Shadowweaver’s Lenses

From: Abysian Bloodline

Stats:

• Level Requirement: Tier 1
• Modifiers: None
• Skills: Investigation (+2 bonus to Investigation checks related to detecting hidden or illusory objects)
• Cost: 100 gold pieces (or the equivalent in currency)
• Tags: Equipment, Tools, Perception, Investigation, Shadow Manipulation, Arcane Optics, Cryptic Decoding, Illusion Detection, Hidden Realms, Shadow Sight, Mystical Perception, Obscured Truths, Illusory Awareness, Dimensional Insight, Veil Piercing

Lore: The Shadowweaver’s Lenses are a pair of specialized lenses crafted using Abysian glass and alchemical components. They were created by a secretive order of scholars and arcane craftsmen known as the Shadowweavers. These skilled individuals possess a deep understanding of shadows, illusions, and hidden knowledge, and sought to develop a tool that would allow them to perceive and manipulate the subtle energies of these realms.

According to lore, the Shadowweaver’s Lenses were originally created to aid in unraveling ancient secrets, deciphering hidden messages, and detecting illusory objects. The lenses are said to be infused with the essence of shadow, enabling wearers to see beyond the ordinary perception and delve into the hidden realms of shadows and illusions.

Use: When worn, the Shadowweaver’s Lenses grant a +2 bonus to Investigation checks specifically related to detecting hidden or illusory objects. The lenses allow the wearer to perceive and analyze the subtle energies of shadows, making it easier to spot concealed items, hidden passages, or illusory constructs. Additionally, the lenses possess the unique ability to reveal hidden messages or symbols written in shadow script, a form of cryptic writing that is invisible to the naked eye but becomes apparent with the lenses’ assistance.

The Shadowweaver’s Lenses are particularly valuable for characters who rely on perception, investigation, or the manipulation of shadows and illusions. They are ideal tools for detectives, researchers, or characters with a keen eye for uncovering hidden truths. The lenses enable wearers to pierce the veil of illusions, detect hidden objects, and reveal cryptic messages, enhancing their ability to uncover secrets and navigate through deceptions.

In the world of Saṃsāra, the Shadowweaver’s Lenses are a rare and coveted item due to their specialized nature and association with the shadow arts. They would be sold in a variety of unique, discreet, and highly guarded locations where such arcane tools are valued.

• Hidden Arcane Markets
  • These markets operate in secret and are often found in labyrinthine cities or floating islands like the Zephyrstone Islands, where adventurers and scholars alike gather. Accessible only to those with knowledge of ancient passwords or teleportation sigils, these underground shops deal in rare magical artifacts.
  • Cost: 120 to 150 gold pieces
  • Atmosphere: Cloaked in illusionary magic, these markets are dimly lit, with vendors operating from behind shadowy curtains. The lenses may be showcased in glass cases protected by anti-theft enchantments, and haggling is encouraged.
• Alchemist Guilds
  • The Shadowweaver’s Lenses may also be purchased at exclusive guild shops where alchemists and crafters gather to study and sell their wares. Located in prestigious towers or floating above megacities, these guild shops often have sections devoted to unique concoctions and arcane tools.
  • Cost: 100 to 130 gold pieces
  • Atmosphere: The shop would be well-lit and orderly, with shelves lined with glass vials, ingredients, and alchemical tools. The lenses might be kept in a special display case, and sales could be accompanied by detailed instructions on care and usage.
• Shadowweaver Enclaves
  • These secretive enclaves are controlled by the Shadowweavers, the creators of the lenses. Hidden within deep forests, underwater caverns, or among dark cave networks, these shops are not accessible to the general public. Only trusted individuals with connections to the Shadowweavers can purchase directly from these enclaves.
  • Cost: 80 to 110 gold pieces (discount for initiates or those with ties to the Shadowweavers)
  • Atmosphere: Dimly lit, with tapestries of dark woven threads covering the walls. The air is thick with the scent of arcane herbs, and shadowy figures linger, discussing illusions and ancient secrets. Buyers must often prove their intent through shadow-based challenges before purchase.
• Antiquarian Curio Shops
  • In the more densely populated cities of Saṃsāra, particularly in ancient trade hubs like Old Myriad or Glimmereach, these shops specialize in rare, historical items. The Shadowweaver’s Lenses could be found here, though often misidentified as a simple curio, thus driving up their price for collectors of magical artifacts.
  • Cost: 150 to 180 gold pieces
  • Atmosphere: The curio shop would be cluttered with relics, old maps, and dusty tomes. The lenses may be displayed without fully understanding their power, making it a treasure for keen-eyed buyers who know what they’re looking for.
• Black Market and Smugglers’ Dens
  • In lawless regions or shadowy corners of Saṃsāra’s underworld, the lenses might be sold through black market dealers or smugglers, who traffic in stolen magical items. These deals are risky, and prices can vary wildly depending on the desperation of the buyer or seller.
  • Cost: 60 to 200 gold pieces (depending on the rarity and demand)
  • Atmosphere: The trade is conducted in darkened alleys or hidden basements beneath taverns. The item might be smuggled into the city hidden in crates, and the deal made through whispers and coded phrases. Bargaining is fierce, and payment is often taken in rare goods or services.

