Arrow of Signaling

This magical arrow has a brightly colored shaft, usually red, orange, or yellow in color. It sports a crystalline point. If used as a weapon, it does normal damage. However, if fired directly into the air to at least 100 yards over the head of the firer, it leaves a trail of glittering sparks behind it from the 100-yard height up to a height of 500 yards, regardless of the type of bow from which it was fired. When the arrow is 500 yards above the firer, the arrowhead explodes in a sphere of light 100 yards across, in the same color as was on the arrow’s shaft. This ball of light is visible for many miles and lasts for 2-8 melee rounds before fading. The arrow disintegrates upon bursting.