This powerful magic item is used to locate another individual over a great distance. These gems are perfectly smooth and cream white in color. They are oval-shaped, measure approximately 1/2" in length and will radiate a strong alteration magic if detected. Other than that, they will resemble any ordinary gem.
Those who know of its magic have an exceptional tool for locating someone else. For the magic to take effect, both parties must first have a stone. One of the individuals must remove their stone and hold it tightly within their hand and concentrate for one round on the individual they are trying to locate with the other stone. After the end of the round, the receiver's stone will start to glow and vibrate, alerting them that the other individual is trying to locate him. Once the receiving individual grasps his stone in his hand, the magical link is completed between the two parties.
An individual can be located up to 5 miles in any direction, including inside mountainous caves or caverns, or even underground. If underwater, its distance is limited to 1/2 that of on land. Additionally, by concentrating further, the user has a 75% chance to also determine the exact direction and distance they are from the receiver. This must be stated by the user before attempting to locate the individual, and each of these percentages are rolled separately.
The gem's magic works similarly to the cleric's "Locate Object" spell, but covers a wider distance and will not expire until concentration is ended or disrupted by either party. At that time, it may be used again, but a link must be reestablished. Also, unlike the cleric's spell, it can not be used to locate inanimate objects. This item will not work in areas of dead-magic or anti-magic, and in Ravenloft, it will have only a 30% chance of giving the proper direction. Of course, if another individual or creature happens to get their hands on someone else's gem, they could, if they knew how to use it, give a false sign of location, leading someone into a trap or worse. The gems work equally for all races and character classes. These items are not widely known, but can be purchased for a substantial fee from some wizard's guilds if asked for specifically.
(c) John (Jake) Brunette 1997