Shadowweave Cowl

From: Shadowbloods

Stats:

• Level: Tier 1
• Stats: None
• Skills: +2 bonus to Stealth rolls
• Cost: 200 gold pieces
• Tags: Light Armor, Stealth, Enchanted, Shadow Infusion, Silent Movement, Camouflage Enhancement, Espionage, Covert Operations, Agility Boost, Evasion, Concealment, Precision Craftsmanship, Tactical Stealth
• Armor Class (AC): +1

Lore: The Shadowweave Cowl is a lightweight hood crafted by skilled artisans using a special blend of enchanted spider silk and shadow essence. Legends speak of a secret society of shadow weavers who discovered the ancient techniques necessary to imbue the silk with magical properties. By infusing the fabric with shadow essence, they were able to create a cowl that provided exceptional protection without impeding mobility.

Use: The Shadowweave Cowl is primarily designed to enhance the wearer’s stealth abilities. Its enchantments allow the user to blend seamlessly into shadows, making them more difficult to detect. When worn, the cowl grants a +2 bonus to Stealth rolls, enabling the wearer to move silently and go unnoticed by both enemies and potential observers.

This lightweight hood is highly sought after by rogues, assassins, and any individuals who rely on stealth and subterfuge. Its exceptional craftsmanship and magical properties make it an invaluable asset for those who wish to navigate the shadows undetected. However, the Shadowweave Cowl’s rarity and the complexity of its creation contribute to its relatively high cost of 200 gold pieces.

In the world of Saṃsāra, the Shadowweave Cowl is a rare and sought-after item favored by those who thrive in the shadows, such as rogues, assassins, and covert operatives. The cowl’s unique construction using shadow-infused materials and enchanted spider silk means that it is not available in ordinary shops, but rather in specialized markets, often dealing with rare or enchanted gear. Below are the types of shops where this item might be bought and sold, along with variations in cost and the nature of the transactions.

• The Silent Thread
  • Location: Hidden within the shadowy alleys of a major city or beneath the streets of a bustling marketplace, The Silent Thread is known for its focus on garments designed for stealth and espionage.
  • Cost: 180 – 250 gold pieces. The cost here may vary depending on the craftsmanship and magical enhancements included. Since this shop specializes in stealth gear, the cowl is one of their main offerings, sometimes available at a slight discount for loyal patrons.
  • Transaction: Purchases are often discreet, with buyers entering through a concealed entrance. Transactions may involve favors or agreements with shadow guilds, and the customer’s background is often checked to ensure they are not a threat to the guild’s interests.
• Whispered Curiosities
  • Location: Found on floating islands like the Zephyrstone Islands or in secretive, hidden marketplaces in the deep wilderness, Whispered Curiosities caters to adventurers, scholars, and spies looking for rare, enchanted items.
  • Cost: 200 – 275 gold pieces. The shop deals in magical and rare artifacts, so the price is set higher due to the mystical properties of the cowl. However, the unique environment and connections of this shop may occasionally result in exclusive deals for those with special influence.
  • Transaction: The cowl may be sold alongside other magical items of intrigue. Transactions often involve gold or rare components that the shopkeeper desires, and customers might be required to prove their skills in stealth or secrecy before being allowed to purchase the cowl.
• Rogue’s Shadow Exchange
  • Location: This underground black market, operating in megacities or in hidden corners of the underworld, is frequented by thieves, spies, and mercenaries looking for tools of the trade.
  • Cost: 150 – 225 gold pieces. The cowl may be sold for a slightly reduced price here, especially when paired with other tools of espionage or in exchange for rare stolen items. It’s a prime location for obtaining rogue equipment at a more negotiable rate.
  • Transaction: Items are often traded for gold, rare artifacts, or services. Rogue’s Shadow Exchange is notorious for bartering, so buyers who have skills or connections to offer may be able to secure the cowl at a lower cost or in exchange for information.
• Eclipse Forge
  • Location: Located deep in forests or remote mountain ranges where shadow-weavers and artisan mages craft enchanted items, Eclipse Forge is known for its high-quality goods made from rare materials.
  • Cost: 250 – 350 gold pieces. This shop offers some of the finest enchanted wearables in Saṃsāra, and the Shadowweave Cowl sold here is likely to have additional enhancements beyond standard models, driving up the cost.
  • Transaction: Buyers are expected to pay in gold or provide valuable magical components. Since Eclipse Forge is known for customizing items, customers may request additional features, increasing the price but allowing for bespoke enchantments tailored to their needs.
• Twilight Cloak Emporium
  • Location: Found in large trade hubs or merchant cities, Twilight Cloak Emporium specializes in cloaks, hoods, and light armor for explorers and adventurers. This shop is widely known for selling functional and stylish enchanted wear.
  • Cost: 180 – 230 gold pieces. Prices are stable and based on the rarity and demand of the item. The Shadowweave Cowl is a popular choice for adventurers, rogues, and stealth-based characters looking for high mobility and defense.
  • Transaction: This is a formal merchant shop, where transactions are straightforward, usually requiring gold. However, the Emporium occasionally offers discounts for adventurers known to have completed difficult quests, or as part of package deals with other enchanted items.

