Shadowcloak

Description: The Shadowcloak is a lightweight cloak made of dark, finely woven fabric. Its surface shimmers with a subtle iridescence, mimicking the shifting shades of twilight. The edges of the cloak are lined with intricate silver embroidery, depicting intricate patterns of intertwining shadows and moonlit landscapes.

Lore: Legends tell of an ancient order of stealthy assassins known as the Nightshade Brotherhood. The Shadowcloak was their signature garment, worn by skilled operatives as they carried out their clandestine missions under the cover of darkness. Crafted using elusive magical techniques, the cloak allowed its wearers to blend seamlessly with shadows and move silently, becoming nearly invisible to unsuspecting eyes.

Stats:

• Rarity: Common
• Attunement: No
• Cost: 50 gold pieces
• Tags: Stealth, Utility, Nightshade, Assassin’s Tool, Illusion, Perception, Evasion, Subterfuge, Brotherhood Relic, Clandestine, Shadow Weaving, Twilight-Touched

Use: Shadowstep: While wearing the Shadowcloak, the user gains a +2 bonus to Dexterity (Stealth) checks when attempting to hide or move silently in dim light or darkness. This bonus does not apply in bright light.

Diminished Visibility: The Shadowcloak grants its wearer a subtle advantage in situations where concealment is paramount. When the user is in dim light or darkness, they gain a +1 bonus to their Armor Class against attacks made by creatures that rely on darkvision or similar abilities.

Camouflage: Once per day, as an action, the wearer can activate the cloak’s enchantment to blend into their surroundings for a short duration. For 1 minute, the user gains advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide or remain unseen. This effect ends if the wearer takes damage, attacks, or casts a spell.

Twilight Veil: When the wearer is in dim light or darkness, they have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks to spot hidden or concealed objects or individuals.

Note: The Shadowcloak is designed to provide a reliable utility for characters who favor stealth and subterfuge. Its abilities enhance sneaking, hiding, and perception in dimly lit environments. While it grants advantages in specific situations, it does not provide any offensive bonuses or extraordinary powers, keeping it within the realm of a common-rarity item. The cloak’s origins and association with the Nightshade Brotherhood also offer opportunities for roleplaying and storytelling, as characters can explore the lore and secrets surrounding the ancient order.

In the world of Saṃsāra, the Shadowcloak, with its ties to the legendary Nightshade Brotherhood and its practical stealth benefits, would be sought after by a range of individuals, from adventurers and spies to assassins and thieves. It would be found in various shops catering to these needs, each with its own unique atmosphere and price point:

• The Veiled Moon Emporium: Located in a dimly lit alleyway in the bustling city of Amaravati, this shop specializes in magical and mundane items for those who prefer to operate in the shadows. The proprietor, a mysterious figure known only as the Nightweaver, would likely offer the Shadowcloak for a fair price, perhaps around 60 gold pieces. The transaction would be discreet, conducted in hushed tones and veiled glances.
• The Wandering Peddler’s Cart: On the dusty roads between villages, a traveling merchant might display the Shadowcloak among their wares. It would be tucked away among other trinkets and baubles, its true nature hinted at only by the subtle shimmer of its fabric. The peddler, a shrewd bargainer, might try to haggle for a higher price, sensing the cloak’s potential value. The final cost could vary depending on the buyer’s skill in negotiation.
• The Thieves’ Guild Black Market: In the seedy underbelly of the port city of Kalinda, a hidden market caters to the needs of thieves and outlaws. The Shadowcloak would likely be a hot commodity here, its stealth capabilities making it a valuable tool for illicit activities. The price would be inflated due to the risks involved, perhaps reaching 80 or even 100 gold pieces. The transaction would be conducted in the shadows, with furtive glances and whispered agreements.
• The Arcane Academy’s Curio Shop: Within the hallowed halls of a prestigious academy for magic users, a small shop might offer rare and unusual items for study and experimentation. The Shadowcloak could be found here, displayed behind a glass case with a detailed description of its properties. The price would likely be higher than in other shops, perhaps around 75 gold pieces, reflecting its academic value and the potential for further research.
• The Heirloom of a Fallen Assassin: In a forgotten ruin or a hidden treasure chest, an adventurer might stumble upon the Shadowcloak, left behind by a member of the Nightshade Brotherhood. It would be a relic of a bygone era, its fabric worn but still imbued with magical power. The cost in this case would be the danger and effort involved in acquiring it, as well as the potential consequences of disturbing the resting place of a skilled assassin.

