Rod of Archeaology

Rods of Archeaology are always made from materials associated with older ages, with many examples of iron, bronze, ceramic or even bone. They are typically pitted, chipped and worn. If decorated, they will have pictograms and runes from unreadable languages, which can't be translated even by magical means.

Powers

The rod is rechargeable and has the following powers:

On command, the rod can transform into a staff +2.
On command, the rod can transform into a small shovel or hand pick. While normally used as tools, they retain a +2 bonus if used in combat.
On command, the rod can extend up to 10 feet with standard markings of measurement where one end will have more granular markings for more accurate measurements. The rod will slowly grow to the desired length for measurement, but will never extend beyond the width of the interior space it is in. Any pressure exerted on either end will cause the rod to return to normal size.
On command, the rod can extent up to 20 feet with a t-shaped base and alternating pegs on each side suitable for hands and feet as a simple ladder. The ladder will support up to 250 lbs of climbers at one time, and will return to its normal size instantly should the weight limit be exceeded.
On command, the rod can shed light to a 30' radius.
At the cost of one charge, the rod can create a grid of squares of equal size in an area up to 20 square feet. The grid will appear as a very faint faerie fire light that will remain in place until dispelled or cancelled by magical darkness. The grid will appear to pass through solid objects and when those solid objects are removed the grid lines will display in their proper place. The grid lines can be created in any color desired, even with different colors within a single grid.
At a cost of one charge, the rod can cast a slow dig spell. Dirt, sand and objects completely inside the area of effect will be painstakingly removed one fine layer at a time over the course of two hours. The area of effect can be a 5 foot cube, or a 10 foot square of 1 foot deep. Larger objects, including boulders or bedrock, will remain in place. Material removed from the dig site will always be taken 10 feet way from the current dig, or 10 feet outside any existing dig grid lines. By expending an additional charge, any object of archaeological interest will be levitated in place and surrounded by fairie fire while the material in the dig area is removed, with such items remaining in place for up to one hour after the dig spell has completed.
At a cost of one charge, the rod can cast a passwall spell creating a 10 foot long passage through stone, plaster or wood that remains open for one hour. Multiple charges can be used to extend the length of the passage.

History

Owned by: Walfire Silversgleaming