Staff of the Magi: This potent staff contains many spell powers and other functions. Some of its powers drain charges; others don't. the following powers do not drain charges:

• detect magic

• enlarge

• hold portal

• light

• protection form evil/good

The following powers drain one charge per usage:

• invisibility

• fireball

• knock

• lightning bolt

• pyrotechnics

• ice storm

• web

• wall of fire

• dispel magic

• passwall

These powers drain two charges per usage:

• whirlwind*

• conjure elemental**

• plane travel

• telekinesis***

* The whirlwind is identical to that caused by a dijinni.

** The staff can be used to conjure one elemental of each type per day, each having

8 Hit Dice.

***Telekinesis is at 8th level also (i.e., 200 pounds maximum weight).

The staff of the magi adds a +2 bonus to all saving throw rolls vs. spell. It can be used to absorb wizard spell energy directed at its wielder, but if the staff absorbs energy beyond its charge limit, it will explode as if a "retributive strike" (see below) had been made. The spell levels of energy absorbed count only as recharging the staff, but they cannot be redirected immediately, so if absorption is desired, that is the only action possible by the staff wielder that round. Note also that the wielder has no idea how many spell levels are cast at him, for the staff does not communicate this knowledge as a rod of absorption does. Absorbing spells is risky, but absorption is the only way this staff can be recharged.

Retributive strike is a breaking of the staff. It must be purposeful and declared by the wizard wielding it. When this is done all levels of spell energy in the staff are released in a globe of 30-foot radius. All creatures within 10 feet of the broken staff suffer hit points of damage equal to eight times the number of spell levels of energy in the rod (1 to 25), those between 10 feet to 20 feet take 6 x levels, and those 20 feet to 30 feet distant take 4 x levels. Successful saving throws versus magic indicate only one-half damage is sustained.

The wizard breaking the staff has a 50% chance of traveling to another plane of existence, but if he does not, the explosive release of spell energy totally destroys him. This staff and the staff of power are the only magical items capable of a retributive strike.

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