Figurehead of Wondrous Power (Magic Figurehead)

This sort of carved statue, usually a simple decoration for the prow of a seafaring ship, has been magically endowed with a variety of powers to benefit a spelljamming ship. The magic resides in the carving process and the wood itself. Few wizards know woodcraft well enough to make them alone, and even fewer woodcarvers know the wizardcraft necessary to power these impressive items.
Each of the three known types of figureheads of wondrous power is carved from a different wood and bears a different gemstone. The figurehead taps into the spelljamming energies of a ship, allowing its powers to become activated. It on ly operates under the command of a spelljamming wizard of 10th level or higher, and the ship must have a major helm for the item to fully function.
A figurehead of attacks is carved from ash wood and has a ruby embedded in its brow. When used with a major helm, a figurehead of attacks allows a spelljamming wizard mobility while seated on the helm. Usually a spelljamming wizard "senses" the ship, but this item allows the wizard to propel the ship and simultaneously focus his or her senses through the figurehead, as if the wizard's spirit inhabited its body. The figurehead is animated by the wizard, and as long as the wizard maintains concentration, the figurehead remains mobile.
(Many owners of this item simply place it on deck and fully use its powers.) A figurehead of attacks even allows a wizard to engage in combat while he or she is on the helm. The figurehead attacks as a warrior with a level equal to the ship 's rating. Its hardwood fists each do 1d4 points bludgeoning damage. If a wizard's concentration is broken by a critical hit on the ship, difficult maneuvering situation, or other distraction the figurehead becomes motionless and is no longer under the wizard's control. A figurehead of attacks can be animated for up to 20 consecutive rounds once a week.
The figurehead of disguise is carved from cherry wood and has a large black onyx set in its forehead. While other figureheads of wondrous power are usually carved in human form, this figurehead is generally carved to resemble a couatl, tail stretching beneath the prow and wings embracing the sides of the ship. When a spelljamming wizard activates this item's power, the ship's image wavers for a round until the illusion is set. Each figurehead of this type is keyed for a different but flawless illusion that alters the ship's appearance. The figurehead can erect an illusion of additional armaments, manned and ready; it can project illusory top sails or armor plating, making the ship appear to be impregnable. The figurehead creates only one specific illusion that lasts until contact with the illusion dispels it. Many pirates would hesitate to attack a ship loaded to the gills with bombards and crack crews manning the ropes! The illusions are not effective in battle, and they last only un1il dispelled or until the wizard loses concentration on the illusion. These illusions can be summoned no more than once per day.
As its name suggests, the figurehead of speed boosts the ship's rating. Carved from beech, and boasting emerald eyes, this figurehead adds two effective levels to a spelljamming wizard for determining the ship's rating. Thus, a 12th-level wizard seated on a major helm and using a figurehead of speed acts as a 14th-level wizard, effectively moving the ship at SR 7 instead of the normal SR 6. The figurehead is active only at tactical speeds. However, this additional speed makes it more difficult to maneuver; the ship loses one maneuverability rank due to increased speed and abnormal control of the ship. The speed does not affect true travel times, since it doesn't operate at spelljamming speed. The figurehead of speed can be used for one hour per week; after one hour of enhanced speed in a week. the figurehead remains inoperable for 1d4 days. recharging its magic.
Category:Encyclopedia Magica Magic Items
Category:Magic Items
Category:Magic Figureheads