books
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Table of Contents
Books
About Books:
- Construction: Books are hand-written on parchment and bound together into codex-form (rather like a modern book). Books are highly vulnerable to fire and water damage. To copy a book, you need the raw materials (small 30gp, normal 80gp, large 160gp) and the skill Occupation (scribe). A small book requires 1 week, a regular book requires 4 weeks, and a large book requires 16 weeks. Each week requires a successful skill check, with a failure indicating that mistakes were made that require substantial re-work, and this week was wasted. If you don't know the language of the book, each skill check is at disadvantage.
- Corruption If a book has any danger of causing corruption, it will be marked “Corrupt” in the rarity column.
- Acquisition: because most scribes and copyists in the New World are busy with religious and administrative commissions, buying books is practically restricted. There is a book auction on the last Monday of each month in Kingston. Generally, any Common book can be purchased for 3d6x10gp at the auction, but Common books that are also large go for double price. There will be 1d4 Uncommon books available, at random, each will sell for 1d6x100gp, but Uncommon books that are also large add 100gp to price. There is a 1 in 6 chance that a random Rare book will be available, selling for 1d6x1000gp. The prices are randomized to represent the maximum competing bids at the auction.
- Use: Any practical in-game use will be noted in the description section, after the word “use.”
- Instructions: any instructions for making magic items included in the book are in the description section after the word “instructions”.
Sources of Atlantean or Demonic Spells and Secrets
| Title | Language | Rarity | Contents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Azif | Arabic | Rare–Corrupt | Composed by the Mad Arab Alhazred in the 700's contains dangerous information on the Spirit World and the demonic denizens of the Second World. Taking possession of this book and opening it for the first time inflicts 1d4 points of corruption. Use: The pages contain enough information to learn any of the Atlantean blasphemy spells, and even enough to cast one as a ritual if you don't “know” it, with the usual corruption effects. Instructions: Dagger of Dementia, Sword of Devils, Cloak of Terror, Drums of Fear. |
| Book of Giants | Aramaic | Uncommon–Corrupt | An apocryphal Jewish book which expands primeval creation to end of time narrative of the Hebrew Bible. It includes multifaceted elaborations on divine decrees of warning and doom. It stands as an attempt to explain how it was that wickedness had become so widespread and muscular before the flood. It also supplies the reason why God was more than justified in sending that flood. It was written in Aramaic by Enoch himself. This book tells of the background and fate of ante-deluvial giants and their fathers - the 'sons of God' or 'holy ones' who rebelled against heaven when — in forbidden violation of the strict “boundaries of creation” — they commingled, in their lust, with the 'daughters of men'.Use A scholar character who knows Aramaic may study this tome to learn to cast the Create Imp or Create Spawn Atlantean blasphemy spell without spending the slot used to learn a standard or archetype spell. He must make a successful spell casting roll to do so, facing a chance of mishap which would include the infection of 1D6 corruption. Instructions: Spear of Rot, Circlet of Terror, Drums of Deafness |
| Commentaries of Rufus the Mad | Latin | Uncommon–Corrupt | Composed 1093 AD in Kingston, based on Brother Rufus' illicit research on Atlantean writings. Use: If a scholar character possesses this book, when he gains a level he can attempt to gain a level one or two Atlantean blasphemy spell in place of a standard spell (causing 1 point of corruption). He must make a successful spell casting roll to do so, facing a chance of mishap, and if he fails he cannot attempt to learn that spell from this book again. Instructions: Amulet of Oblivion, Crown of Knowledge, Robe of Hiding |
| The Emerald Tablet | Latin, Greek, Hebrew | Rare–Corrupt | A treatise on demonic alchemy, alluding to the Tao Te Ching of Classical China. Language: Originally Phonecian, later translated into Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. Composed circa 200AD. Use: It will allow anyone skilled in Alchemy to create a salve that would allow them to mold their own flesh at will as the Mold the Flesh spell at the cost of 100gp in ingredients, a dram of Razorbat blood, and 1 point of corruption. Instructions:Necklace of Thought Probe, Scarab of Murder |
