Celestial Map Scrolls

From: Arcane Forges of Lumengarde

Lore: The Celestial Map Scrolls have their origins in the ancient observatories of Saṃsāra, where the world’s earliest astronomers gazed upon the night sky in wonder. Their knowledge of the stars and the cosmos was passed down through generations of scholars and stargazers, eventually leading to the creation of the Celestial Map Scrolls.

Legend has it that the first Celestial Map Scroll was crafted by the renowned astronomer and cartographer, Orion Starseeker. Orion was said to have been visited by a celestial being in a vivid dream, revealing the secrets of the cosmos. Inspired by this divine encounter, he labored tirelessly to create a celestial map that depicted the positions of stars, constellations, and celestial events in real-time.

As the years passed, celestial map-making became a revered art, with each map meticulously crafted by skilled cartographers and infused with magical enchantments that allowed the scrolls to update automatically as the night sky shifted.

Specific Tier One Stats:

• Area Covered: 10 square miles (approximately)
• Duration: Real-time updates as the night sky changes
• Weight: 0.5 lbs
• Size: 12 inches (height) x 8 inches (width) when rolled up
• Cost: 40 gold pieces (GP)

Skills and Requirements: To effectively interpret and understand the information on Celestial Map Scrolls, characters require proficiency in Arcana or Nature. Expertise in the field of astronomy or astrology can provide additional insights and understanding.

Tags:

• Knowledge: Celestial Map Scrolls are powerful tools for gaining insights into the movements and patterns of celestial bodies, supporting the pursuit of astronomical and astrological knowledge.
• Enchanted: Infused with magical enchantments, the scrolls update in real-time as celestial events occur, providing the latest information to the observer.
• Precise: The maps are crafted with great precision, allowing astronomers to track and predict celestial phenomena accurately.
• Additional: Astronomical Tool, Astrological Aid, Real-Time Map, Star Chart, Cartography Product, Arcane Forges Product, Divination Aid, Scholarly Resource, Orion Starseeker Legacy, Magical Cartography

Sale and Distribution: Celestial Map Scrolls are highly valued among astronomers, astrologers, and those interested in the study of the night sky. They are typically sold in prestigious libraries, observatories, magic shops, and specialized cartographer’s guilds. Master cartographers, renowned for their skills in creating Celestial Map Scrolls, often sell their works directly to scholars and esteemed clientele.

Usage and Impact: Celestial Map Scrolls have a profound impact on the world of astronomy and astrology in Saṃsāra. Astronomers and scholars use these scrolls to predict celestial events, such as meteor showers, lunar eclipses, and the alignment of planets, offering valuable insights into the movements of the cosmos.

Astrologers rely on the precise information provided by the Celestial Map Scrolls to make astrological predictions and interpretations. They believe that the positions of the stars and celestial bodies influence the destiny and characteristics of individuals and nations. As such, celestial map-readings are sought by nobles, rulers, and commoners alike, guiding important decisions and offering glimpses into the future.

Beyond their practical uses, Celestial Map Scrolls hold cultural significance, as they are often passed down through generations as treasured family heirlooms. Some believe that the scrolls hold hidden messages from the stars or that they are touched by celestial magic, bringing good fortune to those who possess them.

Celestial Map Scrolls are both practical and mystical tools in the world of Saṃsāra. Their creation and usage celebrate the art of astronomy and astrology, connecting individuals to the wonders of the night sky and the mysteries of the cosmos.

Perception of Activation: Given that the Celestial Map Scroll updates in real-time, it’s perpetually “active” in a sense. Therefore, “activation” refers to the process of unrolling the scroll and actively observing and interpreting the information it presents. Imagine unrolling such a scroll just before dawn – the displayed stars would be those just fading from view in the real sky.

