Shadowweavers Lockpicks 11 – GearAscendancy.com

Stats:

Level: Tier 1
Lockpicking or Thievery Check Bonus: +2
Skills:
- Provides a +2 bonus to Lockpicking or Thievery checks.
Cost: 100 gold pieces (or the equivalent value in currency)
Tags: Stealth, Infiltration, Dexterity, Shadowcraft, Precision, Thievery, Clandestine, Subtlety, Covert Operations, Dark Affinity

Lore and Use: The Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks are delicate tools crafted from a unique combination of shadow-infused metal and fine bone. They are meticulously created with exceptional precision, enabling the creature to manipulate locks with ease and finesse.

The origins of the Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks can be traced back to secretive guilds of skilled thieves or rogue artisans who have honed their craft in the shadows. These lockpicks are crafted by master craftsmen who have mastered the art of manipulating locks, utilizing their knowledge of mechanics and their understanding of the shadowy arts.

The origins of the Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks are a point of heated debate among those who walk in the shadows, with two rival lineages claiming the invention of these tools: the Bloodmarked Scions and the Shadowbloods.

Bloodmarked Scions : The Bloodmarked Scions, a secretive lineage of thieves and assassins, argue that the Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks were first crafted by their own master artisans centuries ago. According to their lore, the Scions developed the lockpicks by infusing rare bone and shadow-metal, utilizing their blood magic to enhance their precision and effectiveness. These tools, they claim, were designed for elite members of their order, granting unparalleled finesse when breaking into the most fortified vaults or ancient tombs. To the Scions, the lockpicks represent their lineage’s mastery over mechanics, stealth, and the manipulation of shadows.
Shadowbloods: On the other hand, the Shadowbloods, a lineage known for their deep connection to the mystical and the arcane, insist that the Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks were born from their own shadowy arts. They claim the lockpicks were forged by weaving shadow magic into the very metal, creating tools that resonate with the darkness. According to the Shadowbloods, the lockpicks’ unique ability to function more effectively in dim or dark conditions is a direct result of their shadow manipulation, designed for rogues who possess a deep understanding of magic as well as skill. The Shadowbloods see these lockpicks as part of their birthright, tied to their mastery over the shadowed arts and their connection to forgotten powers.

The Debate: Both lineages fiercely guard their histories, and the true origin of the Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks remains uncertain. Some argue that the lockpicks were a collaborative effort long forgotten by both lineages, while others believe the designs were stolen by one from the other, leading to their mutual claim over the invention. Among thieves, assassins, and rogues, the lockpicks are seen as both a tool of trade and a symbol of the lineage they align with, adding further fuel to the rivalry.

Whichever lineage truly created the Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks, one thing is certain: they have become a coveted item, synonymous with mastery over locks and the shadows.

When used, the Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks provide a significant advantage to the creature attempting to pick locks. They offer a +2 bonus to Lockpicking or Thievery checks, enhancing the character’s skill and increasing their chances of successfully bypassing locked mechanisms.

Furthermore, the lockpicks possess a unique affinity for dim or dark conditions. In such environments, the creature gains advantage on attempts to pick locks, making it easier to unlock doors, chests, or other secured objects shrouded in shadows.

The Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks find their greatest utility in situations requiring stealth, infiltration, or the recovery of valuable items behind locked doors. Skilled thieves, spies, or characters specializing in clandestine activities benefit greatly from the precision and advantage provided by these lockpicks.

It is important to note that the use of the Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks requires a certain level of proficiency and understanding of lock mechanisms. Novices or characters lacking the necessary skills may find it challenging to fully utilize the benefits offered by these delicate tools.

The Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks are not just practical tools but also hold a certain allure and reputation among those who operate in the shadows. Possessing and wielding these lockpicks can mark the character as someone skilled in the art of thievery or intrigue, and they may attract the attention of both allies and adversaries who recognize their significance.

Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks provide a significant advantage to the character attempting to pick locks, granting a +2 bonus to Lockpicking or Thievery checks. Their advantage in dim or dark conditions makes them particularly useful in stealthy endeavors or when infiltrating areas shrouded in shadows. However, their effectiveness ultimately relies on the skill and proficiency of the user.

In the world of Saṃsāra, the Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks might be bought and sold in various types of specialized shops, each catering to different clientele. These shops would exist in major cities, hidden districts, or bustling trade hubs, and the pricing of the lockpicks would vary depending on the location, demand, and reputation of the seller. Here are examples of such shops:

Black Market Stalls
- Description: Hidden in the dark corners of cities or beneath bustling trade streets, these clandestine stalls are frequented by thieves, spies, and those involved in illicit activities. The merchants here deal in forbidden or rare tools like Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks. Transactions are quick, discreet, and often conducted under the cover of darkness.
- Cost: 150–200 gold pieces due to the high risk and limited supply. Prices are often negotiable based on the buyer’s reputation or connections.
Rogue’s Guild Emporiums
- Description: Guilds of thieves and spies operate secretive shops within their headquarters, offering members exclusive access to tools of the trade. Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks are a common item here, sold to those who have proven their loyalty or skill within the guild. The items are often available at a discounted rate for members.
- Cost: 80–120 gold pieces for members, depending on rank and standing in the guild. Non-members may be required to pay significantly more or may not have access at all.
Shadow Artisans’ Workshops
- Description: These workshops are hidden in plain sight, often posing as regular locksmiths or metalworkers. Only those with knowledge of the craft or connections within the criminal underworld know they specialize in shadow-infused tools like the lockpicks. The artisans may customize lockpicks for particular users, increasing their price based on the level of craftsmanship.
- Cost: 120–180 gold pieces, depending on the craftsmanship and customization. More intricate or personalized versions could push the price higher.
Underground Auction Houses
- Description: Rare and powerful items, including the Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks, might be featured in secretive auctions hosted by wealthy nobles, criminal syndicates, or rogue factions. Bidders here are often well-versed in espionage or underworld dealings, and the competition for such items can drive up the price significantly.
- Cost: 200–300 gold pieces, driven up by competitive bidding and the rarity of the item in the auction setting.
Street Vendors in Shady Districts
- Description: In less reputable parts of town, street vendors and peddlers may sell stolen or counterfeit items. While Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks might be found here, buyers must be wary of fakes or damaged goods. These vendors are known for selling to lower-tier criminals or adventurers in need of quick tools.
- Cost: 50–100 gold pieces, but the quality is often inconsistent. Bargaining and quick exchanges are common.
Secretive Arcane Shops
- Description: These shops, often disguised as mundane magical goods stores, offer items to adventurers seeking arcane tools for stealth missions or espionage. Here, Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks are sold as enchanted or exotic items, marketed to assassins, spies, or rogues who require finely tuned magical gear.
- Cost: 130–180 gold pieces, with the possibility of enhanced versions that include minor enchantments for additional cost.

In each of these settings, the Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks are viewed as more than just tools—they are status symbols within the underground, signifying skill and connections.

The Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks serve not only as tools of infiltration but can also be repurposed for creative defensive and offensive actions, depending on the environment and the user’s cunning. Here are examples of how they might be roleplayed in various settings:

