Veil of Shadowsight

Description: The Veil of Shadowsight is a flowing, midnight-black cloak made from a fine, ethereal fabric that seems to absorb and reflect light in strange ways. Its surface is adorned with delicate, silver-threaded embroidery depicting intricate patterns of stars and constellations. When worn, the veil drapes gracefully over the wearer’s form, seemingly melding with the shadows and granting them an uncanny sight into the realm of darkness.

Lore: The Veil of Shadowsight is believed to have been woven by a secretive order of shadowweavers who sought to master the art of manipulating darkness. Legends speak of ancient rituals performed under the cover of the night, where the cloak was imbued with the essence of shadow and granted the power to pierce through darkness. It is said that those who don the veil gain the ability to perceive hidden truths lurking within the depths of shadow.

Stats:

• Rarity: Uncommon
• Level: Tier 1
• Darkvision: The wearer gains Darkvision with a range of 60 feet.
• Skill Bonus: +2 to Stealth checks
• Tags: Shadow Weaver’s Craft, Whispers of Darkness, Hidden Truths, Nocturnal Vision, Subterfuge, Ethereal Grace, Undetected Movement, Secrets Revealed, Ephemeral Form, Mystical Artifact
• Weight: Light
• Requires Attunement: Yes

Cost: The Veil of Shadowsight can be acquired through secretive channels, such as a clandestine meeting with a shadowy organization, uncovering an ancient hidden cache, or as a reward for completing a dangerous quest entwined with shadows. Its cost typically ranges between 800 to 1,200 gold pieces.

Use: The Veil of Shadowsight provides several advantages to the wearer, allowing them to navigate the darkness and strike from the shadows with precision. Firstly, it grants the ability of Darkvision, enabling the wearer to see in darkness as if it were dim light and in dim light as if it were bright light, up to a range of 60 feet. This heightened vision is invaluable for exploring dimly lit environments, infiltrating shadowy lairs, or spotting hidden threats in the dark.

In addition, the Veil of Shadowsight enhances the wearer’s natural stealth and agility. It provides a +2 bonus to Stealth checks, making it easier for the wearer to move silently, blend with the shadows, and remain unnoticed by enemies. This bonus can prove essential for rogues, assassins, and any character who relies on stealth and subterfuge.

The Veil of Shadowsight also possesses a unique ability tied to its affinity for darkness. Once per long rest, the wearer can activate the veil to tap into the power of shadows. By invoking the cloak’s hidden potential, the wearer gains temporary invisibility for a duration of 1 minute. This ability can be used strategically to evade enemies, set up surprise attacks, or escape from dangerous situations.

The Veil of Shadowsight is a coveted item among shadowmancers, rogues, and spies who operate in the shadows. Its enchantments provide enhanced perception and stealth capabilities, allowing the wearer to exploit the darkness to their advantage. However, caution must be exercised, as some creatures possess abilities to see through invisibility or are immune to its effects.

The Veil of Shadowsight, with its uncommon rarity, shadowy origins, and emphasis on stealth and darkness manipulation, would be found in specialized shops or through clandestine dealings:

• Shadowmancer Guilds:
  • These guilds, often hidden in the darker corners of cities or in secluded locations, would house practitioners of shadow magic and purveyors of related artifacts. Access might require an introduction or proving one’s affinity for shadow magic.
  • Purchasing: The Veil might be presented in a dimly lit chamber, its details highlighted by faint, flickering candles. The guild representative might emphasize its connection to shadow magic and its potential for stealth and subterfuge. The price would likely fall within the higher end of the range (1,000-1,200 gold pieces), with some room for negotiation depending on the buyer’s relationship with the guild.
  • Selling: Shadowmancer guilds would be interested in acquiring the Veil, particularly if its shadow manipulation abilities are potent. Expect an offer between 700-900 gold pieces, potentially higher if the guild sees a specific use for it within their ranks.
• Thieves’ Guilds:
  • While less focused on magic, Thieves’ Guilds value items that aid in stealth and infiltration. They often operate in the shadows, with hidden dens and contacts in the criminal underworld.
  • Purchasing: The Veil might be offered in a backroom deal, away from prying eyes. The guild representative would likely highlight its practical benefits for thieves and spies, emphasizing its ability to enhance stealth and grant invisibility. The price would likely be in the middle range (900-1,000 gold pieces), with some haggling possible depending on the buyer’s reputation and connections.
  • Selling: Thieves’ Guilds would be interested in acquiring the Veil for their operatives, but their offer might be lower (600-800 gold pieces) as they prioritize practicality over magical potential.
• Dark Artifact Dealers:
  • These secretive individuals specialize in trading items associated with darkness, shadows, or forbidden magic. They often operate in the black market or through clandestine meetings.
  • Purchasing: The Veil might be presented in a hidden location, revealed only after careful vetting of the buyer. The dealer would likely emphasize its rarity and connection to shadow magic, potentially exaggerating its powers to inflate the price. Expect a price at the higher end or even exceeding the range (1,200-1,500 gold pieces), with negotiation challenging due to the dealer’s secretive nature.
  • Selling: Dark artifact dealers would be eager to acquire the Veil, but their offer might involve underhanded tactics or attempts to lowball the seller. The price could vary significantly (500-1,000 gold pieces) depending on the dealer’s assessment of the Veil’s power and the seller’s desperation.
• Wandering Mystics:
  • These enigmatic individuals travel the world, collecting and trading unusual artifacts. Encountering one with the Veil of Shadowsight would be a matter of chance and fate.
  • Purchasing: The mystic might reveal the Veil in a secluded grove or a moonlit clearing, sharing cryptic stories about its origins and powers. The price would be unpredictable, potentially involving bartering, favors, or tests of worthiness in addition to gold.
  • Selling: A wandering mystic might be intrigued by the Veil, but their offer could be unconventional, perhaps exchanging it for another artifact, a service rendered, or a promise to use it for a specific purpose.

The acquisition or sale of the Veil of Shadowsight would likely be a memorable event, shrouded in secrecy and potentially leading to further adventures or encounters with those interested in its shadowy powers.

The Veil of Shadowsight, with its unique blend of enhanced senses, stealth bonuses, and shadow manipulation, offers versatile roleplaying opportunities in both defensive and offensive situations across diverse environments. Here’s how a player might utilize it:

• Defensive Roleplay:
  • In the heart of a moonless night: As the party navigates a dense forest shrouded in darkness, the wearer draws the Veil over their head, their vision seamlessly adjusting to the lack of light. They might whisper to their companions, guiding them through the treacherous terrain, their enhanced senses alerting them to hidden dangers lurking in the shadows.
  • Evading pursuit in a bustling city: While being chased through crowded streets and shadowy alleyways, the wearer activates the Veil’s invisibility, melting into the darkness and becoming one with the shadows. They might nimbly weave through the throngs of people, their pursuers losing track of their ethereal form as they disappear into the maze of the city.
  • Caught in a deadly trap: As a hidden trap triggers, plunging the room into darkness and unleashing a barrage of deadly projectiles, the wearer swiftly wraps the Veil around them. The cloak’s protective enchantments deflect the incoming attacks, while their Darkvision allows them to navigate the chaotic scene and seek an escape route.
  • Facing a terrifying predator in its lair: Confronted by a creature that thrives in darkness, the wearer stands their ground, their eyes glowing with an eerie light granted by the Veil. They might calmly assess the predator’s movements, their enhanced senses providing a tactical advantage as they anticipate its attacks and prepare to counter.
• Offensive Roleplay:
  • Staging a daring heist: Cloaked in the Veil’s invisibility, the wearer silently infiltrates a heavily guarded vault, their footsteps muffled and their form hidden from watchful eyes. They might disable security measures, bypass patrolling guards, and acquire their prize with uncanny precision, leaving no trace of their presence.
  • Ambushing a corrupt official: Hidden in the shadows of a moonlit garden, the wearer waits patiently for their target. As the official approaches, unsuspecting of the danger lurking nearby, the wearer emerges from the darkness, their form momentarily obscured by the Veil’s shadow manipulation. They might deliver a swift and decisive strike, their attack enhanced by the element of surprise.
  • Gathering intelligence in a hostile camp: Under the cover of darkness, the wearer slips into the enemy camp, their Veil blending them seamlessly with the shadows. They might eavesdrop on conversations, observe troop movements, and gather crucial information, their enhanced senses allowing them to remain undetected even in close proximity to their enemies.
  • Leading a stealthy reconnaissance mission: With the Veil enhancing their natural stealth, the wearer guides their party through enemy territory, avoiding patrols and traps with ease. They might scout ahead, using their Darkvision to identify potential threats and relay crucial information to their allies, ensuring the success of their mission.

