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Night Vision Goggles

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by

Dale
in ,

From: Aquilarachnid

These goggles are designed to enhance Aquilarachnid’s low-light vision and help it navigate in darkness. They eliminate the disadvantage of Perception checks in dim light and provide advantage on Perception checks in darkness. May be worn by other creatures.

Level: Tier 1

Simple passive: (Always on if worn)
eliminate the disadvantage of Perception checks in dim light, allowing the wearer to perceive details and spot hidden objects or creatures more easily
advantage when detecting threats, finding hidden paths, or exploring areas with limited illumination

Cost: 200 gold

Tags: Equipment, Goggles, Vision Enhancement, Night Vision, Perception Aid, Stealth Advantage, Dim Light Adaptation, Magical Optics, Adventurer’s Gear, Crafted Artifact

Lore: The Night Vision Goggles are a technological marvel, crafted by skilled inventors and engineers who recognized the need for Aquilarachnid to navigate through low-light environments. Imbued with magical crystals and advanced optics, these goggles have become a symbol of knowledge and innovation. It is said that a group of brilliant scholars and artificers worked tirelessly to perfect the design, drawing inspiration from the moonlit night and the natural abilities of nocturnal creatures.

Use: When an Aquilarachnid character or creature wears the Night Vision Goggles, they gain several benefits related to vision and perception. The goggles eliminate the disadvantage of Perception checks in dim light, allowing the wearer to perceive details and spot hidden objects or creatures more easily in such conditions. Moreover, goggles provide an advantage on Perception checks in darkness, enabling the wearer to see clearly even in complete absence of light.

The Night Vision Goggles enhance the Aquilarachnid’s ability to navigate through low-light and dark environments, granting them an advantage when detecting threats, finding hidden paths, or exploring areas with limited illumination. These goggles serve as a reliable tool for adventurers who often venture into the shadows, providing them with a tactical edge and a heightened awareness of their surroundings.

In the World of Saṃsāra, Night Vision Goggles like those crafted for the Aquilarachnid might be found in several types of shops:

  • The Artificer’s Emporium – Located in the bustling trade districts of major cities or within the floating cities, these shops are known for their unique and often magical items. Here, inventors and magic users collaborate to create gear that blends technology with magic. The Night Vision Goggles would be displayed among other vision-enhancing devices, possibly alongside enchanted lenses or magical lanterns. The shop might have a demonstration area where potential buyers can test the goggles’ effectiveness in controlled dark environments.
    • Cost: At 200 gold, this would be considered a premium item, but due to the high demand for such gear among adventurers and night workers, the price might fluctuate based on rarity and craftsmanship.
  • The Adventurer’s Outfitters – Found in towns near dungeons, ruins, or other dangerous locales, these shops cater to those preparing for expeditions. They stock a variety of gear, from mundane to magical. Night Vision Goggles would be in the ‘special equipment’ section, perhaps near other sensory-enhancing gear or stealth equipment.
    • Cost: Here, the price might be slightly higher due to the convenience of one-stop shopping for adventurers, possibly around 220 gold, reflecting the added value of immediate availability.
  • The Black Market – In the darker, less regulated parts of cities or in hidden corners of the world, items like these might be sold under the table. These markets thrive on scarcity and the need for discretion, often dealing in items that are rare or not legally obtainable through conventional means.
    • Cost: Due to the illicit nature, the price could be inflated, potentially reaching 250 gold or more, depending on the risk involved in acquiring or selling such items.
  • The Scholar’s Repository – In academic or magical institutions, these goggles might be sold as part of a collection of research tools or as a gift to scholars studying nocturnal creatures or dark environments.
    • Cost: The academic setting might price them at around 180 gold, reflecting a more educational or research-oriented value rather than market demand.
  • The Traveling Merchant – Occasionally, a traveling merchant with a knack for rare finds might carry such an item. These merchants often appear at festivals, in small villages, or at crossroads, offering unique items from their journeys.
    • Cost: The price could be negotiable, starting at 200 gold but potentially reduced with bartering or if the merchant is eager to sell.

How They’re Sold:

  • Display: Goggles might be showcased in a dimly lit area of the shop, with a demonstration of their functionality using a controlled dark environment or magical darkness.
  • Transaction: Payment would typically be in gold, but in some shops, trade might be possible, especially in places like the Black Market or with traveling merchants where barter is common.
  • Documentation: A certificate of authenticity or a brief manual might accompany the purchase, detailing the care and use of the goggles, especially in shops like The Artificer’s Emporium or The Scholar’s Repository.

