books
Table of Contents
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 description 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 Use section.
- 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 | Descriptors | Contents | Type | Uses | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | Blasphemous | 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. | Dagger of Dementia, Sword of Devils, Cloak of Terror, Drums of Fear. |
| An Almanack of Practical Mortis | German | Rare | Masquerading as a reference book, this codex actually describes how and why the power of death attaks the body. For example it includes exhaustive collection of tables detailing how corpses decompose under various circumstances, along with an appendix that explains step-by-step how to remove maggots, close large wounds, and reset broken bones. While study of this work can help an adventurer, there is a price to be paid for dwelling in this dark place. | Blasphemous | Scholars who study this book for a week may gain resistance to necrotic damage for the next three weeks, but they must risk a check or gain a point of corruption. | ||
| Appetizing Treats: Food from the Sea | Norse | Uncommon | One might think that this is a simple cookbook until they happen on the dark rituals in the very back. | Blasphemous | A scholar who spends a month to read this book may learn the second-level blasphemy Unspeakable Song for free without spending a spell slot in addition to any spells they may already have, but at the regular cost of corruption for learning such a spell. If the scholar should ever find themselves corruption-free they lose the ability to cast this spell. | ||
| 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'. | Blasphemous | 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 additional corruption. If the scholar should ever find themselves corruption-free they lose the ability to cast these spells. | Spear of Rot, Circlet of Terror, Drums of Deafness |
| Commentaries of Rufus the Mad | Latin | Uncommon | Corrupt | Composed 1093 AD in Kingston, this blasphemous tome is based on Brother Rufus' illicit research on Atlantean writings. | Blasphemous | 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. | Amulet of Oblivion, Crown of Knowledge, Robe of Hiding |
| Craters of the Porcine Adventure | Hebrew | Rare | Corrupt | While at first, this book appears to be a simple fable about an anthropomorphic pig riding to the moon in a ladle, hidden secrets buried in the text hint at deeper meanings. This book contains stacked layers of subtle allegory each introducing the others like an interlocking russian nesting doll. There is reason to believe that the anonymous author is less a storyteller than a translator of a writing that is somehow darker and more ancient. | Blasphemous | A scholar character who knows Hebrew may study this tome to learn to cast the Create Spawn Atlantean blasphemy spell without spending the slot used to learn a standard or archetype spell. If the scholar should ever find themselves corruption-free they lose the ability to cast this spell. | Boots of Levitation |
| Daughters of the Great Rat | English | Uncommon | Spoiler Alert: The little girl was a Wererat the entire time, and you should have known it when you read the scene where she woke up in a giant rat's nest covered in her mother's blood. | Blasphemous | Although taking a week to read this book could inflict a level of corruption on the reader, it gives them Advantage to identify any wererats in the future. | ||
| Devilkin | Latin | Uncommon | Small, Corrupt | This thin roll of loose sheets are seemingly the scribblings of a madman, but they contain instructions for reaching specific demons in the Second World and asking them to do your bidding. | Blasphemous | A scholar who reads these sheets may summon a Devilkin who arrives within seven days. Once this being arrives, the scholar may negotiate or speak with the being who will be quite irritable at being pulled away from their usual business. | Amulet of Oblilvion, Dagger of Dementia |
| 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. Months after completing this work, Joseph drifted off into a catatonic state. He was believed to be killed in a fire that consumed an entire monastery near Kingston. | Blasphemous | Consulting this book gives advantage to any attempt to identify the nature of function of an Atlantean artifact. | Scarab of Desolation |
| Great Enquiries on the Celestial Lexicon | Latin | Rare | Corrupt | This book seemingly has no end, leaving the reader revisiting the same chapter about a man caught at sea in the darkness over and over. It is cursed, but some scholars might guess that if they can reach the end they will learn a terrible secret of great power. | Blasphemous | Anyone reading this book must check against corruption, or else they read it again the following opportunity with another chance of being corrupted. They can put down the book only once they prevent corruption or die of thirst from being lost in the book. | |
