Map (EM)

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All maps appear to be similar at first glance, but careful examination reveals that the inscriptions, designs, and handwriting are unique in each of them. Each of the original maps is made from ancient parchment that remains in superb condition. The left side of each parchment is attached to an old, ornately carved, round wooden stick. Each end of the stick is embedded with one gem of roughly 1,000 gp in value. Replicas are similarly decorated; they have become a tradition in the creation of these maps.The symbol of Madd is imprinted on the original maps, and some of the originals have been destroyed. Most of the first-generation replicas bear Dane's symbol, and other replicas made by Dane's disciples either bear other symbols or have no symbols.The maps have several common properties, other than their individual functions (including the duplicates made by Dane). The first common aspect is that the maps cannot be cut, burnt by normal fires, or destroyed by any common method. A rod of cancellation, Mordenkainen's disjunction, magical fires (of any sort), powerful magical items like artifacts, wishes, and the special methods noted below are the only means of their destruction. A saving throw as parchment +6 vs. magical fire is applicable if a map is subjected to magical flame. If this saving throw fails, the whole map is burnt to ashes. The ashes have no special properties.The second common attribute of the maps is that no runes, words, or inscriptions (magical or not) can be written on a map. If a wish spell or any other powerful magic, such as from an artifact, is used to write upon a map, a magical fire springs into existence, destroying the map. No saving throws are allowed. Other spells cannot harm the map.Most of these maps have a limited number of magical charges placed into them during their creation. In order to use such a map, the map reader (any class or race) holds the map, looks at the surroundings, and utters a command word expending one charge. Each time a charge is used, a new diagram is created on the map's surface, erasing any previous map diagram. None of the charges can be replaced. When all the charges of a map are spent, the map disintegrates into powder. Every two days, the map erases itself. Erasure can also be voluntarily performed by the user before the two-day limit, using the command word.The final property of the maps is that, whenever a map is activated, the user (and only the user) must make a saving throw vs. death magic or be stunned for 1d1O rounds. During this period, the user stares vacantly at the map, unable to perform any other actions. Only remove curse, dispel magic, negation, limited wish, or wish can bring the user's state of mind back to normal during that time. A charge is used, however, and the map functions normally. (Optionally, the DM may have a charge spent but no map diagram appear in order to control the use of the maps.)Magical maps are special enough to require careful preparation and use by the DM. Maps should rarely be given out randomly—the DM must have a suitable map prepared in advance. There is no table to govern the nature of maps—all hint at or imply the existence of great treasures to be found while giving only a vague idea of the risks to be overcome. Some may be genuine, others fake, and still others cursed. Because of the wide range of possibilities, the DM should use magical maps as the springboard for new and exciting adventures.
==Magic Map List==
Category:Encyclopedia Magica