This item is created as an inexpensive solution to flying. It is also taught in wizard schools as one of the 1st items a wizard makes. It teaches a wizard the creation of magic items, the difficulty of finding the proper components, and the value of taking the proper time to design a good magical item. Many wizards have broken a bone or two trying to use this device.
Abilities: These magic wings come from a large scavenger bird such as a vulture or condor that was such a poor flyer in life that it crashed and died of its own accord. The wings are stitched onto the back of a small vest and may be worn by any class. When a charge is expended the wings come to life and give the user the ability to fly as a (poor flying) vulture, with a flying move of 40 (poor). The flying is always somewhat lopsided and shaky. The flying ability lasts for only 1d20 rounds after which the wings fold back up, plunging the user to the ground. The user never knows exactly how long the flying ability will last. The wings can be used only once per day. Once all the charges are expended, the wings fall apart. The wings can have at most 25 charges.
Creation: Caster Level 5, prerequisites, Craft wondrous item, fly. Market price 3,000 GP. Weight 1 lb.
Origin Story:
One day, while wandering through a dense forest, the young wizard Aric came across an old hermit. The hermit was known throughout the land for his magical powers and was said to have the ability to grant wishes. Aric approached the hermit and asked him if he could help him fulfill his lifelong dream of flying.
The hermit smiled and said, “I can give you the power to fly, but it will come at a great cost. Are you willing to pay the price?”
Aric nodded eagerly, not even considering the consequences. The hermit then took out a small feather from his pocket and handed it to Aric. “This is the feather of the fallen vulture,” he said. “It is said to hold the key to flight.”
Aric took the feather and examined it closely. It was long and thin, with a dull gray color. He asked the hermit what he was supposed to do with it.
“Take this feather to the top of the tallest mountain in the land,” the hermit replied. “There you will find a cave. Inside the cave, you will find a pool of water. Dip the feather into the water and then hold it up to the sky. The magic of the fallen vulture will be released, and you will be able to fly.”
Aric thanked the hermit and set off on his journey. He climbed to the top of the mountain, where he found the cave just as the hermit had described. He dipped the feather into the pool of water and then held it up to the sky.
Suddenly, the feather began to glow with a bright light. Aric felt a surge of energy flow through his body. His feet lifted off the ground, and he felt himself rising into the air. And then, just as suddenly, he fell back to the ground. And that was it…
Aric obsessed about the magic of what happened and how to replicate it. He returned to the hermit but could not find him. Aric studied the magic feather and after many years, was eventually able to replicate the feather. He stitched those feathers onto a vest and was finally able to fly! But he could not remember why he wanted to fly. Aric had become an old man, living as a hermit in the forest.
