When initially discovered, this very potent item will appear to be little more than a somewhat rusty iron sphere. Close examination will reveal that there are bandings on the 3-inch-diameter globe. Magic detection will reveal a strong dweomer of indeterminable nature. 

When the proper command word is spoken and the spherical iron device is hurled at an opponent, the bands will expand and tightly constrict the target creature if a successful, unadjusted "to hit" roll is made. 

A single creature of up to frost/fire giant-size can be captured thus and held immobile until the command word is spoken to bring the bands into globular form again. 

Any creature so banded gains the chance to break (and ruin) the bands, however. This chance equals the captive's chance to bend bars. Only one attempt is possible before the bands are so set as to be inescapable.