These lenses are a rare and prized commodity in Saṃsāra, sought after by those who understand their power and value. The buyer must be knowledgeable about magical artifacts or connected to the right circles to obtain them.

The Shadowweaver’s Lenses are versatile and powerful when used in roleplay, providing both defensive and offensive advantages through their manipulation of shadows, detection of illusions, and heightened investigative abilities. Here’s how they could be used in various environments:

• Urban Environment
  • Defense: In cities like Glimmereach or Old Myriad, where political intrigue and deception are rampant, the wearer of the Shadowweaver’s Lenses gains a crucial advantage in detecting hidden threats. As they walk through narrow alleys or bustling markets, the lenses allow them to spot traps disguised as ordinary objects or notice assassins lurking behind illusory walls. If enemies employ illusions to hide their presence or create false duplicates, the lenses can instantly reveal which are real and which are decoys, allowing the wearer to evade danger.
  • Offense: In urban environments, where secrecy and subtlety are key, the lenses can be used to unravel hidden messages or secret symbols that guide the wearer to sensitive locations. The wearer might use this information to expose a rival guild’s secret hideout, initiate a well-timed ambush, or navigate hidden passages under the city. Additionally, when confronting a foe using illusions or shadow-based magic, the lenses can give the wearer the upper hand by negating those defenses, allowing for precision strikes against hidden or masked enemies.
• Dungeon or Chaos Dungeon
  • Defense: Inside the twisting and ever-shifting halls of a chaos dungeon, where illusions and misdirection are often used by the dungeon’s chaos master to confuse adventurers, the lenses serve as a powerful tool for survival. The wearer can quickly discern which paths are real and which are false, detect hidden traps cloaked in illusion, and perceive dangerous magical effects that others may miss. When the chaos dungeon expands into the underworld, the lenses reveal hidden entrances or pathways that allow the wearer to evade monsters or escape sudden ambushes.
  • Offense: In the dark depths of a chaos dungeon, the wearer can use the lenses offensively by exploiting hidden weaknesses in the dungeon’s structure or the illusions of its denizens. If enemies use shadow magic to blend into the darkness, the lenses pierce through the obfuscation, allowing the wearer to track down and strike at the source of the illusion. They could also uncover hidden loot or secret doorways, giving them an advantage over the chaos master by controlling the battlefield in a more strategic manner.
• Wilderness or Forest
  • Defense: In dense forests or wilderness areas where shadows blend with the natural environment, the lenses provide crucial defense against predators and hostile creatures that rely on camouflage or magical illusion. The wearer can spot creatures using natural concealment or detect ambushes set up in the thick underbrush. As the lenses reveal the subtle energies of shadows, the wearer can avoid pitfalls or traps hidden in the forest floor, gaining a survival edge in untamed environments.