The Shadowweave Cowl is generally considered a high-tier item, found in specialized shops that cater to stealth, espionage, or magical enhancement. Its rarity, craftsmanship, and magical properties contribute to its price, which can range between 150 and 350 gold pieces, depending on the shop and enhancements. Players and characters in Saṃsāra looking for the Shadowweave Cowl must often seek out these hidden or exclusive markets, requiring either connections, wealth, or exceptional skill in the arts of stealth and shadow.

The Shadowweave Cowl is a versatile tool for those who rely on stealth, subterfuge, and mobility. It enhances the wearer’s ability to blend into shadows, making it a powerful asset in both defensive and offensive scenarios. Below are examples of how the cowl might be used in different environments, emphasizing its utility for roleplay in combat, exploration, and social situations.

• Urban Environment: Crowded Streets and Narrow Alleys
  • Offensive Roleplay:
    • Ambushes and Infiltration: In the narrow alleyways of a busy city, the wearer can use the Shadowweave Cowl to silently approach targets, moving unnoticed among crowds or through darkened streets. The cowl’s enhanced Stealth capabilities (+2 bonus to Stealth rolls) allow the wearer to slip behind guards or rivals, setting up ambushes without detection. This makes it ideal for surprise attacks, pickpocketing, or infiltrating heavily guarded areas.
    • Assassination and Escape: In a covert assassination mission, the cowl enables the wearer to remain hidden in plain sight, blending into shadows cast by buildings or streetlamps. After striking, the wearer can quickly vanish into an alley or use their enhanced Stealth to escape pursuit, making it difficult for enemies to follow or raise alarms.
  • Defensive Roleplay:
    • Evading Pursuit: If the wearer is being chased through a crowded market or narrow streets, the Shadowweave Cowl allows them to easily duck into darkened doorways or alleys and evade pursuers. The cowl’s ability to blend into shadows makes it nearly impossible for enemies to keep track of the wearer in low-light conditions.
    • Hiding in Crowds: In tense situations, such as being followed by bounty hunters or enemies, the wearer can use the cowl to move silently and blend into crowds, becoming difficult to locate. The subtle magic of the cowl makes the wearer seem unremarkable, allowing them to avoid unwanted attention.
• Wilderness Environment: Forests and Caves
  • Offensive Roleplay:
    • Ambushing in Dense Forests: The Shadowweave Cowl excels in wilderness environments where light is scarce. In a dense forest, the wearer can use the natural cover of trees and shadows to position themselves for an ambush. With the enhanced Stealth bonus, they can silently approach their prey or enemies, striking from an unseen vantage point before retreating back into the safety of the shadows.
    • Scouting and Infiltration: Whether sneaking into a bandit camp or scouting enemy positions in a forest or cave, the cowl allows the wearer to move through undergrowth and natural shadows undetected. The ability to remain unseen makes the wearer an ideal scout or forward observer, capable of relaying critical information without being noticed.
  • Defensive Roleplay:
    • Hiding in Natural Cover: If the wearer is being tracked or hunted in the wilderness, they can use the cowl to blend into the shadowy undergrowth or caves. Even when fleeing from dangerous creatures or hunters, the wearer can use the cowl’s magic to find cover and remain hidden, avoiding capture or confrontation.
    • Navigating Dangerous Terrain: When exploring dark caves or dangerous wilderness areas, the cowl grants the wearer the ability to move quietly and safely through unknown territory. This reduces the chance of triggering traps, attracting predators, or alerting enemies to the wearer’s presence.
• Combat Environment: Battlefield or Dungeon
  • Offensive Roleplay:
    • Stealth Attacks and Guerrilla Tactics: On a battlefield or within the confines of a dungeon, the wearer can use the Shadowweave Cowl to launch surprise attacks. By sneaking up on unsuspecting foes, the wearer can deliver precise, devastating strikes and then retreat into the shadows before enemies can react. This hit-and-run tactic makes the wearer a highly mobile and unpredictable combatant.