The key is to integrate the Veil’s properties into the character’s actions and dialogue, showcasing its benefits in a way that feels natural and engaging within the context of the scene. By creatively incorporating these elements, players can enhance their roleplaying experience and bring the Veil of Shadowsight to life in the world of Saṃsāra.

Perception of Activation:

• User’s Perspective:
  • Sight: A sudden surge of light fills your vision, emanating from the activated item. The light may be a specific color, or it may shift and change hues. The intensity of the light can vary depending on the item’s power and the level of activation.
  • Hearing: A loud humming or buzzing sound may fill your ears, or you may hear a series of clicks or pops. The sound may be faint or deafening, depending on the item’s power and the level of activation.
  • Touch: You may feel a tingling sensation in your hands or throughout your body as the item activates. The sensation may be pleasant or uncomfortable, depending on the item’s power and the level of activation.
  • Smell: You may detect a faint metallic or ozone-like odor when the item activates. The smell may be pleasant or unpleasant, depending on the item’s power and the level of activation.
  • Taste: You may experience a metallic taste in your mouth when the item activates. The taste may be faint or strong, depending on the item’s power and the level of activation.
  • Extra-Sensory Perceptions:
    • Mental: You may experience a sudden influx of thoughts, images, or emotions when the item activates. These thoughts, images, or emotions may be related to the item’s purpose or function, or they may be entirely random.
    • Spiritual: You may feel a sense of connection to a higher power or to the spiritual realm when the item activates. This feeling may be accompanied by a sense of peace, joy, or love.
• Observer’s Perspective:
  • Sight: The observer may see the item glowing or emitting light when it is activated. The light may be a specific color, or it may shift and change hues. The intensity of the light can vary depending on the item’s power and the level of activation.
  • Hearing: The observer may hear a humming or buzzing sound coming from the item when it is activated. The sound may be faint or deafening, depending on the item’s power and the level of activation.
  • Smell: The observer may detect a faint metallic or ozone-like odor coming from the item when it is activated. The smell may be pleasant or unpleasant, depending on the item’s power and the level of activation.
  • Touch: If the observer touches the item while it is activated, they may feel a tingling sensation. The sensation may be pleasant or uncomfortable, depending on the item’s power and the level of activation.
• Positives:
  • The activation of the item may provide the user with a sense of power or control.
  • The item may be able to protect the user from harm or danger.
  • The item may be able to help the user achieve their goals.
• Negatives:
  • The activation of the item may be painful or uncomfortable for the user.
  • The item may have unintended consequences that harm the user or others.
  • The item may be addictive or lead to dependence.

Crafting Recipe: Shroud of the Unseen — This recipe guides the creation of a cloak inspired by the Veil of Shadowsight, imbued with a touch of shadow magic and designed for those who walk the path of stealth and subterfuge.

• Materials Needed:
  • Bolts of midnight-black silk, woven under the new moon
  • Threads of pure shadow, extracted from the deepest darkness
  • Eyes of a nocturnal predator, imbued with night vision
  • Scales of a shadow serpent, offering a whisper of invisibility
  • Essence of midnight, captured in a vial under a starless sky
• Tools Required:
  • Loom shrouded in perpetual twilight
  • Needle crafted from obsidian
  • Thimble spun from shadows
  • Scissors etched with runes of concealment
  • Artisan’s workbench blessed by the night spirits
• Skill Requirements:
  • Shadow Weaving (master level)
  • Arcane Infusion (journeyman level)
  • Stealth Expertise (expert level)
  • Knowledge of nocturnal creatures and shadow lore
• Crafting Steps:
  • Preparation: Prepare the loom by shrouding it in perpetual twilight, invoking the blessings of the night spirits and attuning it to the flow of shadow energy.
  • Weaving the Fabric: Carefully weave the midnight-black silk threads on the shrouded loom, infusing each strand with threads of pure shadow extracted from the deepest darkness.
  • Enhancing with Night Vision: With reverence and precision, weave the eyes of a nocturnal predator into the fabric, granting the cloak the power of Darkvision.
  • Imbuing with Invisibility: Using the obsidian needle and shadow thimble, carefully stitch the scales of a shadow serpent onto the cloak, whispering incantations of invisibility as you work.
  • Infusing with Shadow Essence: Uncork the vial containing the essence of midnight, allowing it to permeate the cloak, enhancing its connection to the shadows and amplifying its powers of concealment.
  • Final Touches: Using the rune-etched scissors, carefully trim the edges of the cloak, sealing its enchantments. Embrace the shadows, channeling your Stealth Expertise to awaken the cloak’s full potential.