  • Offense: For offense in the wilderness, the lenses enable the wearer to track enemies using illusory concealment, such as forest-dwelling illusionists or animals that can blend into their environment. They can also detect magical symbols or ancient writings etched into stones or trees, allowing the wearer to tap into forgotten magic or exploit weaknesses in natural or magical defenses. When setting up their own ambush, the wearer could use the lenses to spot ideal locations that allow them to blend into the natural environment while keeping an eye on their target.
• Underground or Cavern Environment
  • Defense: In dark, sprawling caverns, where the lines between shadow and reality blur, the lenses become a vital defensive tool. The wearer can navigate caverns without fear of falling into traps disguised as harmless rocks or ledges. They could also avoid magical illusions placed to confuse or disorient adventurers, such as illusory bridges or false tunnels. If pursued by underground creatures, the lenses allow the wearer to detect hidden routes or unseen foes lurking in the shadows.
  • Offense: Offensively, the wearer could use the lenses to spot the weak points in a cavern’s natural defenses or uncover hidden magical energies embedded in the rocks. This could enable them to disable traps or trigger cave-ins that harm enemies pursuing them. In combat with creatures who use darkness or shadows to their advantage, such as shadowstalkers or abyssal entities, the lenses allow the wearer to pinpoint their true forms and strike accurately, nullifying their shadowy defenses.
• Combat in Magical Environments
  • Defense: In an environment saturated with magic, particularly where illusion and shadow manipulation are common tactics, the lenses are a powerful defensive asset. If a foe attempts to disorient the wearer with blinding light or false images, the lenses help cut through the distractions and reveal the true nature of the attacks. They can prevent the wearer from being caught in magical traps, such as illusory doorways that lead to dead ends or hidden pitfalls.
  • Offense: The lenses can be used offensively by allowing the wearer to dismantle illusions and counter spells cast by enemy mages, disrupting their advantage. When confronting foes who rely on darkness or stealth, the lenses negate those benefits, making the wearer a formidable opponent. They might also use the lenses to detect and reveal hidden symbols that control magical barriers or enchantments, turning them against their enemies by manipulating the flow of magic in their favor.
• Stealth and Espionage
  • Defense: For those using the lenses in espionage or infiltration missions, the ability to perceive hidden objects and illusory barriers is a critical defensive measure. The lenses help the wearer avoid detection by seeing through magical traps or illusions designed to alert guards or conceal the true nature of a secured area. They could also detect the presence of invisible creatures or magic-users employing cloaking spells.
  • Offense: The lenses provide a key offensive advantage in stealth scenarios by allowing the wearer to reveal hidden documents, secret codes, or shadow-written messages that can be used to blackmail or sabotage enemies. The wearer might use the lenses to uncover illusory disguises, unmasking hidden foes during delicate negotiations or unraveling hidden compartments in an enemy stronghold. In the hands of a master spy or rogue, the Shadowweaver’s Lenses can turn the tides of political intrigue or assassination plots by revealing the truth behind the illusions.

In each environment, the Shadowweaver’s Lenses give the wearer unique access to hidden truths, making them a powerful tool for both defense and offense, especially when illusions or shadow magic are involved.

