Summoning Orb (3.5e Equipment)

Summoning Orb
So powerful was the bond between the animals of the old forest and their druid protectors, the animals bestowed their dying spirits to the service of the druids and the preservation of nature.

A summoning orb is a sphere four inches in diameter. White smoke whirls within, taking the faint shape of animals.

A summoning orb holds the spirits of animals and summons them forth to aid the druid in time of need. The orb holds one 5th-level creature from the Summon Nature's Ally list, or two 4th level creatures, or four creatures of 3rd level or lower. A spirit can be gathered by a druid or ranger from a dying animal with a successful DC 25 Wild Empathy Check, and placing the orb over the animal's heart. The druid can release a spirit animal from the orb permanently to make room for a different animal. Releasing some or all of the spirits is a full-round action that provokes attacks of opportunity. A summoning orb may be found with spirits already within, roll randomly to determine type and level.

The summoned spirit animals behave exactly like those summoned by a Nature's Ally spell, with a duration of 9 rounds. If the druid has feats, items or class abilities that enhance summoned creatures, these work on the spirits within the summoning orb as well. Spells or spell-granting items such as a rod of extend spell cannot be used in conjunction with the orb. When slain, or the 9 rounds expire, the spirits return to the orb. The orb will function once every ten minutes. If any of the animal spirits are slain while summoned, the orb will not function for 1d4 hours. The user can call the spirits back to the orb before the 9 rounds are up as a standard action, but still must wait 10 minutes before using the orb again.

Summoning orbs can only be used by druids, rangers or by clerics with the Nature Domain.

Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, Summon Nature's Ally 5.

Cost to Create: 10,000 gp, 400 EXP, 10 days.


 * Summoning Orb, Lesser: This summoning orb functions as the summoning orb, but it can only summon one 3rd-level creature, two 2nd level creatures, or four 1st level creatures for 5 rounds. Faint Conjuration, Market Price: 6,500 gp Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, Summon Nature's Ally 3. Cost to Create: 3,250 gp, 130 EXP, 4 days.


 * Summoning Orb, Greater: This summoning orb functions as the summoning orb, but it can summon one 9th-level creature, two 8th level creatures, or four creatures of 7th level or below for 16 rounds. Strong Conjuration, Market Price: 80,000 gp Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, Summon Nature's Ally 9. Cost to Create: 55,000 gp, 2,200 EXP, 55 days.