Rod of Analysis

This rod stores charges of three Sorcery spells: Sounding, Alchemy I and Spell Analysis. It gauges the thickness of walls or depth of water, identifies any elixir, potion, powder, venom, dust or gas in hand, and exposes any spell, curse or trap on a place, thing or creature. Rods are usually metal or wood, 2-3 ft. long and about an inch thick. Few are decorated, though some primitive casters carve figures or signs along it. A rod holds up to 36 charges, can be recharged, and may also be enchanted +1-3 to hit.

It needs a minor magic item's materials (1,000 G.P. or more of incense, herbs and other offerings, a rod of superior quality and another 2,000 G.P.) and a month plus a day per charge of enchanting, about 12 hours daily. Success is 99%, but missing a day spoils that week's work and missing two spoils everything. It sells for at least double its materials, plus 1,000 G.P. per week of work and 500 G.P. per storable spell.

A spoken command word fires a charge instantly, though no magic item works more than once a round; non-casters need Read Magic. Since Alchemy I is reserved for sorcerers, other casters may not make or wield it.