This special and powerful spell is primarily used to defend the wizard's stronghold. The ward protects a one-story stronghold, with a base dimension of 400 feet x 400 feet. The wizard can ward a multistory area by reducing the base area proportionately. The following take place in the warded area upon casting the spell:
- All corridors become misty; visibility is reduced to 10 feet.
- All doors are wizard locked.
- Stairs are filled with webs from top to bottom. These act as the 2nd-level web spell, except that they regrow within one turn if destroyed.
- Where there are choices in direction—such as a cross or side passage—a minor confusion-type spell functions so as to make it 50% probable that intruders believe they are going in the exact opposite direction.
- The whole area radiates magic. The normal use of the detect magic spell becomes impossible for those of less than the caster's level and difficult for others.
- One door per level of experience of the wizard is covered by an illusion to appear as if it were a plain wall.
- The wizard can place one of the following additional magical effects:
- A. Dancing lights in four corridors.
- B. A magic mouth in two places.
- C. A stinking cloud in two places.
- D. A gust of wind in one corridor or room.
- E. A suggestion in one place.
Note that items 6 and 7 function only when the wizard is totally familiar with the area of the spell's effect. Dispel magic can remove one effect, at random, per casting. A remove curse spell will not work.
The material components of the spell are burning incense, a small measure of sulphur and oil, a knotted string, a small amount of umber hulk blood, and a small silver rod.