Astrolabe of Entrapment (Magic Astrolabe)

Only a handful of these powerful items exist. They appear to be metal, spherical astrolabes, inscribed with the locations of constellations and planets. Like all astrolabes, they are useful to wizards with the astrology proficiency, who can use the device to determine the hour, date, and location in terms of degrees latitude (each requiring a successful ability check). In addition, this item magically draws power from the motion of the stars and planets in the heavens and uses the energy to imprison genies.
An astrolabe of entrapment contains 12 genie prisons arranged in an elaborate mechanism inside its metal sphere. As the constellations wind their paths across the night sky, the inner cycle of prisons slowly revolves. Only one genie prison in the device is active in any given month. During that time, the owner of the astrolabe may employ any or all of its three functions:
* Summon the genie trapped within the active prison. Roll on the following table to determine each of the 12 prison contents:
Roll 	Type of Genie
01 -20	None. The trapped genie was released.
21-35 	Djinni.
36-55 	Dao.
56-75 	Efreeti.
76-90 	Marid.
91-96 	Tasked Genie (DM's choice).
97-00 	Noble Genie (DM's choice).
Once called, there is an 80% chance that the genie can be commanded to perform certain actions for the owner of the astrolabe, but there is a 20% chance that the trapped genie is so enraged that it attacks whoever is within reach for 2d12 rounds before the power of the astrolabe prevents further havoc. In these rare instances, the berserk genie may never harm the owner, though any nearby friends and family are fair game for the genie's retribution. A trapped (and obedient) genie can only be summoned from its prison once per day to perform a specific task for its master.
* Free the genie trapped within the active prison. This might be risky, for once the genie is free, nothing can prevent it from seeking revenge on its previous master, the master's friends, and family. Usually, fear of further imprisonment within the astrolabe keeps the genie from immediate, direct vengeance.
* Trap a genie within the active prison. This function can only be used on a single genie within 30' of the astrolabe. The victim is entitled to a save vs. spell at a -6 penalty. If it fails, the genie is imprisoned and any genie previously trapped in the active prison is automatically released, with the consequences described above. If a genie makes its save, it is immune to the effects of the astrolabe for a full calendar month and during that time seeks to destroy both the device and its owner.
At the end of each month, the current prison deactivates for the next 11 months, trapping the genie inside with no chance for release until the clockwork prison mechanism inside the astrolabe has made another complete revolution. Most genies are aware of the 30 days of “parole” from their cyclical prison, and seek to convince the astrolabe's owner to release them during that time by swearing oaths and pleading with promises of good behavior.
Although powerful divination spells might hint cryptically at an astrolabe's prisoners, the DM should never reveal what genies are trapped within an astrolabe when it is discovered.
Category:Encyclopedia Magica Magic Items
Category:Magic Items
Category:Magic Astrolabe