Skystrider Feather Cloak

From: Livestock 17 of Leaping Skystrider

Ingredients:

• 25-30 large Skystrider feathers (vibrant colors preferred)
• Soft, supple leather backing
• Strong linen thread
• Silver or gold clasps (optional)

Instructions:

• Clean and sort feathers by size and color, creating a gradient pattern if desired.
• Carefully stitch the base of each feather to the leather backing, overlapping slightly for a full effect.
• Repeat in rows until the cloak reaches desired length.
• Add decorative clasps or embroidery for embellishment.

Notes: This cloak is primarily for fashion and status. Feathers with particularly strong cushioning enchantments might offer minor protection against falls.

Lore:

• Symbol of the Herdfolk: The very act of creating a Skystrider Feather Cloak echoes the ancient legends of the Herdfolk, who were the first to understand the Skystriders’ significance. It represents a connection to their nomadic past and a mastery over the magical creatures they once sought to control.
• Embodiment of Celestial Magic: The feathers, imbued with natural agility and cushioning enchantments, are believed to hold traces of the cosmic energy from which the Skystriders were born. Wearing the cloak is akin to wrapping oneself in a piece of the celestial realm.
• Mark of Patience and Skill: Crafting a Skystrider Feather Cloak is a painstaking process, requiring careful feather selection, meticulous stitching, and artistic design. Those who create and wear such cloaks are seen as individuals of exceptional patience, dexterity, and a deep understanding of the natural magic in Saṃsāra.

Cultural Significance:

• Status Symbol: Skystrider Feather Cloaks are primarily worn by the wealthy and influential. The vibrancy of colors, quantity of feathers used, and the inclusion of precious metal clasps all indicate the owner’s power and prestige.
• Ceremonial Attire: High priests, oracles, or those conducting rituals involving divination or seeking guidance from the celestial realms might wear ornate versions of the cloak. The feathers are believed to amplify their connection to the cosmos.
• Coming-of-Age Gifts: In some communities, receiving a Skystrider Feather Cloak – perhaps with feathers gathered over generations of a family – marks a significant milestone in a young person’s life. It signifies a symbolic connection to their ancestors and the magical potential within them.

Roleplaying:

• Displays of Wealth: Characters wearing Skystrider Feather Cloaks instantly project an aura of influence. They might receive preferential treatment or attract unwanted attention.
• Conversations about Origins: The cloak can be a conversation starter. NPCs could ask about its craftsmanship, the lineage of its feathers, or stories connected to the Skystriders.
• Social Tests: In situations where status and magical knowledge are valued, the cloak could subtly enhance a character’s Charisma or Persuasion attempts.

Tier One Stats, Skills & Tags

• Stats: +1 Charisma, +1 Dexterity (reflecting the imbued agility and social significance)
• Skills: Aesthetics (for appreciating the craftsmanship of the cloak), Lore (Skystriders)
• Tags: Fashionable, Status Symbol, Magical Connection, Ceremonial

Embellished Skystrider Feather Cloak

• Optional Ingredients:
  • Skystone Dust: Tiny fragments of a meteorite-like material infused with celestial energy. Sprinkling this along the cloak’s seams is believed to enhance its connection to the cosmos, potentially granting subtle divination-related benefits.
  • Moonbloom Ink: A rare luminescent ink derived from flowers found only under the light of a full moon. Used to trace delicate patterns or sigils of power on the leather backing.
  • Gemstones or Charms: Small gemstones representing specific magical schools or enchantments might be incorporated into clasps or woven amongst the feathers.
• Essential Tools (with Flourishes):
  • Feather Smoother: A polished bone or crystal rod is used to gently coax stubborn feathers into alignment, ensuring a pristine final appearance.
  • Awl of Whispering Winds: This delicate tool, perhaps crafted from Skystrider bone, is said to hum a soft tune when used with focused intent, aiding stitch placement.
  • Magnifying Lens: For the most meticulous crafters, a lens helps identify the finest details of feather structure and ensure perfect stitching patterns.
• Skill Requirements (with Options):
  • Basic: Leatherworking, Feather Arrangement, Stitching
  • Advanced Options:
    • Enchanting (If incorporating magical elements)
    • Gem Appraisal and Setting
    • Dyeing or Inkwork (if applying additional designs)
• Optional Preparation Steps
  • Ceremonial Cleansing: Burning specific herbs or incense with properties associated with celestial energy might be used to purify the feathers and workspace.
  • Meditation: Some crafters engage in a brief meditative state before beginning, seeking to align themselves with the Skystrider’s energy for optimal results.
  • Moonlight Infusion: If using Moonbloom Ink, the inscription process might only be carried out under the light of a full moon to maximize its luminescence and power.