| Hyperboriean Philosopher's Last Wishes | Arabic | Rare | Corrupt | This is a autobiographical account of terror and pain written by an ancient philosopher from the land of Hyperborea as he escapes an attack from the black heavens. The account appears to include a last will and testament at the end, which includes a curse against his enemies. This book was translated into Arabic from a long-dead language, which left large gaps in the narrative. It is unclear whether the unnamed author was truly human or not. | Blasphemous | A scholar who studies this text for a month gains a point of corruption. However, for as long as they retain at least one point of corruption any Arcane Curse spells may be cast at Advantage. | Circlet of Terror |
| 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. | Blasphemous | This is a faithful enough translation of the Al Azif it to have the same uses and effects exactly. 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. | Dagger of Dementia, Sword of Devils, Cloak of Terror, Drums of Fear. |
| Pleiades Fragments | Latin | Rare | Corrupt | Less a book than a collection of hasty notes, this recently written folio was penned by the the Hermetic Occultist Holger the Wise in 1075. It is implied that Holger wrote these pages on a visit to another plane of existence reached only when the Pleiades star cluster is visible at night. In the collection of bits, Holger describes demons of this plane of the second world and suggests he has found a way to steal their power and return to the mundane realm. | Blasphemous | A scholar who studies this texts for a month learns to cast the fist level arcane blasphemy Avasculate for free without spending a spell slot in addition to any spells they may already have, but at the regular cost of corruption for learning such a spell. If the scholar should ever find themselves corruption-free they lose the ability to cast this spell. | |
| Revelations of the Kharon Cult | Greek | Rare | This collection of diary entries detail the rise and fall of a death cult who practiced necromancy in ancient greek times. It was written by the cult's leaders as a series of notes spanning over thirty years. The notes end just before the cult prepares for a large ceremony that they describe only as “apotheosis.” | Blasphemous | If a scholar character possesses this book, when he gains a level he can attempt to gain one of the five circles of necromancy in place of a standard spell (causing 1 point of corruption). It should be noted that a scholar must learn the lower circles of necromancy before they may attempt to learn a higher circle (e.g. only a scholar who already knows the second circle may learn a the third circle). | Stone of Pull, Ring of Healing, Ring of the Dead, Spear of Vulcan, Corselet of Venus | |
| Splendid Shadow | Latin | Rare | By whispering their dirtiest secrets to the spirits of shadow, one can use the darkness to cloak one's self to hide from the material world in the inky blackness. | Blasphemous | Anyone who spends a month to digest the teachings in this book and risks corruption may gain a permanent +2 bonus to hiding in shadows or near-darkness by talking to them. If the readaer should ever find themselves without the taint of corruption they lose this bonus. | Cloak of Blurring | |
| The Emerald Tablet | Latin, Greek, Hebrew | Rare | Corrupt | A treatise on demonic alchemy, alluding to the Tao Te Ching of Classical China. Although it was originally written in heiroglyphic Phonecian, it was later translated into Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. Composed circa 200AD. | Blasphemous | This book 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. | Necklace of Thought Probe, Scarab of Murder |
| The Hyperboread | Sanskrit | Rare | Small, Corrupt | This slim collection of ancient poems tells the story of a braggidocious hero named Aelbius, said to be the most powerful wizard of his age. In the epic, Aelbius travels with his army of fiends-made-flesh to enslave children and feed the future of civilization to fuel his ever-hungry demonic lust for power. | Blasphemous | A scholar who studies this texts for a month learns to cast the fist level arcane blasphemy Mordant Vomit for free without spending a spell slot in addition to any spells they may already have, but at the regular cost of corruption for learning such a spell. If the scholar should ever find themselves corruption-free they lose the ability to cast this spell. |
Magic Books, General
| Title | Language | Rarity | Descriptors | Contents | Type | Uses | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bahir | Hebrew | Rare | An important Kabbalistic text, this “Book of the Bright” is an anonymously written work that explores the mysteries of the spirit world. | Magic | A Kabbalist who studies this tome for a month may summon one extra Ibbur a day using their Call Ibburim spell. | Shield of Brilliance, Cloak of Darkness, Jewel of Mist | |
