Aetherial Compasses

From: Arcane Forges of Lumengarde

Lore: The origin of Aetherial Compasses is intertwined with the ancient order of wayfinders known as the Celestial Navigators. For centuries, these skilled explorers delved into the mysteries of the world, seeking to understand the ley lines, the invisible paths of mystical energy that crisscrossed Saṃsāra. Legends tell of a legendary wayfinder named Solara Moonwhisper, who possessed an innate connection to the ley lines, allowing her to navigate even the most treacherous landscapes.

To honor Solara’s memory and share her incredible knowledge with future generations, the Celestial Navigators embarked on a quest to create a tool that could aid adventurers in navigating the magical energies of the world. After years of study and experimentation, they succeeded in crafting the first Aetherial Compasses, imbued with powerful enchantments that attune to ley lines and mystical sources of energy.

Specific Tier One Stats:

• Range: 100 feet
• Duration: Permanent
• Weight: 1 lb
• Size: 4 inches (diameter)
• Cost: 75 gold pieces (GP)

Skills and Requirements: To use Aetherial Compasses effectively, characters must be proficient in Survival and have a basic understanding of ley lines and magical energies (Arcana proficiency may grant advantage). The Aetherial Compasses themselves require craftsmanship using artisan’s tools (Navigators’ Tools), usually available in larger cities or specialized guilds.

Tags:

• Exploration: Aetherial Compasses aid adventurers in navigating through unfamiliar and dangerous terrains, uncovering hidden magical sites, and seeking out sources of mystical energy.
• Magical: The compasses are enchanted objects, attuned to the ley lines and able to detect mystical energy, making them invaluable to those in tune with the arcane.
• Additional: Navigation Tool, Ley Line Detector, Mystical Energy Sensor, Celestial Navigators Tech, Wayfinding Aid, Arcane Forges Product, Survival Tool, Magical Guidance, Enchanted Device, Cartography Aid

Sale and Distribution: Aetherial Compasses are sought after by adventurers, explorers, and scholars across Saṃsāra. They are often sold in specialized magic shops, cartographer’s guilds, and wayfinder outposts that cater to explorers and adventurers. Renowned navigators and wayfinders may also craft and sell these compasses as they travel the world, passing on their knowledge and aiding fellow travelers.

Usage and Impact: Aetherial Compasses are essential tools for adventurers seeking to explore the unknown and discover the hidden magical secrets of Saṃsāra. They serve as a guide through treacherous terrains, dense jungles, labyrinthine dungeons, and even astral realms. With an Aetherial Compass in hand, explorers can confidently traverse areas where conventional maps and navigation methods fall short.

Beyond their practical use, Aetherial Compasses hold a deeper significance for the Celestial Navigators and others who revere the legacy of Solara Moonwhisper. Carrying one is seen as a mark of dedication to the exploration of Saṃsāra’s mystical realms and a commitment to understanding the ley lines that connect all living things.

In some remote regions, Aetherial Compasses are revered as sacred objects, believed to be gifts from ancient celestial beings. Elders of these communities might bless the compasses, imbuing them with additional protective and guiding enchantments.

In conclusion, Aetherial Compasses play a crucial role in guiding adventurers and explorers across Saṃsāra’s mystical landscape. Their creation and usage honor the traditions of the Celestial Navigators and keep the legacy of Solara Moonwhisper alive, making them not only a valuable tool but also a symbol of exploration and enlightenment.

Perception of Activation: While the Aetherial Compass functions permanently, “activation” here refers to the moment a user actively focuses on the device to interpret its readings and navigate by the magical energies it detects.

