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 L-M 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.
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
While you are attuned to this book, when you gain a level in a spellcasting class, a new spell appears in its pages — 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.
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.
Leomund
Some wrote that Leomund loved comfort and security and saw no reason to forego either on a quest.
Those also wrote that he was fussy as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs.
He called his famous spell a "hut". I've had bigger closets — and better parties in them.
I can't help but like him, and still admire cats.
— Q.
- A blank spell page with "Leomund's Trap" written and the notes, apparently an Illusion trap to spoil lock-picking and thievery.
- Leomund's Tiny Hut
— Q.
- Leomund's Secret Chest
- A blank spell page entitled "Leomund’s Lamentable Belaborment" — I wonder about the tongue-lashing
- A blank page with "Leomund's Plates and Cups" written and a note for tracking down the crafting instructions
Maximilian
Maximilian was shunned for his only named spell, dismissed as “just sand.”
Yet they all used it, heads buried in the same sand.
I never did get a copy in his hand — it's on my list of originals to steal.
— Q.
- A blank spell page entitled "Maximilian's Earthen Grasp"
Melf
A sensible wizard: hit them from far away before they get close enough to complain.
Oddly, Melf was the only Elf among the lot. His fingers are as sharp as my tongue.
— Q
- Spell pages are originals. His sigil is on the first page of this section along with a hand-written dedication: Continue your research, Melf
- Melf's Acid Arrow
- Melf's Minute Meteors
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