Map of Distortion (Magic Map)

This map exhibits all the properties of a map of mapping when examined. There is a 1% chance per level of the wizard identifying the map to discover its true nature. The map's ill effects are not noticed by the user or any other person under its spell. Anyone looking at the map or so much as catching a glimpse of the diagram it displays, must make a saving throw vs. spell or fall under the map's power. No saving throw is allowed to the user. This map has no charges as such. As with the map of misleading, it is thought that errors in the creation of a map of mapping results in a map of distortion. The distances shown on the map differ from the actual distances to landmarks by 10-80% (1d8x10) in any direction. All those under the spell of the map see the actual distance as being the distance shown on the map, even if they previously knew the true distances to mapped landmarks. The user and all others who are affected perceive no inconsistencies between what the map shows and what the world shows them; if the user walks eight miles to get to a hill the map shows as four miles away, the user believes he has walked four miles. The effects from a single use of this map last for two days, at which time the map erases itself (unless it has already been erased). Erasing the map before two days are up has no effect on the duration of the user's or onlooker's confusion. However, if the user activates this map more than once, they must make a saving throw vs. death magic (as is normally done for each use of one of these maps) or else be feebleminded as per the spell. No onlookers are affected in any way by this second activation. If the person using this map has activated it only once, that person (and all others affected by the map) suffer other visual distortions as well during the two days that the map's effects occur, even if the mapped area is left behind. If attacking, those affected by this map roll attacks at -4 and can be hit at +4. The players should not know of this adjustment. To get rid of the ill effects, each person must be cured individually. A remove curse followed by a dispel magic spell, both being cast on only one person at a time, must be employed. Anyone under a feeblemind can be cured by a heal or wish spell. Throwing these spells on the map itself has no effect at all. Only after all these steps are taken will the map lose its control over the minds of those affected. Destroying the map is of utmost importance, as failing to do so causes anyone who was once feebleminded by the map to become feebleminded again within 2d4 days. If the map is destroyed, all of its victims are cured of whatever afflictions the map gave them.
Category:Magic Items
Category:Magic Books
Category:Encyclopedia Magica