Veil of Shadows

From: Scentweaver’s Elixir

Lore: The recipe for Veil of Shadows is shrouded in mystery and associated with secretive orders of assassins and shadow-walkers. Passed down through generations, it is said to have been first created by a legendary rogue who mastered the art of stealth and deception. Drawing inspiration from the mysterious allure of nightshade and the evocative essence of patchouli, this rogue sought to create a fragrance that would envelop them in darkness, rendering them nearly invisible in dimly lit environments. The addition of a drop of bat’s blood, believed to hold potent shadow magic, further enhanced the effects, allowing the user to move unseen through the shadows.

Use: When the Veil of Shadows is prepared and applied, the resulting fragrance emanates a subtle, otherworldly scent that cloaks the user in an ethereal darkness. This darkness wraps around the user, blending them seamlessly with shadows and dimly lit environments. The scent enhances the user’s natural affinity for stealth, granting them enhanced invisibility in the shadows and making them difficult to detect by both mundane means and magical detection.

Stats, Skills, and Tags:

• Tier: 1
• Stealth Bonus: +2
• Invisibility Duration: 1 hour
• Advantage on Stealth checks in dimly lit environments

Preparation and Cost — To create the Veil of Shadows, the following ingredients are required:

• Scentweaver’s Elixir

• Nightshade extract (a small quantity)
• Patchouli oil (a few drops)
• A drop of bat’s blood
• The preparation process involves carefully blending the Scentweaver’s Elixir with the nightshade extract and patchouli oil, ensuring a balanced and potent mixture. The drop of bat’s blood is then added, symbolizing the infusion of shadow magic into the concoction. The ingredients are combined in a small vial or bottle, and the elixir is left to infuse for several hours, allowing the scents to meld and the shadowy properties to fully manifest. Once the infusion is complete, the Veil of Shadows is ready for use.
• In terms of cost, the Veil of Shadows is considered a moderately priced magical item. The Scentweaver’s Elixir itself is relatively accessible, while the nightshade extract and patchouli oil may require a small fee depending on availability and the difficulty of obtaining them. The drop of bat’s blood, as a rare and magical component, can be more costly, potentially ranging from 30 to 60 gold pieces.

Tags: Stealth, Shadow Magic, Invisibility, Dimly Lit Environments, Assassins, Rogues, Darkness, Ephemeral, Mundane Detection, Magical Detection, Shadowy, Blending, Nightshade, Patchouli

Perception of Activation:

• User’s Perspective:
  • Sight: The vial seems to pulse faintly, the dark liquid within swirling and churning as if alive. A subtle, ethereal glow emanates from the depths, casting dancing shadows on the surrounding surface.
  • Smell: A cloying sweetness tinged with a bitter, metallic scent fills the air. It’s strangely alluring yet unsettling, like the promise of forbidden knowledge.
  • Sound: A low, resonant hum emanates from the vial, pulsing in time with the swirling liquid. It’s a sound that seems to vibrate deep within the bones, awakening a primal sense of unease.
  • Touch: The vial feels cold and clammy to the touch, as if it’s been chilled by an unseen force. There’s a faint tingle, like static electricity, emanating from the glass.
  • Taste: (Not applicable)
  • Extra-sensory Perceptions:
    • Empathy: The vial seems to thrum with a dark energy, whispering secrets of hidden power and forbidden knowledge. It’s a seductive energy, promising power and control, but also hinting at a dangerous price.
    • Sixth Sense: A sense of unease washes over you, a premonition of danger lurking just beneath the surface. The vial seems to hum with a malevolent energy, drawing you in with promises of power while subtly manipulating your desires.
• Observer’s Perspective:
  • Sight: The vial remains still, the liquid within appearing calm and undisturbed. There’s no visible sign of activation, only the faint glow of the liquid itself.
  • Smell: The air remains still, the only scent being the faint aroma of the surrounding environment.
  • Sound: Silence reigns, broken only by the occasional ambient noise of the surroundings.
  • Touch: The vial feels cold and smooth to the touch, like any ordinary glass object.
  • Taste: (Not applicable)
  • Extra-sensory Perceptions:
    • Empathy: The vial remains inert, its energy dormant and unremarkable. There’s no sense of hidden power or malevolent intent, only the quiet presence of an ordinary object.
    • Sixth Sense: There’s no premonition of danger, no sense of unease. The vial remains an unremarkable object, its true nature hidden from casual observation.
• Positives:
  • The vial’s subtle glow and pulsing liquid create a visually striking effect.
  • The cloying sweetness of the scent adds to the sense of intrigue and mystery.
  • The low, resonant hum adds to the overall sense of unease and foreboding.
  • The cold, clammy touch creates a tactile sensation that enhances the sense of otherworldliness.
  • The empathic sense of hidden power and the premonition of danger create a sense of anticipation and excitement.
• Negatives:
  • The cloying sweetness of the scent could be overwhelming for some users.
  • The low, resonant hum could be distracting or even disorienting for some users.
  • The sense of unease and premonition of danger could be unsettling for some users.
  • The vial’s overall appearance and behavior could be interpreted as ominous or threatening by some observers.
  • The empathic sense of hidden power could tempt some users to misuse the vial’s contents.