| Evidence of the Seer Stones | Latin | Uncommon–Small | A certain Brother Joseph claimed to have a set of lens-like stones which allowed him to read Atlantean text, he deciphered many artifact inscriptions and committed his findings to a small Latin book. Use:Consulting this book gives advantage to any attempt to identify the nature of function of an Atlantean artifact. Instructions: Scarab of Desolation |
| Necronomicon | Greek | Rare–Corrupt | This is a Greek translation of the Al Azif by Theodorus Philetas in the 900s, but supposedly suppressed and burnt by Patriarch Michael of Constantinople 80 years ago.Use: This is a faithful enough translation of the Al Azif it to have the same uses and effects exactly. Instructions Dagger of Dementia, Sword of Devils, Cloak of Terror, Drums of Fear. |
Useful Reference Texts
| Title | Language | Rarity | Contents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aristotle: Metaphysics | Greek, Latin, Arabic | Uncommon | discussion of the world beyond the material, originally in Greek, available in Latina and Arabic translations, Instructions Boots of Levitation, Gem of Absoption, |
| Aristotle: Physics | Greek, Latin, Arabic | Uncommon | discussion of the 4 elements and how they make up the world. Instructions: Amulet of Earth, Circlet of Fire, Crown of Frost, Medallion of Air, Stone of Earth, bag of Air, Bowl of Fire, Bowl of the Waters , Ring of Earth, Ring of Air, Ring of Fire, Ring of Water |
| Ars Medica | Latin, Greek, Arabic | Common | Medical textbook by Roman era physician Galen. Use: Gives advantage to Medicine checks, available in several languages, but originally Greek. |
| Chronicle of King Godwin | English | Uncommon | an account of the 2nd king of Nessex, contains several chapters describing his exploration and salvage of the Atlantean ruins near Kingston. Use: Bringing it along and consulting it gives advantage to interpreting Atlantean building features. |
| De Architectura | Latin | Uncommon | by Vitruvius Pollio of the 1st century. Use: using this book decreases build times of stone buildings by 10%. |
| The Domesday Book | Latin | Rare | A copy of the survey used to determine what taxes had been owed during the reign of King Edward the Confessor, thereby allowing William to reassert the rights of the Crown and assess where power lay after a wholesale redistribution of land following the Norman conquest. Use: Studying this book for a month allows a ruler to more efficiently organize taxation of vassals, offering a 3% increase in tax revenue in the future. |
| Epitoma Rei Militaris | Latin | Common | Written by Flavius Vegetius Renatus around 400 AD, this is the most popular military manual of the day. Use: With the help of carpenters and blacksmiths, a scholar can use this book to construct siege machines and gains an advantage on siegecraft checks. A warrior literate in Latin can decrease troop training times by 10%. Instructions Crossbow of Smashing, Drums of Battle, Horn of War |
| Historia Regum Britanniae | Latin | Rare | A chronicle of the kings of Britain including the tales of King Arthur Pendragon, this book contains tips for new rulers on how to best recruit henchmen and vassals. Use: Studying this book gives the reader one reroll on a CHA check to recruit hench or vassals a month. |
| Historia Naturalis | Latin | Common | Written by Pliny the Elder in the first century, this is a popular treasurehouse of scientific information. Use: Consulting it gives advantage to Lore checks in astronomy, geology, animals, monsters and Old World geography. Instructions: Quiver of Endless Arrows |
| Leech Book of Bald | English | Common | This is a compendium of knowledge of herbalism of many lands. Use: Using it gives reader advantage at herbalism tasks. |
| The Origines of St. Isidore of Seville | Latin | Common–Large | an encyclopedic etymological dictionary of the Latin language by the noted Spanish bishop. Use: Hardly portable, it gives advantage to any lore check on a topic dealing with something known to Europe up to the early 600's. Instructions: Lance of Glory, Arrow of Iron, Gloves of Dexterity |
| Scriptoria Majora | Latin | Uncommon | This is a highly technical book with complex instructional aids for the copying of books and scrolls. Use: Consulting it when creating a divine or arcane scroll decreases time by 20%. |
| Wisdom of Damascus | Arabic | Rare | a collection of metallurgical secrets from the source of the famous Damascus Blades. Use: using the techniques in this book decreases time and cost of masterwork bladed weapons by 10%. Instructions:Sword of Sharpness, Sword of Potence, Sword of Might, Sword of the Warrior, . |
| Zodiac of Babylon | Aramaic | Rare | An ancient Aramaic translation of a Babylonian astrology secrets. Instructions: Bag of Taurus, Ring of Transposition, Gloves of Knowing |
Religious, Spiritual and Prophetic Texts
| Title | Language | Rarity | Contents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beatus Methodivo | Greek | Rare | A gnostic apocalypse that describes, among other things, the black magic of the race of Cain. Use: Studying this text diligently for 1 week gives the reader advantage in all defense against Atlantean magic, defense against Spiritual attacks by demons, and astrology checks. Instructions: Spirit Shield, Gambeson Amazing, Necklace of Truth |
