[Etaoin Shrdlu]

This sounds like fun...
The Mine of Wonders Path/Level: E4

Normally produces 3E 20 gold 30 res.
But when a mage enters, the fun really begins, as buried magic items start "turning up." The chances of items being dug up depends on the local Magic and Luck scales, and the research-per-turn level of the mage in question (max 50% in any case). Items are skewed:
1. Toward low level items (Cons0 40%, Cons2 35%, Cons4 15%, Cons6 10%, Cons8 0% or similar)
2. Toward items the mage could have made on his own (Logic here: Mage can more easily sense the item's ... I don't have a word for the meaning I want here, "vibes" is closest but I'm not happy with it.) - (if the first roll is something this mage can't forge, roll again-- once only. On the second roll, Level 6 items are unavailable.... and if another unforge-able or nasty {see below} comes up the first roll stands.)
3. Away from cursed, horrormarking or diseasing items (If one comes up, roll again. And again, a "foul" item on the second roll confirms the first.)
3A. Away from gem-generating items.
Downsides:
If the province is attacked, the mage does not participate in the battle (presumably he didn't hear the call that the battle is happening)
Items appear on the mage unless a lab is present. If no spot is available it goes to another commander in the same province. If this isn't available, tough. (C'mon though-- find the site, mage drops a lab on there and off he goes.)
There is a small chance of the mage dying in the mine (rockfall, lost in the tunnels, whatever else). If this happens his "own" items (the ones he was carrying) will be the first ones found by the next mage to enter.