The recipe for the Veil of Shadows, along with the required ingredients, is not commonly found in mainstream magical item shops or perfumeries. Due to its association with stealth, shadows, and secrecy, this recipe is often safeguarded and passed down within exclusive circles of rogue guilds, shadow-walker enclaves, or covert organizations. These secretive groups understand the value of remaining hidden and utilize the Veil of Shadows to enhance their clandestine operations.

To acquire the recipe, one must establish trust and connection with these elusive organizations. This typically involves proving one’s worth through acts of stealth, agility, or performing covert missions. Once deemed trustworthy, the recipe may be shared, either as a guarded secret or as part of the guild’s training curriculum. Occasionally, skilled rogue trainers or instructors who possess the knowledge of the Veil of Shadows recipe may offer it for a significant fee to aspiring rogues seeking to master the art of stealth.

The Veil of Shadows is most used in environments that are dimly lit or shrouded in darkness. It proves invaluable in covert operations, infiltrations, and situations where remaining undetected is paramount. Whether navigating through labyrinthine catacombs, infiltrating a high-security fortress under the cover of night, or stalking targets in shadowy alleyways, the Veil of Shadows allows the user to blend seamlessly with their surroundings, moving silently and unnoticed.

The result of applying the Veil of Shadows is a transformative experience for the user. Once the fragrance is applied to the skin or clothing, the scent begins to release its enchanting effect, shrouding the user in an ethereal darkness. The darkness bends and swirls around them, granting enhanced stealth and making it exceedingly difficult for others to perceive their presence. In dimly lit environments, the user gains a distinct advantage, as the Veil of Shadows enhances their natural ability to remain hidden, even from magical detection.

The Veil of Shadows is particularly favored by rogues, assassins, and shadow-walkers who rely on stealth and subterfuge in their professions. It allows them to move silently, strike from the shadows, and vanish without a trace. In addition to covert operations, the Veil of Shadows may also be employed by those seeking to explore forbidden places, conduct covert investigations, or simply indulge in a life of intrigue.

However, it is important to note that the Veil of Shadows should be used responsibly and ethically. Its power lies in enhancing natural stealth and granting temporary invisibility, but it should not be used for malicious purposes or to harm others. Responsible users understand the importance of balance and discretion, utilizing the Veil of Shadows for the greater good or to achieve their goals without unnecessary harm or collateral damage.

Shadow Weaver’s Secret

In the ancient times, before the sun and moon danced across the sky, there existed a being of immense power. This being, known as the Shadow Weaver, possessed the ability to manipulate the very essence of darkness. With a flick of its wrist, it could summon forth a swirling vortex of shadows, capable of consuming even the brightest light.

The Shadow Weaver, however, was not content with its power. It craved more, desiring to control all that existed. To achieve this, it sought to bind the essence of darkness into a physical form, a tangible manifestation of its power. After countless eons of experimentation, the Shadow Weaver finally succeeded, creating a substance so dark that it absorbed all light that touched it.

The Shadow Weaver, overjoyed with its creation, sought to share its power with others. It sought to create a legion of followers, bound to its will, to help it achieve its ultimate goal. To this end, it created a potion, a concoction infused with the essence of its dark creation. This potion, when consumed, would grant the drinker a portion of the Shadow Weaver’s power, turning them into a loyal servant.

The Shadow Weaver, eager to spread its influence, sent its creations out into the world. These creatures, imbued with a fraction of the Shadow Weaver’s power, sought to spread the potion far and wide. However, the Shadow Weaver’s plan was ultimately foiled. A group of brave heroes, guided by the light of the sun and moon, discovered the Shadow Weaver’s secret.

The heroes, realizing the danger the Shadow Weaver posed, confronted the being in its lair. A fierce battle ensued, the heroes’ light magic clashing against the Shadow Weaver’s dark powers. In the end, the heroes emerged victorious, banishing the Shadow Weaver to the depths of the underworld.