Note: This Shroud of the Unseen, while inspired by the Veil of Shadowsight, will not possess its full potency. It will grant Darkvision with a range of 30 feet, a +1 bonus to Stealth checks, and the ability to become invisible for 30 seconds once per long rest. However, it will retain a touch of the original Veil’s mystique and shadow-wrought elegance, making it a valuable tool for those who operate in the darkness.

Shadow Weaver and the Nightcloak

In a time beyond memory, when the world was cloaked in perpetual twilight, there lived a reclusive order known as the Shadow Weavers. These enigmatic figures, dwelling in hidden enclaves and shrouded in secrecy, sought to unravel the mysteries of darkness and harness its power.

Among their ranks was a skilled weaver named Nyx, who possessed an unparalleled mastery over shadow and thread. Guided by whispers from the darkness itself, Nyx embarked on a quest to create a garment that would embody the essence of shadow, a cloak that would grant its wearer mastery over the unseen realm.

Under the watchful eyes of the night spirits, Nyx gathered rare and potent materials: threads spun from shadows, eyes of nocturnal predators, scales of shadow serpents, and the captured essence of midnight. With these treasures, she began her intricate work, her loom humming with the whispers of the unseen.

Day and night, Nyx wove, her fingers guided by the spirits of darkness. The loom danced with shadows, the threads intertwining to form a cloak of unparalleled beauty and power. As the final stitch was completed, the cloak shimmered with an ethereal glow, its surface adorned with constellations that seemed to shift and whisper secrets of the night.

The Shadow Weavers, awestruck by Nyx’s creation, named it the Veil of Shadowsight, a garment that would grant its wearer the ability to see through darkness, move unseen, and command the shadows themselves. It was a treasure coveted by spies, assassins, and those who sought to walk the path of shadows.

One fateful night, a young rogue named Kael sought the Shadow Weavers, seeking their aid in a quest for justice. Impressed by Kael’s courage and determination, Nyx bestowed upon him the Veil of Shadowsight, entrusting him with its power to combat the forces of darkness that threatened the realm.

Clad in the Veil, Kael became a whisper in the night, his movements undetectable, his senses heightened. He infiltrated enemy strongholds, uncovered hidden plots, and delivered swift justice to those who preyed upon the innocent. The Veil became an extension of himself, a symbol of his unwavering resolve and his mastery over the shadows.

Through countless trials and tribulations, Kael proved himself a worthy bearer of the Veil of Shadowsight, his name whispered in legends as a protector of the innocent and a champion of the unseen.

Moral of the story: The darkness holds both secrets and power, and those who dare to embrace its depths can wield its magic for good or ill. The Veil of Shadowsight serves as a reminder that even in the shadows, hope and justice can prevail, guided by those who walk the path unseen.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

    Item: Veil of Shadowsight

• Description: A flowing black cloak that seems to absorb light, adorned with faint, shimmering patterns of stars.
• Armor: +1 to armor (may reduce depending on the character’s Build)
• SAN Loss: No SAN loss, as the Veil, while unusual, is not inherently disturbing to most investigators.
• Special: The wearer gains Darkvision with a range of 60 feet. The wearer gains a +2 bonus to Stealth skill rolls. Once per day, the wearer can attempt a successful POW roll to become invisible for a short period of time (1d10 rounds).

Blades in the Dark

    Item: Veil of Shadowsight

• Effect: When wearing the Veil of Shadowsight, you gain +2 to Sneak rolls and take +1d to any action taken in darkness or dim light.
• Special: Once per score, you can use the Veil to become invisible for a short period of time, allowing you to bypass obstacles or escape danger. This effect lasts until the end of the current scene or until you take an action that would break invisibility (e.g., attacking, speaking loudly).

