This very powerful magic item can be considered both a hinderance or a help, depending upon how it is used. When seen from a short distance, it resembles an ordinary-looking broach in the shape of the sun, with the sun's rays protruding from around the outside of the broach. Upon closer inspection, a word can be seen around the outside of the sun's sphere and the rays of the sun are actually made up of small snakes and not fire.

Any creature or person uttering the word verbally, either in a whisper or aloud will activate the magic of the broach, causing the snakes to come alive. The person(s) or creature(s) looking at the item will then have to make a save vs. petrification. The magic of the broach is good up to 10' away. If the save is failed, the victim(s) will be turned to stone as per the effects of a real Medussa (see the Monster Manual for the creature's effects). If the save is made, no ill effects will happen and the broach will return to normal once again. This is considered the curse of the item.

The usefulness of the broach comes when someone is wearing it and encounters a person or creature intent on doing him harm. The wearer can then say the word, invoke the magic within the broach, and cause the person(s) or creature(s) looking at it to save vs. petrification as above or be instantly turned to stone.

There is no limit to the amount of times that the magic can be used. Intelligent undead can also be affected by the magic. This item will radiate strong magic if detected, and can be dispelled by normal means of higher levels. Creatures turned to stone must follow normal AD&D rules to be turned back to flesh.

(c) John (Jake) Brunette 1997