Perception of Activation: Shadowweaver’s Lenses

• User’s Perspective
  • Sight: When the lenses activate, the world around the user becomes sharper and darker simultaneously. Shadows seem to stretch and become more defined, and any hidden or illusory objects appear with a faint shimmer, outlined in a deep purple hue. Text or symbols hidden in darkness or shadow script become legible, glowing subtly on surfaces where they were once invisible. As the user’s eyes adjust, they perceive layers of reality as though peeling back illusions, revealing hidden doors, false walls, or concealed traps.
  • Sound: There is a faint whisper-like sound, almost like wind passing through narrow cracks, as the lenses sharpen the user’s perception. It grows louder when hidden objects are near or when an illusion is detected, acting as a sensory cue for the wearer. The subtle hum of magic flows in the background, growing softer as the magic of the lenses aligns with the shadowy energies.
  • Touch: The frames of the lenses seem to grow slightly warmer on the skin, a sign that they are channeling arcane energy. The user may also feel a subtle tingling at their temples, as if threads of magic are lightly brushing against them, enhancing their cognitive ability to process what is unseen.
  • Smell and Taste: There’s no direct olfactory or gustatory sensation during activation, though the air around the user may feel cooler or denser, as if they are standing in a place where shadows hold more presence. In rare cases, the faint smell of burnt ozone might accompany the perception of strong illusionary magic.
  • Extrasensory Perception: The lenses provide a heightened sense of danger or tension in areas where illusions mask hidden threats. This extra-sensory awareness feels like a magnetic pull toward shadowy places, as though the user’s mind is gently nudged in the direction of concealed dangers or magical traps. There’s a subtle awareness of the ebb and flow of arcane energy, making it easier to predict shifts in magic or the presence of hidden enemies.
  • Positives:
    • Heightened visual clarity in detecting hidden or illusory objects.
    • Enhanced intuition to recognize magical traps and detect shadow scripts or symbols.
    • Immediate focus in chaotic environments where illusions might otherwise mislead the wearer.
    • The user gains a tactical advantage by perceiving threats others cannot see.
  • Negatives:
    • Prolonged use can cause eye strain or headaches, particularly in areas with many overlapping illusions.
    • The user may begin to see too much—irrelevant shadow movements, causing temporary disorientation or paranoia.
    • Bright environments might feel too sharp or uncomfortably contrasted, making the user feel as though the world has unnatural brightness and darkness at once.
• Observer’s Perspective
  • Sight: To an outsider, the activation of the lenses appears as a subtle darkening of the lenses themselves. They might observe a faint shimmer or glowing effect around the edges of the lenses, with purple hues occasionally pulsing when the user focuses on illusions or hidden objects. The user’s gaze may seem more intense and purposeful, as if they are looking beyond normal perception.
  • Sound: No overt sounds are emitted, but an attentive observer might notice the user pausing as if they are hearing something far away or focusing on sounds beyond the audible range, particularly when illusions are near.
  • Touch, Smell, and Taste: The observer does not perceive any physical changes or smells associated with the activation unless they are close enough to feel the faint arcane warmth radiating from the lenses when touched.
  • Extrasensory Perception: An observer may notice that the wearer of the lenses seems to intuitively know where hidden objects or illusions are, even if there are no visible clues. The wearer might avoid invisible traps or suddenly react to something unseen, making their behavior appear guided by instinct or supernatural awareness.
  • Positives:
    • The observer sees a calm and controlled user, seemingly guided by an enhanced sense of perception, which can inspire confidence in dangerous situations.
    • The user appears more focused and prepared, able to anticipate hidden dangers and navigate difficult areas more effectively.
  • Negatives:
    • The observer might notice periods of disorientation or strain in the user, particularly in complex magical environments, leading to brief moments of hesitation.
    • An overly sensitive reaction to shadows or illusions might make the user appear paranoid or distracted, causing concern for companions.

The Shadowweaver’s Lenses enable the wearer to pierce through illusions, reveal hidden objects, and detect dangers masked by shadows. From the user’s perspective, the world is filled with heightened clarity and shadowy vibrations, but prolonged use can lead to strain or sensory overload. Observers see the user seemingly guided by instinct, detecting unseen threats, though they may notice moments of disorientation or stress due to the lenses’ powerful effects.

