Silk on the Enchanter’s Loom. Begin weaving it into the base structure of the cloak. The silk must be worked at twilight to retain its mystical properties and ensure it remains light and ethereal.
  • Weave Ethereal Shadow Thread
    • Using the Moonlit Needle, begin threading the Ethereal Shadow Thread into the Void Silk. The thread must be woven in complex patterns mimicking the natural flow of shadows. Each stitch enhances the cloak’s ability to blend with darkness.
  • Create the Obsidian Powder Infusion
    • Grind the Obsidian into a fine powder using an alchemical mortar. Once finely ground, mix it with drops of Moonlit Essence in the Alchemist’s Cauldron, stirring until a thick, shimmering black paste forms. Use the paste to coat the seams and edges of the cloak, providing its sound-dampening properties.
  • Stitch with Silver Thread
    • Enchant the Silver Thread with Lunar Magic, then use the Moonlit Needle to stitch it along the cloak’s edges. This step is critical to reinforcing the magical structure of the cloak and ensuring it channels the magic properly. This binding gives the wearer the ability to move silently while remaining unseen.
  • Distill and Infuse Moonlit Essence
    • In a controlled environment, use the Arcane Prism to capture moonlight during an eclipse. Distill it into Moonlit Essence and infuse the cloak with this liquid in the Shadow Infuser. This step binds the veil to the powers of darkness and shadows, activating its Shadowmeld and Stealth Mastery abilities.
  • Incorporate Nightshade Blossoms
    • Crush the Nightshade Blossoms into a fine powder and sprinkle them into the Shadow Infuser during the final stage of infusion. These blossoms will enhance the cloak’s ability to meld with shadows, giving it the power to confuse onlookers and amplify the wearer’s ability to hide.
  • Ritual of Binding
    • After crafting is complete, the cloak must be placed in an arcane circle under the light of a waxing moon. A binding ritual is performed to permanently fuse the cloak with its enchantments. The ritual involves chanting an ancient spell known only to shadow-weavers and offering a drop of the wearer’s blood to bind it to them.
  • Inspection and Testing
    • Once complete, inspect the cloak to ensure the magical properties are stable. Test its Stealth Mastery and Shadowmeld abilities by donning it in dim light environments to confirm that it activates properly.
  • Crafting Time
    • Tailoring and Weaving: 5 days
    • Enchanting and Infusing: 3 days
    • Ritual of Binding: 1 day
    • Total Crafting Time: 9 days

By following these steps, a skilled enchanter and tailor can recreate the Shadow Veil, a powerful garment imbued with shadow magic that grants unparalleled stealth and concealment to its wearer.

Tale of Veil of Shadows

Long, long ago, before the counting of moons began, there was said to be a thing known only in whispers, a veil born not of cloth, but of the very darkness that falls at the ending of light. In the days when gods walked the earth, there existed a tribe, known as the Admonishers, who sought what could not be seen. They wished to become as the shadows themselves, slipping between the cracks of time, where neither sun nor stars would gaze upon them.

There was in those days a great master, her name lost to winds but remembered as She-Who-Hides-All. She journeyed to the deepest cave, where night never ended, and spoke to the spirits of the unseen. She bargained for a cloak, woven from the night’s own skin. They said to her, “For this, you must give what you will never miss, and you shall walk unseen among both the living and the dead.”

The master gave not her gold nor her blood, but instead the warmth of her touch. And so, with cold hands, she wove the Veil of Shadows, a cloak that could turn the brightest day into deepest night around her. It was said, she wore the cloak and became nothing more than a breath upon the wind, seen only by those who could speak to shadows. She passed through walls and walked between lives, taking from the wicked what they would not return.

But the shadows are not kind and do not forget. As the veil grew strong, it asked for more. It drank from her very soul, making her more shadow than flesh. She-Who-Hides-All no longer felt the warmth of her breath or the beat of her heart. In time, she was neither dead nor living, and the world around her passed by as though she was no more than a dream, forgotten when the sun rises.

The veil, left behind in the darkest corners of the earth, waits still for another to wear it, one who would give up their warmth for the safety of darkness. It is said that those who wear the veil for too long become the shadows they seek to control, until they are neither seen nor remembered.

Moral of the Story: That which hides from the light may hide too well, for the one who escapes all sight risks losing themselves to the darkness that never lets go.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Shadow Veil

• Item Type: Magical Artifact (Mythos-related)
• Description: The Shadow Veil allows the wearer to blend seamlessly into darkness, becoming nearly invisible and moving without detection. However, prolonged use may lead to dangerous mental effects.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Stealth Bonus: +20% to Stealth rolls in dim light or darkness.
  • Shadowmeld: Once per day, the wearer can become invisible in shadows for 10 minutes. Treat this as an automatic success on Stealth rolls.
  • Sanity Loss: Each use of the Shadow Veil causes 1D3 Sanity loss as the wearer becomes more attuned to darkness and experiences a growing detachment from reality.
• Drawback: After each prolonged use (more than 1 hour), make a POW roll. On failure, the wearer experiences temporary dissociation (1D6 rounds of confusion).
• Cost: Rare and difficult to acquire through normal means, valued by occult collectors.

