Dicerion of Light and Darkness (Magic Item)

This wizard's candlestick is a specially alloyed metal holder with two branches. One is of silver and mithril, the other arm of iron and adamantite—as dark and dead—looking as the first branch is bright and glittering. The two branches intertwine to form a twisting stem of intermittent bright and dull bands. The base is likewise formed of alternating projections of the silvery and ebon metals spreading to form eight legs. The whole object is about a foot tall and just over half as broad, with a weight of between three and four pounds. Although the dicerion of light and darkness gives off a faint dweomer of its own, it must have specially manufactured candles to function magically. A pair of candles must be made from the purest wax, and finely powdered obsidian must be set in alternating layers within the wax. When the candles are blessed, then set in the sockets of the dicerion's arms, the whole radiates a powerful, magical aura. When both special candles are lighted, the wizard holding the dicerion can see into any form of darkness or the brightest of light as if the illumination were normal daylight. Furthermore, upon command of the wizard, the candles emit a strange, metallic illumination that dispels all-natural shadows within a 30' radius. However, when this power is used, a wizard's specially endowed vision to see in darkness or light does not function. A special candle burns for 1d4+4 turns in a gentle draft like that created by walking while holding the dicerion. A strong draft reduces the burning time by 1 to 2 turns. If the candle remains still and unaffected by breezes, it lasts for 1d8+8 turns.
If only the candle held in the black arm of the dicerion is lighted, the wizard is effectively shrouded in a sphere of darkness of 15' radius. The lack of illumination does not hamper the wizard's vision or movement, but does affect all other creatures within the area of effect. If a bright light strikes the wizard's eyes while in the darkness, he or she is blinded for 1d4 rounds. Conversely, when only the candle in the shining branch is lighted, a sphere of brilliant, white light surrounds the wizard, who suffers no vision impairment as long as the dicerion is touched or held, but the radiation blinds creatures of darkness (evil) for 2d4 rounds. Even those of light (good) are unable to look in the direction of the light without being blinded for 1d4 rounds. If magical darkness envelops the wizard while the dicerion is in the light, he or she is unable to see for 1d4 rounds. In either case, even though only one candle is burning, both branches of the dicerion must actually contain tapers.
Category:Encyclopedia Magica Magic Items
Category:Magic Items
Category:Magic Dicerion