Crafting Recipe: Shadowweaver’s Lenses

• Materials Needed:
  • Abysian Glass Shards – 2 units
    • A rare, translucent glass infused with shadow energy, harvested from deep caverns on the outskirts of the Abyssal Regions.
  • Silver Filigree Wire – 10 feet
    • Fine silver wire used for creating the intricate frames and arcane symbol engravings on the lenses.
  • Arcane Dust (Illusory Infusion) – 1 vial
    • A fine dust made from the ground essence of illusion spells, necessary to bind the lenses to shadow perception.
  • Chameleon’s Eye Extract – 1 drop
    • Extract from a magical chameleon species that allows for heightened perception of hidden and camouflaged objects.
  • Shadow Essence – 3 vials
    • Distilled shadow energy collected from shadow magic sources or conjured using high-level shadow spells.
  • Moonstone Crystal – 1 small
    • Acts as a focal point for the lenses to attune to illusory magic, ensuring clarity when peering into hidden realms.
  • Enchanter’s Silk Cloth – 1 piece
    • A magical cloth used to polish the lenses and finalize the enchantment, ensuring clarity and durability.
• Tools Required:
  • Alchemical Furnace
    • Used to shape and mold the Abysian Glass Shards into the correct lens curvature, with precise temperature control.
  • Arcane Engraver
    • A specialized tool used to engrave intricate runes and symbols into the silver frame and lenses.
  • Enchanting Workbench
    • Provides the workspace for infusing the lenses with shadow magic and binding the materials together.
  • Jeweler’s Pliers and Tongs
    • Fine tools to delicately work the silver wire into the frame and set the lenses in place.
  • Mortar and Pestle
    • Used for grinding and preparing the Arcane Dust.
  • Infusion Needle
    • A tool for applying the Shadow Essence and Chameleon’s Eye Extract directly onto the lenses during the enchantment process.
• Skill Requirements:
  • Alchemy (Intermediate)
    • Needed for handling and infusing the Chameleon’s Eye Extract and Arcane Dust during the crafting process.
  • Arcane Craftsmanship (Advanced)
    • Required for working with Abysian Glass and Shadow Essence, and for properly enchanting the lenses to interact with shadow magic.
  • Jewelry Crafting (Intermediate)
    • Necessary for shaping the silver filigree wire into delicate and functional frames for the lenses.
  • Illusion Magic (Intermediate)
    • Required to correctly infuse the lenses with shadow manipulation and illusory perception enchantments.
• Crafting Steps:
  • Shape the Lenses:
    • Place the Abysian Glass Shards in the Alchemical Furnace, heating them until malleable. Use fine tools to shape the molten glass into two circular lenses, ensuring the curvature matches the specifications for clear vision.
    • Carefully cool the lenses using controlled air from the furnace, avoiding any rapid cooling that could shatter the glass.
  • Engrave the Arcane Symbols:
    • Use the Arcane Engraver to inscribe intricate runes along the edges of each lens. These runes will serve as conduits for the shadow magic and illusions that the lenses will later detect. Ensure each rune is deeply carved into the glass without cracking the surface.
  • Craft the Silver Frame:
    • Take the Silver Filigree Wire and use Jeweler’s Pliers to shape it into a thin, elegant frame for the lenses. The frame should be sturdy but delicate, with enough flexibility to hold the lenses securely. Engrave small arcane symbols onto the frame itself for additional enchantment.
  • Prepare the Infusion:
    • Grind the Arcane Dust in the Mortar and Pestle, then combine it with a single drop of Chameleon’s Eye Extract and the Shadow Essence in a small vial. Stir the mixture until it forms a shimmering liquid that glows faintly in low light.
  • Infuse the Lenses:
    • Place the lenses on the Enchanting Workbench and use the Infusion Needle to apply the liquid mixture evenly across both surfaces. The liquid will bond with the engraved runes, charging them with the essence of shadow and illusion. As the mixture is absorbed, the lenses will start to shimmer with deep purple and blue hues.
  • Set the Lenses in the Frame:
    • Once the infusion has fully absorbed, use Jeweler’s Pliers to gently fit the lenses into the Silver Filigree Frame, securing them tightly without damaging the glass. Ensure the frame holds both lenses perfectly aligned.
  • Attune the Moonstone:
    • Embed the Moonstone Crystal into the bridge of the lenses, where the two frames meet. This moonstone will act as a stabilizing agent for the enchantments, allowing the lenses to remain effective in different lighting conditions and arcane environments.
  • Final Polishing and Enchantment:
    • Take the Enchanter’s Silk Cloth and gently polish the lenses. As you polish, channel a small amount of Illusion Magic into the lenses, ensuring that the final layer of enchantment binds all elements together. The lenses should now pulse faintly with shadowy energy.
  • Testing and Calibration:
    • Before use, test the lenses by attempting to detect hidden objects or illusions in the vicinity. If the lenses fail to reveal them, repeat the polishing and enchantment steps to enhance their clarity and function.
• Total Crafting Time: Approximately 3-5 days depending on skill level and available tools.
• Final Product: A newly crafted pair of Shadowweaver’s Lenses, ready for use in detecting hidden or illusory objects, with the ability to perceive shadowy realms and concealed dangers.