• User’s Perspective (Consulting the Compass):
  • Sight: The flowing lines of light within the compass face become sharper and more distinct, their movement perhaps slightly more fluid or purposeful. The primary indicator (floating crystal, converging light, or glowing sigil) noticeably brightens and orients itself firmly towards the strongest detected ley line or energy source within its range. The compass’s ambient glow might pulse slightly brighter. Some users might perceive very faint, almost ghostly overlays of the detected energy lines on their immediate surroundings (within a few feet).
  • Hearing: The extremely subtle hum or vibration, often unnoticed when not concentrating, becomes slightly more apparent – a low thrumming sound felt in the hand as much as heard. The pitch or frequency might subtly shift depending on the strength or nature of the detected source.
  • Touch: The compass casing might feel subtly warmer or cooler than the ambient temperature. The vibration becomes more pronounced, a tangible thrum against the palm and fingers. A faint tingling, like static electricity, might prickle the skin holding the device, especially when detecting strong sources.
  • Smell: Typically none. In areas exceptionally rich in raw magical energy, a faint scent like ozone after a storm or sharp metallic tang might accompany the compass’s heightened reading, though this is rare.
  • Taste: No direct taste sensation.
  • Extra-Sensory (Intuitive/Magical Awareness): This is where the primary “activation” is perceived. A clear mental impression of directionality related to magical energies arises, complementing the visual indicator. The user gains a heightened sensitivity to the ebb and flow of ambient magic within the compass’s range – feeling concentrations, pathways (ley lines), or disturbances. For users proficient in Survival or Arcana, this often comes with intuitive flashes: a sense of the type of energy (natural, arcane, divine, corrupted), its relative strength, or whether it feels stable or erratic. A feeling of being briefly ‘tuned in’ to the local magical network.
• Observer’s Perspective:
  • Sight: The observer sees the user become focused, holding the compass steady and examining its face intently. The compass’s ambient glow might appear to intensify slightly. The indicator mechanism (floating crystal, light patterns, sigil) can be seen visibly orienting or brightening. If conditions are right (dim light, close proximity), the observer might glimpse the shifting light patterns within the compass face.
  • Hearing: Generally, the observer hears nothing unless the environment is exceptionally quiet and they are extremely close, in which case the faint hum might be barely audible.
  • Touch: No direct perception unless they are touching the compass or the user, potentially feeling the slight vibration.
  • Smell: No perception.
  • Taste: No perception.
  • Extra-Sensory: An observer sensitive to magic might perceive a brief surge or focusing of energy around the compass as the user interacts with it. They might sense the user extending their awareness into the magical environment. If using the Mind’s Eye on the compass, the observer would perceive its active state and potentially gain insight into what it’s detecting.
• Positives:
  • User: Provides clear guidance through magical energies, revealing paths and sources invisible to mundane senses. Enhances understanding of the immediate magical landscape. Feels reliable and connects the user to deeper world mechanics. Relatively quick to consult.
  • Observer: Confirms the presence of magical phenomena being detected. Can follow the user’s direction based on the compass reading. Provides validation if they also sense magical energy.
• Negatives:
  • User: Requires concentration, potentially reducing awareness of immediate physical surroundings and threats. Information is limited by range (100 ft for Tier 1). Can be difficult to interpret accurately without relevant skills (Survival/Arcana), potentially leading to misdirection. The constant subtle sensory input (hum, vibration) could be a minor irritant over time for some.
  • Observer: Cannot directly read or interpret the detailed information without seeing the compass face clearly or having similar skills. The user is potentially vulnerable while focused on the device.

Recipe: Crafting a Tier 1 Aetherial Compass — This recipe outlines the complex process for creating an Aetherial Compass capable of detecting ley lines and mystical energy sources within 100 feet, replicating the work of the Arcane Forges or Celestial Navigators. It requires a blend of fine craftsmanship, arcane knowledge, and precise enchantment.