    • Flanking and Assassination: In a dungeon environment, the wearer can use the cowl to flank enemies, moving silently behind enemy lines or into vulnerable positions. The enhanced Stealth bonus helps the wearer avoid detection as they bypass frontline combatants to eliminate high-value targets like enemy mages or commanders.
  • Defensive Roleplay:
    • Avoiding Detection: In situations where the party is at risk of being overwhelmed by enemies, the cowl allows the wearer to slip into the shadows and avoid detection. This can be used defensively to avoid direct combat or to scout for alternative escape routes without being seen.
    • Evading Traps and Guardians: In dungeon environments where traps and sentinels guard valuable treasures or important exits, the wearer can use their enhanced Stealth to bypass these defenses. The cowl helps the wearer move without setting off pressure plates or alerting magical guardians, enabling a safe passage through dangerous zones.
• Political and Social Environment: Noble Courts and Gatherings
  • Offensive Roleplay:
    • Espionage and Information Gathering: At a noble court or during a high-stakes gathering, the wearer can use the Shadowweave Cowl to move silently through darkened hallways or eavesdrop on sensitive conversations. The cowl’s stealth-enhancing magic makes it ideal for infiltrating restricted areas, overhearing plots, or gathering valuable political secrets.
    • Sabotage or Theft: The cowl enables the wearer to perform covert actions such as stealing valuable items or sabotaging equipment during a social event. The enhanced stealth ensures that the wearer can perform these tasks without being detected, making them an excellent infiltrator in diplomatic or high-society environments.
  • Defensive Roleplay:
    • Blending Into the Background: In a tense political setting where the wearer is under scrutiny, the Shadowweave Cowl can be used to subtly avoid attention. By sticking to the shadows in dimly lit areas or staying out of direct sightlines, the wearer can remain unnoticed, avoiding the dangers of courtly intrigue or unwanted interactions.
    • Escaping a Hostile Situation: Should a social gathering turn hostile, with guards or rivals attempting to apprehend the wearer, the cowl allows for a quick and silent exit. By slipping into the shadows or blending with dimly lit areas, the wearer can evade capture and disappear from sight.
• Underground or Dungeon Environment: Tombs and Catacombs
  • Offensive Roleplay:
    • Silent Infiltration of Ancient Tombs: In underground catacombs or tombs where traps and undead guardians lurk, the Shadowweave Cowl allows the wearer to move silently and undetected through tight corridors and hidden passages. This makes it an invaluable tool for sneaking past or ambushing creatures guarding treasures or hidden exits.
    • Sneaking Up on Powerful Foes: The cowl grants the wearer a distinct advantage when facing enemies in dark, enclosed spaces. The ability to blend into shadows and approach enemies unseen makes it possible to deal a powerful opening strike before retreating to safety, turning the tide in difficult encounters.
  • Defensive Roleplay:
    • Evading Traps and Guardians: In a dark dungeon filled with traps or magical sentinels, the wearer can use the cowl to avoid detection. By blending into the shadows and moving silently, the wearer can bypass dangerous traps or sentinels that would otherwise pose significant threats to the party.
    • Scouting Hidden Passages: In environments filled with secret doors, traps, and shifting walls, the Shadowweave Cowl allows the wearer to scout ahead safely. The enhanced stealth and mobility of the cowl make it easier to explore dangerous areas, find hidden passages, or locate enemies before they become a threat.

The Shadowweave Cowl provides a wide range of roleplay opportunities, allowing players to adapt to different environments with a focus on stealth, defense, and ambush tactics. Whether sneaking through crowded cities, dangerous dungeons, or infiltrating high-stakes political events, the cowl enhances the wearer’s ability to remain unseen and strike from the shadows.

