Solo adventurers or small parties are at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to resting and standing watch. Adding spellcasters into the mix only makes the matter worse.
Wizards, who seem to be unable to solve mundane problems with anything but magical solutions, have naturally created a small magical devices to help keep an eye out while they rest.
Lapis Guardian
The Lapis Guardian looks like a small nondescript rock. Once activated, it will guard over you while you rest, alerting you to dangers and recording what happens around it.
This rock-like item is irregularly shaped and roughly 4″ round. Once activated via it’s command word, the guardian will activate an alarm (per the spell) in either of it’s forms (silent or audible).
In addition to this, the guardian will “record” anything that moves within the alarm area that’s larger than itself. With a second command word, the guardian can create a silent image (per the spell) of whatever it was that moved in the area. The possessor of the guardian can speed up, slow down, reverse or turn off the play back via verbal commands.
The other power the guardian has is that it can create an arcane eye that is triggered under a specified condition (similar to the triggering conditions specified in the programmed image spell description) that can follow a target for the full duration of the arcane eye effect. Anything observed with the arcane eye is also “recorded” and can be played back as well. If something activates the arcane eye effect, the activator receives a second “ping” via the alarm effect.
The lapis guardian is usable once each 24 hour period for an extended period of up to 8 hours.
Moderate divination and abjuration; CL 7th; Craft wondrous item, alarm, silent image, arcane eye; Price: 16,000 gp; Weight 1 lb.
Cost to create: 8,000 gp, 640 XP