Magic item: Wizard in a bottle

Photo by Brent Moore, cropped.
Released under Creative Commons license.

"Friends, have you ever delved a dungeon and had to run for you lives because you didn't have magic support? Of course you have. And have you ever taken a wizard with you, only to have him claim first pick of the loot because he helped you out of a tight spot? I thought so.

"Well worry no more! Wizard-in-a-bottle™ gives you magical backup when you need it and not when you don't! Wizard-in-a-bottle™ supplies the esoteric knowledge and good advice you rely on without eating your food or grumbling about foolish hobbits*! And Wizard-in-a-bottle™ will never lay claim to a single hard-won gold piece**!"

The bottle contains an illusory wizard with real spell slots. The illusion has weight and solidity and follows instructions, making it perfect for trap-seeking or as a meat shield. Once uncorked, it has a 1d6 usage die (roll per exploration turn) or lasts until disrupted by something that would subtract HP.  Uncorking is a full-round action.

Naturally, it's expensive.

The bottle wizard has three level 1 spells, two level 2 and a single level 3. All chosen at random from the arcane spell list. It cannot memorise new spells. It's fearless, but may dispel itself early if treated with disrespect. While in the bottle it stays fresh indefinitely, but should be used quickly. The wizard that created it loses access to the spell slots they've invested in the bottle until used. They can also reclaim them at will.

Bottle wizard

AC 9 [10], HD 5* (1 HP), Att by spell only, THAC0 14 [5], MV 120' [40'], SV No saves, ML 12, AL Neutral, XP -, NA 1 (0), TT None.

Specials: Immune to all mind-affecting magic.

* Not guaranteed.
** Also not guaranteed.