The sale of Night Vision Goggles in Saṃsāra would be a blend of commerce, magic, and the adventurous spirit of the world, reflecting the diverse needs and backgrounds of its inhabitants.

  • Defense:
    • In Dark Caverns: When exploring ancient ruins or navigating through the labyrinthine cave systems, the Night Vision Goggles become invaluable. The wearer can spot traps, hidden enemies, or natural hazards that would otherwise remain unseen. For instance, an adventurer might use the goggles to detect a pitfall or a hidden assassin lurking in the shadows. This allows for preemptive action, like setting up defenses or avoiding confrontation altogether.
    • Urban Stealth: In cities, especially in areas with less illumination or during night-time operations, the goggles provide an advantage for characters needing to move unseen. A thief might use them to navigate rooftops or back alleys without being detected, or a guard might use them to patrol more effectively, spotting potential threats or intruders long before they’re in range.
    • During Sieges: In scenarios where a city or fortress is under siege, defenders equipped with Night Vision Goggles could maintain watch during the night, spotting enemy movements or preparations for a night attack. This early detection could allow for strategic countermeasures, like reinforcing weak points or launching preemptive strikes.
  • Offense:
    • Ambush: Characters planning an ambush in low-light or dark environments can use the goggles to see their targets clearly while remaining hidden themselves. This advantage could be crucial for setting up the perfect moment to strike, ensuring surprise and maximizing the effectiveness of the first attack.
    • Infiltration: For missions requiring stealth, like infiltrating enemy strongholds or sneaking into guarded areas, the goggles allow the wearer to move through darkness with confidence. They can identify guards, traps, or secret passages without the need for light, which might alert enemies.
    • Combat in Darkness: In battles where darkness is used as a tactical element, either naturally or through magic, the goggles provide a significant advantage. A character could see through smoke or magical darkness, targeting enemies with precision while they are effectively blind. This could turn the tide in skirmishes where visibility is limited, allowing for targeted attacks or strategic withdrawals.
    • Scouting and Reconnaissance: Before engaging in combat, characters might scout enemy positions using the goggles. This could involve climbing to high vantage points or moving through dense, shadowy forests. Knowing the enemy’s layout, numbers, and movements before an attack can lead to more effective offensive strategies, like flanking or choosing the right moment to strike.
    • Psychological Warfare: The mere knowledge that someone can see in the dark can be a psychological weapon. Enemies might become paranoid, fearing they’re being watched or that their plans are compromised, which could lead to mistakes or panic, aiding the offensive strategy.

In each of these scenarios, the Night Vision Goggles not only enhance the physical capabilities of the wearer but also significantly impact tactical decision-making, turning the environment into an ally rather than an obstacle. This strategic use of the goggles can be roleplayed through careful planning, stealthy movements, and the surprise factor in confrontations, making them a versatile tool in the hands of adventurers in Saṃsāra.

Perception of Activation:

  • Visual:
    • Perceived: A soft green glow emanates from the lenses, casting a faint light that doesn’t extend beyond the goggles. The wearer’s eyes might appear to shimmer with an eerie, otherworldly light.
    • Description: The world transforms into shades of green and black, with details becoming hyper-clear. Objects in the dark become visible, and the contrast between light and shadow is exaggerated, giving an almost surreal quality to the environment.
    • Positives: Enhanced visibility in low light or complete darkness, allowing for detailed observation of surroundings.
    • Negatives: The monochromatic vision might miss out on subtle color cues that could be important in some situations.
  • Auditory:
    • Perceived: A faint hum or a soft clicking sound, almost like the gears of a clock, as the magical circuits engage.
    • Description: The sound is subtle, akin to the background noise of a quiet workshop, providing a sense of mechanical life to the goggles.
    • Positives: The sound can be comforting, indicating the goggles are functioning, and might be used to gauge the health of the device.
    • Negatives: In stealth situations, this sound could potentially give away the wearer’s position if not careful.
  • Tactile:
    • Perceived: A slight vibration or warmth where the goggles touch the skin, particularly around the temples or the bridge of the nose.
    • Description: The sensation is akin to a gentle, pulsating warmth, suggesting the flow of magic through the device.
    • Positives: This warmth can be reassuring, indicating the goggles are active and working correctly.
    • Negatives: Prolonged use might cause discomfort or fatigue due to the constant vibration.
  • Olfactory:
    • Perceived: A faint, metallic scent, reminiscent of ozone after a lightning strike, as the magical crystals activate.
    • Description: The smell is clean and sharp, not overwhelming but noticeable, especially in enclosed spaces.
    • Positives: The scent might be associated with the activation of powerful magical items, adding to the mystique.
    • Negatives: For those sensitive to smells, it could be slightly distracting or irritating.
  • Gustatory:
    • Perceived: Though not directly affecting taste, the activation might cause a slight dryness in the mouth, possibly due to the proximity of the magical energy.
    • Description: This sensation is subtle, akin to the feeling before a storm, where the air seems charged.
    • Positives: It might heighten other senses momentarily, increasing alertness.
    • Negatives: Could be mildly uncomfortable or distracting, especially if the wearer is already stressed.
  • Extra-Sensory Perceptions:
    • Magical Awareness: The wearer might feel a subtle shift in the ambient magic around them, like a gentle breeze or a tingling sensation on the skin, indicating the flow of magic through the goggles.
      • Positives: This could enhance the wearer’s ability to detect other magical phenomena or entities in the vicinity.
      • Negatives: Over time, this might cause a mild form of magical fatigue if not accustomed to such sensations.
    • Telepathic Resonance: If the wearer has telepathic abilities, they might experience a slight echo or reverberation in their thoughts, as if the goggles are slightly amplifying their mental signals.
      • Positives: Could improve the range or clarity of telepathic communication or detection.
      • Negatives: Might lead to mental clutter or make it harder to block out unwanted telepathic noise.
    • Aura Perception: For those sensitive to auras, the goggles might cause the wearer’s aura to slightly distort or brighten, signaling their enhanced state.
      • Positives: This could be used to intimidate or signal to allies that the wearer is in a heightened state of awareness.
      • Negatives: It might make the wearer more noticeable to those who can see auras, potentially drawing unwanted attention.
    • Temporal Awareness: A slight alteration in the perception of time, where moments seem to stretch or contract, giving the wearer a tactical edge in fast-paced scenarios.
      • Positives: Enhanced reaction time and decision-making in combat or high-stress situations.
      • Negatives: This could lead to disorientation or confusion if not mentally prepared for the shift.

The activation of the Night Vision Goggles thus not only enhances the physical senses but also interacts with the magical and metaphysical aspects of the wearer, providing a multi-dimensional experience that can be both advantageous and challenging.

Crafting Recipe: Night Vision Goggles for Aquilarachnid

  • Materials Needed:
    • Magical Crystals: 2 units of Lumina Crystals, known for their light-absorbing and emitting properties.
    • Goggles Frame: Made from durable, lightweight metal or enchanted wood, resistant to corrosion and wear.
    • Lens Material: A pair of specially treated glass or crystal lenses, capable of filtering and enhancing light.
    • Elemental Water and Fire Essence: Small vials to imbue the goggles with the power to create steam for internal mechanisms.
    • Leather Straps: For securing the goggles to the head, treated to be flexible yet sturdy.
    • Gears and Springs: High-quality, magically treated for longevity and precision.
    • Enchantment Ink: For inscribing runes that enhance the magical properties of the goggles.
  • Tools Required:
    • Jeweler’s Tools: For setting the magical crystals and fine-tuning the lenses.
    • Smith’s Hammer and Anvil: For shaping the frame if metal is used.
    • Enchanter’s Quill: For applying the enchantment ink.
    • Alembic or Distillation Kit: For extracting and purifying elemental essences.
    • Crafting Table: With various clamps and holders for assembly.
  • Skill Requirements:
    • Jewelcrafting: To set the Lumina Crystals precisely.
    • Blacksmithing or Woodworking: Depending on the frame material, to craft or shape it.
    • Alchemy: For handling and combining elemental essences safely.
    • Enchantment: To imbue the goggles with magical properties.
    • Engineering: To assemble the mechanical parts like gears and springs.
  • Crafting Steps:
    • Preparation of Materials:
      • Lumina Crystals: Clean and charge the crystals to ensure they are at full capacity for light manipulation.
      • Lens Treatment: Treat the lenses with a solution that enhances their light-absorbing capabilities. This might involve soaking them in a mixture of elemental water and fire essence, then drying them under controlled conditions.
    • Frame Construction:
      • If using metal, forge the frame to the desired shape, ensuring it’s lightweight yet strong. If wood, carve it meticulously, then enchant for durability.
      • Attach the leather straps to the frame securely, ensuring they can adjust to fit various head sizes.
    • Assembly of Mechanical Components:
      • Install the gears and springs within the frame. These should be designed to move with minimal friction, possibly using magical lubrication.
      • Integrate the elemental essences into small compartments within the frame. These will be used to create the steam that powers the internal mechanisms.
    • Lens Installation:
      • Using the jeweler’s tools, set the treated lenses into the frame. Ensure they are perfectly aligned to provide an unobstructed view.
    • Magical Enhancement:
      • With the Enchanter’s Quill, inscribe runes around the lenses and on the frame. These runes should focus on enhancing night vision, reducing glare, and possibly adding a protective charm against magical interference.
      • Imbue the goggles with the Lumina Crystals, placing them at strategic points to interact with the lenses. This step requires careful enchantment to link the crystals’ light-absorbing and emitting properties with the lenses’ enhancement capabilities.
    • Final Assembly and Testing:
      • Secure all components, ensuring no loose parts. Test the goggles in a controlled dark environment to check for functionality:
      • Check if the wearer can see clearly in darkness.
      • Ensure the mechanical parts move smoothly when the goggles are worn.
      • Verify that the magical enhancements are working, providing the necessary visual enhancements without strain on the eyes.
    • Calibration and Adjustment:
      • Fine-tune the goggles based on feedback from initial tests. This might involve adjusting the tightness of the gears, the alignment of the crystals, or the strength of the enchantments.
    • Quality Assurance:
      • Perform a final inspection to ensure the goggles meet the standards for durability, functionality, and magical efficacy.

