Arcane Autography, A-D

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.

This 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 A-D are present, and you are clearly missing other volumes. The author of this compendium series is unknown — styling themself as "Q".

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.

Copying a new spell into blank pages takes the same time and gold cost as writing it into a normal spellbook.

Features

Knowledge is Power

The knowledge and commentary in this book enhance your spellcasting when you have attunement. You sense power from original signatures and first-hand writings.

• You gain a +1 bonus to spell attack rolls and to your spell save 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 — 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

While you are attuned to this book, when you gain a level in a spellcasting class, a new spell appears in its pages whether fresh ink on a blank page or a foreign leaf sewn in with haste.

At the DM's discretion, the spell is one associated with a caster named in this volume, or another fitting entry. It may be of a higher level than you can currently cast.

I saw a new page write itself.

This is a séance. Even as I write, unexpected spells turn up as last regrets and apologies. 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.

Aganazzar

Aganazzar was a civilized, noble-born, prodigy wizard who founded a school. He died when it was sacked. He taught fire by lecture over practice, and discovered what burns.

Friends with both Tasha and Mordenkainen. I'm unsure whether that makes him brilliant or simply poor at choosing company.
— Q.

• Aganazzar's Scorcher, an original page from Tome of the Covenant stitched into this book
• A page of unhelpful notes for other spells such as Aganazzar's Amanuensis and Aganazzar's hurlgate spells

Bigby

Bigby, apprenticed to Mordenkainen, is renowned for traveling across worlds and rude gestures. His catalog of "hand" spells leaned heavily on Force damage types, and his magical ballistae craftings were fingers of destruction. Diplomacy and personal contact meant force projection.

I see the hands of clever ***** with small glasses condense Bigby spells to just one. Why the interest in clenched fists?
Writings on Bigby turn up a friendship with "Big George". Was George another wizard?

Age, like erosion, softened him for companions, and relief for those near by. The Reincarnate mishap turning him into a Gnome cut his ambition to size.
— Q.

• No pages appear authored or autographed by Bigby
• A blank spell page entitled "Bigby's Flicking Finger" and mention as a lost "somatic only" cantrip.
• Bigby's Hand
  The spell does not appear to be in the hand of Bigby. It includes diagrams of measurements, notations of grip strength, arm span, and finger taper, and includes many vulgar words.
  Copied into the margin: Ideal for both magical restraint and carrying wine. Multipurpose. —B
  One edge is crumpled as if the page was once used as a bookmark in a cookbook.
• A page of unhelpful notes for variant spells such as Bigby's Battering Gauntlet, Bigby's Clenched Fist, Bigby's Crushing Hand, Bigby's Digging Fingers, Bigby's Fantastic Fencers, Bigby's Forceful Hand, Bigby's Grasping Hand, Bigby's Interposing Hand, Bigby's Pugnacious Pugilist, Bigby's Silencing Hand, Bigby's Slapping Hand, Bigby's Strangling Grip, Bigby's Striking Fist, Bigby's Tripping Hand, and Bigby's Warding Hand, and a comment that this wizard was a menace
• A recipe page for Potion of Pugilism

Drawmij

Most spells of Drawmij have been lost, and remaining spells are hard to locate. In notes from other wizards, he was a mysterious traveler whose appearance subtly changed each time seen, but generally was a tall thin aged man. What was he hiding?
— Q.

• No pages appear created or autographed by Drawmij
• A blank spell page that when viewed in a mirror reveals "Drawmij's Instant Summons" written backwards

Drayfn

Who was this clown? Stray references to "Bane of Excellence", "Blunted Blade", "Curse of Incompetence" — he wasn't one to keep his sword up and ready.
— Q.

• No pages appear created or autographed by Drayfn

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