• User’s Perspective (Unrolling and Consulting the Scroll):
  • Sight: As the scroll is unfurled, the dark surface comes alive. What might have seemed like inert decoration reveals itself as myriad points of light – the stars, planets, and moons relevant to the sky above. These lights possess a clear luminosity, varying in brightness, and might seem to intensify slightly as the scroll fully opens. Focusing intently, the user can clearly perceive the slow, steady drift of these celestial bodies across the map, mirroring the actual sky’s rotation. Planetary colors, the precise phase of a visible moon, and even faint representations of nebulae (if the map is detailed enough) become visible. The fine grid lines and labels glow softly, making them legible even in low light.
  • Hearing: Predominantly silent. Only in absolute quiet, while deeply concentrating, might a user perceive an incredibly faint, high-frequency hum or chime, almost subliminal – the fabled “music of the spheres” perhaps, or just the artifact’s own magical resonance.
  • Touch: The scroll material feels exceptionally smooth, cool (often slightly cooler than the surrounding air), and resilient. Holding it, especially when first unrolled, might impart a very subtle vibration or a feeling of contained, structured energy.
  • Smell: A faint, clean scent, often described as being like high-quality old parchment combined with the crisp, cool smell of high-altitude night air or perhaps a hint of ozone.
  • Taste: Not applicable.
  • Extra-Sensory (Intuitive/Magical Awareness): Unrolling and focusing on the scroll often brings a distinct sense of connection to the vastness of the cosmos. There’s a feeling of immense, predictable order. As the user studies the patterns, especially if they possess proficiency in Arcana, Nature, or astronomy, intuitive insights may arise – a feeling for auspicious or inauspicious alignments for astrological purposes, a clearer mental map for navigation by stars, or a sense of the flow of cosmic or divine energies tied to certain celestial bodies or events depicted. It feels like accessing a stream of ancient, constantly flowing knowledge.
• Observer’s Perspective:
  • Sight: The observer sees the user unroll the scroll, revealing a visually striking display – a miniature, glowing representation of the night sky appears on the dark surface. The movement of the points of light is clearly visible, confirming the scroll’s magical and dynamic nature. The observer can see the user studying the map intently.
  • Hearing: The observer typically hears nothing out of the ordinary.
  • Touch: If allowed to touch the scroll, they would feel the cool, smooth material. Only a very sensitive observer might notice the faint vibration.
  • Smell: An observer close by might catch the subtle parchment/ozone scent.
  • Taste: No perception.
  • Extra-Sensory: An observer sensitive to magic perceives a constant, stable field of enchantment maintaining the display. They might sense the sympathetic link between the scroll and the actual heavens above. They can clearly see the user is engaged in focused observation and interpretation. If using the Mind’s Eye, the scroll’s magical properties and the real-time data would be apparent.
• Positives:
  • User: Provides accurate, real-time celestial information for navigation (especially at night), astrological prediction, ritual timing, and general astronomical study. Constantly updated without needing manual input. Inspires awe and wonder.
  • Observer: Visually impressive and unambiguous demonstration of powerful enchantment. Can potentially gain information if the user explains the readings or if the observer has the necessary knowledge to interpret the display themselves.
• Negatives:
  • User: Requires being unrolled to view, which takes space and a moment’s action. Requires concentration to study effectively, reducing situational awareness. Information is geographically limited (to the sky above the ~10 sq mile area for Tier 1). Best viewed in dim light or darkness; bright ambient light can wash out the fainter details. Full interpretation requires specific knowledge (Arcana, Nature, Astronomy/Astrology).
  • Observer: Cannot easily interpret the complex, shifting data without expertise. The user is preoccupied while consulting the scroll.

Recipe: Crafting a Tier 1 Celestial Map Scroll — This recipe details the intricate fusion of master cartography, astronomy, and enchantment required to create a Celestial Map Scroll that displays a real-time view of the heavens for a specific ~10 square mile area. This is a task demanding exceptional skill and rare resources, akin to the work of the Arcane Forges or legendary figures like Orion Starseeker.