Where and How Sold:

• Specialty Boutiques: In larger cities, exclusive shops catering to the wealthy and influential would showcase Skystrider Feather Cloaks. These boutiques offer personalized consultations, focusing on color preferences, the number of feathers used, and potential additional embellishments.
• Renowned Crafters: Some artisans with exceptional reputations might not maintain a storefront. Instead, clients seek them out directly, commissioning custom cloaks through a process of detailed consultation and negotiation.
• Festivals and Competitions: Ornate cloaks might be displayed (and occasionally sold) during festivals showcasing craftsmanship, magic-infused arts, or celebrations related to celestial themes.
• The Rare & Risky: In shadier markets, cloaks with questionable origins might be available. These could be made with illegally acquired feathers or lack the finesse of a master artisan, but might be a cheaper option.

Environment:

• High-End Ambiance: Boutiques would boast refined decor, subtle lighting to showcase feather colors, and perhaps even displays depicting Skystriders or scenes from Herdfolk mythology.
• Workshop Atmosphere: Visiting a renowned crafter likely involves entering their workspace, filled with tools, leather scraps, and feathers in various stages of preparation.
• Festival Excitement: Seeing a cloak amidst festival stalls adds an air of vibrancy and perhaps a chance to witness its crafting in progress.

Cost & Value:

• Base Price: Even a simple cloak with minimal feathers is expensive due to material rarity. This could range from hundreds to thousands of gold pieces, depending on your economy.
• Prestige Factors: Vibrant colors, rare feathers, intricate stitching, and magical enhancements all drive up the price significantly.
• Uniqueness: A cloak with a documented history, feathers from a legendary Skystrider bloodline, or unique design elements can become priceless heirlooms.

End Results (Uses):

• Show of Status: The primary function is showcasing wealth and influence. Wearing one commands respect and might grant access to exclusive circles.
• Magical Attunement: Depending on crafting techniques, a cloak could subtly enhance magical skills related to agility, divination, or channeling celestial energy.
• Heirloom and Investment: Well-made cloaks hold their value and can be passed down through generations, becoming symbols of family lineage and prestige.
• Ceremonial Importance: Leaders of specific magical sects or those with strong spiritual ties to Skystriders might wear cloaks as part of rituals and ceremonies.

Skystrider Feather Cloak might influence the wearer’s perception, focusing on the five senses and some extrasensory possibilities:

• Activated Perception: Sight
  • What’s Perceived: Subtle shifts and currents in the air, traces of magical energy, increased clarity at distances.
  • Description: Air currents might appear faintly colored around objects or people. Lingering magical residues become visible as shimmering auras. Distant objects appear sharper and with greater detail, akin to having enhanced ‘eagle vision’.
  • Positives: Difficult to be ambushed or surprised. Potential to detect concealed magical wards, traps, or illusions. Easier to track distant quarry or navigate during flight.
  • Negatives: Overstimulation in environments with lots of air movement (storms, etc.). Seeing the lingering traces of magic everywhere could be distracting in mundane situations.
• Activated Perception: Sound
  • What’s Perceived: Minute variations in air pressure, subtle vibrations carried through the wind, distant noises with enhanced clarity.
  • Description: The rustling of leaves becomes a symphony of individual movements. Distant whispers or footsteps become audible. The cloak’s wearer might perceive faint changes in atmospheric pressure signaling an incoming storm.
  • Positives: Harder to eavesdrop upon the wearer. Advantage in tracking, hunting, or pinpointing the location of danger.
  • Negatives: Loud environments become overwhelming. Constant rustling and background noises could make it difficult to focus for prolonged periods.
• Activated Perception: Touch
  • What’s Perceived: Increased sensitivity to air currents, slight changes in temperature, and the faintest vibrations traveling through surfaces.
  • Description: Feeling a faint breeze where none should exist, sensing the warmth of a living being through a solid wall, or detecting the subtle tremors of a large creature walking in the distance.
  • Positives: Heightened awareness of surroundings, even in darkness or with obscured vision. Potential to sense hidden passages or concealed mechanisms.
  • Negatives: Tactile overstimulation is possible. Fabrics, textures, and even slight changes in temperature might feel exaggerated and potentially uncomfortable.
• Activated Perception: Smell
  • What’s Perceived: Lingering scents carried on the wind, subtle chemical traces in the air, faint magical residues.
  • Description: The wearer might pick up traces of perfume from someone who passed by long ago, detect the faint metallic scent of blood, or sense the acrid smell of lingering spell components.
  • Positives: Enhanced tracking abilities, potential to detect hidden dangers (poison, etc.), and clues related to recent magical workings.
  • Negatives: Foul or overwhelming smells become magnified. Distinguishing individual scents in a complex environment might become difficult.
• Extra-Sensory Perception: Celestial Attunement
  • What’s Perceived: Vague impressions of celestial events, shifts in the balance of magical energies, echoes of powerful emotions connected to the cosmos.
  • Description: This is more like intuition than direct perception. A sense of unease before a solar eclipse, a feeling of invigorating energy when a new star appears, or the faintest echo of a desperate prayer sent to the constellations.
  • Positives: Potential for premonitions or warnings about significant events, enhanced understanding of cosmic magic, or a deeper connection to spiritual practices tied to celestial beings.
  • Negatives: Vague and hard to interpret. Could lead to anxiety or a constant feeling of being ‘out of balance’ if the wearer struggles to understand these impressions.
• Important Notes:
  • Intensity: The strength of these perceptions would likely depend on the amount of feathers used, special enhancements to the cloak, and the wearer’s own sensitivity to magic.
  • Mastery Takes Time: Learning to interpret and utilize these heightened senses would be a skill developed over time.

The Mantle of Feathers and the Starfallen Prince

In the age before calendars, when mountains scraped the heavens and moons chased the sun, a curious relic fell from the celestial tapestry.  It was a cloak, woven not of thread, but of feathers – a thousand shimmering plumes, each the color of a dying star. Legends whisper it belonged to a prince cast out from the celestial realms, his arrogance a blight upon the harmony of the cosmos.

The cloak landed upon the peak of Mount Koth, a place where the wind howled secrets and the air crackled with untamed magic.  A young shepherdess named Anya, known for her daring spirit and unwavering curiosity, stumbled upon it.  The feathers, though cold to the touch, pulsed with an otherworldly light, beckoning her closer. As Anya reached for the cloak, a voice echoed in her mind, a voice filled with sorrow and a longing for redemption.

Driven by an unknown force, Anya took the cloak.  Rumors of her discovery spread like wildfire.  Greedy warlords and power-hungry sorcerers coveted the celestial feathers, believing they held the key to unlocking the secrets of the stars. Anya, however, felt a strange protectiveness towards the cloak, sensing the fallen prince’s remorse.  She refused to sell it, choosing to wear it herself.

The cloak transformed Anya.  Her senses sharpened, the whispers of the wind carrying stories from distant lands.  She could feel the ebb and flow of magic like a second heartbeat.  She became a beacon of hope, using her newfound abilities to guide lost travelers and thwart the schemes of those who coveted the cloak’s power.

One fateful night, a shooting star streaked across the sky, landing at the foot of Mount Koth.  It was the fallen prince, returned in a weakened form.  He recognized the cloak and the kindness within Anya’s heart.  He offered her a choice – immense power or a chance to restore him to the heavens.

Anya, though tempted by the power, chose the latter.  With a tearful farewell, she draped the cloak upon the prince’s weakened form.  As he ascended back into the heavens, a single feather fell, imbued with a celestial glow.  Anya kept it, a reminder of the prince’s sacrifice and the lesson learned.

