Welcome to the first installment of Anachronistic Magic! This feature's goal is to take an everyday item we take for granted and place somewhat of a fantasy spin on it. First up is a magical version of the humble GPS.
I hope you enjoy this new feature, and I would love to hear your comments or suggestions about it. I've got a list of items I plan to create, but I will gladly take requests. Thanks for reading, and I'll see you on Friday with a new monster!
Arcane Positioning System
Aura moderate divination; CL 7th
Slot none; Price 14,000 gp; Weight 2 lbs.
Description
The arcane positioning system looks like a simple compass and always allows its owner to find true north, but using the proper command word will cause the device to project an image (out to 4 inches from the device's face) of the surrounding area's topography. The image represents a 1-mile radius around the device, but another command word can extend this radius to a maximum of 10 miles, while yet another command word will reduce the radius to 200 feet. The amount of detail improves as the radius shrinks; at maximum magnification, the image reveals pits and other terrain-based traps, as if the owner had taken 20 on his Perception check. Additionally, once per day, the item's owner can use the item to direct it to the nearest settlement or the nearest specific building or business (blacksmith, inn, stables, etc.), which takes the device 1 round to determine for every mile to the nearest such location. The device then displays an image of the quickest or safest route to the requested location, or, with yet another command word, the device instead intones individual directions along the route.
The arcane positioning system only functions aboveground, but a rumored version of the item costing 10 times as much performs the same functions underground as well.
After 4 hours of use, the arcane positioning system stops functioning and requires the casting of arcane eye into it to resume functioning.
Construction
Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, arcane eye, know direction, locate object, magic mouth; Cost 7,000 gp