• Materials Needed:
  • Highest Quality Vellum Sheet (approx. 12″ x 30″): Specially prepared, durable, and able to hold complex enchantments. Often treated to be a deep indigo or black.
  • Luminous Arcane Inks (Silver, Gold, Diamond Dust): Finely ground crystals (e.g., moonstone, crushed starlight quartz) suspended in a magically conductive binding medium. Multiple types needed for varying star brightness and labels.
  • Small Scrying Crystal Shard (x1): A clear, flawless crystal shard, attuned for focus and sympathetic magic. Acts as the enchantment’s anchor.
  • Spatial Anchor Reagent: Powdered Lodestone precisely attuned to the magnetic field of the target ~10 sq mile region, or soil collected from its exact center under a new moon.
  • Temporal Flux Reagent: Dust from a fallen meteorite (‘Sands of Time’ is a poetic term), or dew collected during a specific astrological conjunction. Used for the time-keeping enchantment.
  • High-Quality Wooden or Metal Dowels (x2): For the scroll rollers.
  • Polished End Caps and Clasp/Tie: Metal or hardwood for finishing.
  • Consecrated Sealer: A magically inert varnish to protect the finished scroll surface.
• Tools Required:
  • Master Cartographer’s Tools: Includes precision ruling pens, compasses, dividers, protractors, straightedges, weights.
  • Astronomical Instruments: Astrolabe, sextant, detailed ephemeris tables specific to the Saṃsāra celestial bodies and the target region.
  • Arcane Scribing & Enchanting Tools: Stylus for etching runes, crystal tuning forks, bowls for mixing reagents, potentially an enchanting altar or circle.
  • Crystal Setting Tools: Fine drills and clamps for embedding the focusing shard without damaging the vellum.
  • Magnifying Glass/Lenses: For intricate detail work.
  • Stable, Controlled Environment: Essential for the delicate enchanting process.
• Skill Requirements:
  • Master Cartographer: Exceptional skill in mapmaking, projection, and precise drawing. Proficiency with Cartographer’s Tools.
  • Expert Astronomer/Astrologer: Deep understanding of celestial mechanics, star positions, planetary movements, and potentially their astrological significance relevant to the map’s function.
  • Master Enchanter / Arcanist: High proficiency in Arcana, capable of complex, multi-layered sympathetic and temporal enchantments.
  • Calligrapher/Artist: For creating legible and aesthetically pleasing labels and markings.
  • Mind’s Eye: Extremely valuable for visualizing energy flows, calibrating the enchantments, and ensuring the sympathetic links are correctly established.
• Crafting Steps:
  • Astronomical Blueprint: Using astronomical tools and knowledge, meticulously calculate the precise paths, positions, and phases of all relevant celestial bodies (stars, planets, moons) as they would appear from the center of the target ~10 sq mile area over a significant period (at least one full year cycle). This forms the mathematical basis for the enchantment.
  • Prepare the Vellum: Cut the vellum to size. Attach the roller dowels. Using temporary guides or faint magical traceries, lay out the coordinate grid (e.g., celestial latitude/longitude) with extreme precision based on the blueprint.
  • Ink the Firmament: Prepare the Luminous Arcane Inks. With painstaking care, use the cartographer’s pens to place each star, planet, and major celestial feature onto the vellum at its exact position corresponding to a chosen reference moment in time from the blueprint. Vary ink type/size for brightness. Draw constellation lines and labels with the finest pen work. This step alone can take days or weeks of focused effort.
  • Embed the Anchor: Carefully create a small recess in the vellum at the designated central reference point and securely embed the Scrying Crystal Shard using magically appropriate adhesive or setting techniques.
  • Enchantment I – Spatial Attunement: Perform a ritual involving the Spatial Anchor Reagent (attuned lodestone/soil). Focus arcane energy through the embedded crystal, creating a sympathetic magical link between the scroll and the physical geography of the target ~10 sq mile area. The Mind’s Eye should perceive this link forming.
  • Enchantment II – Temporal Weaving: This is the most complex step. Using the Temporal Flux Reagent, weave a sophisticated enchantment anchored to the embedded crystal. This spell must access the scroll’s ‘memory’ of the celestial blueprint and continuously calculate the current positions based on the actual passage of time, compelling the luminous inks to shift their apparent location on the vellum accordingly. This requires deep understanding of chronomancy principles and precise energy manipulation.
  • Initial Calibration: Take the scroll to the center of its target area at night. Compare the scroll’s display directly with the actual night sky using astronomical instruments. Use fine arcane adjustments (targeted pulses of magic via the crystal anchor) to correct any discrepancies in position, brightness, or movement speed until the scroll is perfectly synchronized.
  • Final Touches: Apply any permanent borders, titles, or protective runes. Affix the end caps and closure mechanism (clasp/tie). Apply a thin layer of Consecrated Sealer over the map surface to protect the inks and vellum without interfering with the magic.
  • Verification: Observe the scroll over at least 24 hours, verifying that stars rise and set correctly, planets move along their paths, and moons show the correct phase, confirming the real-time update enchantment is stable and accurate.