The Shadowcloak’s common rarity makes it accessible to a wider range of individuals, but its unique properties and historical significance ensure that it remains a coveted item in the world of Saṃsāra. Its price and availability would vary depending on the location and the seller, creating opportunities for roleplaying and intrigue as characters seek to acquire this enigmatic cloak.

Roleplay Scenarios: The Shadowcloak in Defense and Offense

• Defense
  • Urban Chase: A nimble rogue, pursued by city guards through the bustling streets of Amaravati, ducks into a dimly lit alleyway. Pulling the Shadowcloak tight around them, they activate its Camouflage ability, melting seamlessly into the shadows. The guards rush past, their torches illuminating the alley but failing to reveal the rogue’s hidden form. With a silent sigh of relief, the rogue slips away, leaving the guards bewildered and empty-handed.
  • Forest Ambush: A lone ranger, scouting ahead of their party, stumbles upon a goblin ambush in a dense, moonlit forest. With arrows whizzing past, the ranger quickly dons the Shadowcloak and retreats into the undergrowth. The cloak’s Shadowstep ability grants them a +2 bonus to their Stealth checks, allowing them to move silently through the shadows and evade the goblins’ pursuit. The cloak’s Diminished Visibility also provides a slight advantage against the goblins’ darkvision, making them harder to target in the dim light.
  • Infiltration Mission: A daring spy, tasked with retrieving a stolen artifact from a heavily guarded fortress, relies on the Shadowcloak to navigate the dimly lit corridors undetected. The cloak’s Twilight Veil allows them to spot hidden traps and guards, while its Shadowstep ability helps them slip past patrols unseen. When cornered, the spy activates the cloak’s Camouflage, becoming one with the shadows and evading capture.
• Offense
  • Silent Assassination: An assassin, cloaked in shadow, stalks their target through a moonlit garden. Using the Shadowcloak’s Shadowstep ability, they move silently from one patch of darkness to another, closing the distance without alerting the guards. Once within striking range, they activate the cloak’s Camouflage, becoming virtually invisible in the dim light. The target, unaware of the impending danger, falls victim to a swift and silent attack.
  • Tactical Retreat: A group of adventurers, overwhelmed by a powerful foe, use the Shadowcloak to make a strategic retreat. One member of the party, wearing the cloak, creates a diversion, drawing the enemy’s attention while the others slip away into the shadows. The cloak’s Shadowstep and Camouflage abilities allow them to vanish quickly, leaving the enemy confused and frustrated.
  • Pickpocketing Master: A cunning thief, disguised as a noble, attends a lavish ball, the Shadowcloak hidden beneath their fine attire. As they mingle with the guests, they use the cloak’s Twilight Veil to spot potential targets and identify hidden pockets. With a deft hand and the cloak’s Shadowstep bonus, they relieve their unsuspecting victims of their valuables, leaving no trace of their presence.

The Shadowcloak is a versatile tool for both defense and offense, offering its wearer a range of advantages in dimly lit environments. It enhances stealth, perception, and evasion, making it an invaluable asset for those who rely on cunning and subterfuge to achieve their goals. Whether used to escape danger, gather information, or execute a daring plan, the Shadowcloak empowers its wearer to become a master of the shadows.

Perception of Activation:

