Lens of Visibility
With this magical item, the user can render anything that is invisible, visible. This lens is a 2-inch diameter and 1/16th inch thick piece of smoky-looking glass. It is extremely hard to break, but it can be based on normal saves for glass with a +3 bonus.
Carried mainly by wizards and thieves, this tool is invaluable for the performance of their work. The glass will radiate slight magic if detected, but no further information on its function can be discerned until the command word, which is etched in the glass along its edge, is spoken. Once the word is spoken, the lens activates its ability to make anything that is invisible, visible to the user peering through it toward whatever direction they state they are looking.
This magic lasts for the duration of 1 turn. Once that time is up, the lens will no longer function for 2 hours. At that time it may be used again. There is no limit to the amount of times it can be used. Even Improved Invisibility is no match for this device. The user is able to see both living, non-living and material objects that are invisible. Keep in mind it does not find anything hidden by other means, i.e. (behind a wall, in a book, in a chest, etc.).
Although this item can be a powerful help, it can also be thwarted by magic cast from high-level clerics, wizards or other creatures. If any magic to make something invisible was created by an individual or intelligent creature of 20th level or higher, there is a base 50% chance the lens will not work. For each level above 20 there is an additional 5% chance added that the lens will malfunction and show nothing. These items can be found from time to time or may be bought from specific sources at a high price. It is one item sought after by many who go adventuring.
© John Brunette 7/2005