Arrow of Night Light

This arrow looks like any other ordinary sheaf arrow except the tip is fire red, as is one of the feathers, with the other two feathers being bright yellow. Upon close observation, small magical runes carved along the shaft can be seen. These represent a magical word that sets off the magic within the arrow. If detected, the arrow will glow a strong alteration magic.

Any class of character may use this magic item. It may be used during the day as a signal marker, but its real usefulness lies in its nighttime use. When an individual or adventuring party camps for the night and is ever attacked, this item will help even the odds. When the word that triggers the arrow's magic is spoken, the individual has 1 round in which to launch it into the air.

Once the round is over, launched or not, the arrow will explode into a blinding white light, illuminating everything in site within a 1/2 mile diameter as if it were daytime. Creatures hidden in darkness or the contours of a surrounding area would now be seen, etc. Any creature that is susceptible to bright light, including undead, will be blinded or stunned for 1 round and will suffer a -1 penalty to hit for the remainder of the spell's duration. Any other penalties for creatures that are affected by bright light also apply. Invisible creatures or objects are unaffected by the magic. Its effect will last for 1 turn+1D4 rounds. At that time, the light immediately dissipates and the sky and all surroundings again return to normal. An Arrow of Night Light may only be used once per arrow, since the whole item is totally expended in the explosion.

(c) John (Jake) Brunette 1996