Banner of the Strategist

Crafted from a thick fabric, this banner measures 4 feet high and 4 feet wide. It can be attached to a 10-foot pole to serve as a standard. Furling or unfurling the banner requires an action. The banner has the following properties.

Map of the Territory. The banner's fabric does not show a fixed emblem or pattern. Instead it shows a stylised map of the area in a 400 foot square centred on the banner, at a 1:100 scale. As a bonus action, an attuned user can will the pattern to change, showing the map of a different 400 foot square area. The displayed map must always be of an area in which the banner or a designated ally is present. The map will only show the natural geographic area - buildings and artificial structures will not appear. Areas and objects protected from divination or scrying effects cannot be seen with this effect.

Real-time Strategy. As an action, you can designate a willing creature as an ally. You can have up to 8 allies active at any one time, and you can end the effect on an ally at any time. If an ally is outside of the area displayed on the map for 24 hours, the effect on them ends. While touching the banner, if an ally is in the area currently displayed on the banner:

• You are aware of their exact location, including elevation. You are also aware of whether or not they are conscious, and whether or not they are alive.
• At any time, you may display an ally's position on the banner as a coloured circle, or cause a currently displayed position to be hidden. This does not require an action.
• As an action, you can see through an ally's eyes and hear what they hear, gaining the benefits of any special senses that the ally has. During this time, you are deaf and blind with regard to your own senses. You may end this effect at any time, without using an action.
• The ally can be the target for any spell you cast that designates a creature as a target, regardless of range and whether or not you can see them.
• You can communicate telepathically with them, and they can communicate telepathically with you.
• As a reaction, if you can see the ally, you can give them advantage on one attack roll or ability check.