This crafting process combines traditional craftsmanship with magical artifice, resulting in a unique piece of equipment tailored for the needs of an Aquilarachnid or any creature requiring enhanced vision in low-light conditions.

Tale of the Goggles of the Night

In times long past, when the world was young and the stars whispered secrets to those who would listen, there lived a creature of the dark, known as the Aquilarachnid. This being, with eyes that saw not the light of day, roamed the shadowed realms, its existence shrouded in mystery.

One fateful night, under the gaze of a moon that seemed to hold a thousand stories, the Aquilarachnid encountered a wise old hermit, whose beard flowed like the rivers of time. This hermit, known for his craft in the art of seeing, possessed a pair of goggles, not of this world, but from a realm where the night was as bright as day.

“Behold,” said the hermit, his voice like the rustling of ancient leaves, “these goggles, forged in the fires of a star’s dying breath, imbued with the essence of the night itself. They shall grant you sight in the darkest of places, where even the stars dare not shine.”

The Aquilarachnid, intrigued by the promise of seeing beyond its natural bounds, accepted the gift. With the goggles donned, the world transformed. The darkness that was its home now revealed secrets hidden in shadow, from the silent dance of the forest creatures to the hidden paths beneath the earth.

As the Aquilarachnid explored, it encountered many, from the humble to the mighty. It saw the hidden beauty of the night, the silent stories of the world that only the darkness could tell. Yet, with this gift came a burden. The Aquilarachnid learned that with the power to see all, came the responsibility to understand and respect the unseen.

Years passed, and the goggles became legend, spoken of in hushed tones by travelers and scholars. They said the goggles allowed one to peer into the heart of darkness, but warned that such sight could blind one to the light of day.

And so, the moral of this tale, as it has been whispered through the ages, is this: “With the power to see beyond the veil of night, one must also learn to see the light, for in balance lies true wisdom.”

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Night Vision Goggles

  • Cost: $200
  • Description: These goggles allow the wearer to see in complete darkness as if it were daylight. They provide no protection against sanity loss from seeing otherworldly horrors.
  • Game Mechanics:
    • Skill Use: When worn, the goggles eliminate penalties for darkness on Spot Hidden rolls.
    • Sanity: Does not affect Sanity rolls or loss. However, seeing things that are normally hidden by darkness might lead to Sanity checks at the Keeper’s discretion.
  • Equipment: Night Vision Goggles, $200
  • Effect: Eliminates darkness penalties on Spot Hidden checks.

Blades in the Dark

Night Vision Goggles

  • Tier: 1
  • Effect: You can see in darkness as if it were daylight. This does not grant insight into supernatural or ghost-related phenomena.
  • Game Mechanics:
    • Action: When you take an action that would normally be hindered by darkness, you can use these goggles to remove the hindrance.
    • Stress: Using the goggles in a high-stress situation might require a stress roll to maintain focus, especially if the scene is particularly eerie or if supernatural entities are involved.
  • Item: Night Vision Goggles
  • Effect: See in darkness without penalty.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Night Vision Goggles

  • Wondrous Item, Uncommon
  • Description: These goggles allow the wearer to see in darkness and dim light within 60 feet as if it were bright light.
  • Game Mechanics:
    • Activation: No action required; the goggles work continuously while worn.
    • Vision: The wearer has dark vision out to a range of 60 feet. If the wearer already has dark vision, its range increases by 30 feet.
    • Limitations: The goggles do not provide color vision in darkness, only shades of gray.
  • Night Vision Goggles: Wondrous Item, Uncommon While wearing these goggles, you can see in darkness and dim light within 60 feet as if it were bright light. If you already have dark vision, its range increases by 30 feet.