Urban Environment
- Defense: In a bustling city, where rooftops, alleys, and locked doors are common, a rogue using the Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks can quickly disable locks on gates or doors to escape pursuers. If cornered, they may lock or relock a door behind them to slow down or trap an adversary, using the environment’s architecture to their advantage. The lockpicks’ enhanced performance in dim conditions becomes vital when hiding in shadowy streets, as the user can quietly and efficiently create barriers between themselves and potential threats.
- Offense: In the hands of a thief or assassin, these lockpicks become a weapon of infiltration, allowing the user to bypass defenses and quietly reach their target. In an urban environment, the user can silently unlock a target’s front door or a high-security safe, gaining access to valuable information or critical items. They can also exploit their knowledge of locks to set up traps, perhaps jamming a lock in such a way that it disables a building’s escape routes during a heist or ambush.
Dungeon or Ruins
- Defense: When exploring dungeons or ancient ruins, adventurers may come across deadly traps triggered by locked mechanisms. The Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks can be used defensively to disable these traps, securing a safe path for the party. In desperate situations, the user might also use the lockpicks to barricade a door behind them, buying precious time as they figure out their next move in a labyrinth of stone corridors and crumbling halls.
- Offense: The lockpicks could be employed to access treasure chests, vaults, or hidden rooms containing magical artifacts or valuable loot. Additionally, in ruins crawling with hostile creatures, the user might unlock cages or traps set by their enemies to unleash captured beasts or dangerous elements, using the dungeon itself as a weapon against their foes. The ability to operate in dark and enclosed spaces gives the user an advantage in using the environment offensively.
Wilderness or Forest
- Defense: In dense forests or wilderness areas where natural barriers such as gates or hidden forest hideouts exist, the Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks can be used to unlock secured areas for shelter or protection from environmental hazards or wild creatures. The lockpicks’ small size and precision might even be repurposed to disarm traps laid by rival hunters or to manipulate primitive locks or mechanisms in makeshift hideouts.
- Offense: Infiltrating guarded camps or locked forest outposts becomes easier with these tools. The user can silently breach defensive perimeters without alerting patrols, potentially setting up ambushes or sabotaging supplies inside. If the character finds a primitive lock securing dangerous animals or environmental hazards, they could release these to create distractions or cause chaos during a planned attack on enemies operating within the wilderness.
Underground or Sewers
- Defense: The sewers and tunnels beneath cities often serve as escape routes or hideouts for rogues, thieves, and criminals. The Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks can be vital in ensuring a quick escape, enabling the user to lock gates or passageways behind them, delaying pursuit from guards or enemies. In the underground’s dim conditions, their affinity for shadows allows for swift and silent manipulation of locks, reducing the chance of detection during an escape.
- Offense: A skilled rogue can exploit the complexity of underground systems by disabling security measures or breaching vaults and locked storage areas hidden beneath the city. If an underground facility or sewer system is guarded, the user might use their lockpicks to sneak past locked gates or doors to ambush their enemies from below. Additionally, disabling certain locked mechanisms could flood sections of the sewer, using the terrain to drown or flush out opponents.
Ship or Nautical Setting
- Defense: When on board a ship or navigating seafaring environments, the Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks can be used to lock or unlock cabins, storage holds, or lifeboats to protect the crew or block enemy access during pirate attacks or nautical combat. In a confined space such as a ship, sealing off certain areas can be critical for surviving raids or mutinies.
- Offense: A rogue aboard a ship can unlock secured cargo holds to steal valuable goods or weapons, or release prisoners kept in the brig to cause mayhem and disrupt the crew. These lockpicks can also be used offensively by unlocking access to the enemy ship’s critical control systems, like the helm or navigation room, during boarding actions. By controlling these key areas, the user can turn the tide of battle at sea.
Royal or Noble Estate
- Defense: If a rogue or infiltrator is tasked with protecting secrets or maintaining control within the estate of a noble or royal figure, they might use the Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks to secure key areas, locking intruders or enemies out of restricted rooms or vaults. Their advantage in dim lighting helps with swiftly securing areas without attracting attention.
- Offense: In an estate full of locked rooms, vaults, and secured chambers, the Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks become a potent offensive tool. The user can bypass high-security locks protecting sensitive documents, treasures, or blackmail material. Unlocking secret passages might allow for a quick assassination or theft, while disabling estate defenses could create chaos during a coup or heist. The rogue might even set traps by locking important exits, funneling guards or adversaries into an ambush.