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

    Item: Veil of Shadowsight

• (Uncommon)
• Armor Class: 11 + Dex modifier (max 2)
• Weight: 1 lb.
• Properties: While wearing this cloak, you gain darkvision out to a range of 60 feet. If you already have darkvision, its range increases by 60 feet. You also gain a +2 bonus to Dexterity (Stealth) checks.  
• Special: Once per long rest, you can use an action to cast the Invisibility spell on yourself without expending a spell slot.

Knave

    Item: Veil of Shadowsight

• Armor: 1
• Special: The wearer gains Darkvision with a range of 60 feet. The wearer gains Advantage on all Sneak rolls. Once per day, the wearer can become invisible for a number of rounds equal to their Sneak score.
• Encumbrance: 1
• Notes: The GM may rule that the Veil grants the wearer advantage on certain social interactions where blending in or remaining unnoticed is beneficial.

Fate Core/Condensed

    Item: Veil of Shadowsight

• Aspects: Shrouded in Darkness, Eyes of the Night
• Invoke (Shrouded in Darkness): Spend a Fate Point to gain a +2 bonus to any roll involving stealth, deception, or hiding in shadows.
• Invoke (Eyes of the Night): Spend a Fate Point to gain a +2 bonus to any roll involving perception or noticing details in darkness or dim light.
• Compel: The GM may compel either aspect to introduce complications or temptations related to the Veil’s nature. For example, the Veil might enhance the character’s connection to shadowy entities, making them more susceptible to whispers and temptations from the darkness.

Numenera & Cypher System

    Item: Veil of Shadowsight

• (Artifact, Level 3)
• Effect: When wearing the Veil of Shadowsight, you gain Darkvision with a range of 60 feet. You also gain an asset to any action where stealth or deception would be beneficial.
• Depletion: 1 in 1d6
• Special: Once per day, the wearer can use an action to become invisible for a short period of time (roughly 10 minutes).

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

    Item: Veil of Shadowsight

• Price: 1,000 gp
• Armor Type: —
• AC Bonus: +0
• Strength: —
• Stealth: +2
• Runes: Darkness (minor), Invisibility (moderate)
• Bulk: L

Savage Worlds

    Item: Veil of Shadowsight

• Weight: 1
• Armor: +0
• Special: The wearer gains Darkvision with a range of 60 feet. The wearer gains a +2 bonus to Stealth rolls. Once per game session, the wearer can activate the Veil to become invisible for 2d6 rounds as a free action.
• Notes: The GM may allow the Veil to provide a +2 bonus to Notice rolls when in darkness or dim light.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

    Item: Veil of Shadowsight

• (Gear)
• Availability: 10R
• Cost: 6,000¥
• Concealability: +4
• Notes: This cloak is woven from advanced materials that manipulate light and shadow, granting the wearer enhanced stealth capabilities. It provides a +3 dice pool bonus to Stealth tests and allows the user to blend seamlessly into dark environments. It also incorporates a micro-thin fiberoptic weave that grants low-light vision. Once per hour, the wearer can activate a short-duration cloaking device woven into the fabric, rendering them invisible to the naked eye for 2d6 turns.

Starfinder

    Item: Veil of Shadowsight

• (Uncommon)
• Price: 1,000 credits
• Level: 2
• AC Bonus: +0
• Max Dex Bonus: +10
• Armor Check Penalty: 0
• Speed Adjustment: 0 feet
• Special Properties: Grants darkvision with a range of 60 feet. Grants a +2 circumstance bonus to Stealth checks. Once per day, the wearer can activate the cloak to become invisible for 1d4 rounds as a swift action.
• Bulk: L

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

    Item: Veil of Shadowsight

• TL: 10
• Weight: 1 kg
• Cost: 1,000 Cr
• Armor: 0
• Notes: This cloak is made from a synthetic material that absorbs light and incorporates advanced camouflage technology. It grants the wearer a +2 bonus to Stealth skill rolls and allows them to blend effectively into dark environments. It also includes an integrated low-light vision system.

Warhammer 40,000 (Wrath & Glory)

    Item: Veil of Shadowsight

• (Rare Artifact)
• Availability: Scarce
• Renown: 15
• Traits: Armour, Shadowgear
• Effect: The wearer gains +2 to their Agility characteristic and +3 to their Stealth skill. They can see in darkness as if it were daylight. Once per encounter, they can use a free action to become invisible until the end of their next turn.
• Notes: The Veil may whisper secrets or tempt the wearer with promises of power, potentially leading them down a path of corruption.