Watchware

(See also: Watchware, 30' Radius)

Wizard's Spell Compendium

The wizard can place a watchware on any single nonliving, inanimate object usually a book, staff, door, or item of treasure. If that item is disturbed or moved at any later time, the caster is alerted. This alert occurs even if the caster is asleep or unconscious, but not if the caster is turned to stone or otherwise unable to think.

The original caster receives a mental image when the watchware is activated. This mental image is of the item and all items and creatures within 10 feet of it at the time of activation. The mental image generated by the watchware lasts only a single round and does not include any sound. The image interrupts concentration and disrupts spellcasting in progress, but does not disturb the caster in any other way.

The watchware is activated when the item is disturbed for any reason, whether someone touches it, pokes it with a pole, a cat walks on it, or an earthquake knocks it over. The item protected by the watchware spell radiates a faint aura of magic. If a dispel magic is cast upon the watchware, it activates. The watchware functions only once, then the spell is spent. A wizard can have as many active watchwares as he has levels, but in practice most mages keep only one or two to avoid the hassles of accidental activation.

The material components of this spell are a spiderweb, a small brass or silver bell, and a shard of glass.