Vacuous Grimoire

This appears as a typical magical tome, perhaps even a spell book.

Any creature that reads even a single word of writing contained in this cursed book, must make a save vs. Wand or suffer 1 point of Intelligence drain (save negates Intelligence drain) and another save vs. Wand or suffer 2 points of Wisdom drain (save negates Wisdom drain). Even if both saves are successful, the reader is cursed as described below (no save), even lying to retain possession of the book. If the curse is lifted, the book may be burned.

If this book is left in an area with other books, the curse effect will cause the book to trade places and appearance with another book in the area.

If an identify effect (or single wish-type effect) is used on the book, it will appear to be a book that affects ability scores.

MAGICAL BOOKS, MANUALS, OR TOMES

• All detect as magical with a strong aura of alteration.

• A successful identify spell (or the bard ability) can be used to understand the general nature of the work: It is meant for a particular class (ex. mages, priests, etc.) or it affects a reader's ability scores (but not the exact score). Wish-type magic will also give the same information with automatic chances for success. In any case, alignment considerations cannot be determined. A legend lore effect is ineffective when used to determine the powers of non-unique magical tomes. All other methods to divine the contents of a magical book, manual, or tome will fail. If two wish-type magic effects are used in succession, a book's exact contents will be revealed.

• The writing in these items can be read by any creature that speaks a language (regardless of the specific language or the creature's ability to read).

• If designed for a particular class, a multi- or dual- class character is treated as if having the class granting the most beneficial result possible (from their existing set of classes).

• Once a book is used and it's powers pass into the reader, the book disintegrates and cannot be used again.

• If a book delivers only a negative to a reader, that reader is cursed and becomes the item's host as per the rules for minor cursed items.