• Materials Needed:
  • High-Purity Celestial Bronze or Silver (Ingots or Sheet, approx. 1.5 lbs): For crafting the compass casing and internal structural components. Aethersteel may be used for a more durable but significantly harder-to-work casing.
  • Flawless Quartz Crystal Disc (approx. 4-inch diameter, 1/4-inch thick): Optically clear and psychically resonant, to serve as the compass face.
  • Small Focusing Crystal Shard (e.g., Clear Quartz, Amethyst): A small, perfectly cut shard to act as the hovering indicator. Its type may subtly influence detection.
  • Aetheric Resonance Wires (Fine Gauge Silver or Aether-Silver Alloy, approx. 5 feet): Extremely fine wires sensitive to magical energy fluctuations.
  • Micro-Resonant Crystals (x3, various types like Moonstone, Lodestone): Tiny, precisely cut crystals attuned to different energy frequencies, embedded in the sensor array.
  • Enchanting Reagents: Powdered lodestone, quicksilver, powdered moonstone, belladonna extract, consecrated oils, specific inks for rune scribing.
  • Fine Metal Fasteners/Solder: For assembly.
  • Polishing Compounds: For metal and crystal.
• Tools Required:
  • Navigator’s Tools: A specialized kit containing fine calipers, scribers, miniature lenses, alignment jigs, potentially small charting tools.
  • Fine Metalworking/Jeweler’s Tools: Jeweler’s saw, various files, precision hammers, stakes, soldering iron (potentially Aetheric for delicate work), engraving tools.
  • Crystal Shaping & Polishing Tools: Lapidary grinder, polishing wheels, diamond paste.
  • Arcane Scribing Tools: Stylus or quill suitable for etching magical runes onto metal and crystal.
  • Aetheric Attunement Array: A setup involving charged crystals and focusing lenses used to imbue and calibrate magical devices. This often requires a dedicated space.
  • Magnification Loupe: For working with fine components.
  • Safety Goggles: Essential for all crafting stages.
• Skill Requirements:
  • Master Artificer or Expert Jeweler/Metalsmith: High degree of skill in working with fine metals and constructing intricate mechanisms.
  • Expert Arcana & Ley Line Theory: Deep understanding of magical energy, ley lines, resonance, and enchantment principles.
  • Proficiency with Navigator’s Tools: Required for the precise measurements and alignments.
  • Skilled Enchanter: Ability to perform delicate attunement and guidance enchantments.
  • Mind’s Eye: Crucial for observing energy flows, ensuring proper resonance, and calibrating the device accurately.
• Crafting Steps:
  • Shape the Casing: Using the metalworking tools, meticulously craft the two halves of the circular compass casing (base and bezel/lid) from the chosen metal. Ensure a precise fit.
  • Etch the Casing: Using engraving and potentially arcane scribing tools, etch the casing with directional markers, celestial motifs, and stabilizing runes. These are not merely decorative; they help focus the compass’s attunement.
  • Prepare Crystal Components: Cut and polish the large quartz disc to fit perfectly within the casing bezel. Shape and facet the smaller focusing crystal shard, ensuring it is perfectly balanced and resonant.
  • Construct the Sensor Array: This is the most delicate step. Weave the Aetheric Resonance Wires into a complex, web-like pattern on a thin non-conductive base (perhaps treated hardwood or slate). Carefully embed the three micro-resonant crystals at specific points within this wire matrix according to arcane schematics. Solder connections carefully.
  • Assemble Internal Mechanism: Mount the sensor array within the base of the compass casing. Create a tiny, magically stabilized pivot point or containment field (using minor enchantments and potentially part of the casing structure) directly above the sensor array where the focusing crystal shard will hover.
  • Initial Attunement Ritual: Place the partially assembled compass within the Aetheric Attunement Array. Perform a ritual using enchanting reagents (powdered lodestone, quicksilver) and focused chanting to sensitize the sensor array to ambient Aetheric energy and ley line frequencies within the target range (100 ft). The wires should begin to subtly glow or resonate.
  • Install Face and Indicator: Carefully place the large crystal disc face into the bezel, sealing it. Magically suspend the focusing crystal shard within its containment field above the sensor array. It should float freely but react to the sensor array beneath.
  • Calibration: Return the compass to the Attunement Array. Expose the compass to known, weak magical energy sources and simulated ley line fields. Observe the indicator shard’s reaction through the crystal face (using Mind’s Eye is essential here). Make minute adjustments to the sensor array’s resonance (often via targeted pulses of energy from the Array) until the indicator accurately points towards the sources within its range and responds appropriately to different energy types.
  • Guidance Enchantment: Once calibrated, perform the final enchantment. Using reagents like powdered moonstone and consecrated oils, imbue the compass with the guidance magic. This permanently links the calibrated sensor array’s readings to the indicator shard’s movement, ensuring it reliably points towards detected phenomena. Scribe final activation/binding runes if required.
  • Final Assembly and Polish: Securely join the casing halves. Perform a final polish on the metal and crystal. Test the compass in a real-world environment with known magical features to confirm functionality.