Creating a Celestial Map Scroll is a monumental undertaking, blending scientific precision with profound magical artistry. Each scroll is a unique masterpiece reflecting the skill of its creator.

Orion’s Living Sky-Skin
(A Fragmented Telling)

Listen, from a time before remembering. It’s early morning now in this place you call Chattanooga, the stars mostly hidden by dawn’s light. But long ago, they say, there was one who watched only the stars. Orion, the name comes through, meaning maybe “Star-Seeker” or “Sky-Hunter.” He built… a high place. Tower? Spire? To scrape the belly of night. He did not look down. Only up. Loved the cold fire-dots, perhaps too well.

Days, weeks… he watched. Forgot food, forgot sleep, forgot his own name perhaps. Only the slow dance. Then… a dream? A waking vision? Hunger-madness? Story unclear. Said… a shape of light spoke. Showed him… the sky’s true pattern? Secret paths? Or maybe… just fever spoke.

He woke… changed. Burning inside. Must make the sky. Small. To hold. Found… skin? Parchment? Dark like deepest night between stars. Smooth like river stone. Where from? Sky-beast hide? Woven shadow? Words are lost. Needed… color. Ink. Not from earth. No. Ground starlight? Frozen moonbeams? Dew gathered only on highest peak? Mixed… with his own blood? Tears? The oldest tellings whisper… yes. A price.

He drew. Not drew… wove. Sang star-names from the dream. Bled onto the skin. Wept onto the lines. Each dot he made… glowed. A tiny cold fire. Each line… shimmered. Put the Wanderers (planets?) in their path. Put the Moon in her phases. Put… time itself into the weave? Put the place – this small piece of world – into the skin? Magic words here… gone. Broken.

He finished. Fell down? Slept? Died? Unknown. But the skin… the map… lived. The dots… they moved. Slow, yes, like the great sky. Followed the true stars. Rose, set, wheeled across the dark skin. Showed the Moon’s face, waxing, waning. Showed the Wanderers walking their paths. It was the sky, breathing small in his fallen hands.

Orion? Never seen more. Dust? Stars? Only map remained. Found later. Copied, yes. But copies… less alive? Fainter? Still… showed the sky dance. Still useful. For knowing seasons, tides, fates maybe?

Moral of the Story: To capture the infinite, one must give a piece of the finite soul. Or perhaps: Obsession births wonders, but consumes the creator? Maybe: Even a flawed copy of truth offers guidance? The ancient words… they hold many shadows. Find your own light within them.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

    Item: Celestial Map Scroll

• Description: A scroll of fine, dark vellum displaying a luminous, moving map of the current night sky over a limited area (~10 sq miles / 16 sq km). Weighs 0.5 lb.
• SAN Loss: 0/1 upon first seeing the map function; 0/1d4 if the map displays anomalous or Mythos-related celestial bodies/events.
• Mechanics:
  • Celestial Navigation: When consulted at night within its designated area (requires 1 minute and clear view of some reference stars), grants a +20% bonus to Navigate rolls made using stars. Requires a successful Astronomy or Occult roll first to properly orient the map to the real sky.
  • Precise Timing: Allows determination of the precise time at night based on celestial positions. May be crucial for timing rituals or anticipating phenomena mentioned in occult texts.
  • Astronomical Insight: A successful Astronomy roll allows prediction of mundane celestial events (moon phases, eclipses, conjunctions) visible within the map’s area.
  • Mythos Awareness (Optional): The map might display stars or alignments unknown to conventional astronomy. Interpreting these requires a Cthulhu Mythos roll and likely incurs SAN loss, but could provide clues related to Great Old Ones or cosmic events.
• Notes: Primarily an information tool for navigation and timing, with potential for Mythos revelations (and associated sanity risks).