• Senses:
  • Sight: The cloak seems to drink in the surrounding light, its iridescent surface deepening in hue until it resembles a pool of swirling twilight. The silver embroidery along the edges seems to shimmer and writhe, as if the shadows themselves were taking form.
  • Touch: As the cloak’s magic activates, a tingling sensation spreads from your shoulders, a cool embrace that feels both comforting and slightly unsettling. The fabric seems to grow thinner, almost ephemeral, while retaining its smooth texture.
  • Hearing: A gentle hush falls over your surroundings, muffling the sounds of the world. Your own heartbeat seems amplified, a steady drumbeat in the sudden quiet. You become acutely aware of every rustle of fabric, every intake of breath.
  • Smell: A faint, musky scent rises from the cloak, reminiscent of damp earth and ancient stone. It is both grounding and mysterious, hinting at the cloak’s connection to hidden powers.
  • Taste: No distinct taste accompanies the cloak’s activation, though a slight metallic tang lingers on the back of your tongue.
• Extra-Sensory Perceptions:
  • Empathy: A wave of calmness washes over you, a sense of detachment from the world and its worries. Your mind sharpens, focused on the task at hand, while your instincts become heightened.
  • Aura Sight: The wearer’s aura, once vibrant and colorful, fades to a muted gray, blending seamlessly with the surrounding shadows. It is as if their very essence is being concealed, making them less noticeable to those with supernatural senses.
• Positives:
  • Heightened Senses: The cloak’s activation enhances your focus and awareness, making you more attuned to your surroundings, especially in dim light or darkness.
  • Invisibility: The cloak’s magic renders you nearly invisible in shadows, granting you a significant advantage in stealth and concealment.
  • Protective Ward: The cloak seems to create a subtle barrier around you, shielding you from prying eyes and unwanted attention.
• Negatives:
  • Sensory Deprivation: The muffling of sounds and the dimming of light can limit your perception, making it harder to detect subtle movements or distant threats.
  • Isolation: The cloak’s detachment from the world can lead to a sense of isolation and loneliness, particularly if used for extended periods.
  • Temptation: The power of invisibility can be intoxicating, tempting the wearer to rely on the cloak’s magic rather than their own skills and abilities.

Crafting the Shadowcloak

• Materials Needed:
  • Shadowsilk: Gossamer threads spun from the cocoons of shadow spiders found in the deepest, darkest caves. (5 yards)
  • Nightshade Essence: Extracted from the petals of nightshade flowers, harvested under the light of a new moon. (1 vial)
  • Silver Thread: Fine silver thread, spun by moonlight. (1 spool)
  • Weaver’s Tools: Loom, needles, scissors, and other essential weaving implements.
  • Enchanter’s Kit: A collection of tools and reagents for imbuing magic into objects.
• Tools Required:
  • Loom: A sturdy loom capable of handling delicate shadowsilk threads.
  • Alchemy Set: For extracting nightshade essence.
  • Enchanting Table: To infuse the finished cloak with magical properties.
• Skill Requirements:
  • Weaving: Proficiency required to handle the delicate shadowsilk threads and create the intricate weave of the cloak.
  • Alchemy: Proficiency needed to extract the nightshade essence.
  • Arcana: Proficiency required to perform the enchanting ritual and imbue the cloak with magic.
• Crafting Steps:
  • Prepare the Shadowsilk: Carefully unwind the shadowsilk threads, ensuring they remain untangled and free of debris. Infuse the threads with nightshade essence, allowing them to absorb the magical properties.
  • Weave the Cloak: Set up the loom and begin weaving the infused shadowsilk threads into the desired pattern. Incorporate the silver thread to create the intricate embroidery along the edges.
  • Enchant the Cloak: Place the finished cloak on the enchanting table and perform the ritual, channeling magical energy into the fabric. Focus on imbuing the cloak with the powers of stealth, diminished visibility, camouflage, and twilight veil.
  • Final Touches: Once the enchantment is complete, carefully remove the cloak from the table. Inspect the weave and embroidery, ensuring there are no flaws.

Note: Crafting the Shadowcloak is a delicate and time-consuming process. The availability of shadowsilk and nightshade essence may vary depending on the region and season. Only skilled artisans with access to these rare materials and proficiency in weaving, alchemy, and arcana can hope to recreate this enigmatic garment.

Saga of the Umbral Shroud

In the days when stars were young and the world was cloaked in twilight, there existed a brotherhood of silent stalkers, the Nightshade they were called. Their deeds were veiled in darkness, their movements swift as the wind through the trees.

It is whispered that their mastery of the unseen was gifted by a shroud, woven from threads spun in the moon’s dimmest hour. This shroud, the Shadowcloak, granted its bearer the power to walk unseen, to merge with the night itself.

