In the shadowed corners of history - where myth converges with reality, and the threads of fate intertwine with the raw, untapped essence of the Weave - there exists a unique breed of guardians known as the Weave Stalkers. These are not your typical brutes or flashy mages; they are the synthesis of stealth, cunning, and a deep, intrinsic connection to the arcane energies that pulse through the fabric of existence. The essence of the Weave Stalker subclass is not simply defined by what they do or the abilities they wield; it's about embodying the very principle of balance between the seen and unseen, the known and the mysterious, the power of lore and the agility of silence.

Weave Stalkers navigate the realms of mortals and legends alike, drawing from the ancient reservoirs of magical power that suffuse the land. They are the whispers in the dark alleys of arcane libraries, the unseen watchers guarding secrets too potent for the uninitiated. While Mythkeepers might stand as bulwarks against chaos, wielding the Weave's energy in grand, visible gestures, Weave Stalkers operate in the margins, manipulating these energies in subtle, crucial ways that often go unnoticed until their effects are felt.

Being a Weave Stalker means embracing the duality of light and shadow, understanding that true power often lies not in overt displays, but in the careful, deliberate manipulation of forces that shape reality. These rogues know that sometimes the most significant changes come from the smallest ripples, meticulously guided through the unseen currents of the Weave. Their mastery over these esoteric energies allows them to protect, disrupt, and navigate the complexities of magical and mundane worlds with unmatched finesse.

The life of a Weave Stalker is a testament to the belief that knowledge - especially the forbidden, forgotten, or hidden kind - can be as sharp as any dagger and as decisive as any spell in the repertoire of a seasoned archmage. To walk this path is to accept a role as a guardian of balance, a role that often requires choices to be made from the shadows, for the light of day and the clear-cut delineations of right and wrong seldom touch the truths these rogues safeguard with their very lives.

Thus, the essence of the Weave Stalker subclass is embodied in their dual nature. They are both protectors and predators, scholars and spies, the upholders of ancient pacts and the breakers of archaic chains. In every thread of magic they weave or unravel, they hold the world's delicate balance in their deft hands, a silent covenant to tread the fine line that keeps the fabric of reality intact. In their hands, the shadows become an ally, and the arcane a wellspring of possibilities, making the Weave Stalkers the unsung heroes in the perpetual dance of creation and destruction.

Shadow of the Weave

3rd Level - Shadow of the Weave

When you choose this archetype at 3rd level, you learn to tap into the Weave subtly to cloak your actions. You gain the ability to cast Silence once using this feature without using a spell slot and without material components. Once you use this feature, you cannot use it again until you finish a long rest. Additionally, when in dim light or darkness, your stealth checks are made with advantage.

Weave Siphon

Starting at 3rd level, whenever you successfully sneak attack a creature, you can choose to forego some of the attack's damage to temporarily siphon an aspect of the creature's power. Reduce the damage of your sneak attack by half, and gain a bonus to your AC equal to the number of sneak attack dice rolled. This bonus lasts until the start of your next turn or until you are incapacitated.

Shadow Weave

At 9th level, you gain the ability to momentarily merge the essence of your being with the shadows of the Weave, making you intangible and elusive in the face of mortal dangers. As a reaction when you are hit by an attack or targeted by a magic missile spell, you can expend a use of this ability to transform into a shadowy form. For the duration of this form, which lasts until the end of your next turn, you gain the following benefits:

• You gain resistance to all damage except radiant damage.
• You can move through other creatures and objects as if they were difficult terrain. You take 5 (1d10) force damage if you end your turn inside an object.
• You gain advantage on Stealth checks, and any creature that attempts to see you has disadvantage on Perception checks to do so.
• At the end of this ability, you reappear in the nearest unoccupied space if you are currently inside an object or creature.

Arcane Subterfuge

13th Level - Arcane Subterfuge

By 13th level, your mastery over the Weave allows you to disrupt magical detection and influence. You gain advantage on all checks and saving throws against spells and magical effects that would detect your location or intentions. Additionally, you can choose to render yourself invisible to such detections for an hour, as if under the effect of Nondetection. Once you use this feature, you can’t use it again until you finish a long rest.

Weave Shroud

At 17th level, you gain the ability to weave a protective shroud around you and your allies, leveraging the ancient powers for defense. As an action, you create a magical field within a 30-foot radius centered on you that lasts for 1 minute or until you are incapacitated or lose concentration. Within the field, you and your allies gain resistance to damage from spells. Once you use this feature, you cannot use it again until you finish a long rest.