An apparatus of Kwalish is a fictional magic item, a form of fantasy-based submersible, in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game.
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Publication history
The apparatus of Kwalish appeared in first edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons in the original Dungeon Master's Guide (1979).
The apparatus of Kwalish appeared in second edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons in the 2nd edition Dungeon Master's Guide (1989).
The apparatus of Kwalish appeared in the third edition Dungeon Master's Guide (2000).
Description
An apparatus of Kwalish appears to be a large, sealed iron barrel, but it has a secret catch that opens a hatch in one end. Inside, a character finds ten levers. The levers perform various functions, including extending or retracting the legs, tail, pincers and feelers, covering and uncovering the portholes, moving the apparatus, snapping its pincers, opening and closing its magically-lit "eyes", rising and sinking in water, and opening or closing the hatch. Two human-sized characters can fit inside, the device can function in water up to 900 feet deep, and it holds enough air for a crew of two to survive a few hours. When activated, the apparatus looks something like a giant lobster.
Reception
The apparatus of Kwalish appeared on Geek.com's list of "The most awesomely bizarre items of Dungeons & Dragons".