This thick volume serves both as spellbook and spellcasting focus. It and any spells written in its pages or notes therein can't be damaged by fire or immersion in water. In addition, the book doesn't deteriorate with age or use, and has other benefits. This rare item functions similarly to an Enduring Spellbook, and grants additional magical features with attunement.
The book is one of a set of volumes. The Introduction is missing — unless, of course, you found it. You suspect that without more of the set, you may not benefit fully though this volume may benefit enough. You may need the Introduction to aid in finding other volumes.
The well-used tome smells faintly of ozone and lilac ink and is a cornucopia of magic history. Each page reveals arcane history that changed the world, and some pages are in the original caster's own hand. Only spell authors E-J are present, and you are clearly missing other volumes. The author of this compendium series is unknown — styling themself as "Q". The commentary and acid wit comes through.
If you expected "Iggwilv" here, go to see Tasha.
Dear Tasha, let's do dinner sometime. I'll bring the flowers if you bring the terror and passion.
You didn't know her that well.
— Q.
Copying a new spell into the book takes the same time and gold cost as writing it into a normal spellbook, and requires you to use Calligrapher's Supplies as you craft your writing to match previous authors.
Features
Knowledge is Power
The knowledge and commentary in this book enhance your spellcasting when attuned. You sense power from original signatures and first-hand writings.
- You gain a +1 bonus to spell attack rolls and to your spell save DC (difficulty class).
Living Archive
Once per long rest when attuned, you can ask the book a question about a named spell within its pages. A cryptic marginal note appears, written in the hand of the spell's creator — you are unsure who or what wrote the note. It can give clues similar to the Augury spell as the DM decides. If interpreting the note requires a D20 test, roll with advantage.
Of course it writes back. All the worst relationships do. So why do you talk to it?
— Q.
Unexpected Apprenticeship
Occasionally, when attuned, a spell named for a famous caster named in this volume appears without warning. It can manifest as a page torn from another book, a scroll, or some other arcane writing. You can add this spell to the book using the normal rules for copying spells.
This is a séance. Even as I write, unexpected spells turn up as last regrets and apologies. Those casters are not genius but last gasps. For living casters at least it means they share ink too smug to erase.
— Q.
Spells Already Present
When you come across this book and cast Detect Magic, you discover that it is a magical spellbook containing scribed spells and commentary. The pages are organized by author, and follow with blank pages suitable for copying in new spells from any school or other authors.
Casting Identify reveals details for the spells already written in the book including originals in an author's hand. You can prepare or cast a spell from the book only if it appears in your class's spell list.
Evard
While Evard did not create the Black Tentacles spell he certainly popularized it with prolific spell scroll copying like a street vendor. Writings confuse him with Eldrus Sunstaff and Eldrus Wands, and the true spell lineage seems lost.
No refusing a good thing sold with conviction.
— Q.
- The dirty and cheap spell pages are forced into the stitching with coarse twine. They may be vellum of pig. They smell bad. They remind you of a street vendor hawking bad sausages. They jump out as Evard's "originals", and display florid signatures by him or someone.
- Evard's Infestation
This is a renamed copy of a well-known cantrip, and you wonder how it wound up in this book. - Evard's Black Tentacles
No doubt reflecting what spell targets might experience, the page holds a black sigil and bruising diagrams along with the arcane writing.
Jallarzi Sallavarian
This Jallarzi Sallavarian is a horrid person and hard for me to contact. I've been put off several times.
She keeps a red pseudodragon familiar named Edwina, and lives with servants in an exquisite tower in the garden quarter of her city.
I've managed to find a spell page in her hand and am reluctant to approach for more.
— Q.
- Spell pages are originals, and her sigil is on the first page of this section
- Jallarzi's Storm of Radiance
Jim
I'd like to know Jim better. He knows a dinner party — or elsewhere.
— Q.
- A blank page for Jim's Magic Missile
No one strikes true the first try — please try again. - A blank page for Jim's Glowing Coin
A little coin goes a long way.
About the Crafter
Nothing in the volume reveals the identity of "Q" though some have noted the editor's obsession with Iggwilv/Tasha in the notes, and acerbic comments. The crafter seems sharp-tongued and potent.
Notes: Bonus: Spell Save DC, Bonus: Spell Attacks, Advantage: Arcana, Advantage: History, spellcaster with proficiency in Calligrapher's Supplies, Buff, Focus
Comments