Crafting an Aetherial Compass is a task requiring immense precision, patience, and a rare combination of mundane and magical skills. Each finished piece is a testament to the crafter’s expertise.

Seeking-Glass of Lost Solara
(A Telling Full of Holes)

Before the Navigators, before the Forges burned bright, walked Solara. Moonwhisper, they named her, for she heard secrets in the quiet dark. She… knew the ways. Not paths trod by foot, no. The secret ways. Bright threads in the world-weave, lines of power, veins of… life? The old words are dust. She walked these threads. She was never lost.

How? How she knew? Some tellings say… she saw the threads. Woven in her eyes from birth. Others whisper… she carried a thing. Not made. Found. Or… given? A stone, maybe, warm like a held bird? A piece of sky-glass, holding trapped starlight? It pulsed, they say. Pulsed with the world’s own heart. It did not point like metal-on-pin. No. It… sang to her spirit. Sang the true way. Showed her the bright thread, near or far. Her outside-eye, perhaps? The telling frays here.

Then… Solara walked away. Followed a bright thread into the sun, maybe? Into the moon’s shadow? Gone. Was the stone-glass with her? Did it break? Did it sleep? Silence answers.

And the people… they were lost. The threads hidden again. The ways tangled. Much fear. Much stumbling in the grey places between the lines.

Wise ones gathered. Those who remembered Solara’s walk. They tried… to make a thing. A memory of her seeing? An echo of the stone-glass song? They took metal… star-fallen iron, maybe? Shaped it round like the moon. Took clear crystal… polished it like still water. Put… something inside. A trapped spark? A bound whisper? Chanted spells. Long. Hard.

The thing… worked. A little. It shivered. It pointed. Showed strong power, nearby. Showed thick threads, close. Not the true way, like Solara knew. Not the far, faint threads. Just… an echo. A hint. A seeking-glass. Better than blindness, yes? A help for stumbling.

They made more. Each an echo. Each remembering Solara, the walker of bright threads. Each seeking… but not truly seeing.

Moral of the Story: A tool can point the way, but only the spirit truly sees the path. Or maybe: Even a faint echo of true knowing is better than being utterly lost? The meaning… it shifts like smoke. Perhaps… seek the vision, not just the glass.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

    Item: Aetherial Compass

• Description: A finely crafted compass, typically of bronze or silver, with a crystal face displaying shifting lines of light instead of a magnetic needle. It hums faintly when near mystical energy. Weighs 1 lb.
• SAN Loss: 0/1 Sanity point upon first witnessing the compass clearly indicating something unnatural or disturbing.
• Mechanics:
  • Detect Mystical Energy: When an investigator concentrates on the compass (taking roughly a minute), it indicates the direction of the strongest source of mystical energy or ley line convergence within 100 feet.
  • Interpretation: A successful Occult roll allows the user to gain a general impression of the energy type (e.g., arcane ritual, natural power, spectral presence, unnatural/alien). A successful Navigate roll might allow following a detected ley line through confusing terrain, potentially granting a bonus die (+1 regular die) to the navigation task if the energy is strong and stable. Failing the interpretation roll might provide misleading information or no useful insight.
• Notes: This tool aids investigation by pointing towards hidden magical elements but requires skill to interpret effectively. What it points to is often the real source of SAN loss.

