Comb of the Korrigans (Magic Artifact)

A group of nine powerful elves took a rare woodland creature (the korrigan) as their symbol. Successful as a mortal group, they resumed their close friendship after all reached immortality. Together they created this item to assist mortal elves reach immortality, only aiding those mortals who strive toward representing the best of elvenkind. The korrigans became nearly legendary in mortal life, commonly using shapechanging and haste in their travels and combats, and this device presumably bestows similar powers.
This is a hair comb, 5 inches long, made of a pink, bonelike substance, with fine teeth. The comb is not active when acquired. If it is left within a burning fire for one full turn, it is activated, but will not reveal powers. After that, whenever the user befriends an elf (lending money, curing, aiding in battle), one power is revealed telepathically (maximum of one per day), in order of power.
A power is invoked when a certain combination of the comb's teeth are plucked, producing an early inaudible musical tone.
Suggested Powers: (All abilities are cast at 20th level.)
* Poison breath (Effect 30' x 10'; damage is equal to the user's current hit points with saving throw applicable.)
* Haste (Range 240'; duration three turns; affects 24 creatures in 60' radius.)
* Produce fire
* Cure disease
* cure critical wounds
* Polymorph self
Suggested Handicaps: When the first power is used, the user starts turning into an elf; the process takes three months to complete. The user becomes aware of minor changes (animosity toward dwarves, among other things) in two weeks. The change stops completely as soon as the artifact is no longer owned, but the change back to normal takes three months.
* Energy drain: User loses three levels of experience when poison breath is first used.
Suggested Penalties: (1st appears 1-4 on 1d6, others each 1 in 6);
* Slow spell effect centered on user.
* Polymorph other spell effect upon user, to turn into an eagle.
* Memory penalty. User cannot memorize any spells of the highest spell level he or she can normally study. Effect is cumulative if not removed.
Category:Encyclopedia Magica Magic Items
Category:Magic Items
Category:Magic Comb