(Reversible)

Alteration

• • Level Magic-user 1

  • Components V, S, M

  • Casting Time 1 round

  • Range Touch

  • Area of Effect One object (containing writing) or one creature

  • Duration 5 rounds per caster level

  • Save nil

The caster can comprehend the writing touched or can understand the creature touched (if it speaks using a language).

• If cast on an object, the caster can read and understand the writing on the object (book, scroll, cloth, panel, etc.). This will include the ability to decipher codes—but only to the word itself, not the meaning. Thus, a message written on a scrap of paper stating "The blood of the holy one courses east" will be interpreted whether written in Common, a series of numbers (a secret cypher requiring a special book to interpret), or an ancient extra-planar tongue, but it's meaning will not be clear through the use of the spell.

• If the writing is a map, the directions given will be clear as if written in Common, but again, meaning may be obfuscated.

• If a creature is touched, for the duration, anything spoken by that creature, using a language (even should it change languages) will be understood by the caster as if the creature had spoken the words in Common. Again, meaning is not necessarily given and while the caster can understand the words spoke by the target, the caster cannot answer in a language they cannot speak.

Limitations

• • The caster cannot speak or write any language they do not already know as a result of this spell.

  • If cast on a large surface, the spell will be limited to a 10-ft. by 10-ft. area. Otherwise, the spell is limited to one single contiguous object (a single book or scroll).

  • Written material can be read at the rate of one page (250 words) per round. 

  • Magical writing cannot be read, though the spell reveals that it is magical.

  • This spell can be foiled by magic used to obfuscate text (e.g. confuse languages or illusionary script). 

  • The spell does not reveal messages (or intent) concealed in otherwise normal text.

Material Components. One pinch of soot and a few grains of salt. The components are consumed in the casting of the spell. Cost/Scarcity. Free/common.

Known Additions/Substitutions. None.