| Book of Optics (Volumes 1-VII) | Arabic, Latin, Italian | Rare | Large | This seven-volume treatise on optics and other fields of study was composed by the medieval Arab scholar Ibn al-Haytham, known in the West as Alhazen or Alhacen. It is also known as De Aspectibus or Deli Aspecti in other translations. These books cover many topics about our senses and sensory organs, debunking the theory that our eyes shoot beams of sight but rather capture the light bouncing off of objects. This set of books is invaluable to any scholar who is interested in persuing studies in illusion magic. | Magic | A scholar who studies these magical texts for a month learns to cast the fist level arcane spell Dazzle for free without spending a spell slot in addition to any spells they may already have. Additionally, the scholar may use an Action to control or alter the programmed “script” of any illusion created by the third-level Apparition spell even after breaking concentration. Finally, this book helps a schols learn how to extend the duration of the Apparition spell. By casting Apparition as a ritual, an illusion may be programmed to continue to exist one year for every 60gp worth of glass lenses and incense purchased and consumed by the casting. | |
| Coils of the Serpent | Avestan | Rare | This strange ancient book was translated into Avestan from a lost, older language. It contains a narrative relating to an ancient race of beings who fled their homeland of Hyperborea to escape persecution, only to use illusionary magic to hide themselves in plain sight. | Magic | A scholar who studies these magical texts for a month learns to cast the fist level arcane spell One Among Many for free without spending a spell slot in addition to any spells they may already have. | 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. | Magic | A scholar who studies this magical texts for a month learns the cantrip Discern Magic for free in addition to the cantrips they may already have. | 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. | Magic | A scholar who studies this magical texts for a month learns the cantrip Whispermind for free in addition to the cantrips they may already have. | 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. | Magic | A scholar who studies this magical texts for a month learns the cantrip Bend Favor for free in addition to the cantrips they may already have. | Shield of Arrow Catching, Axe of Response, Boots of Mighty Kicking, Ring of Sorcery | |
| 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. | Magic | 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. | Boots of Silence, Ring of Bolts, Hermetic Focus |
| Heichalot | Hebrew | Uncommon | An Kabbalistic text describing divine visions of ascents into heaven. | Magic | A Kabbalist who studies this tome for a month may gain Advantage on any rolls to bargain with Ibbur summoned using their Call Ibburim spell. Additionally, the Kabbalist can soothe an Ibbur and convince it to not hold the Kabbalist to a previous bargain. | 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 who wrote extensively on gravity, weight, and mass. | Magic | This laboratory text can be used by an Arcane spellcaster who knows Sanskrit to learn the spell Fall as a Feather for free without spending a spell slot after a full month of study. | 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. | Magic | This book grants advantage to Craft (Smith) checks when making ordinary heavy armor. | Girdle of the Trolls, Unyielding Mail, Mail of Unbreakable Links and Rebounding Mail. | |
| Metamorphosis of Lucius | Latin | Rare | A highly allegorical account of a man being turned into a Donkey, written by Apuleius. Connected to the mysteries of the goddess Isis. | Magic | A scholar who studies these magical texts for a month learns the fist level arcane spell Witchfire for free in addition to any spells they may already have. | 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. | Magic | A scholar who studies these magical texts for a month learns the cantrip Read Aura for free in addition to the cantrips they may already have. | Lyre of Charming, Lyre of Opening, Gloves of Sleep | |
| Prophecies of the Blank Slate | Latin | Rare | Small | Tales of great adventures led by a protagonist not unlike the reader in just about every way. Partway through, all the pages become blank. | Magic | Consulting this book allows a scholar to cast the Dispel Arcanum spell as if from a wand. | |
| 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. | Magic | A Druid or Runecaster consulting this book gets advantage when crafting rune tools. | Spear of Runes, Troll Leathers, Ring of Defense (greater), Gauntlets of Spear Catching. | |
| Sefer Raziel HaMalakh | Hebrew | Uncommon | An important Kabbalistic text. | Magic | A scholar who studies these magical texts for a month learns the cantrip Read Aura for free in addition to the cantrips they may already have. | Shield of the Wall, Sword of the Warrior, Bag of Holding | |