Perception of Activation: Shadowweave Cowl

• User’s Perspective: When the Shadowweave Cowl is activated, the wearer feels a sudden shift in their connection to the environment, as if they have become part of the shadows themselves.
  • Sight:
    • Perceived: The surroundings appear dimmer, even in bright light, with shadows stretching and merging into each other. Colors seem to fade into grays and blacks, and everything feels softer around the edges. In darkness, however, vision becomes enhanced, allowing the wearer to see details that would otherwise remain hidden, with shadowed areas now outlined in faint hues of purple and gray.
    • Positive: The enhanced perception of shadows makes it easier to spot hidden paths, concealed traps, or enemies lurking in the dark. The wearer’s ability to see in low-light conditions significantly improves.
    • Negative: Prolonged activation can make the world appear too muted, blurring the distinction between real threats and harmless shadows. The dimming effect on vision may make it harder to spot details in well-lit areas.
  • Hearing:
    • Perceived: The sounds around the wearer become muffled, as though the cowl absorbs background noise. However, faint sounds—such as footsteps, whispering, or the rustle of fabric—are amplified. It’s as though the wearer can hear every movement in the shadows.
    • Positive: Subtle noises are heightened, making it easier to detect movement or speech in otherwise silent areas, providing a tactical advantage when eavesdropping or tracking enemies.
    • Negative: Louder noises may cause slight disorientation due to the contrast between the muffled background and the amplified smaller sounds, making sudden loud noises more jarring.
  • Touch:
    • Perceived: The wearer feels an immediate cooling sensation, as though surrounded by a gentle breeze of cold air. The fabric of the cowl feels weightless, almost like a second layer of skin, yet creates the sensation of being wrapped in a soft, protective cloak. The wearer’s body feels lighter and more nimble, making movements easier and smoother.
    • Positive: The wearer experiences enhanced mobility, moving more fluidly and silently through their surroundings, especially in confined spaces. The sensation of weightlessness adds a sense of ease when sneaking or climbing.
    • Negative: The sensation of weightlessness and the subtle chill can create a slight disconnect from the wearer’s surroundings, leading to moments of unawareness or distraction, particularly when the environment is warm.
  • Smell:
    • Perceived: A faint, earthy scent, like damp stone or cool soil, fills the air around the wearer. It’s reminiscent of being deep underground or within a forgotten ruin, as if the cowl carries the scent of places long hidden from the sun.
    • Positive: This subtle scent adds to the wearer’s awareness of the environment, making it easier to detect the presence of natural elements like water or moss in dark environments.
    • Negative: The constant, faint odor can become distracting, especially in environments where the air is fresh or when the scent does not align with the surroundings, leading to a sense of displacement.
  • Taste:
    • Perceived: There is a metallic taste in the air, similar to the sensation of breathing in cold, damp air from an old, forgotten chamber. This taste lingers faintly, giving the wearer an almost instinctive awareness of nearby magical effects or illusions.
    • Positive: The taste shifts subtly in the presence of magical fields or hidden enchantments, acting as a warning system when magic is near.
    • Negative: The metallic taste can grow stronger over time, becoming unpleasant or distracting, especially when the wearer is not expecting nearby magic.
  • Extra-Sensory Perceptions
    • Shadow Sensitivity:
      • Perceived: The wearer gains an almost tactile sense of nearby shadows. The air feels denser in areas with heavy shadow, allowing the wearer to feel the presence of hidden spaces or concealed enemies. It’s as though the shadows themselves whisper, revealing secrets hidden from ordinary sight.
      • Positive: This heightened awareness allows the wearer to instinctively avoid danger, dodge traps, or find hidden paths and objects. The wearer feels more in tune with the environment, gaining an edge in dark or shadowy areas.
      • Negative: Overuse can cause sensory overload in areas thick with shadows, making it difficult to differentiate between real threats and simple pockets of darkness. This can lead to confusion or hesitation.
    • Blending with Shadows:
      • Perceived: The wearer feels as if their body is dissolving into the shadows, merging seamlessly with the dark around them. It’s as if the line between the physical self and the surrounding shadows begins to blur, granting a sense of invisibility and weightlessness.
      • Positive: This allows the wearer to move stealthily through areas with dim lighting or shadows, significantly enhancing stealth. Enemies find it much harder to spot or target the wearer, providing a tactical advantage in stealth-based scenarios.
      • Negative: The wearer may feel detached from reality during prolonged use, leading to moments of disorientation when stepping back into brightly lit areas, causing an unsettling sensation of vulnerability.
    • Temporal Distortion:
      • Perceived: Time appears to slow down slightly when in shadowed areas, allowing the wearer to perceive events with greater clarity and react more quickly. Movements feel more deliberate, as if each step, breath, and blink happens at a measured pace.
      • Positive: This gives the wearer a tactical advantage in combat or high-stress situations, enabling them to make decisions faster and more precisely when surrounded by shadows.
      • Negative: When returning to areas with strong light or fast-moving events, the wearer may feel overwhelmed by the sudden return to normal time, causing temporary disorientation or hesitation.
• Observer’s Perspective: From an outside observer’s point of view, the activation of the Shadowweave Cowl is subtle, though a careful eye may notice certain changes in the wearer’s presence.
  • Visual Effects:
    • The wearer appears to blend more seamlessly with their surroundings, especially in low-light environments. Their outline becomes softer, harder to define, and shadows seem to stretch towards them. Faint trails of shadow may linger for a brief moment when they move, adding to their mysterious, stealthy aura.
    • Positive: The wearer appears almost invisible to those without heightened perception. In dimly lit areas, they can seem to vanish entirely.
    • Negative: To those attuned to magic, the unnatural blending of shadows might raise suspicion, signaling the use of powerful magical artifacts.
  • Body Language:
    • The wearer moves more fluidly and silently, as if gliding through the environment. Even in cramped or cluttered spaces, their movements appear unnaturally graceful, as though shadows themselves guide them. Observers may find the wearer difficult to track or predict.
    • Positive: Allies may feel reassured by the wearer’s confidence and ability to navigate dangerous or uncertain environments unseen.
    • Negative: The unnatural fluidity of movement may appear unnerving or unnatural to some, leading to mistrust or suspicion among allies or enemies who perceive the wearer as hiding something more than just their presence.
• Positives of Activation
  • Superior Stealth: The wearer can blend into the shadows effortlessly, becoming almost invisible in low-light areas, making it ideal for stealth, infiltration, and ambushes.
  • Heightened Perception: Enhanced awareness of nearby shadows, sounds, and subtle changes in the environment gives the wearer an advantage in detecting hidden threats and opportunities.
  • Enhanced Mobility: The weightless, fluid feeling allows for smoother and quieter movements, making it easier to escape dangerous situations or move through complex environments unnoticed.
  • Shadow Integration: The wearer can manipulate shadows for both offensive and defensive purposes, providing flexibility in combat or exploration.
• Negatives of Activation
  • Disorientation in Light: Prolonged use in shadow-heavy environments can cause disorientation when stepping into bright light, leading to a temporary vulnerability as the senses readjust.
  • Sensory Overload: The constant perception of shadows and subtle noises can lead to sensory overload in environments thick with shadow, causing confusion or hesitation.
  • Mental Strain: Extended use may cause feelings of detachment from reality, as the wearer struggles to balance their connection with the shadows and the physical world, potentially leading to paranoia or misjudgment.
  • Vulnerability to Magic: Magic-sensitive observers or enemies may detect the shadowy magic at work, alerting them to the wearer’s presence or intentions.

