_Divine Artifact of [[Lysara, Lady of Shadows|Lysara]], Lady of Shadows_ _Wondrous Item (cloak), artifact (requires attunement by a creature of neutral alignment or one devoted to [[Lysara, Lady of Shadows|Lysara]])_ **Lore:** Woven from the threads of twilight itself, the Veil of Silence is one of [[Lysara, Lady of Shadows|Lysara]]'s most sacred relics. It is said to have been formed in the moment between two deaths—when the world held its breath and no soul stirred. This black cloak, soft as moonlight and weightless as shadow, holds dominion over both sound and memory. The veil is not merely a garment but a boundary. When worn, it draws the silence of the Lady herself, creating an aura of suppression that quells voices, muffles steps, and dims even the sharpest thoughts. Whispers die, and secrets remain caged. --- **Item Type:** Wondrous Item (Cloak) **Rarity:** Artifact **Requires Attunement:** Yes (Neutral alignment or [[Lysara, Lady of Shadows|Lysara]] devotee) **Armor Bonus:** +2 to AC while worn --- ### Magical Properties **Aura of Stillness (Passive):** While attuned and wearing the Veil of Silence, the wearer exudes an aura in a 30 ft. radius where all creatures (except the wearer) have disadvantage on Perception checks relying on sound. Spells with verbal components cast within this aura require a DC 18 Concentration check or the spell fails. **Silent Step (3/day):** As a bonus action, the wearer can become completely soundless for 1 minute. During this time: - They have advantage on Stealth checks. - Cannot be detected by blindsight or tremorsense. - Their movement does not provoke opportunity attacks. **Mindsnare Shroud (2/day):** As an action, the wearer may target a creature they can see within 60 feet. The target must succeed on a DC 19 Wisdom saving throw or: - Be silenced for 1 minute (as if affected by _Silence_). - Be unable to recall the last 10 minutes (creature loses short-term memory). **Veil Unseen (1/day):** For 10 minutes, the wearer becomes invisible to divination magic and cannot be detected by _scrying_, _detect thoughts_, or _locate creature_. During this time, any sound they make is absorbed. **Curse – Voice Withheld:** If attuned by someone unworthy (not devoted to [[Lysara, Lady of Shadows|Lysara]] and not of neutral alignment), the cloak suppresses their voice permanently. The creature becomes mute until the curse is lifted by _Greater Restoration_ or _Wish_. --- ### Sentience The Veil of Silence is mildly sentient, with Intelligence 12, Wisdom 16, and Charisma 16. It cannot speak but can communicate emotion and intent through subtle vibrations and shadows in the corners of vision. It prefers to be worn by those who value secrecy and control. **Personality:** The Veil does not tolerate lies spoken aloud and subtly dissuades its wearer from breaking oaths or making promises they will not keep. --- **DM Note:** This artifact pairs excellently with stealth- or illusion-based characters and can introduce moral complexity when its sentience begins to conflict with the wearer’s intentions. Its memory-erasing feature is especially potent in political or divine intrigue. **Symbolic Interpretation:** The Veil represents [[Lysara, Lady of Shadows|Lysara]]’s belief that silence is a power equal to speech. Its greatest function is not to protect the wearer, but to guard the truth—even from memory itself.