| Copper Book of Niqmaddu | Canaanite | Uncommon | copper sheet | an early source of the Sefer Raziel HaMalak | Magic | A scholar who studies these magical texts for a month learns the cantrip Whispermind for free in addition to the cantrips they may already have. | Shield of the Wall, Sword of the Warrior, Bag of Holding |
| Sefer Yetzirah | Hebrew | Uncommon | Small | Known as the “book of creation,” this book is the primary text for Kabbalistic study. Some scholars treat it as a treatise on mathematical and linguistic theory, but this volume has insights into the underpinnings of all creation. | Magic | A Kabbalist must have his copy of the Sefer Yetzirah, or any other Kabbalistic text, in order to learn a Kabbalistic Charm. | Hat of Wisdom, Jewel of Second Thought, Belt of Balance, Kabbalistic Focus |
| 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. | Magic | A scholar who studies this magical texts for a month learns the cantrip Flickerheat for free in addition to the cantrips they may already have. | Shield of the Chevalier, Boots of Traveling, Hat of Intelligence, Ring of Defense (lesser) | |
| 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 as well as encoded methods for casting Hermetic formulae. | Magic | This tome is an encyclopedic example of all spells, which allows hermetic wizards with the appropriate archetype feature to create scrolls of spells they don't “know.” Additionally this tome would permit any scholar who can read the Latin to cast any standard spell of a level he can cast directly from the book as a ritual. | Mace of Fear, Mail of Vulcan, Robe of Wizardry, Gauntlets of Climbing |
Useful Reference Texts
| Title | Language | Rarity | Descriptors | Contents | Type | Uses | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amante | Italian | Uncommon | This tale of erotic thrills and life lessons is all the rage among the nobility of the Italian city-states. | Reference | An herbalist who consults this tale does not roll at Disadvantage to find Woundwart between December and March. | ||
| An Early History of Nessex | French | Common | A Norman history book, which reflects poorly on those of English heritage. It accredits most successes to those of Scottish or Welsh descent. | Reference | This book gives anyone who dedicates a week of study a 15% discout to any construction made far from civilization such as a frontier outpost. | ||
| Angelic Widows and the Frontier | English | Rare | Small | This slim essay by a widowed Englishwoman tells the story of how life might improve in the new world, and how a Nessex lord might be able to make life better. By making the case for improvement to the underclasses, her arguments are effective at recruiting more vassals. | Reference | A PC who takes a week to read this book will learn arguments and methods to help recruit twice the number of unprepared vassals in Kingston when they arrive in the Spring. | |
| Aristotle: Metaphysics | Greek, Latin, Arabic | Uncommon | A discussion of the world beyond the material, originally in Greek, available in Latina and Arabic translations. | Reference | A scholar who studies these magical texts for a month learns the fist level arcane blasphemy Levitation for free in addition to any spells they may already have without any taint of corruption. It is cast as a regular Arcane spell, rather than a blasphemy. | Boots of Levitation, Gem of Absoption, | |
| Aristotle: Physics | Greek, Latin, Arabic | Uncommon | A discussion of the four classical elements and how they make up the world. | Reference | A scholar who studies this text for a month gains Resistance to a single attack that deals acid, cold fire, or lightning damage once per month. | 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. Although it is available in several languages, it was originally a Greek text. | Reference | Consulting this book gives advantage to Medicine checks | ||
| Black Gut | Danish | Rare | A rare treatise from the Danish poisoner Soren Magnussen details new techniques for harvesting venom from Atlantean abominations. | Reference | After two weeks of study, a reader with the Poisoner skill can make a more concentrated Blade Venom that does 1D8 poison damage rather than 1D4. | Dagger of Everlasting Venom | |
| Canon of Medicine (Volumes I-V) | Arabic | Rare | Large | This state of the art encyclopedia of medicine in five books was compiled by Persian Muslim physician-philosopher Avicenna Ibn Sina. It presents an overview of the contemporary medical knowledge of the Islamic world, which had been influenced by earlier traditions including Greco-Roman medicine (particularly Galen), Persian medicine, Chinese medicine and Indian medicine. | Reference | Consulting this encyclopedia gives a character with the Medicine skill double their proficiency score on Medicine checks. | |
| 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. | Reference | Bringing this book along and consulting it gives advantage to interpreting Atlantean building features. | ||