Knave

Night Vision Goggles

  • Description: These goggles allow you to see in darkness as if it were daylight.
  • Game Mechanics:
    • Effect: When worn, you can see in darkness without needing a light source. This does not provide any benefit in magical darkness.
  • Encumbrance: 1 slot
  • Night Vision Goggles Encumbrance: 1Effect: See in darkness as if it were daylight.

Fate Core

Night Vision Goggles

  • Aspect: “Sees in the Dark”
  • Stunt: When you would be at a disadvantage due to darkness, you can invoke this aspect for free once per session to negate the disadvantage.
  • Game Mechanics:
    • Aspect: Can be compelled or invoked for narrative effects related to seeing in darkness.
    • Stunt: Provides a mechanical benefit in situations where darkness would normally hinder perception or action.
  • Night Vision Goggles Aspect: Sees in the Dark Stunt: Once per session, negate a disadvantage due to darkness.

Numenera & Cypher System

Night Vision Goggles

  • Level: 1
  • Usable: By any creature with eyes
  • Effect: You can see in darkness as if it were daylight.
  • Game Mechanics:
    • Activation: Immediate upon wearing.
    • Effect: Eliminates penalties for darkness in perception tasks. Does not provide insight into the invisible or ethereal.
  • Night Vision Goggles Level: 1Usable: By any creature with eyes Effect: See in darkness as if it were daylight.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

Night Vision Goggles

  • Item Level: 1
  • Price: 200 gp
  • Bulk: L
  • Traits: Invested, Magical, Vision
  • Game Mechanics:
    • Activation: None; the goggles work continuously while worn.
    • Effect: You gain dark vision with a range of 60 feet. If you already have dark vision, its range increases by 30 feet.
  • Night Vision Goggles Item Level: 1Price: 200 gp Bulk: L Traits: Invested, Magical, Vision Effect: Gain dark vision (60 feet) or increase existing dark vision by 30 feet.

Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)

Night Vision Goggles

  • Cost: $200
  • Weight: 1
  • Game Mechanics:
    • Effect: The wearer ignores penalties for darkness on all Perception rolls and other actions where visibility is a factor.
    • Limitation: Does not work in magical darkness or against creatures with true invisibility.
  • Night Vision Goggles Cost: $200Weight: 1Effect: Ignore darkness penalties on Perception and related actions.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Night Vision Goggles

  • Availability: 4R
  • Cost: ¥2,000
  • Rating: 3
  • Game Mechanics:
    • Effect: Provides +3 dice pool modifier for Perception tests in low light or darkness. Does not work in magical darkness or against creatures with true invisibility.
    • Limitation: Can be disrupted by bright lights or flares, causing glare penalties.
  • Night Vision Goggles Availability: 4R Cost: ¥2,000 Rating: 3 Effect: +3 dice for Perception in low light or darkness.

Starfinder

Night Vision Goggles

  • Level: 1
  • Price: 200 credits
  • Bulk: L
  • Capacity: 40; Usage: 1/hour
  • Traits: Technological
  • Game Mechanics:
    • Activation: None; works continuously while worn.
    • Effect: You gain dark vision with a range of 60 feet. If you already have dark vision, its range increases by 30 feet.
    • Capacity: The goggles need to be recharged or replaced after 40 hours of use.
  • Night Vision Goggles Level: 1 Price: 200 credits Bulk: L Capacity: 40; Usage: 1/hour Traits: Technological Effect: Gain dark vision (60 feet) or increase existing dark vision by 30 feet.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Night Vision Goggles

  • Cost: Cr 500
  • Weight: 0.5 kg
  • Game Mechanics:
    • Effect: The wearer can see in darkness as if it were daylight. This does not provide color vision or help against infrared or thermal imaging.
    • Limitation: Requires a power source (battery life: 100 hours).
  • Night Vision Goggles Cost: Cr 500Weight: 0.5 kg Effect: See in darkness as if it were daylight.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

Night Vision Goggles

  • Price: 200 gc
  • Encumbrance: 1
  • Game Mechanics:
    • Effect: The wearer can see in darkness as if it were daylight, granting +20 to all Perception Tests made in darkness. Does not work in magical darkness or against creatures with true invisibility.
    • Limitation: Can be affected by bright lights, causing temporary blindness.
  • Night Vision Goggles Price: 200 gc Encumbrance: 1Effect: +20 to Perception Tests in darkness.