Each time a charge is expended, this item creates a non-dimensional space, a "pocket paradise." There the rod's possessor and as many as 199 other creatures can stay in complete safety for a period of time, the maximum being 200 days divided by the number of creatures affected. Thus, one creature (the rod's possessor) can stay for 200 days; four creatures can stay for 50 days; a group of 60 creatures can stay for three days. All fractions are rounded down, so that a group numbering between 101 and 200 inclusive can stay for one day only.
In this "paradise,'' creatures don't age (except from magical causes), and natural healing and curing take place at twice the normal rate. Fresh water and food (fruits and vegetables only) are in abundance. The climate is comfortable for all creatures involved, so that protection from the elements is not necessary.
Activation of the rod causes the wielder and as many creatures as were touched with the item at the time of use to be transported instantaneously to the paradise. (Members of large groups can hold hands or otherwise touch each other, allowing all to be "touched'' by the rod at once.)
When the rod's effect is cancelled or expires, all of the affected creatures instantly reappear in the location they occupied when the rod was activated. If something else occupies the space that a traveler would be returning to, then his body is displaced a sufficient distance to provide the space required for "re-entry."
The rod can be recharged by a powerful shaper. It can have anywhere from 1 to 50 charges. |