The Shadowweave Cowl grants remarkable advantages in stealth, exploration, and combat but requires careful use to avoid the mental and sensory strain that comes with merging so closely with the shadows.

Recipe: Crafting the Shadowweave Cowl

• Materials Needed:
  • Enchanted Spider Silk (x10 ft) – A fine thread spun from magical spiders that dwell in dark forests, imbued with the ability to blend into shadows.
  • Shadow Essence (x1 vial) – Extracted from creatures of the Shadow Plane or collected during rituals conducted during the new moon. This essence is vital for weaving the cowl’s shadow-concealing properties.
  • Nightshade Dye (x1 vial) – A dark, magical dye that enhances the cowl’s ability to absorb light and increase its stealth properties.
  • Silver Thread (x2 ft) – A magical conductor used to embroider the cowl with protective runes and connect the enchantments to the wearer.
  • Moonstone Dust (x2 pinches) – Ground moonstone that amplifies the cowl’s ability to enhance vision in the dark and its magical effects.
  • Obsidian Needle (x1) – A specially crafted needle needed to work the enchanted materials without damaging their magical properties.
• Tools Required:
  • Arcane Loom – A magical weaving tool used to combine enchanted fabrics and ensure the silk maintains its magical properties during crafting.
  • Enchantment Needle – A tool for embroidering runes into the fabric using silver thread.
  • Shadow Mirror – A special mirror used to ensure that the shadows blend perfectly with the cowl during the final binding process.
  • Cauldron of Binding – A magical cauldron needed to fuse the Shadow Essence and Moonstone Dust into the fabric of the cowl.
  • Alchemist’s Crucible – Used to refine and distill the Shadow Essence before it’s applied to the materials.
• Skill Requirements:
  • Weaving (Proficient) – Skilled weaving is required to properly handle the enchanted spider silk without damaging its magical properties.
  • Enchanting (Proficient) – The crafter must have knowledge of shadow magic and basic enchanting to imbue the cowl with its unique shadow-concealing abilities.
  • Runesmithing (Basic) – The ability to embroider basic protection runes into the cowl using silver thread.
  • Alchemy (Basic) – A basic understanding of alchemy to distill the Shadow Essence and infuse the nightshade dye into the fabric.
  • Shadow Manipulation (Basic) – Knowledge of how to work with shadow magic, ensuring the cowl’s connection to the Shadow Plane remains stable.
• Crafting Steps:
  • Weaving the Base Cowl:
    • Begin by placing the Enchanted Spider Silk into the Arcane Loom. Weave the silk into the form of a lightweight hood, ensuring that the fabric remains flexible yet durable. The loom must be activated with a faint trace of magic to prevent the silk from unraveling during the process.
    • As you weave, sprinkle a pinch of Moonstone Dust over the silk, enhancing the fabric’s ability to enhance vision in low-light environments.
  • Preparing the Shadow Essence:
    • Place the Shadow Essence into the Alchemist’s Crucible and gently heat it. Distill the essence down to its purest form, making it ready for infusion. This requires a careful balance of heat and magical control to avoid dissipating the shadow’s energy.
    • Once refined, pour the essence into the Cauldron of Binding, along with the Nightshade Dye. Stir the mixture with the Obsidian Needle, ensuring the dye and essence blend perfectly.
  • Infusing the Fabric:
    • Once the cowl has been woven, dip it into the Cauldron of Binding, allowing the Shadow Essence and Nightshade Dye to soak into the fabric. This will take several hours as the silk absorbs the magical properties.
    • Once infused, remove the cowl from the cauldron and hang it near a Shadow Mirror to cool and solidify the shadow-magic within the fabric. The cowl should darken slightly as the shadows fuse into it.
  • Embroidering the Runes:
    • Using the Silver Thread and the Enchantment Needle, embroider small, protective runes along the edges of the cowl. These runes help to channel the shadow magic through the cowl and connect it to the wearer’s abilities.
    • Each rune must be carefully stitched in, with focus placed on enhancing stealth and protection. The use of the Obsidian Needle ensures the fabric is not damaged during this delicate process.
  • Final Binding:
    • Place the completed cowl in front of the Shadow Mirror for the final binding process. Activate the mirror to align the cowl with shadow energy, stabilizing the enchantments. As the shadows shift and swirl within the mirror, they will fuse with the cowl, finalizing the magical properties.
    • After a few minutes, the cowl will pulse with a faint glow, signaling that the binding is complete and the cowl is fully enchanted.
  • Attunement:
    • Once the cowl is complete, the wearer must spend an hour attuning to the item by wearing it in darkness and focusing on their surroundings. This attunement links the cowl’s magic with the wearer’s essence, allowing them to activate its full potential.
• Total Crafting Time: 2 to 4 days, depending on the crafter’s skill level and the availability of materials.