| Chronicle of the Boodaxe | Norse | Uncommon | Large | This gigantic text tells the biography of Eric Bloodaxe, a famous 10th century Norse ruler famous for his bloodlust and villany. | Reference | A specialist who studies this tome for a month learns a lot about fear and torture, granting them advantage to Intimidation checks in the future. | |
| De Architectura | Latin | Uncommon | This treatise on the ancient Roman engineering and architectural design was originally written by Vitruvius Pollio in the 1st century. | Reference | Engineers consulting this book decreases build times of stone buildings by 10%. | ||
| Early Economics of the New World | French | Uncommon | This Norman reference shows general disdain for the Englishmen of the new world but can be useful nonetheless. | Reference | This book gives anyone who dedicates a week of study a 3% annual bonus to the return of any mercantile interests in the new world. | ||
| Egil's Bones | Norse | Uncommon | A description of a great Icelandic poet warrior, and his prowise on the battlefield | Reference | A warrior who studies this tome for a month learns the secret of recovering from grevious wounds. They may roll with Advantage on the Injury Table 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. | Reference | 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%. | Crossbow of Smashing, Drums of Battle, Horn of War | |
| Fine Stories of a True Knight | English | Uncommon | This contemporary book is a biography of Sir Roland of Radmundshire, the right hand man of King Godwin of Nessex describes how he tamed the wilderness and managed to survive run ins with Atlanean monstrosities. Although the book takes several literary liberties about Roland's bravery and prowise, there is much to learn from the descriptions of some of the monsters. | Reference | Anyone referencing this text may make any Lore (Monsters) check at advantage. | ||
| Historia Naturalis | Latin | Common | Written by Pliny the Elder in the first century, this is a popular treasurehouse of scientific information. | Reference | Consulting this book gives advantage to Lore checks in astronomy, geology, animals, monsters and Old World geography. | Quiver of Endless Arrows | |
| 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. | Reference | Studying this book gives the reader one reroll on a CHA check to recruit hench or vassals a month. | ||
| Infamous Criminals of the Frontier | English | Uncommon | A work written by the lawman Edmond the Tracker which detailed the capers of many criminal elements of Nessex. | Reference | This book gives anyone consulting it a +1 bonus to any Lore (History) checks about the history of the new world. | ||
| Journal of the Journey | English, Italian, Scottish | Common | Small | This book starts as a simple travel journal of Fergus the Venturer, a Scottish expatriate who made his way to the new world in search of new adventures. Howevver, after building a crew and collecting resources, his experience in the wilderness to the West goes completely awry. Fergus and his friends explore an extensive cave system, where they fight some lizard-like folk and recover a fortune of gold and brass scorpions. However, the group gets lost and turns on itself, resorting to mutiny and cannibalism until Fergus alone miraculously emerges over three hundred miles South of where he entered the underworld. Fergus died addled and penniless after selling his notes on the new world to a royal scribe of King Godwin. This scribe was entranced by what he had read and commissioned many copies of the work to travel back to London and encourage emigration to Kingston. The work captured the imagination of Europe, and helped spur a flow of immigrants to the new world. Translated into a number of different languages, some versions feature some pretty miraculous events making Fergus out to be a bit of a super hero rather than a ground-down fortune hunter. | Reference | Although reading this book forces the reader to make a Stress check, this digest was successful in giving Europeans a look at all the lurid details of the riches of the new world. Anyone spending a week reading this digest may gain a number of XP equal to the amount of gold they paid for it in addition to any other XP rewards they may have gotten for spending gold. | Robe of Disguise |
| Lady Fortune | English | Uncommon | An English translation of a tragic tale of rags to riches and then back to destitution and death of a pair of star-crossed lovers who scheme to be together forever only to find that their schemes have done just the opposite. | Reference | An hearbalist who consults this tale does not roll at Disadvantage to find Comfrey Root between December and March. | ||
| Leech Book of Bald | English | Common | This is a compendium of knowledge of herbalism of many lands. | Reference | Using this book gives reader advantage at herbalism tasks. | ||
