Detector Globe

Wondrous item, very rare

This small globe is only 5 inches in diameter. It is an absorptive matte black but intricately worked with metal filaments around a battery port. A detector globe is activated by tracing the metal filaments in a certain pattern, discoverable with a DC 15 Intelligence (Arcana) or Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check. As soon as the pattern is complete the filaments begin to glow and the globe ascends up to 20 ft., stopping gently if it hits something before it reaches its maximum height. Rays arc out from the filaments, running over and through every object in a 30 ft. radius. Any magic aura glows blue in the light of the rays. Any poison glows green and any living creature glows white. Detected objects and effects that leave the 30 ft. radius cease glowing when they leave the radius. Detectable objects and effects that enter the radius immediate start glowing.

The detector globe stays aloft for 1 minute before gently descending to the floor, stopping if it reaches an intervening obstacle (such as its owner’s hand). As soon as it begins to descend the rays flicker out, the charge expended.

The rays of a detector globe can penetrate barriers, but 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal, a thin sheet of lead, or 3 feet of wood or dirt blocks them.

A detector globe may have up to 5 charges in it depending on how many times it’s been used. While a battery is plugged into the port at the bottom of the detector globe, the metal filaments glow brightly as it drains the battery until the globe reaches 5 charges.