Tale of the Hood Woven from Night Itself

In a time before time, when shadows were not just cast by sun, but were beings with breath, there was a tribe known to work with what none other dared. The Shadblood, they were called, lived in dark that no light reached, beyond forest edge, in caves where light feared to go. These ones knew the secret of weaving night itself. They speak to spider beasts of great size, beasts that spin thread from the stars, and from these threads, they made things of shadow.

The first of the Cowls, it was said, was born not by hands but by whispers. One from the tribe, whose name lost in winds of forgotten years, he did seek to hide from the eye that sees all things. He call to the shadows in ways no other could. He spoke with breath of night, asking them to cloak him, so that even the great eye above would know him not. The shadows answered.

The cowl was woven in silence. Not one sound was heard, not one stitch seen. From the threads of stars and from the breath of the deep, the first of the Shadowweave Cowls was made. This was no simple hood to cover the head. It made its wearer one with the shadows, moving like wind through dark, seen by none. The wearer could walk through halls of kings, through dens of beasts, and none would know. The shadows, they would hide him.

But shadows are not to be trusted. They ask for what not all can give. The one who wore this cowl, he began to vanish. Not from the eyes of men, but from himself. Each time he wore it, less of him was left when he took it off. First his voice was quiet, then his steps made no sound. In time, his own shadow no longer followed him, for he had become part of it. And then, one day, the cowl lay where he last slept, but the wearer was gone. Some say he became a shadow, others say he slipped into the world behind the night, where only darkness lives.

The moral of the story is this: One who seeks to become the shadow must beware, for they may never return to the light.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Item Name: Shadowweave Cowl

• Type: Magical Artifact
• Description: This ancient cowl, woven from enchanted spider silk and infused with shadow essence, allows the wearer to move unseen and undetected in darkness. However, long exposure may result in a growing detachment from reality.
• Effects:
  • Stealth Bonus: Grants +20% to Stealth checks when in dim light or darkness.
  • Shadow Blend: The wearer becomes almost invisible in complete darkness, imposing a -40% penalty on opponents’ Spot Hidden checks to detect them.
  • Sanity Loss: Each time the cowl is worn for more than an hour, the wearer must roll a Sanity check (1d4/1d6 loss) due to the unsettling sensation of becoming one with the shadows.
• Cost: Its monetary value is difficult to determine, but it is highly sought after by those in secretive societies or arcane scholars.

