Magical item similar to remote controlled car / drone thing


Advice


I gave my player a magically controlled wooden toy bird in a dungeon (it can fly around, but not much else). At the moment, he is only aware that it's magical in some way. I'm trying to figure out the caster level check to detect what it is and how it works. I know this includes the CL of the creator, but cannot figure out what sort of level a wizard would need to be to create such a thing.

Has anyone encountered a similar item in adventure paths/books or anything that I could base this off? Or does anyone happen to have some idea of a minimum Caster Level for this?


Sounds like an animated object with a scry sphere in it. The control part would be verbal.

Though just casting arcane eye would be simpler.


I feel like some form of Animated Object would work for this, probably a permanent one created with the Craft Construct feat.


Benchmark it against similar effects. Since you mentioned it basically can only fly around, we can rule out Summon Monster. Can it return information, serving a scout function? Then we should check against divination spells.

If it really is just a magical drone, no camera or mounted weapons, then I would run it off of Mage Hand personally. So Caster level 1.

If you want a more detailed examination of what it would take to make one of these, here we go:

Wondrous Item (the catch all for things that don't go in other categories. Assuming it can be used "at will" (always on or whenever you want on) that formula is spell level x caster level x 2000gp. Cantrips (Mage Hand) count as .5 level and can be cast at level 1. So 0.5 x 1 x 2000gp. Final Cost 1000gp. However, it is slotless item, so that doubles the price to 2000.

This is where the art vrs science element of item design kicks in. Personally, I'd clock the bird at about 100-500gp, since its visible, likely noisy, and unless it is the size of a golden eagle, I would restrict its carry capacity to 1 pound or less, or even none. Minor knick-knack items like this really shouldn't cost much.

But yeah, tldr: Flying toy bird: Caster Level 1


Thanks all :)

The Black Bard - that's what I was hoping for. It is just meant to be a magical toy. I know full well that this player will surprise me and do something amazing with it anyway though. That usually happens. I'm looking forward to it :D

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