One amongst the Nightshade, a nimble phantom named Seraph, was entrusted with this relic. He was the Brotherhood’s finest, his touch as light as the falling snow, his presence as fleeting as a wisp of smoke. The Shadowcloak amplified his already uncanny abilities, allowing him to slip through the tightest defenses, unseen and unheard.

One fateful night, Seraph was tasked with a mission most perilous: to retrieve a stolen relic from the iron-fisted Lord Kael. The fortress was a labyrinth of traps and watchful eyes, yet Seraph, draped in the Shadowcloak, moved like a ghost through its halls.

He reached the vault, the relic shimmering within. But as he claimed his prize, the alarm was raised. Guards flooded the corridor, their torches casting dancing shadows. Seraph, cornered, activated the cloak’s full power. He became one with the darkness, his form flickering and fading.

The guards, confused and afraid, lashed out blindly. Seraph, now an unseen predator, slipped past their frantic attacks, the Shadowcloak deflecting stray blows. He reached the window, the moonlit city sprawling below. With a final, defiant grin, he leapt into the night, disappearing into the city’s embrace.

The Shadowcloak had served him well, a testament to the Brotherhood’s mastery of the unseen. Yet, Seraph’s tale is a reminder that even in darkness, one cannot remain hidden forever. The shadows offer refuge, but true strength lies in the light within.

Moral: The unseen path may offer safety, but true courage lies in facing the light.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

• Type: Magical Artifact, Clothing
• Description: A finely woven cloak that aids in stealth and concealment.
• Sanity Loss: 0/1 (upon witnessing its unnatural properties)
• Stats:
  • Stealth: +20% bonus
  • Armor: +1 against attacks that rely on sight in dim light or darkness.
• Special: While wearing the cloak in dim light or darkness, the user gains a +2 bonus to Hide rolls, and opponents suffer a -2 penalty to Spot Hidden rolls against them. Once per day, as an action, the wearer can activate the cloak to gain advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide or remain unseen for 1 minute. This effect ends if the wearer takes damage, attacks, or casts a spell. The wearer also has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks to spot hidden or concealed objects or individuals in dim light or darkness.

Blades in the Dark

• Type: Gear, Attire
• Description: A cloak woven with subtle magic, granting the wearer increased stealth and limited protection.
• Effect:
  • Stealth: +1d to Prowl and Skulk actions in dim light or darkness
  • Armor: +1 Armor against attacks that rely on sight in dim light or darkness.
• Special: Once per score, the wearer can activate the cloak to gain the Hidden quality for the remainder of the scene, even when moving or attacking. Additionally, they have advantage on all Perception checks to notice hidden objects or details.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

• Type: Wondrous Item, Cloak
• Rarity: Common
• Description: A cloak woven with subtle magic, granting the wearer increased stealth and limited protection.
• Properties:
  • Shadowstep: While wearing this cloak, you gain a +2 bonus to Dexterity (Stealth) checks when attempting to hide or move silently in dim light or darkness. This bonus does not apply in bright light.
  • Diminished Visibility: The Shadowcloak grants its wearer a subtle advantage in situations where concealment is paramount. When the user is in dim light or darkness, they gain a +1 bonus to their Armor Class against attacks made by creatures that rely on darkvision or similar abilities.
  • Camouflage: Once per day, as an action, the wearer can activate the cloak’s enchantment to blend into their surroundings for a short duration. For 1 minute, the user gains advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide or remain unseen. This effect ends if the wearer takes damage, attacks, or casts a spell.
  • Twilight Veil: When the wearer is in dim light or darkness, they have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks to spot hidden or concealed objects or individuals.

Knave

• Type: Armor (Light)
• Description: A dark cloak that enhances stealth and perception.
• Stats:
  • Armor: 1 (against attacks that rely on sight in dim light or darkness)
  • Stealth: +2 (in dim light or darkness)
• Special: Once per day, the wearer can activate the cloak to gain advantage on all Stealth checks for one round. They also have advantage on Perception checks to notice hidden objects or details in dim light or darkness.