Blades in the Dark

Item Name: Shadowweave Cowl

• Item Load: 0 (Light)
• Type: Rare Item (Arcane/Weird)
• Description: This enchanted cowl allows its wearer to blend into the shadows, becoming virtually invisible in dimly lit areas. It is highly prized by scoundrels and thieves who operate in the dark.
• Mechanics:
  • Shadow Cloak: Gain potency in all Prowl rolls made in low-light or darkness.
  • Fade into Shadow: When the wearer is in dim light or shadow, enemies must make an extra effort to detect them. Enemies roll with reduced effect when trying to locate the wearer in such conditions.
  • Drawback: Prolonged use causes a creeping feeling of isolation from reality. Each time the wearer uses the cowl for a full score, they take 1 stress from the psychological strain of merging with shadows.
• Cost: Available only through rare contacts with arcane powers or found in hidden vaults.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Item Name: Shadowweave Cowl

• Wondrous Item (Uncommon), Requires Attunement
• Description: Crafted from a blend of enchanted spider silk and shadow essence, this cowl grants the wearer enhanced stealth capabilities in low-light and dark environments. Rogues and rangers favor it for stealthy missions.
• Effects:
  • Stealth Bonus: Grants a +2 bonus to Stealth checks.
  • Shadow Blend: When in dim light or darkness, the wearer can activate the cowl to gain advantage on Stealth checks for up to 1 hour. This feature can be used once per long rest.
  • Shadow Step: Once per day, the wearer can cast Misty Step to teleport up to 30 feet into a shadowed location they can see.
• Drawback: Extended use of the cowl causes mild exhaustion. After using Shadow Blend for more than 1 hour continuously, the wearer must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or suffer one level of exhaustion.
• Cost: 200 gold pieces.

Knave

Item Name: Shadowweave Cowl

• Type: Magic Item
• Description: A lightweight cowl made of shadow-infused silk, designed to enhance stealth in dark environments.
• Effects:
  • Stealth Bonus: +2 to Stealth rolls when in dim light or darkness.
  • Shadow Blend: The wearer can become invisible in total darkness for up to 10 minutes per day. This invisibility ends when the wearer moves out of the shadows or attacks.
  • Silent Step: The wearer’s footfalls are muffled, allowing for completely silent movement in dark or shadowy areas. Enemies attempting to detect the wearer must succeed on a WIS save (DC 12).
• Drawback: The wearer experiences disorientation when transitioning back to bright light after prolonged use, suffering a -1 penalty to rolls for 1 hour.
• Cost: 150 coins.

Fate Core

Item Name: Shadowweave Cowl

• Aspect: Cloaked in Shadows
• Description: A hood woven from shadow-infused silk, granting the wearer enhanced stealth and the ability to blend into darkness.
• Effects:
  • Stunt: Shadow Blend: Once per scene, the wearer can automatically succeed at a Stealth check in dim light or darkness when attempting to remain unseen.
  • Stunt: Silent Step: Gain a +2 bonus to Stealth rolls when moving in low-light environments.
• Drawback: Each time the wearer uses Shadow Blend, the GM may compel the wearer’s aspect, creating a sense of isolation or paranoia due to merging with the shadows.
• Cost: 1 Fate Point to activate Shadow Blend; requires an aspect slot.

Numenera / Cypher System

Item Name: Shadowweave Cowl

• Level: 4
• Type: Artifact
• Description: This lightweight, shadow-infused cowl grants the wearer the ability to move unseen and undetected in darkness.
• Depletion: 1 in 1d10 (after extended use)
• Mechanics:
  • Stealth Bonus: The wearer gains an asset on Stealth rolls when in low-light or shadowed environments.
  • Shadow Step: The wearer can teleport up to 10 feet to any nearby shadowed location once per day, spending 3 Intellect points.
  • Invisibility in Darkness: Once per day, the wearer can become invisible for 1 minute in complete darkness (2 Intellect points).
• Drawback: If the wearer uses Shadow Step more than once, they must succeed on an Intellect defense roll (Difficulty 4) or suffer 2 Intellect damage from the strain of interacting with shadow magic.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

Item Name: Shadowweave Cowl

• Type: Wondrous Item (Uncommon)
• Level: 5
• Description: This enchanted cowl allows the wearer to blend seamlessly into the shadows, enhancing their stealth and mobility in low-light environments.
• Effects:
  • Stealth Bonus: +2 item bonus to Stealth checks in dim light or darkness.
  • Shadow Step: Once per day, the wearer can cast Misty Step as a 2nd-level innate arcane spell to teleport up to 30 feet into a shadowy space.
  • Shadow Cloak: Once per day, the wearer can gain Invisibility for 1 minute in darkness or dim light (as the spell).
• Drawback: After using Shadow Step, the wearer must succeed on a DC 16 Fortitude save or suffer the Fatigued condition for 1 hour.
• Price: 200 gp.

Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)

Item Name: Shadowweave Cowl

• Type: Magic Item
• Description: This cowl grants the wearer the ability to blend into shadows and move silently, ideal for rogues and spies.
• Effects:
  • Stealth Bonus: The wearer gains a +2 bonus to Stealth rolls in low-light or dark environments.
  • Shadow Step: Once per day, the wearer can teleport up to 6” to a shadowed location within sight.
  • Silent Movement: The wearer moves silently while in dim light or darkness, imposing a -2 penalty on Notice rolls for enemies trying to detect them.
• Drawback: After using Shadow Step, the wearer must make a Vigor roll. Failure results in one level of Fatigue due to the mental strain of merging with the shadows.
• Cost: 2 Bennies for acquisition through rare arcane merchants or found in ancient ruins.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Item Name: Shadowweave Cowl

• Type: Magical Gear (Rare)
• Description: This enchanted cowl is woven from shadow-infused silk, granting the wearer the ability to blend into darkness and move undetected, making it a prized item for runners operating in the shadows.
• Mechanics:
  • Stealth Bonus: +2 dice to Stealth tests when in dim light or darkness.
  • Shadow Step: Once per day, the wearer may teleport up to 10 meters to any shadowed location within their line of sight. This counts as a Simple Action.
  • Shadow Cloak: Enemies attempting to locate the wearer in shadows suffer a -2 penalty to their Perception tests.
• Drain: Using Shadow Step requires a Willpower (2) + Intuition test. Failure results in 1 point of Stun damage due to the mental strain of shadow manipulation.
• Cost: 15,000 nuyen. Often found on the black market or through magical fixers.

Starfinder

Item Name: Shadowweave Cowl

• Level: 6
• Type: Magic Item (Worn)
• Description: This cowl allows the wearer to move unseen in shadowy environments and teleport between shadows. Favored by operatives and thieves, it is a rare and powerful item.
• Mechanics:
  • Darkvision: Grants the wearer Darkvision (60 feet) if they do not already have it.
  • Stealth Bonus: +2 enhancement bonus to Stealth checks in dim light or darkness.
  • Shadow Step: As a move action, the wearer may teleport up to 30 feet to a shadowed location they can see. This ability can be used twice per day.
  • Cloak of Shadows: Enemies must succeed on a DC 16 Perception check to spot the wearer when they are hiding in dim light or darkness.
• Cost: 4,000 credits. Often found in shadowy underworld markets or after quests involving high-level magic.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Item Name: Shadowweave Cowl

• Type: Alien Artifact (Rare)
• Description: This advanced piece of xenotechnology appears to be a cloth-like material, able to manipulate light and shadow to cloak the wearer. It is coveted by spies and infiltrators.
• Mechanics:
  • Stealth Aid: Provides DM +2 to Recon checks when hiding in shadows or dark environments.
  • Shadow Step: The wearer may teleport up to 10 meters to any shadowed location within line of sight once per day.
  • Shadow Cloak: Enemies suffer DM -2 to detect the wearer while they are in shadows or dim light.
• Drawback: Using Shadow Step more than once in a 24-hour period requires a successful Endurance check (8+). Failure results in one level of Fatigue from the strain.
• Cost: 120,000 credits. Only found in rare alien ruins or black market auctions.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

Item Name: Shadowweave Cowl

• Type: Magical Item (Very Rare)
• Rarity: Very Rare
• Description: A hood made from shadow-infused silk, used by assassins and spies to disappear into darkness. It is imbued with powerful shadow magic.
• Mechanics:
  • Night Vision: Grants Night Vision (30 yards) to the wearer if they don’t already have it.
  • Stealth Bonus: The wearer gains a +10 bonus to Stealth tests in low-light or dark environments.
  • Shadow Step: Once per day, the wearer may move through shadows, teleporting up to 12 yards as a Free Action.
  • Shadow Cloak: Enemies suffer a -10 penalty to Perception tests to detect the wearer in shadows.
• Drawback: Using Shadow Step multiple times in a single day causes Fatigue (Willpower Test at +20 to resist) due to the mental and physical strain of merging with shadows.
• Cost: 200 Gold Crowns. Only found in ancient tombs or through dealings with powerful mages or assassins.