Blades in the Dark

    Item: Aetheric Compass

• (Fine Tool, Tier IV)
• Description: An intricate device of polished metal and crystal, its internal lights swirling and pointing towards concentrations of electroplasmic or arcane energy. Valued by whisper guilds and pathfinders.
• Mechanics:
  • Sense Energy: When you use the Aetheric Compass to Survey or Study your surroundings for mystical energies, roll Attune.
    • Crit: You get exceptional detail – exact nature, intensity, location, and perhaps a vulnerability or hidden aspect related to the energy source within moderate range.
    • 10+: You learn the direction, general nature (e.g., spectral, arcane, demonic), and intensity of the strongest source within short range.
    • 7-9: You learn the general direction of the strongest source within short range, but the nature is vague or potentially misleading.
    • 6-: You misinterpret the readings, attract unwanted attention from whatever energy you detected, or the compass malfunctions temporarily.
  • Setup: Using the compass successfully might justify taking +1d to a subsequent action if navigating by or acting upon the detected energy (GM discretion).
• Notes: This frames the compass as a tool for information gathering using BitD’s action roll system. Its Tier reflects its complexity and usefulness in the haunted city.

Dungeons & Dragons (5e)

    Item: Aetherial Compass

• (Wondrous Item, Uncommon)
• Description: This handheld compass features a crystal face under which faint lines of light shift. Instead of North, its indicator points towards nearby magical energy. It weighs 1 lb.
• Mechanics:
  • Energy Sense: As an action, you can focus on the Aetherial Compass. For the next minute, you know the direction of the strongest source of magical energy or active ley line within 100 feet of you. You do not learn the source’s nature, school of magic, or exact location, only its direction and a sense of its relative intensity (faint, moderate, strong). If multiple sources of similar intensity are present, the compass may waver between them or point towards the nearest one.
  • Interpretation: A character proficient in Arcana or Survival might gain additional intuitive information about the detected energy at the DM’s discretion (e.g., recognizing the feel of natural vs. arcane energy).
• Notes: This functions similarly to a targeted, non-visual Detect Magic focused purely on direction and intensity within a limited range. It requires an action to actively use for a short duration. No attunement required.

Knave

    Item: Aetherial Compass

• Description: A hand-sized metal disc with a crystal face. A shard of light within points towards strong nearby magic. (1 slot).
• Mechanics:
  • Points to Magic: When held, the compass’s light-shard indicator constantly points towards the strongest source of active magic, potent magical item, or unusual energy convergence within 100 feet. If there are no such sources in range, the light dims or drifts aimlessly.
• Notes: Simple, direct functionality suitable for Knave. It provides constant directional information within its limited range without requiring an action, aiding exploration and awareness of nearby magic. Could potentially be damaged (Quality d6).

Fate (Core)

    Item: Aetherial Compass

• Description: A beautifully crafted compass of metal and crystal that doesn’t point North, but rather towards flows and concentrations of mystical energy.
• Aspects: Aether-Tuned Navigator, Senses Nearby Energies, Legacy of the Celestial Navigators, Sometimes Cryptic Readings
• Mechanics:
  • Sense Energy: You can use the Aetherial Compass to Create an Advantage when searching for magical sources or navigating magically active areas. Roll Notice or Lore (GM’s choice based on context) against passive opposition or an active obstacle. On a success, you create a relevant situational Aspect reflecting the detected energy, such as Strong Arcane Source Due East, Ley Line Flowing North, or Disturbed Magical Field Ahead, gaining one free invocation.
  • Overcome Magical Navigation: You can also use the compass with an Overcome action to navigate magically confusing terrain or find a specific magical signature within its range (approximately one zone or clearly nearby).
• Notes: This approach emphasizes using the compass actively within Fate’s action economy to gain narrative advantages based on detecting energy.