Blades in the Dark

    Item: Star-Reader’s Scroll

• (Fine Arcane Implement, Tier IV)
• Description: A scroll displaying a constantly shifting map of the local night sky, including Duskvol’s strange constellations and moons. Glows faintly.
• Mechanics:
  • Gather Information: You can use the scroll to Study (downtime) or Survey (during a score) celestial phenomena. Roll Attune or Study. Success reveals insights relevant to timing, omens, or weird celestial events impacting the current situation (e.g., “The map shows the Ghost Star reaching its zenith – spectral activity will peak,” “That unusual conjunction tonight should create deep shadows ideal for infiltration,” “According to the star-signs, the Bluecoats’ morale will be low tonight”). This information could grant +1 effect on a related plan or provide +1d to an engagement roll if timing is crucial.
  • Long-Term Project: Can be used as a resource when working on long-term projects related to astrology, navigating by stars (especially outside the city), predicting weird events, or researching celestial lore.
• Notes: Functions as a source of esoteric information and a tool for planning or research, integrating with BitD’s action rolls and project clocks.

Dungeons & Dragons (5e)

    Item: Celestial Map Scroll

• (Wondrous Item, Uncommon)
• Description: This scroll, when unrolled, displays a moving map of the stars, planets, and moons currently visible in the night sky within approximately 5 miles of the scroll’s location. It weighs 0.5 lbs.
• Mechanics:
  • Star Navigation: While the scroll is unrolled and you are navigating at night within the area it covers, you have advantage on Wisdom (Survival) checks made to navigate using the stars.
  • Celestial Knowledge: You can study the scroll for 1 minute to determine the precise time at night. Additionally, you can make an Intelligence (Arcana) or Intelligence (Nature) check (DC 13) to predict the timing of the next sunrise, sunset, moonrise, moonset, or current lunar phase based on the scroll’s display. Success on the check might also reveal information about upcoming mundane celestial events like eclipses or conjunctions (DM’s discretion).
• Notes: Provides a solid advantage for night navigation and reliable information about time and common celestial events, requiring skill checks for more detailed interpretation. No attunement needed.

Knave

    Item: Living Star Map

• Description: A scroll showing glowing stars and planets that slowly move, accurately depicting the current night sky overhead for the local area (approx. 10 mile radius). (1 slot).
• Mechanics:
  • Night Navigation: Automatically succeed on any ability saves/checks required to avoid getting lost when navigating by the stars at night, provided the scroll is consulted periodically (takes a minute or two).
  • Timekeeping: Accurately shows the position of celestial bodies, allowing the user to reliably estimate the time during the night.
• Notes: A straightforward and reliable tool for night navigation and timekeeping, fitting Knave’s design ethos. Could potentially be damaged (Quality d6).

Fate (Core)

    Item: Celestial Map Scroll

• Description: A scroll of dark, smooth material that, when unrolled, displays a constantly moving map of the local night sky with glowing stars and celestial bodies.
• Aspects: Living Map of the Heavens, Orion’s Precise Cartography, Real-Time Celestial Display, Requires Clear Skies and Interpretation
• Mechanics:
  • Consult the Heavens: When you take time (at least a few minutes) to consult the scroll under the night sky, you can Create an Advantage related to celestial timing, navigation by stars, or astrological interpretation. Roll Lore or Notice (GM determines applicability). On a success, create a relevant situational Aspect like Guided by the True North Star, Auspicious Planetary Alignment, or Looming Lunar Eclipse, with one free invocation.
  • Overcome: You can also use the scroll with an Overcome action to determine the precise time at night or to plot a course using celestial navigation (assuming you are within the map’s ~10 sq mile area).
• Notes: This focuses on using the scroll to gain narrative advantages through information, fitting Fate’s mechanics.