Moral:  True power lies not in selfish ambition, but in compassion and a willingness to help those in need.  Sometimes, the greatest treasures are not objects of power, but the bonds of friendship and selflessness.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu

• Emphasis: Sanity-Blasting Knowledge and Unnatural Encounters*
  • The Mantle of Feathers is a dangerous artifact from beyond the stars, potentially tied to unknown cosmic entities.
• Stats:
  • Artifact Lore: +1 (to recognize its otherworldly origin)
  • Sanity: Wearing it triggers Sanity checks (1/1d4), especially when using its powers.
• Abilities:
  • Starsight: Gain flashes of insight or premonitions (Keeper can provide cryptic clues).
  • Whispers of the Void: Understand fragments of alien languages or sense disturbances in the cosmic fabric.
  • Fading Presence: Reduce visibility to those with hostile intent (difficult to track or target purposefully).
• Downside: The Mantle attracts attention from cults, monsters drawn to its power, or other entities seeking to reclaim it. Prolonged use risks permanent SAN loss and mental corruption.

Blades in the Dark

• Emphasis: Power and Corruption in a Grimy Underworld*
  • The Mantle of Feathers is a prized relic in Doskvol, its whispers and visions fueling turf wars and supernatural schemes.
• Asset: A crew might claim the Mantle as a unique asset (Tier 2-3 depending on its full potential).
• Actions:
  • Survey (for its heightened senses and scouting potential)
  • Attune (to tap into its premonitions or cosmic secrets)
  • Consort (for negotiating with otherworldly beings attracted to its power)
• Drawbacks: Increases Heat for the crew as competing factions seek to steal it. The Mantle might demand sacrifices or tempt the wearer toward morally dubious actions.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

• Emphasis: Wondrous Items and Magical Adventures*
  • The Mantle of Feathers is a legendary item sought by adventurers and scholars of the arcane.
• Rarity: Very Rare (potentially Legendary as its full powers become known)
• Requires Attunement
• Properties:
  • +2 to Perception checks
  • Advantage on Investigation checks related to celestial lore, divination, or planar travel
  • Casts Detect Magic (at will) and Augury (1x per day)
• Hidden Potential: With study, the Mantle could unlock even more powerful divinatory abilities or the ability to briefly perceive into other planes of existence.

Knave

• Emphasis: Old-school Versatility and Dangerous Treasures*
  • The Mantle of Feathers is a potent, but potentially fickle, magical item.
• Properties:
  • +2 to WIS or INT (depending on the wearer’s focus)
  • Grants one simple magical ability related to senses or divination. Examples: “Can understand the whispering of the wind” or “Sees omens in the patterns of stars”.
• Downside: Roll on a d6 Mishap table whenever using its powers. Results could range from minor inconveniences (cloak’s feathers molt suddenly) to attracting unwanted attention or brief bursts of uncontrollable wild magic.

Fate

• Emphasis: Narrative Storytelling and Collaborative World Building*
  • The Mantle of Feathers is less about precise stats and more about influencing the narrative with its extraordinary abilities.
• Aspects:
  • Star-Touched Relic of the Fallen Prince
  • Awakens My Hidden Senses
  • Whispers of the Celestial Winds
• Stunts:
  • Eyes of the Eagle: Use Create an Advantage to dramatically increase perception or scouting rolls.
  • Omens in the Stars: When seeking guidance, gain a significant bonus to Overcome rolls related to divination or cosmic lore.
  • Unseen Presence: Invoke the Mantle to hinder those trying to track or target you directly.

Numenera / Cypher System

• Emphasis: Exploration and the Wonder of Ancient Technology*
  • The Mantle of Feathers is a mysterious artifact with connections to forgotten civilizations or possibly other dimensions.
• Artifact (Level 4-5): Difficult to understand and use properly
• Abilities:
  • Heightened Awareness: +1 Asset to Perception tasks
  • Celestial Insight: +1 Asset to Intellect tasks related to divination, stars, or planar anomalies
  • Phase Shift (Depletion 1 in 1d6): Briefly become less ‘solid’, allowing escape from restraints or providing defense against one attack.
• Cypher Connection: The Mantle might be linked to a cypher that amplifies its effects but introduces the risk of dimensional instability or sanity-threatening side effects.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

• Emphasis: Tactical Combat and Character Customization*
  • The Mantle of Feathers becomes a powerful magical item sought by adventurers and spellcasters.
• Rarity: Rare (unique if tied to the specific prince)
• Properties:
  • +2 Item bonus to Perception checks
  • +1 Item bonus to Occultism or Lore (Celestial/Outer Planes)
  • 1x per day spell-like abilities: See Invisibility, Guidance, or a thematically fitting divination spell
• Potential Drawbacks: Could be cursed if the fallen prince was a malevolent entity, or attract unwanted attention from creatures seeking to exploit its power.

