Ye Olde Shoppe of Magicks – Book of Arcane Magic

The Book of Arcane Magic

Wondrous Item, legendary
(requires attunement by a wizard, sorcerer, warlock, druid or bard)

This tome hums with eldritch resonance, its pages shimmering with shifting runes and diagrams that rearrange themselves when studied. The book seems impossibly heavy in hand, yet light as parchment when opened. This tome is said to be a fragment of the Weave itself, bound in pages that rearrange their runes at the touch of an aspiring spellcaster. As its wielder’s power grows, the book reveals more secrets of arcane mastery. Forged in ages past by a conclave of archmages, the Book of Arcane Magic was said to be a fragment of the Weave itself bound into mortal form. Many have sought it. Few have survived it.

Properties

• Indestructible. The book cannot be destroyed except by unmaking it in the heart of a dead magic zone created by Mystra herself.
• Sentience. The book is mildly sentient (Int 18, Wis 16, Cha 16). It whispers advice and sometimes urges its wielder toward greater magical ambition. Alignment: Neutral (leans toward curiosity and ambition).
• Expanded Repertoire. The book contains 10 additional spells, chosen from the wizard spell list, ranging from 1st to 8th level. These do not count against your known/prepared spells. You may cast them using your spell slots as normal. (The DM may select or roll these spells, the book will reveal them as your skill increases based on the spell level).
• Spellbinding Ward. While you hold the book, you have advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
  • Unleash the Codex. Once per long rest, you may channel the full power of the tome. Choose one of the following:
    Overchannel: Cast a spell of up to 8th level that you know without expending a spell slot.
    Ritual Surge: Instantly cast any ritual spell in the book as an action, ignoring casting time.
    Arcane Maelstrom: Release a wave of chaotic energy. Each creature of your choice within 30 ft. must succeed on a DC 20 Constitution saving throw or take 8d8 force damage, half on a success.

Scales with Attuned Caster Level.
Scalable Powers by Tier
Tier 1 (Levels 1–4) — Dormant State

• Arcane Reservoir. +1 to spell attack rolls and save DCs.
• Expanded Repertoire. Gain 3 additional spells (1st–2nd level) from the wizard list.
• Arcane Recovery (Lesser). Once per long rest, recover spell slots with a total level equal to your proficiency bonus.

Tier 2 (Levels 5–10) — Awakened State

• Arcane Reservoir Upgrade. +2 to spell attack rolls and save DCs.
• Expanded Repertoire Upgrade. Gain 6 additional spells (up to 4th level).
• Spellbinding Ward. Advantage on saving throws against spells and magical effects.
• Unleash the Codex (Lesser). Once per long rest, cast a spell you know of 4th level or lower without expending a slot.

Tier 3 (Levels 11–16) — Exalted State

• Arcane Reservoir Upgrade. +2 to spell attacks and DCs (remains +2).
• Expanded Repertoire Upgrade. Gain 10 additional spells (up to 6th level).
• Greater Arcane Recovery. Once per long rest, regain spell slots totaling 8 levels.
• Unleash the Codex (Greater). Once per long rest, choose one:
  Cast a spell up to 7th level without expending a slot.
  Instantly cast any ritual spell from the book as an action.
  Release an Arcane Maelstrom (30 ft. radius, DC 18 Con save or take 8d8 force).

Tier 4 (Levels 17–20) — Ascendant State

• Arcane Reservoir Upgrade. +3 to spell attacks and DCs.
• Expanded Repertoire Upgrade. Gain 15 additional spells (up to 9th level).
• Overchannel. Once per long rest, you may cast any spell of 8th level or lower at maximum damage/healing without material components.
• Unleash the Codex (Supreme). Once per long rest, choose one:
  Cast Wish without stress.
  Reshape reality in a 1-mile radius (DM discretion).
  Arcane Maelstrom Upgrade: 60 ft. radius, 12d10 force damage, DC 20 Con save.
  Arcane Reservoir. While attuned to the book, you gain +2 to spell attack rolls and spell save DCs.

Curse of Arcane Hunger (Optional, for balance)

The tome feeds on ambition and is jealous of its wielder. Each dawn, roll a DC (10 + your proficiency bonus) Wisdom save. On a failure, you gain one level of exhaustion that can’t be removed except by spending 24 hours away from the book.

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