Numenera & Cypher System

    Item: Celestial Cartogram Scroll

• (Artifact, Level 5)
• Description: A roll of durable, dark synth material embedded with luminous particles that shift constantly, accurately depicting the real-time positions of celestial objects visible from the user’s approximate location.
• Stats:
  • Level: 5
  • Form: Roll of synth material (approx. 12″x30″ unrolled)
  • Effect: Displays a real-time map of the celestial bodies (stars, planets, moons, satellites, weird phenomena) visible from the user’s current location, accurate for an area roughly 15 miles (25 km) across. Allows determination of precise local time at night. Interpreting specific alignments, predicting mundane celestial events, using it for precise navigation, or understanding astrological implications requires an Intellect-based task (difficulty 3 for basics, difficulty 5+ for complex interpretations) using relevant skills like Navigation, Astronomy, or Understanding Numenera.
  • Depletion: — (The enchantment is continuous).
• Notes: Provides constant, accurate visual data, requiring player skill checks to extract complex meaning beyond basic time/observation. Fits as a reusable, informative artifact.

Pathfinder (Second Edition)

    Item: Celestial Map Scroll

• (Item 5)
• Category: Held Item; Usage: Held in 1 hand (unrolled); Bulk: L
• Price: 160 gp
• Description: Unrolling this scroll reveals a map of the local night sky (~10 mile radius) made of glowing, moving lights on a dark background, updating in real time.
• Mechanics:
  • Passive: You can always use the unrolled scroll to determine the precise time at night.
  • Activate: 1 minute, Interact; Frequency: Once per hour. Effect: You study the scroll’s current display. Gain a +1 item bonus to your next check made within the following 10 minutes that uses celestial information, such as Survival to Navigate at night, Arcana to determine magical conjunctions, or Society to interpret astrological omens.
  • Predict Event: 10 minutes, Interact; Requirements: Trained in Survival, Arcana, or Society. Effect: You study the scroll’s patterns. Attempt a DC 20 check using one of the required skills. Critical Success You accurately predict the timing and nature of all mundane celestial events (eclipses, conjunctions, meteor showers) visible locally within the next 24 hours. Success You accurately predict the timing of the next local sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and moonset. Failure You fail to predict the event. Critical Failure You misinterpret the patterns, predicting an incorrect time or event.
• Notes: Offers a passive time check, an activatable bonus for relevant skills, and a specific activity for predicting events, fitting PF2e’s action structure.

Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)

    Item: Living Star Chart

• Description: A scroll depicting the local night sky (~10 mile radius) with points of light that move in real-time.
• Stats:
  • Weight: 0.5 lb
  • Rarity: Rare
  • Cost: $600+
• Mechanics:
  • Night Navigation: Grants the user a +2 bonus to Survival rolls made specifically for navigating at night using the stars, provided the scroll can be consulted.
  • Timekeeping: Allows the user to determine the precise time at night automatically.
  • Interpretation: Understanding astrological implications or predicting specific celestial events beyond simple observation requires a successful Occult or relevant Knowledge (e.g., Astrology, Astronomy) roll, often taking several minutes of study. The GM sets the difficulty based on the complexity of the desired information.
• Notes: Provides a direct bonus to relevant navigation checks and automatic timekeeping, with skill rolls gating more complex astrological or predictive uses.

Shadowrun (6th Edition World)

    Item: Astral Cartographer’s Scroll

• (Magical Artifact)
• Description: A scroll made of treated synth-parchment that displays a luminous, real-time map of the local night sky (~15 km radius), including astral phenomena visible only to magicians. Glows faintly.
• Mechanics:
  • Celestial Navigation: Grants a +2 dice pool bonus to Outdoors (Navigation) tests made at night using visible stars, provided the user is within the scroll’s operational area.
  • Precise Timing: Allows the user to determine the precise local time at night by observing the displayed celestial positions.
  • Astral/Astrological Insight: Interpreting specific celestial alignments for astrological prediction (if applicable in the setting) or identifying magically significant conjunctions/phenomena requires an Arcana + Intuition [Mental] (3) test. Success provides relevant information (e.g., timing of mana ebbs/flows, astrologically significant moments).
• Stats:
  • Availability: 12R
  • Cost: 9,000¥
  • Weight: 0.25 kg
• Notes: A valuable tool for runners operating outside dense urban areas or needing precise timing based on celestial or magical cycles. Its magical nature makes it rare.