Tale of the Dark-Eye Seeker

In times, long before shadow was thing of men, was a man with no name. He was called Seeker, for he seeked what none did dare. Sky was heavy, land unmoving, and light was distant in those days. Many spoke, many whispered of places lost, of doors unseen and paths hidden beneath the world’s shadow. But Seeker saw none of these, for his eyes were of the common flesh, bound to sun and earth.

There came to him one night a voice. It was not of man nor beast, but of shadow itself, slipping through the cracks of the quiet places. “You seek what is not,” said the voice, “but you have not eyes to see.” The Seeker was silent, for he knew the voice spoke true. He asked, “Where is the seeing made? What hands can craft such eyes?”

The shadow laughed, though not in joy, and it spoke of the Weavers, ones who lived beyond sight and walked the paths between the breaths of light and darkness. They had no names, only shadow. To them the Seeker did go, walking for seven days without sleep, without food, for the path to the Weavers was not a path of earth, but of the space between footsteps.

At the seventh day, the Weavers appeared—not as men nor beasts, but as threads of night and void, shaping form as they wished. “Why come you, man of flesh?” they asked, for no mortal had sought them before.

The Seeker bowed his head and spoke of his desire to see the hidden, the concealed, and the lost. The Weavers whispered among themselves, their words like wind through empty halls. “We shall give you sight, but not of your own. You shall wear the shadow upon your eyes, and with it, see what the world keeps from you.”

And so, the Weavers took the glass of their realm—Abysian Glass—and crafted two lenses, dark as the deepest ocean and thin as a whisper. They bound them in silver of no-world and etched upon them the runes of shadow and illusion. The lenses they gave to the Seeker, and when he placed them upon his eyes, the shadows of the world parted.

He saw what had never been seen—doors hidden beneath rocks, pathways woven through the air, and the symbols of ancient gods carved in light too thin to touch. His fame grew as he uncovered what none before him could know. He found treasures lost to time, and places where none dared tread. But in time, as shadows grew deeper, the Seeker began to see more than he wished.

Where once there were pathways of hidden stone, now he saw faces within the darkness, figures that whispered truths too great for mortal ears. The shadows no longer served him, but bound him. His eyes saw deeper than any man was meant to see, and in time, the Seeker was lost within the shadow itself, never to return.

The Weavers did not mourn, for they had warned the Seeker. In the end, the lenses were cast aside, forgotten by those who feared their power, until another foolhardy soul would seek the lost and claim their price.

Moral of the Story: To see what the world hides is to glimpse into the shadow’s own heart. One must ask not what is hidden, but why it is unseen.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Item: Shadowweaver’s Lenses

• Type: Mythos Artifact
• Availability: Rare, acquired from an occult source, shadow cult, or esoteric society.
• Effects:
  • +10% to Spot Hidden when detecting hidden or camouflaged objects or beings.
  • +10% to Cthulhu Mythos when analyzing ancient, shadow-bound symbols or hidden knowledge.
  • Illusion Detection: Once per day, the wearer may attempt to see through any Mythos-based illusions. The player must make a POW roll with a hard success required to break through the illusion.
• Sanity Cost:
  • Using the lenses for prolonged periods (more than 1 hour) may result in the loss of 1D3 Sanity points, as the user begins to perceive unnatural, shadowy beings lurking in the periphery of vision.
  • Critical failure on any roll using the lenses results in the loss of 1D6 Sanity points as the user glimpses something truly horrifying in the shadow realms.
• Mishap:
  • Prolonged use (over 3 days without rest) leads to disorientation, paranoia, and potential involuntary hallucinations (Keeper’s discretion).