| Marvelous Meals | English | Rare | Small | This cookbook, written by a lonely Welsh bachelor named Yeoff, includes some great recipies, including that for Awesome Pies. | Reference | Anyone who knows how tobrew, bake or cook may use this reference to attempt to create an Awesome Pie. | |
| Naught but the Wind's Caress | English | Rare | This contemporary book of poems is interesting, and fulfilling although it has more to teach about life than it does about adventuring. | Reference | Anyone reading this tome may gain a number of XP equal to the amount of gold they paid for it in addition to any other XP rewards they may have gotten for spending gold. | ||
| Paths of the Damned | Danish | Uncommon | Small | This book of maps details some of the lands directly to the East of Jorvikshire. | Reference | Consulting this book helps with any Lore (Geogrpahy) checks related to the area between Jorvikshire and Thorsburg | |
| Potent Potables | English | Rare | This rare book penned by an English lordling includes recipes stolen from the Irish for certain special drinks. | Reference | Anyone who knows how to brewing may use this reference to attempt to create Harvest Harp or Puma Juice drinks. | ||
| Rota Fortunae | Latin | Uncommon | A tragic tale of rags to riches and then back to destitution and death of a pair of star-crossed lovers who scheme to be together forever only to find that their schemes have done just the opposite. | Reference | An hearbalist who consults this tale does not roll at Disadvantage to find Comfrey Root between December and March. | ||
| Scriptoria Majora | Latin | Uncommon | This is a highly technical book with complex instructional aids for the copying of books and scrolls. | Reference | Consulting this book when creating a divine or arcane scroll decreases time by 20%. | ||
| Sir Wolfred and the Marvelous Shield | English | Uncommon | This lighthearted novel tells the story of a knight in the service of King Godwin who was famous for always being a bit of an arrow magnet. Only after the death of his best friend, a dark elven knight was he able to overcome this curse and tame the Wilderness to the South of Kingston. | Reference | A reader who spends a week reading this book gains Advantage in any Persuasion negotiations with the Dark Elves. | Shield of Arrow Catching | |
| Taming the Beast | Irish | Rare | A perfect book for beginner beastmasters. Gives tips and tricks on how to win over wild creatures of all kinds. | Reference | A reader proficient in Lore (Animals) who consults this book before trying to tame a wild animal gains twice their proficiency score on the check. | ||
| 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. | Reference | 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. | ||
| The King's Flow | English | Uncommon | Large | Although woefully out of date, this heavy Atlas has descriptions of the pockets of civilization along the King Godwin river. | Reference | Consulting this book helps with any Lore (Geogrpahy) checks related to any settlements right along the King Godwin river, but is useless elsewhere. | |
| The Origines of St. Isidore of Seville | Latin | Common | Large | An encyclopedic etymological dictionary of the Latin language by the noted Spanish bishop. | Reference | Hardly portable, this book gives advantage to any lore check on a topic dealing with something known to Europe up to the early 600's. | Lance of Glory, Arrow of Iron, Gloves of Dexterity |
| The Spear and Warbow: A Revolutionary History | Spanish, Occitan, or Catalan | Common | Those reading this book might find new concepts and techniques for command. | Reference | A warrior who spends a month studying this book may learn to give a special order using their Tactics skill in which at least four retainers all with warbows or spears may attack a single target with a +2 bonus to hit and damage. | ||
| Wisdom of Damascus | Arabic | Rare | A collection of metallurgical secrets from the source of the famous Damascus Blades. | Reference | Using the techniques in this book decreases time and cost of masterwork bladed weapons by 10%. | Sword of Sharpness, Sword of Potence, Sword of Might, Sword of the Warrior, | |
| Wonderous Memory | English | Uncommon | This contemporary folio is a love story penned by a spinster noblewoman famous for leaving her fortune in Kingston to future settlers. | Reference | Anyone referencing this text may make any Persuasion checks made in writing with Advantage since they can referece and perhaps use some of the language for their own use. However, if the subject of the check also has read this book, then the Persuasion check is made at Disadvantage as they feel tricked and not special. | ||
| Zodiac of Babylon | Aramaic | Rare | An ancient Aramaic translation of a Babylonian astrology secrets. | Reference | Studying this text diligently for one month gives the reader Advantage to any Lore (Astrology) checks. | Bag of Taurus, Ring of Transposition, Gloves of Knowing |
Religious, Spiritual and Prophetic Texts
