Maelstrom Compass
Crafted mostly by Ancient artificers it is one of the highly prized Items among Maelstrom Mariners. The Device is enchanted with powerful magics that Grant accurate compass readings as one approaches and head into the Great Maelstrom on Voltera. The Compasses themselves can be small hand held devices or larger mounted versions of ships of great importance. On portion or side is the a compass and on the other portion side is what is known as an Astrolabe that glows with a faint magical light and a sighting device that helps pinpoint certain constellations to find ones navigational position on Voltera's Seas or even land. Between the two layers is an elaborate mix of mechanical gears and enchanted crystals and parts. What clearly sets apart a maelstrom compass is the dual use and its unfaltering accuracy to pinpoint a location and or heading in some of the most extreme conditions.
How mariners Basically use it varies a little from Artifact to Artifact but you basically use scrying lenses and pick three astrological bodies in the sky or constellations in the night sky that are relatively far apart once the third has been acquired those stars will glow brightly and faint lines glow on the inner Astronomical chart of the Maelstrom compass and intersect to triangulate your position and the compass user enters the speed or knots his vessel is traveling measured in a traditional fashion (Lead Line) and once input selects the desired course. The Compass user then winds the compass and it should keep his position tracked a number of hours Smaller hand held versions usually can keep their position 4-12 hours larger versions easily have a wind operation time of 8 to 24 hours. The primary key to keeping ones position is to keep their Maelstrom compass wound up and taking multiple readings during clear night skies. Obviously during foul weather or inability take headings just keep it would and follow its course. Anyone navigating with such a Maelstrom compass has Advantage on all navigation rolls and Abysmal failure rolls of one are re-rolled these compasses are that accurate...
Most Maelstrom compasses are very ornate some larger ones even have gems inset to represent prominent constellations and stars the largest or more rare of these would have crystals and gems representing all the stars. All of them are made with gold or Gold plating as it does not tarnish.
Mechanics & Inner Workings
The Inner workings are a mixture of Precious metal gears and springs along with enchanted crystals to give it its magical powers. Gems although mostly accent pieces have to also be enchanted to glow at precise navigational points.
Significance
These compasses are Highly significant to Maelstrom Mariners and in particular Captains as they navigate the regions closer to the Maelstrom where weather is much more unpredictable and readings need to be more accurate.
Item type
Navigational Aid / Instrument
Rarity
The largest of these are the most rare and even at best 3 in 10 Maelstrom Captains would have one their ship or in their possession they are more prominent on Great trading ships and Warships of the Sea Elves.
Weight
1lb to perhaps 100 lbs for the largest of these
Dimensions
at least 5-6 inches wide up to 3-4 feet wide
Base Price
2500 gold up to 25,000 gold
Raw materials & Components
Gold precious and semi precious gems and Enchanted crystals