In each of these environments, the Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks provide the user with a versatile mix of offense and defense, enabling them to manipulate their surroundings and turn the tide in stealth, infiltration, and tactical scenarios. Whether used to create barriers or to break through them, the lockpicks excel in situations that demand precision and subtlety, making them a vital asset in the hands of a skilled rogue or adventurer.

Perception of Activation: Upon activating the Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks, both the user and any nearby observers experience a series of sensory and extra-sensory perceptions tied to the tool’s shadow-infused nature.

User’s Perspective
- Sight: When the lockpicks are activated, the user perceives a subtle dimming of the ambient light, as though the shadows in the environment are drawn toward the picks. The runes along the bone handle seem to glow faintly, almost imperceptibly, as the metal tips shimmer with an oily, dark sheen, resembling liquid shadow. Edges of objects around the user may blur slightly, as though the lockpicks warp the surrounding space.
- Sound: A soft, barely audible hum resonates through the metal, tuned to the user’s ear alone. This hum becomes clearer as the lockpicks near a lock, a vibration that serves as a guide, subtly intensifying when the picks are in the correct position. The surrounding area feels unnaturally silent, as if the world is holding its breath.
- Touch: The bone handle is smooth and cool to the touch, but as activation occurs, the picks seem to warm slightly in the user’s hand, adjusting to body temperature, providing a sense of connection. The tactile feedback from manipulating the lock is amplified, making every click and movement within the mechanism more pronounced and clear.
- Smell: A faint, earthy scent reminiscent of cold stone and dampened soil lingers in the air, as if the lockpicks are pulling scents from deep underground or ancient crypts.
- Taste: A dry, metallic taste briefly touches the user’s tongue when they are fully focused, almost like the taste of iron in the air before a storm, further sharpening their awareness.
- Extra-Sensory Perceptions:
  - Shadow Sense: The user perceives the shifting of shadows in their environment, an awareness of darkness beyond sight. They intuitively feel the presence of unseen observers or hidden threats in dim or dark spaces. The picks enhance the user’s sensitivity to the ebb and flow of shadow, allowing them to “feel” the darkness as a protective ally.
  - Lock Sense: There’s an intuitive knowledge of the internal structure of the lock. The user can “see” the inner mechanics with their mind’s eye, visualizing how each pin and tumbler aligns, guiding their movements with precision.
Observer’s Perspective
- Sight: To an onlooker, the lockpicks seem to darken slightly upon activation, as if absorbing the surrounding light. The user’s hands may appear to shimmer with faint shadow-like tendrils, and their movements become more fluid and precise. The space around the lock may seem dimmer, making it harder to discern the lockpicks’ exact position or movement.
- Sound: An observer hears almost nothing beyond the natural sounds of the environment. Any clicks from the lock are muffled, barely audible unless they are standing very close to the user. A trained ear might pick up a faint, rhythmic pulse—almost like the beating of a distant heart—coming from the picks, though this is subtle and easily missed.
- Touch, Smell, Taste: Observers feel no tactile, olfactory, or gustatory sensations. However, they might feel a strange stillness in the air, as if the environment itself is holding back, waiting for something to happen.
- Extra-Sensory Perceptions:
  - Shadow Displacement: An observer skilled in magic or attuned to shadows might notice the way shadows subtly shift in response to the activation of the lockpicks. They may feel a sense of disturbance, as if the shadows are being manipulated by an unseen force, pulled towards the user.
  - Presence of Secrecy: Some observers may have a heightened sense of secrecy or danger as if the lockpicks exude an aura of concealed intentions, triggering feelings of unease or curiosity about the rogue’s activities.
Positives
- Enhanced Awareness: The user’s senses become sharper, and they gain an enhanced understanding of their surroundings, especially in shadowed or dim environments. This allows them to operate with precision and confidence, reducing the risk of detection.
- Quiet Efficiency: The activation creates an aura of silence, muffling sound and ensuring that the user’s movements are discrete and nearly impossible to hear.
- Fluid Dexterity: The lockpicks increase the user’s ability to manipulate locks and mechanisms with heightened tactile feedback and shadow-enhanced intuition, providing an almost supernatural sense of control.
- Shadow Allies: The user may feel as though they are shielded by the darkness itself, gaining a sense of comfort and protection when surrounded by shadows.
Negatives
- Subtle Light Drain: The environment becomes slightly darker, which might alert observant individuals that something unusual is occurring. In well-lit areas, this dimming may appear unnatural, drawing unwanted attention.
- Shadow Dependency: While the lockpicks perform exceptionally well in low-light conditions, they lose some of their effectiveness in brightly lit environments or where magic repels shadows, causing the user to struggle against locks.
- Slight Disorientation: Over-reliance on the lockpicks’ extra-sensory perceptions may lead to disorientation when moving from dark to well-lit areas, as the sudden change in sensory input can overwhelm the user temporarily.
- Dangerous Allure: Observers, particularly those with magical sensitivity, may sense the shadowy nature of the lockpicks and feel drawn to their power. This can lead to suspicion or desire, especially from those who might covet such a tool for themselves.

The Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks offer a powerful blend of stealth and precision, but they are not without their risks, especially for those who rely too heavily on the shadows.

Crafting Recipe: Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks

Materials Needed:
- Shadow-Infused Metal (3 ounces) Requires the essence of pure shadow, harvested from a shadow elemental or gathered during a total lunar eclipse.
- Polished Bone (2 finely carved pieces) Sourced from the leg bone of a large bird, polished and engraved with arcane symbols.
- Dark Enchanting Dust (1 vial) A blend of crushed obsidian, bat wing powder, and nightshade petals. Enhances the shadow affinity of the item.
- Rune Etching Ink (1 vial) Made from crushed gemstones (onyx or black sapphire) mixed with darkened spider silk and imbued with shadow magic.
- Locksmith’s Oil (1 flask) A magical oil that prevents wear on delicate mechanisms, made from enchanted herbs like nightwort and duskfern, boiled down with mineral oil.
Tools Required:
- Arcane Forge
  - A forge attuned to shadow magic, capable of manipulating metals infused with shadow essence.
- Bone Carving Knife
  - Razor-sharp, enchanted with precision to ensure the bone pieces are delicately shaped.
- Rune Engraver
  - A fine, magical tool used to carve and etch detailed runes and arcane markings.
- Enchanter’s Focus Stone
  - A conduit used to concentrate shadow magic, enhancing the infusion process.
- Locksmith’s Tools
  - Basic lockpicking tools to shape the lockpicks and test the precision of the final product.
Skill Requirements:
- Expertise in Locksmithing: Proficiency in crafting and manipulating lockpicking tools (minimum Tier 2 proficiency in Thievery or Locksmithing).
- Shadow Magic Knowledge: Must have the ability to channel and work with shadow-based magic (minimum Tier 2 proficiency in Arcane or Shadow Magic).
- Bone Crafting: Knowledge of working with organic materials like bone, specifically for precision work (Tier 1 in Bone Crafting or Artistry).
Crafting Steps:
- Prepare the Shadow-Infused Metal:
  - Place the shadow-infused metal in the Arcane Forge and heat it to a low, shadowy glow. While heating, use the Enchanter’s Focus Stone to channel shadow magic into the metal, enhancing its properties. The metal should darken and gain a faint, liquid-like sheen, ready to be shaped.
- Carve and Shape the Bone Handles:
  - Using the Bone Carving Knife, carefully cut and shape the polished bone into two slender, smooth handles. Each handle should fit comfortably in the user’s hand. Once shaped, use the Rune Engraver to etch arcane runes along the length of the handles. Dip the engraver into Rune Etching Ink as you work to ensure the runes are filled with magical essence.
- Fuse the Metal and Bone:
  - Once the metal is heated and the bone handles are carved, remove the shadow-infused metal from the forge. Carefully shape the metal tips of the lockpicks, crafting them to precise specifications for lock manipulation.
  - Attach the metal tips to the carved bone handles while the metal is still warm. Use Locksmith’s Oil to cool the bond slowly, ensuring that the materials fuse without cracks.
- Infuse with Dark Enchanting Dust:
  - Once the lockpicks are assembled, sprinkle a thin layer of Dark Enchanting Dust over the entire lockpick set. Hold the Enchanter’s Focus Stone over the lockpicks and channel shadow magic into the picks, allowing the dust to absorb into the metal and bone, enhancing their connection to shadows.
- Final Enchantment:
  - Place the lockpicks in a dimly lit room or shadowed area. Meditate over them while channeling shadow magic through the Enchanter’s Focus Stone. This final step binds the shadow essence fully into the lockpicks, granting them their unique abilities. Allow the picks to rest for one night in complete darkness to absorb the last remnants of shadow magic.
- Test and Adjust:
  - After resting, test the lockpicks on various locks using the Locksmith’s Tools. Ensure that they offer the promised bonus to Lockpicking or Thievery (+2) and that they grant advantage in dim or dark conditions. Adjust the shape and magical infusion as needed for precision.
Total Crafting Time: Approximately 5-7 days, depending on the availability of materials and the crafter’s proficiency.
Cost Estimate: 100 to 150 gold pieces, factoring in rare materials and magical enhancements.