Starfinder

    Item: Synoptic Celestial Map

• (Hybrid Item, Level 6)
• Description: This scroll-like device unrolls to display a flexible screen showing a real-time, localized map (~10-mile radius) of the sky above the user on their current planet. Requires syncing to local planetary data.
• Stats:
  • Level: 6
  • Price: 4,100 credits
  • Hands: 1 (to hold/view); Bulk: L
• Mechanics:
  • Planetary Attunement: Takes 10 minutes of accessing local astronomical data (requires comm unit access or prior data upload) to attune the map to a new planet’s sky. Once attuned, it functions for that planet.
  • Local Navigation: Grants a +2 insight bonus to Survival checks made to navigate overland at night using stars on the attuned planet (within the map’s display radius).
  • Timing & Prediction: Allows determination of precise local time at night. Predicting local mundane celestial events (moon phases, eclipses, satellite passes) requires 1 minute of study and a successful DC 20 Mysticism or Physical Science check.
• Notes: Useful for planetary explorers and surveyors. The hybrid nature suggests advanced tech mimicking magical effects or vice-versa.

Traveller (Mongoose 2e)

    Item: Real-Time Celestial Cartogram

• (Artifact/Advanced Tech)
• Description: A scroll made of an advanced polymer or artifact material displaying a luminous, dynamic map of the local sky (~20 km radius) based on real-time sensor data or internal chronometer/database. Possibly Precursor or high-TL human tech.
• Stats:
  • TL: 14+
  • Weight: 0.25 kg
  • Cost: Cr 60,000+ (Valuable artifact or high-tech device)
• Mechanics:
  • Planetary Navigation Aid: Grants DM+1 to Survival (navigation) checks made using stars at night within the device’s operational radius on a planetary surface.
  • Precise Local Time: Automatically displays or allows calculation of precise local planetary time at night.
  • Survey Correlation: When used in conjunction with ship or handheld sensors, provides DM+1 to Electronics (Sensors) or Astrogation checks made to identify observed local celestial phenomena or precisely correlate planetary position with known star charts.
• Notes: A high-tech or artifact tool aiding ground navigation and potentially speeding up orbital survey or astrogation tasks by providing a precise local reference.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

    Item: Living Astrolabe Scroll

• (Magical Instrument)
• Description: An ornate scroll of dark vellum upon which stars, planets, Morrslieb, and Mannslieb move in real time as viewed from the local area (~10 mile radius). Glows with faint Aethyric light.
• Stats:
  • Encumbrance: 10
  • Availability: Rare, typically found in Colleges of Magic or old observatories.
  • Price: 80 GC+
• Mechanics:
  • Celestial Navigation: Provides a +10 bonus to Navigation Tests made specifically using stars at night (requires clear skies).
  • Night Timekeeping: Allows the user to know the precise time throughout the night.
  • Omens & Astrology: Studying the scroll for 10 minutes allows an Average (+20) Lore (Astrology) or Lore (Astronomy) Test. Success interprets the current celestial alignments for relevant omens (GM provides cryptic clue) or predicts basic events (moon phases, next sunrise/set) for the following day.
  • Potential Magical Synergy: At the GM’s discretion, performing magical rituals or Channelling under celestial conditions shown as potent or aligned on the scroll might grant a minor bonus (e.g., +1 SL to the roll).
• Notes: A valuable tool for wizards, navigators, and astrologers, blending practical timekeeping/navigation with the potential for omen-reading and magical synergy inherent in the Warhammer world’s cosmology.