The Shadow Weaver’s creation, however, remained. The heroes, recognizing its potential for both good and evil, decided to seal the substance away in a hidden vault, where it would remain undisturbed for eternity.

Moral of the story: Even the darkest powers can be overcome by the light of courage and unity.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

    Veil of Shadows

• Type: Magical Elixir
• Lore: A concoction rumored to be derived from ancient shadow rituals, granting temporary concealment.
• Effect: Upon application, the user gains +20% to Stealth rolls in dimly lit environments for 1 hour. However, each use requires a Sanity roll (0/1D4) as the shadows cling to the user’s mind.
• Notes: Rare and dangerous to acquire, often associated with cults and forbidden knowledge.

Blades in the Dark

    Veil of Shadows

• Type: Alchemical Preparation
• Effect: When used before a mission, the Veil of Shadows grants 2 additional dice to any Stealth rolls made in darkness or dim light for the duration of the mission. However, the GM may introduce a Complication related to the potion’s lingering scent or shadowy side effects.
• Acquisition: Can be acquired through Crew actions like “Attune” or “Consort” with contacts in the underworld, or by fulfilling special requirements during scores.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

    Veil of Shadows

• Wondrous item, uncommon
• Description: This small vial holds a dark, viscous liquid that shimmers with an ethereal glow. When applied to the skin, the liquid’s scent grants the user advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made in dim light or darkness for 1 hour.
• Notes: The potion’s magic is subtle and might be detected by creatures with truesight or similar abilities.

Knave

    Veil of Shadows

• Item Type: Potion
• Tags: Consumable, Stealth
• Effect: Drink to become invisible in dim light or darkness for 1 hour.
• Notes: Can be quite expensive or require a difficult quest to obtain. The GM might introduce a random encounter table specifically for when the potion is active, with events focused on shadowy creatures or unexpected dangers.

Fate Core/Condensed

    Veil of Shadows

• Type: Aspect (Temporary or Permanent depending on setting)
• Effect: Invoke this Aspect to gain a +2 bonus to Stealth rolls when in dim light or darkness. If taken as a permanent Aspect, it may also be compelled by the GM to introduce complications or draw unwanted attention from creatures sensitive to shadows.

Numenera & Cypher System

    Veil of Shadows

• Level: 1
• Form: Liquid (applied to skin)
• Effect: Reduces the difficulty of any task related to stealth in dim light or darkness by one step. Lasts for one hour.
• Depletion: 1 in 1d6

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

    Veil of Shadows

• Item: Alchemical Item
• Rarity: Uncommon
• Usage: applied; 1 hour
• Activate: Action
• Requirements: Trained in Stealth
• Effect: You gain a +2 item bonus to Stealth checks to Hide and Sneak in dim light or darkness.

Savage Worlds

    Veil of Shadows

• Type: Alchemical
• Trappings: Small vial of swirling, dark liquid
• Effect: The user gains the Silent Edge for purposes of Stealth rolls in dim light or darkness for one hour.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

    Veil of Shadows

• Type: Alchemical Preparation (Gear)
• Availability: 12R
• Concealability: P
• Effect: When activated, the Veil of Shadows grants the user a +2 dice pool modifier to Stealth Tests in dim light or darkness for 1 hour. The user also gains a -2 dice pool modifier to any tests to resist detection by scent or magical means that rely on sight.
• Notes: Due to its magical nature, the Veil might be detectable by those with specialized magical senses or technology.

Starfinder

    Veil of Shadows

• Item: Alchemical Item
• Level: 1
• Price: 300 credits
• Usage: single use
• Bulk: L
• Activation: Standard Action
• Effect: The user gains concealment (20% miss chance) in dim light or darkness for 1 hour. This effect does not stack with other sources of concealment.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

    Veil of Shadows

• Type: Pharmaceutical
• TL: 8
• Law Level: 3
• Effect: Grants the user a +1 DM to Stealth skill checks in dim light or darkness for 1 hour.
• Notes: May be illegal in some jurisdictions due to its association with espionage and criminal activity.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

    Veil of Shadows

• Type: Potion
• Rarity: Scarce
• Ingredients: Nightshade, Bat’s Blood, Rare Herbs
• Effect: The imbiber gains the benefit of the Shadow Step talent for 1 hour. This allows them to move through shadows and gain a +20 bonus to Stealth Tests in dim light or darkness.
• Side Effects: May cause a feeling of paranoia and unease (GM discretion).