| Book of Joseph of Aramithea | Aramaic | Rare | This book tells the story of the Grail dynasty and purported secrets of the early Church. Use: A zealot who possesses this book and studies it diligently for one week, gains advantage when casting first and second level spells for the following 3 weeks. Instructions: Bow of Accuracy, Club of the Mountain, Medallion of Silent Speech (lesser) |
| Book of Hours | Latin | very Common-Small | the most Common book to be found, a summary or series of extracts of various prayers, gospel passages, church ceremonies, monastic rules. Use: can be used for anything a gospel codex or Vulgate can be used at, only all rolls at disadvantage |
| Book of Simon Magus | Aramaic | Rare | Rival to the Apostles, this contains many magic secrets. Instructions: Cloak of Gliding, Robe of Vision, Hat of Charisma, Ring of Bolts |
| Corpus Vergilianum | Latin | Common | A collection of the Aeneid, the Bucolics and the Georgics, by the poet Vergil. Widely considered to be prophetic and used as a Common textbook. Use Can be used by random consultation to predict the future, giving any non-spellcaster who can read the Latin text the ability to cast the spell Prophecy as a rite. Instructions: Corselet of Venus, Spear of Vulcan |
| Gospel Codex | Latin or Greek | Common | the four gospels of the New Testament in a single portable volume. Use a gospel codex can be used as a holy symbol for level 1-3 divine spells. It grants advantage to Cast Out Devils spells if present at the casting. Instructions: Ring of Healing, Ring of the Dead |
| Hymns of Ephrem | Aramaic | Uncommon | A collection of hymns by the Syrian St. Ephrem. Use chanting hymns from this book gives advantage to any divine spell targeting Spiritual entities. A scholar who knows Aramaic can even attempt a Cast out Devils divine spell (requires both and Aramaic language check and spell casting attack roll. Instructions: Medallion of Silent Speech (greater), Girdle of Hardiness, Girdle of Labor |
| On Light and Darkness | Aramaic | Rare | This 2nd century text by the Syrian Bardaisan contains much secret lore deemed heretical, yet fascinating to Christian, Muslim and Zoroastrian alike. Use: Studying this book for a week gives a scholar or zealot advantage in casting a spell targeting a spirit, demon or angel for the next week. Instructions: Cloak of Stealth, Robe of Disguise, Stone of Luck |
| Prophecies of Merlin | Latin | Common–Small | fresh from the pen of Geoffrey of Monmouth, this is a Latin translation of the foretellings of the 6th century Welsh magician Merlin. Use: Careful examination of the text and an arcana or astrology check will reveal if a particular action is likely to turn out well or badly Instructions: Invisible Gambeson, Sword of Celerity, Jewel of Sparkles, Gauntlets of Crushing |
| Quran | Arabic | Common | main text of Islam, required for Sufi.Instructions: Stone of Pull, Belt of Return, Sufi Focus |
| The Septuagint | Greek | Common | 3rd century BC Greek translation of the Old Testament, has significant variants to the Hebrew Bible. Use studying sections of the Septuagint for a week gives advantage in magic cast against Graven Images and Dragons for the next week. Instructions: Mace of Righteousness, Spirit Shield, Girdle of 1000 cuts, Belt of Constitution |
| Testament of Solomon | Greek | Uncommon | Account of King Solomon's mastery over demons of various sorts. Use: Studying this book diligently for a week gives advantage when casting Banishment, Infernal Call and Holy Exorcism spells for the next week. Instructions: Axe of Return, Necklace of Grace, Soul Gem |
| Torah Scroll | Hebrew | Common–Large | a copy of the first 5 books of the Hebrew Bible, written in a large format on a large parchment scroll for worship services. Instructions: Staff of Judgement, Gem of Light |
| Vendidad | Avestan | Uncommon | Zoroastrian purity laws. Instructions: Arrow of 1000 barbs, Bolt of Eye Shooting, Gauntlets of Strength |
| Visperad | Avestan | Uncommon | Zoroastrian invocations, Instructions: Axe of Power, Bolt of Piercing,Flask of Curses, |
| Vulgate Bible Codex | Latin | Common–Large | St. Jerome's translation of both the Old and New Testaments into the Common Latin dialect, c. 400 AD, bound into a single volume. This is the standard complete bible of the Catholic Church. Use: This tome can be used in place of a Holy Symbol. Studying the bible for 1 week will give advantage against spiritual and demonic attacks for the following week. If the Bible is present during an exorcism or casting out of devils, the spell is cast at advantage. If consulted it gives advantage to Lore checks on Spirits and Demons. Instructions: Staff of Judgement, Angel Steel Mail, Ring of Healing, Ring of the Dead |
