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 very 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 author Mordenkainen is present, and you are clearly missing other volumes. The author of this compendium series is unknown — styling themself as "Q".
The first time we met, he looked me over and remarked, ‘You're shorter than I expected.’
I looked down him — to his middle — and replied, ‘So are you.’
At least he had the decency to seem embarrassed.
— 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 spell. 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
Mordenkainen
Called the "Begetter of Wizards" for his numerous successful apprentices, Mordenkainen was pretentious and arrogant. I'm holding a page of his in my hand! What codswallop:
The planes exist in a precarious state. A seemingly small event could echo across the worlds and tip the Balance. My task is to keep a finger on each end of the scales, ensuring it never sways too violently.
Only power-hungry men think like this. At least he was in fact a great wizard, one of the best. Of the spells he shared, why are they about comfort, prestige, and the sword? And why would he be an enemy of Iggwilv?
Watching him with Elminster would be like watching two fat old seals bellow across a rock — impressive, if you like that sort of thing — and embarrassing for them. There's a kind of pageantry to it. Like rutting bulls, but with spell slots.
And he clings like a mimic, all ‘Faithful’ this and ‘Phantom’ that, and ‘Protection from’ the other thing. The spell says it protects you from insects. It does not, however, protect you from Mordenkainen’s ego. No telling what his dog is up to.
I'm disappointed there isn't a Mordenkainen’s Excreting Bovine Substance.
— Q.
- No pages appear authored or autographed by Mordenkainen though "Private Sanctum" appears original to his school of apprentices
- Mordenkainen’s Faithful Hound
This page is heavier than the others and emits a faint scent of burnt pipe smoke.
An embossed watermark of a howling mastiff is visible only when held to flame.
A careful reader will note a hound’s name on the page is replaced with heavy scraping like a palimpsest. - Mordenkainen’s Private Sanctum
- A blank spell page entitled "Mordenkainen’s Magnificent Mansion"
- A blank spell page entitled "Mordenkainen’s Sword"
- A blank spell page entitled "Mordenkainen’s Disjunction" and notes from Q how out of fashion the spell has become
Destroy the world? Take away a wizard’s wand or a warrior’s potent sword and watch them cry.
— Q.
- A page of unhelpful notes in another hand missed by "Q" for other spells such as Mordenkainen’s Arcane Seal, Mordenkainen’s Celerity, Mordenkainen’s Defense Against Lycanthropes, Mordenkainen’s Defense Against Nonmagical Reptiles And Amphibians, Mordenkainen’s Electric Arc, Mordenkainen’s Encompassing Vision, Mordenkainen’s Faithful Phantom Defenders, Mordenkainen’s Faithful Phantom Guardian, Mordenkainen’s Faithful Phantom Shield-maidens, Mordenkainen’s Force Missiles, Mordenkainen’s Involuntary Wizardry, Mordenkainen’s Lucubration, Mordenkainen’s Penultimate Cogitation, Mordenkainen’s Protection From Avians, Mordenkainen’s Protection From Insects And Arachnids, and Mordenkainen’s Protection From Slime
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
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