Savage Worlds

• Emphasis: Pulp Action and Fast-Paced Heroics*
  • The Mantle of Feathers adds a mystical edge to campaigns, suitable for both grounded and high-powered settings.
• Arcane Item (Legendary)
• Powers:
  • Boost Trait (Smarts): To represent heightened senses and cosmic awareness
  • Detect/Scry: Provides visions or insights, with potential risks if the visions become overwhelming
  • Bolt (modified): Represents a blast of celestial energy, usable in desperate situations but might temporarily exhaust the wearer
• Hindrances:
  • Cursed (Minor or Major depending on the Mantle’s origins)
  • Overconfident: The Mantle’s power could tempt the wearer towards reckless acts

Shadowrun

• Emphasis: Grit, Magic, and Awakened Wonders*
  • The Mantle of Feathers could be a rare magical artifact, a product of secretive genetic experiments, or even a blend of both.
• Type: Magical Focus (Power 4-6)
• Abilities:
  • Enhanced Perception: +2 dice pool bonus to Perception tests, especially those dealing with tracking, noticing auras, or spotting ambushes.
  • Astral Whispers: When focusing, gain cryptic insights related to Awakened entities, magical disturbances, or potential future events (Keeper provides clues).
  • Concealing Aura: Makes the wearer more difficult to target with spells or perceive in the Astral plane.
• Potential Drawback: The Mantle might ‘leak’ a detectable magical signature, attracting unwanted attention from beings with Astral Sight.

Starfinder

• Emphasis: Space Exploration and Unique Artifacts*
  • The Mantle of Feathers could be an ancient relic of a lost celestial civilization or an experimental item created with a blend of technology and biomancy.
• Item Level: 8-10
• Properties:
  • +2 bonus to Perception checks
  • +1 bonus to Mysticism checks related to divination or celestial knowledge
  • Limited Use (3/day): Cast a spell like Augury, Scrying, or a thematically fitting divination spell from the spell list
• Origin: The Mantle’s origins could be a quest hook, leading to planets rich with celestial energy or encounters with strange cosmic beings.

Traveller

• Emphasis: Realistic Technology and Galactic Trade*
  • The Mantle of Feathers becomes a sought-after relic with its true origins shrouded in mystery. It might be found on a high-magic world or be the result of an alien civilization’s bio-engineering.
• Stats (Mongoose Traveller 2nd Edition):
  • No direct stat boosts, but Skill checks aided by its powers could fall under a new skill like ‘Celestial Lore’ or modifications of existing skills like Navigation or Scholar.
  • Tech Level: TL15+ if considered an alien artifact of extremely advanced origin
• Special Traits:
  • Divination Aid: Provides a DM+2 bonus when seeking cryptic answers or navigating by starlight.
  • Subtle Aura: Makes the wearer slightly unsettling to animals and those with psionic sensitivity.

Warhammer (Fantasy or 40,000)

• Emphasis: Grimdark Setting and Bizarre Warp-Touched Relics*
  • The Mantle of Feathers could be a Chaos-tainted artifact, a strange Aeldari creation, or a mutation resulting from exposure to raw Warp energy.
• Warhammer Fantasy:
  • Warpstone Infused: Grants minor bonuses to Perception and Lore (Daemonology, Astronomy), but carries a risk of Corruption with each use.
  • Winds of Magic Sensitivity: The wearer can better attune to the Winds of Magic, but also becomes more susceptible to their unpredictable effects.
• Warhammer 40,000:
  • Xenos Origin: Could be an artifact of unknown alien design, granting unsettling visions both useful and maddening.
  • Psyker’s Bane and Boon: Provides limited precognitive abilities, but amplifies the risk of attracting Warp entities or suffering from Perils of the Warp.