Fate Core

• Aspect: Cloaked in Twilight’s Embrace
• Skills: +2 to Stealth, +1 to Notice (in dim light or darkness)
• Stunts:
  • Shadow’s Grace: When in dim light or darkness, spend a Fate point to reroll a failed Stealth check.
  • Unseen Observer: In dim light or darkness, you may use Stealth instead of Notice to spot hidden details or creatures.
  • Veil of Twilight: Once per scene, spend a Fate point to gain advantage on all Stealth checks for one exchange.

Numenera & Cypher System

• Type: Artifact (Cypher)
• Level: 1
• Form: Cloak
• Effect:
  • Stealth: When activated, gain +2 to Stealth checks in dim light or darkness.
  • Perception: When activated, gain +1 to Notice checks to spot hidden or concealed things in dim light or darkness
  • Camouflage: Once per day, as an action, activate the cloak to gain the Hidden condition for one round.
• Depletion: 1 in 1d6
• Special: The cloak’s Stealth and Perception effects last for one scene or until deactivated.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

• Type: Wondrous Item, Cloak
• Level: 1
• Price: 50 gp
• Usage: worn
• Bulk: L
• Activate: 1 action (command)
• Effects:
  • Shadowstep: You gain a +2 item bonus to Dexterity (Stealth) checks when attempting to hide or move silently in dim light or darkness.
  • Diminished Visibility: You gain a +1 item bonus to AC against attacks made by creatures that rely on darkvision or similar abilities in dim light or darkness
  • Camouflage: Once per day, as an action, you can activate the cloak’s enchantment to blend into your surroundings for 1 minute. You gain advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide or remain unseen. This effect ends if you take damage, attack, or cast a spell.
  • Twilight Veil: You have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks to spot hidden or concealed objects or individuals in dim light or darkness.

Savage Worlds

• Type: Gear
• Description: A cloak woven with subtle magic, granting the wearer increased stealth and perception.
• Cost: 25
• Weight: 1
• Stats:
  • Stealth: +2 (in dim light or darkness)
  • Notice: +1 (in dim light or darkness)
• Special: Once per session, the wearer can activate the cloak to gain a +4 bonus to Stealth checks for one round and become completely invisible if they remain motionless. The wearer also has a +2 bonus to Notice checks to spot hidden objects or details in dim light or darkness

Shadowrun (Sixth World)

• Type: Gear, Cloak
• Availability: 8R
• Cost: 2,500¥
• Concealability: 8
• Armor: 1 (Ballistic Only)
• Special: The wearer gains +2 dice pool bonus to Stealth tests in dim light or darkness. Once per hour, the wearer can activate the cloak to gain +6 dice pool bonus to a single Stealth test and become completely invisible for 1 Combat Turn. Additionally, the wearer has +2 dice pool to Perception tests to notice hidden objects or details.

Starfinder

• Type: Technological Item, Cloak
• Level: 1
• Price: 50 credits
• Bulk: L
• Armor Bonus: +1 (against attacks that rely on sight in dim light or darkness)
• Special Properties: When worn, the user gains a +2 circumstance bonus to Stealth checks. In areas of dim light or darkness, this bonus increases to +4. Once per day, the user can activate the cloak to gain invisibility for 1 minute. The user also gains a +2 circumstance bonus to Perception checks to spot hidden or concealed objects or individuals in dim light or darkness.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

• Type: Personal Equipment, Cloak
• Cost: 50 Credits
• Weight: 1kg
• Skill Bonus: +2 to Stealth (in dim light or darkness)
• Special: The wearer gains a +1 DM to their Armour Value against ranged attacks that rely on sight in dim light or darkness. Once per day, the wearer can activate the cloak to gain a +4 DM to a single Stealth skill check and become effectively invisible for 1 round. The wearer also gains a +1 DM to Perception skill checks to spot hidden or concealed objects or individuals in dim light or darkness.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

• Type: Arcane Item, Cloak
• Rarity: Common
• Encumbrance: 0
• Special Rules:
  • The wearer gains a +10 bonus to Stealth tests in dim light or darkness.
  • The wearer gains a 10% chance to completely avoid any single ranged attack that targets them in dim light or darkness.
  • Once per day, the wearer can activate the cloak to gain a +20 bonus to a single Stealth test and become completely invisible for 1 round.
  • The wearer also gains a +10 bonus to Perception tests to spot hidden or concealed objects or individuals in dim light or darkness.