Blades in the Dark

Item: Shadowweaver’s Lenses

• Type: Arcane Implement
• Tier: 3
• Load: 0 (light, as they are a small item)
• Mechanics:
  • Shadow Sight: Gain +1D to Survey or Study rolls when trying to detect illusions, hidden doors, or shadow-based phenomena.
  • Pierce Illusions: The lenses allow the wearer to automatically see through low-level illusions and magical disguises created by novice arcane users or minor spirits.
  • Attune (Special Effect): Once per score, the wearer may attune to the ghost field to detect entities or energies hidden by shadow, granting +1D to the Attune roll. Failure may attract unwanted attention from shadowy spirits or entities.
  • Downside: The user gains 1 Stress after every 2 hours of continuous use due to the mental strain of perceiving hidden realities.

Dungeons & Dragons (5e)

Item: Shadowweaver’s Lenses

• Wondrous Item (uncommon, requires attunement)
• Effects:
  • Investigation Bonus: Grants a +2 bonus to Investigation checks when detecting hidden or illusory objects.
  • Shadow Sight: You can see normally in dim light and darkness, both magical and nonmagical, out to a range of 60 feet.
  • See Through Illusions: Once per short rest, you can cast See Invisibility (self-only), lasting for 1 minute.
• Attunement:
  • Only characters proficient in Arcana or Investigation may attune to the Shadowweaver’s Lenses.
• Curse:
  • Prolonged use (more than 4 hours a day) begins to distort your vision. You take a -1 penalty to Wisdom (Perception) checks in bright light as shadows become overwhelming, lasting until the lenses are removed and you rest for 8 hours.

Knave

Item: Shadowweaver’s Lenses

• Type: Magic Item
• Effect:
  • When worn, the user gains a +2 bonus to Intelligence rolls when attempting to perceive hidden or illusory objects.
  • Shadow Vision: The wearer can see normally in complete darkness or through magical illusions, making it impossible to be fooled by tricks of light and shadow.
  • Drain Effect: After every extended use (1 hour or more), roll a d20. On a roll of 1, the lenses cease to function for 1 day, requiring arcane recalibration (time or magic).

Fate Core

Item: Shadowweaver’s Lenses

• Type: Arcane Artifact
• Aspect: “Perceive the Unseen Truth”
• Mechanics:
  • Passive Bonus: Once per scene, you may invoke the “Perceive the Unseen Truth” aspect for free when attempting to Overcome illusions, detect hidden objects, or uncover shadow-based threats.
  • Create an Advantage: When wearing the lenses, gain a +2 bonus when creating an advantage related to detecting illusions or shadow magic.
  • Consequence: Prolonged or repeated use of the lenses can lead to sensory overload. After using them for more than one scene, the GM can compel the aspect to cause mild stress or a temporary aspect like “Blinded by Shadows.”

Numenera & Cypher System

Item: Shadowweaver’s Lenses

• Level: 4
• Type: Artifact
• Effect:
  • When worn, the lenses allow the user to detect hidden or illusory objects, giving a +1 asset to any Perception or Searching tasks involving illusions, camouflaged entities, or shadow-based phenomena.
  • Once per day, the wearer can see through illusions and invisibility for 10 minutes (or one encounter).
  • Depletion: Roll a d20 after each day of use. On a result of 1-2, the lenses lose their magic and become inert until they are recharged by exposure to shadow essence.
• Special:
  • Prolonged exposure causes visual distortions. After every full day of use, the user suffers from hallucinations, imposing a +1 difficulty to all tasks requiring focus or clarity until they rest.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

Item: Shadowweaver’s Lenses

• Item Level: 5
• Price: 180 gp
• Bulk: —
• Usage: Worn, lenses
• Effects:
  • Perception Bonus: The wearer gains a +2 item bonus to Perception checks to detect hidden or illusory objects and creatures.
  • Shadow Sight: The wearer can see normally in darkness and dim light as though they had darkvision.
  • See Invisibility (Once per day): The wearer can cast See Invisibility as an innate arcane spell, lasting 10 minutes.
  • Overexposure: If worn for more than 4 hours continuously, the wearer becomes Dazzled (until the lenses are removed and they rest for 1 hour).

Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)

Item: Shadowweaver’s Lenses

• Type: Magic Item (Eyes)
• Weight: Negligible
• Rarity: Rare
• Effects:
  • Detect Illusion (Passive): The lenses provide a +2 bonus to Notice checks to see through illusions, hidden traps, or camouflaged objects.
  • Shadow Sight: The wearer gains Low Light Vision, allowing them to see in dim light as though it were daylight.
  • Arcane Ability (Once per session): The wearer may activate a special power to automatically see invisible or ethereal creatures for 5 rounds (or 30 seconds). This costs 1 Benny.
  • Drawback: Extended use (more than one hour) causes Fatigue due to the mental strain of constantly perceiving the hidden realms of shadow. This Fatigue can only be recovered by resting without the lenses for at least 8 hours.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Item: Shadowweaver’s Lenses

• Type: Magical Gear (Eyewear)
• Availability: 6R
• Cost: ¥4,500
• Street Index: 1.2
• Effects:
  • Perception Bonus: Grants a +2 dice pool bonus to Perception checks when attempting to detect hidden, invisible, or illusory objects and people.
  • Astral Perception (Optional): When activated, the lenses allow the wearer to briefly access Astral Perception for 3 Combat Turns, allowing the wearer to view magical auras, see through illusions, and detect magical activity. This ability can be used once per day and requires a Willpower + Intuition (3) test to maintain focus.
  • Drain Effect: After each activation of Astral Perception, the user suffers 1 Stun Damage as the lenses tax their mental capacity.
  • Wireless Bonus: When connected to a wireless matrix, the lenses provide an automatic analyze action to identify any illusion-based or stealth software trying to deceive the user’s vision.

Starfinder

Item: Shadowweaver’s Lenses

• Level: 5
• Price: 2,750 credits
• Slots: Eyes
• Bulk: L
• Capacity: 20 charges
• Usage: 1 charge/hour
• Effects:
  • Enhanced Vision: Grants darkvision out to 60 feet and a +2 insight bonus on Perception checks to detect hidden or illusory objects and creatures.
  • Illusion Disruption: Once per day, the wearer can activate the lenses to gain the benefits of True Seeing for 1 minute (or 10 rounds). This ability costs 5 charges.
  • Overload Effect: If the lenses are used for more than 4 consecutive hours, the wearer must succeed at a Fortitude save (DC 15) or become dazed for 1 round due to mental strain.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Item: Shadowweaver’s Lenses

• Tech Level: 13
• Cost: Cr30,000
• Weight: Negligible
• Effects:
  • Perception Bonus: Provides a DM+2 to Recon checks made to spot hidden or camouflaged objects, traps, or illusions.
  • See Through Illusions: Once per day, the lenses allow the user to see through any illusion for 1d6 minutes, as long as they make a successful Intellect check (DM-0).
  • Side Effect: Extended use (more than 1 hour at a time) causes temporary disorientation, imposing a DM-1 penalty to all Recon and Awareness checks until the user rests.
  • Special: The lenses are not mass-produced and are often only available through specialized dealers or found in rare technological caches.

Warhammer (4th Edition)

Item: Shadowweaver’s Lenses

• Type: Magical Artifact
• Availability: Very Rare
• Encumbrance: 0
• Gold Value: 600 GC
• Effects:
  • Perception: Grants a +10 bonus to Perception tests to spot hidden objects, traps, or beings concealed through illusion or camouflage.
  • Illusion Piercing: Once per day, the wearer may automatically succeed at a Perception test to see through magical illusions or trickery for 1d10 minutes.
  • Drawback: Using the lenses for more than 2 consecutive hours leads to Fatigue (as per standard Fatigue rules), as the strain of perceiving shadowy realms takes its toll on the wearer’s mind.
  • Curse: Wearing the lenses for more than 8 hours without resting may attract the attention of shadowy entities from beyond reality. This results in a Willpower test (Challenging, -10) to avoid gaining an Insanity point.