This recipe yields a set of Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks, identical in function and mystique to the original, with all the shadow-enhanced abilities required for expert infiltration and thievery.

Tale of the Shadowweaver’s Hands

Long, long ago, when the world was in a time not remembered, there was a master of the locks. She was called Nyveth of the Shadows, or maybe she was called something else, for words change in time. Nyveth lived in places where the sun did not reach, where only whispers of dark things wandered. They say she was not born like others, but was woven from threads of shadow by hands unseen, and she was taught by those same hands to twist the bones of the earth.

In the city of Eternal Night, where nothing lived but silence, Nyveth was called to unbind the door of the Great Vault of Secrets. No key made by hands of man could turn its lock. The Vault stood since before the first rain touched the ground, keeping inside what no eyes should see. The Elders, fearing what was kept, summoned Nyveth, for she was known to speak with locks in the tongue of the forgotten.

Nyveth did not come with noise or light. She moved in silence, as quiet as the breath of the dead. In her hands, she carried her tools, the lockpicks made from the bones of birds that no longer flew. The bones were not shaped by hammers but by the wind itself, and the metal of the picks was pulled from the breath of a shadow. These tools, called by some the Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks, whispered as Nyveth worked, though none could hear but her.

With each turn of the picks, the air around her grew still, as if time itself waited. The door of the Vault began to weep, for it knew it was soon to be undone. But as Nyveth twisted the final lock, a voice came from behind her—a voice not spoken in any tongue known to mortals or gods.

“You must not open what was never meant to be opened.”

Nyveth, being of shadows herself, did not listen. She pressed on, for the lock was her only truth. The last click was heard, though not by the Elders nor the stars above, but by the earth itself. The Vault groaned, and the darkness within stretched out its hands, grabbing at Nyveth’s shadow.

The picks fell from her hands, yet they did not hit the ground. They floated, trapped between the world of light and the world of dark, spinning and twisting, forever seeking to open what cannot be opened. Nyveth’s body was never found, but they say her shadow still lingers near the Vault, now locked for all time. And the picks, left in the air, were taken by those who sought their power, though none remember where the Vault once stood.

Some say the Shadowweaver’s Lockpicks were passed on, made again and again by those who touched the dark. Each new set held the bones of birds that no longer flew and the breath of shadows that could not be touched, but none worked as the first did, for the first was tied to a thing older than night.

Moral: Those who seek to unbind what is bound must remember that some doors are locked for a reason, and shadows answer to no master.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)