wyvern watch

[bweenie]

What might a "wyvern watch" spell do? I found reference to it in an old module, but don't have 2nd or 1st edition rules.

 

[Sejs]

Wow, havn't had to think of that one in a while.

If I remember correctly, Wyvern Watch created a vaguely wyvern shaped cloud of mist that the caster set as a ward, and when triggered it would lash out with its tail stinger, and if successful would paralyze the target for a time.


I'd be supprised if that was 100% correct though, as, like I said, it's been a while. Heh.

 

[dcollins]

From AD&D 1st Ed.'s Unearthed Arcana, Cleric spell list:

Wyvern Watch (Evocation)

Level: 2
Range: 3"
Duration: 8 hours or until strike
Area of Effect: 1' diameter sphere
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 5 segments
Saving Throw: Neg.

Explanation/Description: This spell is known as wyvern watch be-
cause of the insubstantial haze brought forth by its casting, which
vaguely resembles a wyvern. It is typically used to guard some area
against intrusion. Any creature that approaches within 1 " of the area
in question is subject to attack from the spell force. The "wyvern" will
strike, and any creature so attacked must make its saving throw ver-
sus spell or else stand paralyzed for 1 round per level of the caster, or
until freed by the spell caster, by a dispel magic spell, or by a remove
paralysis spell. A successful saving throw indicates that the target
creature was missed by the attack of the wyvern-form, and the spell
remains in place. As soon as a target creature is successfully struck
by the wyvern-form, the paralysis takes effect and the force of the
spell itself is dissipated. The spell force will likewise dissipate if no in-
truder is struck by the wyvern-form for 8 hours after the spell is cast.
Any creature approaching the space being guarded by the wyvern-
form may be able to detect its presence before coming close enough
to be attacked; this chance of detection is 90% in bright light, 30% in
twilight conditions, and 0% in darkness. The material component is
the cleric's holy/unholy symbol.

Note that the Range and approach-within distance (3" and 1") are according to AD&D's standard dungeon tabletop scale of 1" = 10 ft (basically).

 

[Scharlata]

What might a "wyvern watch" spell do? I found reference to it in an old module, but don't have 2nd or 1st edition rules.

Hi!

*reeling in the years, oh my... *

Ok, let's go:

Wyvern Watch
Priest Spell, 2nd level [1]
Sphere: Guardian [2]
Range: 30 yards [3]
Components: V, S, M [4]
Duration: 8 hours or until strike [5]
Casting Time: 5 [6]
Area of Effect: 5-foot-radius sphere [7]
Saving Throw: Neg. [8]

This spell is known as wyvern watch because of the insubstantial haze brought forth by its casting, which vaguely resembles a wyvern. It is typically used to guard some area against intrusion. Any creature approaching within 10 feet of the guarded area may be affected by the "wyvern". Any creature entering the guarded area must roll a successful saving throw vs. spell [8] or stand paralyzed for one round per level of the caster, until freed by the spellcaster, by a dispel magic spell, or by a remove paralysis spell. A successful saving throw indicates that the subject creature was missed by the attack of the wyvern-form, and the spell remains in place. As soon as a subject creature is successfully struck by the wyvern-form, the paralysis takes effect and the force of the spell dissipates. The spell force likewise dissipates if no intruder is struck by the wyvern-form for eight hours after the spell is cast. Any creature approaching the space being guarded by the wyvern-form may be able to detect its presence before coming close enough to be attacked; this chance of detection is 90% in bright light, 30% in twilight conditions, and 0% in darkness. [9]
The material component is the priest's holy symbol. [4]

Explanations:

[1] Considering that in 2nd Ed there were neither Cantrips nor 8th and 9th level spells for clerics, this could probably be a 1st-level spell.

[2] Delete this entry.

[3] Give it a Medium range.

[4] Substitute V, S, M for V, S, DF (see "Material Component")

[5] Better use: 8 hours or until discharged

[6] Go for 1 standard action

[7] Probably: 5-ft.-rad. spherical emanation?

[8] Neg. = No effect. What about Fortitude Negates, better yet: Will Negates, because it is a "saving throw versus spells"

[9] Go for a Spot skill check. DC 5 in bright light; DC 25 in twilight; DC 40 in darkness. Something like that.

Enjoy!

Kind regards

 

[bweenie]

Thank you kindly!
I've just been using it as an illusion that simulated Dragon Fear. But I didn't even have to make any rolls! All the characters just ran away like crazy. It's great, they still talk about it sometimes: "we've got to figure out a way to get past that wyvern, there's probably some really good treasure in there. Man, that cleric must have been real powerful if he could trap a wyvern in a closet."

 

[Scharlata]

Thank you kindly!
I've just been using it as an illusion that simulated Dragon Fear. But I didn't even have to make any rolls! All the characters just ran away like crazy. It's great, they still talk about it sometimes: "we've got to figure out a way to get past that wyvern, there's probably some really good treasure in there. Man, that cleric must have been real powerful if he could trap a wyvern in a closet."

Ahhhh,..... the grandeur of wonders lost to time.....

Enjoy your Wyvern Watch! It's much cooler than the original stuff and keep an Alarm spell [3.5] handy.

Kind regards