Numenera & Cypher System

    Item: Aetherial Compass

• (Artifact, Level 4)
• Description: A handheld device, typically round, crafted from synthmetal and crystal. Internal lights shift to indicate the direction and intensity of nearby energetic phenomena.
• Level: 4
• Form: Handheld compass-like device
• Effect: Continuously indicates the direction and relative intensity (faint, moderate, strong) of the strongest source of transdimensional energy, active numenera effect, Ultraterrestrial signature, or similar potent energy field within short range (approx. 100 feet / 30 m). An Intellect-based task (difficulty 4, modified by complexity) using appropriate skills (like Understanding Numenera, Perception) may be required to interpret the nature of the detected source beyond basic direction and intensity.
• Depletion: — (The passive detection is inherent, though the device could be damaged or destroyed).
• Notes: Provides constant directional awareness of significant energy sources nearby, requiring player skill rolls for deeper understanding. Fits as a relatively common type of specialized artifact.

Pathfinder (Second Edition)

    Item: Aetherial Compass

• (Item 3+)
• Category: Held Item
• Usage: Held in 1 hand; Bulk L
• Price: 60 gp
• Description: This compass, housed in bronze or silver with a crystal face, features a needle of light that points towards significant magical energies instead of north.
• Activation: 1 Interact action
  • Effect: For the next 1 minute after Activation, the compass’s light needle points towards the nearest source of significant magical energy within 100 feet. This includes ongoing spell effects of 2nd level or higher, active ley line nodes, creatures under the effects of powerful magic, or creatures with a strong innate magical aura (GM discretion). The intensity of the needle’s glow gives a general indication of the source’s strength (faint, moderate, strong). This does not reveal the source’s exact nature, location, or school of magic. If multiple sources are present, it points to the nearest.
  • Passive Benefit: While holding the compass, you gain a +1 item bonus to Survival checks to Sense Direction or Track, but only when specifically navigating by or following ley lines or magical phenomena.
• Craft Requirements: Initial cost 30 gp; Master proficiency in Crafting; relevant formulas.
• Notes: Provides a temporary detection ability via an action, plus a small passive bonus for specific navigation tasks. Aligned with typical PF2e item structure.

Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)

    Item: Aetherial Compass

• Description: A well-crafted compass, often ornate, with a glowing indicator that swivels to point towards mystical energies rather than magnetic north. Weighs 1 lb.
• Mechanics:
  • Energy Sense: The compass constantly points towards the strongest source of active arcane energy (ongoing Power effects, enchanted items, supernatural creatures, strong ambient magic) within a Large Burst Template centered on the user (approx. 100 feet / 15″ radius).
  • Interpretation: A successful Notice or Occult roll (typically at -1 unless the source is very strong or the user is experienced) allows the user to get a general sense of the source’s intensity (faint, moderate, powerful) and nature (e.g., arcane, divine, necrotic, elemental). A raise might provide more specific detail (e.g., ‘active ritual’, ‘undead presence’).
  • Magical Navigation: Grants a +1 bonus to Survival rolls made specifically to navigate using ley lines or magical landmarks identified via the compass.
• Notes: Rarity: Rare. Provides constant basic direction and allows for skill rolls to gain more insight, fitting the Savage Worlds approach. The bonus to specific Survival tasks makes it useful for exploration-focused campaigns.

Shadowrun (6th Edition World)

    Item: Aetheric Compass

• (Magical Device)
• Description: A handheld device, often housed in ornate bronze or silver, using a magically sensitized crystal suspended over resonating wires to detect mana fluctuations. Favored by magically active explorers and survey teams.
• Mechanics:
  • Mana Sense: As a Complex Action, the user concentrates on the compass. They learn the direction and relative intensity (faint, moderate, strong) of the most potent active magical phenomenon (ongoing spell, active focus, spirit, active ward, mana line) within 30 meters.
  • Interpretation: Understanding the nature of the detected phenomenon typically requires an Arcana + Intuition [Mental] test, with the Threshold determined by the GM based on the source’s subtlety, power (Force), or complexity.
• Stats:
  • Availability: 10R
  • Cost: 3,500¥
• Notes: Functions as a dedicated magical sensor, useful for non-Assensing characters or for quickly pinpointing nearby magical activity without entering the astral plane.