| Yasna | Avestan | Uncommon–Small | The original Gatha hymns and some associated liturgy, the bedrock texts of Zoroastrianism. Instructions: Sword of Fire, Gem of Vision, Flask of Potions, Zoroastrian Focus |
Magic Books, General
| Title | Language | Rarity | Contents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bahir | Hebrew | Uncommon | an important Kabbalistic text, Instructions: Shield of Brilliance, Cloak of Darkness, Jewel of Mist |
| Coils of the Serpent | Avestan | Rare | strange ancient book translated into Avestan from a lost, older language. Contains many magic secrets. Instructions: Rope of Climbing, Rope of Constricting, Rope of Entangling, Gloves of the Master Thief |
| Corpus Hermeticum Vol-1 | Greek | Uncommon | Contains Tracts 1-6 of the Hermetic Corpus. Instructions: Sword of the Champion, Axe of Splitting, Boots of Leaping, Ring of Envisioning |
| Corpus Hermeticum Vol-2 | Greek | Uncommon | Contains Tracts 7-12 of the Hermetic Corpus. Instructions: Dagger of Wounding, Mace of Madness, Cloak of Blurring, Ring of Reflection |
| Corpus Hermeticum Vol-3 | Greek | Uncommon | Contains Tracts 13-18 of the Hermetic Corpus. Instructions: Shield of Arrow Catching, Axe of Response, Boots of Mighty Kicking, Ring of Sorcery |
| The Cyranides | Greek | Uncommon | The Cyranides is one of the works of the Hermetic corpus, the body of writings ascribed to Hermes Trismegistos. Hermes Trismegistos was a Hellenistic incarnation of the ancient Egyptian Thoth, and the god of all magic, alchemy and astrology. The book is divided into 24 chapters, one for each letter of the Greek alphabet. Under each letter are represented a plant, a bird, a stone and a sea animal, all of whose names begin with that letter. Instructions: Shield of the Chevalier, Boots of Traveling, Hat of Intelligence, Ring of Defense (lesser) |
| Digesta Hermetica | Greek | Uncommon–Small | The Hermetic Digest is a short summary of Hermetic thought and technique, opaque to non-Occultists, which is of use the the Hermetic student to remind him of the truths learned from his teacher. Use: if no other text of the Hermetic Corpus is available, this book can be used by a Hermetic Occultist to add a Hermetic formula to his list of known spells when gaining a level.Instructions: Boots of Silence, Ring of Bolts, Hermetic Focus |
| The Grimoire Gigas | Latin | Rare–Large | This is a huge textbook of the magical arts that contains the instructions and formulas of all “standard” magic spells. Use: Using it allows certain hermetic wizards to create scrolls of spells they don't “know” and permits any scholar to cast any standard spell of a level he can cast directly from the book as if a ritual. Instructions: Mace of Fear, Mail of Vulcan, Robe of Wizardry, Gauntlets of Climbing |
| Heichalot | Hebrew | Rare | An importan Kabbalistic text, Instructions: Sword of Fortitude, Griffin Leathers, Rings of Communication, Belt of Scabbards |
| Laboratory Findings of Brahmagupta | Sanskrit | Rare | Brahmagupta was a 7th century Indian astronomer and philosopher. Use: This laboratory text can be used by an Arcane spellcaster to learn the spell Fall as a Feather for free after a month of study. Instructions: Dagger of Everlasting Venom, Broom of Messages, Flask of Fluids |
| Lore of Volund | Norse or English | Rare | This is a collection of traditional Northern smith lore. Use: grants advantage to Craft(smith) checks when making ordinary heavy armor. Instructions: Girdle of the Trolls, Unyielding Mail, Mail of Unbreakable Links and Rebounding Mail. |
| Metamorphosis of Lucius | Latin | Rare | highly allegorical account of a man being turned into a Donkey, written by Apuleius. Connected to the mysteries of the goddess Isis. Use: Instructions Ring of Invisibility, Broom of Cleaning, Horn of Opening, Ring of Keys |
| Orphic Testament | Greek | Rare | Mystic testimony of the first musician and traveler to world of the dead. Instructions: Lyre of Charming, Lyre of Opening, Gloves of Sleep |
| Rune Staves of Egil Skallagrimson | Norse | Uncommon | A collection of the great rune master Egil's poetic lore on the runic arts, committed to a series of rune inscribed boards. Use: A runecaster using this book gets advantage when crafting rune tools, and other scholars can use it to craft rune tools themselves. Instructions: Spear of Runes, Troll Leathers, Ring of Defense (greater), Gauntlets of Spear Catching. |
| Sefer Raziel HaMalakh | Hebrew | Uncommon | an important Kabbalistic text. Instructions Shield of the Wall, Sword of the Warrior, Bag of Holding |
| Sefer Yetzirah | Hebrew | Uncommon–Small | A primary text for Kabbalistic study. Instructions: Hat of Wisdom, Jewel of Second Thought, Belt of Balance, Kabbalistic Focus |
Design Notes
Here is a bunch of divine manuscripts that would be good. –AHS
books.1582650943.txt.gz · Last modified: 2020/02/25 17:15 by andrew