| Title | Language | Rarity | Descriptors | Contents | Type | Uses | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beatus Methodivo | Greek | Rare | A gnostic apocalypse that describes, among other things, the black magic of the race of Cain. | Religious | Studying this text diligently for one month gives the reader Advantage in all defense against blasphemous Atlantean magic. | Spirit Shield, Gambeson Amazing, Necklace of Truth | |
| Book of Hours | Latin | Ubiquitous | Small | This is the most Common book to be found, a summary or series of extracts of various prayers, gospel passages, church ceremonies, monastic rules. | Religious | This book can be used as a holy symbol for level 1-3 divine spells. | |
| Book of Joseph of Aramithea | Aramaic | Rare | This book tells the story of the Grail dynasty and purported secrets of the early Church. | Religious | 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 three weeks. | Bow of Accuracy, Club of the Mountain, Medallion of Silent Speech (lesser) | |
| Book of Simon Magus | Aramaic | Rare | This book is a rival to the Apostles. It contains many magic secrets. | Religious | A zealot who studies these magical texts for a month learns the cantrip Providence for free in addition to the cantrips they may already have. | 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. | Religious | This book 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. | Corselet of Venus, Spear of Vulcan | |
| Gospel Codex | Latin or Greek | Common | The four gospels of the New Testament in a single portable volume. | Religious | 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. | Ring of Healing, Ring of the Dead | |
| Hymns of Ephrem | Aramaic | Uncommon | A collection of hymns by the Syrian St. Ephrem. | Religious | 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, requiring both and Aramaic language check and spell casting attack roll. | 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. | Religious | 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. | 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. | Religious | Careful examination of the text and an Arcana or Lore(Astrology) check will reveal if a particular course of action is likely to turn out well or badly. | Invisible Gambeson, Sword of Celerity, Jewel of Sparkles, Gauntlets of Crushing |
| Quran | Arabic | Common | This is the main text of Islam, required for Sufi scholars | Religious | The Sufi must be in possession of a copy of the Quran to add a trance to his spells learned. A muslim who completes all five islamic prayers of the Salat throughout the day gains advantage in defending against spiritual attack until nightfall the following day. | Stone of Pull, Belt of Return, Sufi Focus | |
| Testament of Solomon | Greek | Uncommon | Account of King Solomon's mastery over demons of various sorts. | Religious | Studying this book diligently for a week gives advantage when casting Banishment, Infernal Call and Holy Exorcism spells for the next week. | Axe of Return, Necklace of Grace, Soul Gem | |
| The Septuagint | Greek | Common | This 3rd century BC Greek translation of the Old Testament, has significant variants to the Hebrew Bible. | Religious | Use studying sections of the Septuagint for a week gives advantage in magic cast against Graven Images and Dragons for the next week. | Mace of Righteousness, Spirit Shield, Girdle of 1000 cuts, Belt of Constitution | |
| The Uncovered Deliberations of the Father | Latin | Uncommon | Large | This reference book is useful for helping a churchman deal with the day to day drudgery of helping the common folk of Nessex reach salvation. | Religious | A zealot referencing this weighty tome may gain Advantage in any checks to Persuade NPC heathens to accept their ministry, request the Sacraments, and perhaps move to become vassals of the zealot. | Lance of Glory |
| Torah Scroll | Hebrew | Common | Large | A copy of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, written in a large format on a large parchment scroll for worship services. | Religious | Study of the Torah on the sabbath (from nightfall on Friday until nightfall on Saturday) gives a Jew advantage in defending against spiritual attack until the next commission of sin. | Staff of Judgement, Gem of Light |
| Vendidad | Avestan | Uncommon | A tome of Zoroastrian purity laws. | Religious | A scholar who studies this magical texts for a month learns the cantrip Read Aura for free in addition to the cantrips they may already have. | Arrow of 1000 barbs, Bolt of Eye Shooting, Gauntlets of Strength | |
| Visperad | Avestan | Rare | A codex of Zoroastrian invocations. | Religious | Consulting this book allows a scholar to cast the Empower spell as if from a wand. | 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. | Religious | 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. | 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 Zoroas | Religious | A Zoroastrian must have a copy of the Yasna to add a hymn to his spells known. |
books.txt · Last modified: 2021/01/21 18:19 by dave