Blades in the Dark

Shadow Veil

• Item Type: Fine Cloak (2 Load)
• Description: A dark, enchanted cloak that allows the wearer to vanish into the shadows, making them virtually impossible to detect.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Stealth Bonus: +1d to Prowl rolls when attempting to remain unseen in dim light or darkness.
  • Shadowmeld: Once per score, the wearer may become invisible for up to 5 minutes in an area of low light or darkness. This is treated as a special ability, similar to the Ghost Veil ability, but without the cost of stress.
  • Silent Movement: The cloak silences the wearer’s movements, providing a +1d bonus to any roll related to moving quietly.
• Drawback: Prolonged use (multiple scores in succession) may draw the attention of ghosts or the supernatural, potentially creating new complications in future encounters.
• Availability: Typically found in secret guilds or on the black market.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Shadow Veil

• Item Type: Wondrous Item (Uncommon, Requires Attunement)
• Description: The Shadow Veil grants the wearer enhanced stealth, allowing them to blend into darkness and remain undetected.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Stealth Mastery: The wearer gains advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made in dim light or darkness.
  • Shadowmeld: As a bonus action, the wearer can become invisible while in dim light or darkness. This invisibility lasts for 10 minutes or until the wearer attacks or casts a spell. Can be used once per long rest.
  • Silent Movement: Creatures have disadvantage on Perception checks that rely on sound to detect the wearer.
• Drawback: Each time the wearer uses the Shadowmeld ability, they must make a DC 12 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, they gain the Frightened condition for 1 minute, as the cloak’s connection to darkness overwhelms them.
• Cost: 500 gold pieces or equivalent in rare, shadow-aligned materials.

Knave

Shadow Veil

• Item Type: Magic Clothing
• Description: The Shadow Veil allows the wearer to disappear into the shadows, granting a powerful advantage in stealth and evasion.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Stealth Bonus: Grants a +2 bonus to Stealth checks when in areas of dim light or darkness.
  • Shadowmeld: Once per day, the wearer can vanish into the shadows for 10 minutes. During this time, they are considered invisible unless they attack or interact with the environment.
• Drawback: Prolonged use of the veil (over several hours) may impose a -1 penalty to the wearer’s Charisma, as the cloak saps their connection to the material world.
• Encumbrance: 1 slot
• Cost: 300 gold pieces or equivalent in trade.

Fate Core System

Shadow Veil

• Aspect: “Shrouded in Darkness”
• The Shadow Veil grants the wearer incredible stealth, allowing them to meld into shadows and move unseen.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Invoke: The wearer can invoke the “Shrouded in Darkness” aspect to gain a +2 bonus on Stealth rolls when moving through dim light or darkness.
  • Create an Advantage: The wearer can automatically create an advantage like “Hidden in Shadows” once per session when in a shadowy environment.
  • Compel: The GM may compel the aspect to represent the wearer becoming too deeply connected to shadows, causing them to grow uncomfortable in bright light or become more detached from reality.
  • Extras: Once per scene, the wearer can become invisible for a short time, lasting until they perform a direct action (such as attacking).

Numenera & Cypher System

Shadow Veil

• Level: 5
• Description: A cloak of dark fabric woven from mystical threads, allowing the wearer to blend into shadows and move silently.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Stealth Enhancement: Grants an asset to Speed-based Stealth tasks in dim light or darkness.
  • Shadowmeld: The wearer can spend 3 Intellect points to become invisible while in dim light or darkness for 10 minutes or until they take an aggressive action.
  • Silent Movement: The cloak muffles all sound produced by the wearer, granting an asset to rolls involving silent movement.
  • Depletion: After each use of the invisibility ability, roll a d20. On a 1, the Shadow Veil’s magic weakens, rendering it ineffective until recharged by exposure to an artifact or magical site.
• Cost: 7 XP or a similar amount in barter or rare Numenera.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

Shadow Veil

• Item Type: Wondrous Item, Uncommon (Requires Attunement)
• Level: 6
• Description: The Shadow Veil is a cloak enchanted with the power of shadows, allowing the wearer to blend into darkness and evade detection.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Stealth Bonus: The wearer gains a +2 item bonus to Stealth checks in areas of dim light or darkness.
  • Shadowmeld: Once per day, the wearer can become invisible in areas of dim light or darkness for 1 minute. This works as Invisibility, except the wearer must remain in dim light or shadowed areas.
  • Silent Steps: The cloak dampens sound, giving the wearer a +1 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: Each time the wearer activates Shadowmeld, they must succeed at a DC 15 Will save or become shaken for 1 round, as the veil’s darkness momentarily overwhelms their senses.
• Cost: 400 gold pieces.

Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)

Shadow Veil

• Item Type: Magical Gear
• Description: This enchanted cloak grants the wearer enhanced stealth and allows them to disappear into shadows, making them nearly impossible to detect.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Stealth Bonus: Grants a +2 bonus to Stealth rolls in dim light or darkness.
  • Shadowmeld: Once per day, the wearer can become invisible for 5 rounds while in an area of dim light or shadow. The wearer becomes visible if they take a hostile action, as per the Invisibility power.
  • Silent Movement: The cloak reduces the wearer’s noise, giving enemies a -2 penalty to Notice rolls to hear them.
• Drawback: Every time the Shadowmeld ability is used, the wearer must make a Spirit roll (TN 4). On a failure, they suffer a level of Fatigue as the cloak drains their energy.
• Cost: 300 gold or equivalent in rare resources.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Shadow Veil

• Item Type: Magical Clothing (Restricted)
• Description: The Shadow Veil is a magically infused cloak that allows the wearer to blend into darkness, becoming nearly invisible and moving undetected.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Stealth Bonus: The cloak grants the wearer a +2 dice pool bonus to Sneaking tests in areas of dim light or darkness.
  • Shadowmeld: The wearer can activate the cloak to become invisible in areas of low light for up to 10 minutes (treated as Invisibility, Force 4).
  • Silent Movement: The cloak dampens sound, imposing a -2 dice pool penalty on Perception tests based on hearing.
  • Drain: Each time the Shadowmeld ability is used, the wearer must resist (Force 4) Drain, as if casting a sustained spell.
• Availability: 10F
• Cost: 30,000¥

Starfinder

Shadow Veil

• Item Type: Worn Magic Item
• Level: 8
• Description: The Shadow Veil is an ancient cloak imbued with shadow magic, allowing the wearer to merge with darkness and move unseen.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Stealth Bonus: The wearer gains a +4 enhancement bonus to Stealth checks when in areas of dim light or darkness.
  • Shadowmeld: Once per day, as a standard action, the wearer can turn invisible in dim light for 10 minutes or until they make a hostile action (functions as Greater Invisibility, but only in shadowy environments).
  • Silent Movement: The cloak reduces noise, granting a +2 bonus on Acrobatics checks to move quietly.
• Drawback: Prolonged use of Shadowmeld (more than 5 consecutive minutes) causes the wearer to suffer a -1 penalty to Will saves for 1 hour as their mind is clouded by shadow.
• Cost: 7,500 credits
• Bulk: L (Light)

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Shadow Veil

• Item Type: Advanced Tech Clothing (TL 14)
• Description: This high-tech cloak uses adaptive nanotechnology to blend the wearer with their surroundings, especially in low-light environments.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Stealth Modifier: Grants the wearer a +2 DM on Stealth checks when in dim light or shadow.
  • Shadowmeld: Once per day, the wearer can activate the cloak to become invisible in shadowy areas for 10 minutes. This ability imposes a -4 DM on any attempts to detect the wearer with sensors or visual aids in such environments.
  • Silent Movement: The cloak muffles sounds, giving a +1 DM bonus to Stealth checks involving movement.
  • Power Source: The cloak requires a power cell that lasts for 12 hours of use before requiring recharging.
• Drawback: After each use of Shadowmeld, the wearer suffers a -1 DM to Social interactions for 1 hour due to a slight dissociation from reality.
• Cost: 100,000 credits

Warhammer 40k (Wrath & Glory)

Shadow Veil

• Item Type: Rare Artifact
• Tier: 3
• Rarity: 7
• Keywords: Stealth, Warp, Relic
• Description: The Shadow Veil is a warp-infused cloak that grants the wearer unmatched stealth abilities but comes with great risk.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Stealth Bonus: Grants a +3d bonus to Stealth tests when the wearer is in dim light or shadow.
  • Shadowmeld: Once per session, the wearer can activate the veil to become invisible for 10 rounds while in shadow. Enemies suffer +2 DN to detect the wearer using visual or auditory senses.
  • Silent Steps: The wearer’s movement is unnaturally quiet, imposing a +1 DN on any Awareness tests to detect them via sound.
  • Corruption: After using Shadowmeld, the wearer must pass a DN 3 Corruption test. On failure, they gain 1 Corruption Point as the warp seeps into their soul.
• Value: 6,000 Throne Gelt