Apparatus of Kwalish
(Dungeon Master's Guide v.3.5, page 247)
Price (Item Level): 90,000 gp (20th)
Body Slot: —
Caster Level: 19th
Aura: Strong; (DC 24) evocation and transmutation
Activation: Standard (manipulation)
Weight: 500 lb.
This item appears to be a large, sealed iron barrel, but it has a secret catch (Search DC 20 to locate) that opens a hatch in one end. Anyone who crawls inside finds ten (unlabeled) levers: The device has the following characteristics: hp 200; hardness 15; Spd 20 ft., swim 20 ft.; AC 20 (-1 size, +11 natural); Atk +12 melee (2d8, 2 pincers).
| Lever (1d10) | Lever Function |
| 1 | Extend/retract legs and tail |
| 2 | Uncover/cover forward porthole |
| 3 | Uncover/cover side porthole |
| 4 | Extend/retract pincers and feelers |
| 5 | Snap pincers |
| 6 | Move forward/backward |
| 7 | Turn left/right |
| 8 | Open "eyes" with continual flame inside/close "eyes" |
| 9 | Rise/sink in water |
| 10 | Open/close hatch |
Operating a lever is a full-round action, and no lever may be operated more than once per round. However, since two Medium characters can fit inside, the apparatus can move and attack in the same round. The device can function in water up to 900 feet deep. It holds enough air for a crew of two to survive 1d4+1 hours (twice as long for a single occupant). When activated, the apparatus looks something like a giant lobster.
Prerequisites: Craft Wondrous Item, animate objects, continual flame, creator must have 8 ranks in the Knowledge (architecture and engineering) skill.
Cost to Create: 45,000 gp, 3600 XP, 90 days.