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 the spell author Tasha — now calling herself Iggwilv — appears in these pages, and you are clearly missing other volumes. The author of this compendium series is unknown — styling themself as "Q".
I write this volume with care.
If I survive another visit it won't be from self-control.Tasha taught me that power comes from the end of a wand. Or a pen.
I mix them up.
— 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
Tasha / Iggwilv
Iggwilv, Natasha, Zybilna is among the most recent wizards of power, finding signature spells was straightforward, and I enjoyed our time as she wrote them for me. The daughter of Baba Yaga — there's a gossip. Baba Yaga might hand down firsthand knowledge of various wizards, witches, warlocks, and sorcerers, or vanish you.
As the Witch Queen famously said after my heart, All shall love me and despair. Or my liver. But she stole that line.
Visiting Iggwilv in the Feywild is life-changing. I barely escaped with my life, and give honor when I can.
I'd follow her into the worst salon recitation barring a pompous speech from Elminster or Mordenkainen.This is a wizard to study and copy! I fear one like Yolande but follow Tasha.
— Q.
All spell pages in this section are in a meticulous hand and not that of the book's author. The fine paper is of better quality than other pages, and stitched in with gold thread. Each is initialed with a circled "T" distinct from the usual circled "I".
- Spell pages are originals with a prominent sigil alone on the first page
- Tasha's Hideous Laughter
Brevity is the soul of wit.
— Q.
- Tasha's Caustic Brew
Penned in hasty, almost angry ink. The parchment is water-stained and sticky on the edges.
The original recipe had better viscosity. I don't care what Bigby says. He wants a bigger boom in a bigger room.
But this wasn't just plain terrible, this was fancy terrible. This was terrible with raisins in it.
— Q.
This is too easy. Maybe remark next time on their sloppy trousers or poor choice in companions?
Fighting with intelligence is not fair — they keep both hands behind their back.
— Q.
- A blank spell page entitled "Tasha's Otherworldly Guise" and a note, Very hard to get her signature these days
- Summon Fiend and a note, From Her own hand. This is the only unattributed spell in the book
Some are surprised at this spell. Who better to talk to than your worser demons?
— Q.
- A page discussing her seminal work, Demonomicon of Iggwilv, with hints where other copies might still exist
- A page describing several of Iggwilv's magic items including the Chessboard of Mordenkainen (“a gift I now regret”), Iggwilv's Cauldron, and the Cauldron of Rebirth along with vague notes about their crafting
- A page listing rare books in her library including The City That Waits, I, Lyzandred, Kingdom of the Ghouls, The Many Masques of Mith, Nadir of Nessus, Prophecies of Explictica Defilus, and Thingizzard’s Night Balloon
- A page of instructions for crafting a "hot air balloon" (airship) though she is unsure about how to source "hot air"
- A page referencing other magic items such as an Absorbing Tattoo, Baba Yaga's Mortar and Pestle, Reveler's Concertina, and a Feywild Shard — all crafted or known to Tasha
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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