Starfinder

    Item: Aetheric Compass

• (Technological Item, Level 5)
• Description: This handheld device uses resonating crystals and micro-sensors to detect and indicate the direction of potent energy fields, both magical and technological. The display shows a directional indicator and a simple intensity reading.
• Stats:
  • Level: 5
  • Price: 2,800 credits
  • Hands: 1; Bulk: L
• Mechanics:
  • Energy Detection: As a standard action, you can activate the Aetheric Compass. For the next minute, it indicates the direction and relative intensity (faint, moderate, strong) of the nearest significant energy source within 100 feet. This includes active spells or spell-like abilities (like Detect Magic), creatures with potent magical or technological energy signatures (GM discretion, e.g., active golem, powered armor), or active technological devices emitting strong energy fields.
  • Analysis: Identifying the specific type of energy (e.g., magical school, technological origin) generally requires a successful Mysticism or Engineering check (DC 15 + level/CR of source, GM discretion).
• Notes: A useful tool for exploration and investigation in settings where magic and high technology coexist, providing basic directional info quickly.

Traveller (Mongoose 2e)

    Item: Anomalous Energy Compass

• (Advanced Scanner)
• Description: A sophisticated handheld scanner, possibly using recovered artifact technology or advanced principles. It detects and indicates localized energy field deviations, including psionic activity and unusual technological signatures. Often has an archaic or non-standard design.
• Stats:
  • TL: 13
  • Skill: Electronics (Sensors) or relevant Science skill
  • Range: 30 meters
  • Mass: 0.5 kg
  • Cost: Cr 35,000+
• Mechanics:
  • Anomaly Detection: When actively used (requires attention, typically 1 round), the compass indicates the direction and relative strength of the most prominent unusual energy signature within 30m. This includes active psionic powers, powered-up non-standard technology (alien or high-TL), significant radiation sources, or environmental energy distortions.
  • Analysis: Interpreting the signal beyond direction and strength requires an Average (8+) Electronics (Sensors) or relevant Science check. Success provides basic classification (e.g., ‘psionic’, ‘high energy tech’, ‘radiation’). Good Effect (10+) or better may provide more specific details (e.g., ‘telepathic discipline’, ‘fusion power signature’).
• Notes: Framed as advanced tech capable of detecting phenomena outside the norm, including psionics which often fills the “magic” niche in Traveller.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

    Item: Aethyric Compass

• (Magical Instrument)
• Description: An intricate device of brass and crystal, often marked with astrological symbols. A captured mote of light or shimmering needle within points towards concentrations of Aethyr. Valued by Wizards and Hedgefolk, viewed with suspicion by others.
• Stats:
  • Encumbrance: 10
  • Availability: Rare, often requires commission or finding.
  • Price: 40 GC+
• Mechanics:
  • Sense the Winds: When the user concentrates on the compass (taking about a minute), it indicates the direction of the strongest flow or concentration of ambient Aethyr (Winds of Magic), an active spell effect, a potent enchanted item, or a significant source of raw magical power (including Dhar or potent Divine emanations) within 30 yards.
  • Interpretation: Identifying the dominant Wind or the general nature of the power (e.g., ‘Chamon’, ‘Ulgu’, ‘Dhar’, ‘Divine – Sigmarite’) and its intensity requires an Average (+20) Lore (Magick) or Perception Test. Exceptional success might reveal more nuances.
• Notes: A tool specifically for navigating the magical landscape of the Old World. Its readings can be vital for wizards seeking opportune places to channel or dangerous for anyone stumbling towards a source of Dhar. Mere possession could attract unwanted attention.