Hallucinatory Script

You write on parchment, paper, or some other suitable writing material and imbue it with a potent illusion that lasts for the duration.

To you and any creatures you designate when you cast the spell, the writing appears normal, written in your hand, and conveys whatever meaning you intended when you wrote the text. To all others, the writing appears as if it were written in an unknown or magical script that is unintelligible. Alternatively, you can cause the writing to appear to be an entirely different message to anyone who attempts to read it. You can also cause the writing to appear in a different hand or language, though the language must be one you know.

If a creature chooses to attempt to see the original message, they must pass an investigation check of DC 5 + your spell save DC. If they fail this check, then they continue to see the illusory message and can attempt to read the original message again after a long rest. Upon a successful check, the true message is revealed, and all text (illusory and otherwise) disappears from the page for any other observer. The creature cannot disclose the true meaning of the message to anyone, any time they try, a different message escapes their lips. They may take 1 minute to focus themselves, at the end of which they may make a Wisdom check DC 5 + your spell save DC. If they succeed, then they can disclose the true message for the next minute, after which time they must attempt to refocus before disclosing the message again.

Before casting this spell, the caster may mix crushed gems in increments of 75 gp into the ink over the course of 1 hour per 75 gp used. If they do so, then an unsuccessful investigation check to discern the true message of the Hallucinatory Script will result in the parchment (or other writing material) to explode with a damage type depending on the gems used. For each 75 gp worth of gems used, the explosion deals 3d6 damage to everyone within 5 feet of the parchment, and the parchment is destroyed.

Effect

You write on parchment, paper, or some other suitable writing material and imbue it with a potent illusion that lasts for the duration.
To you and any creatures you designate when you cast the spell, the writing appears normal, written in your hand, and conveys whatever meaning you intended when you wrote the text. To all others, the writing appears as if it were written in an unknown or magical script that is unintelligible. Alternatively, you can cause the writing to appear to be an entirely different message to anyone who attempts to read it. You can also cause the writing to appear in a different hand or language, though the language must be one you know.
If a creature chooses to attempt to see the original message, they must pass an investigation check against your spell save DC. If they fail this check, then they continue to see the illusory message and can attempt to read the original message again after a long rest. Upon a successful check, the true message is revealed, and all text (illusory and otherwise) disappears from the page for any other observer. The creature cannot disclose the true meaning of the message to anyone. Any time they try, a different message escapes their lips. They may take 1 minute to focus themselves, at the end of which they may make a Wisdom check against your spell save DC. If they succeed, then they can disclose the true message for the next minute, after which time they must attempt to refocus before disclosing the message again.

Side/Secondary Effects

Before casting this spell, the caster may mix crushed gems in increments of 75 gp into the ink over the course of 1 hour per 75 gp used. If they do so, then an unsuccessful investigation check to discern the true message of the Hallucinatory Script will result in the parchment (or other writing material) to explode with a damage type depending on the gems used. For each 75 gp worth of gems used, the explosion deals 3d6 damage to everyone within 5 feet of the parchment, and the parchment is destroyed.

Damage Type

• Diamonds: Force
• Rubies: Fire
• Sapphires: Cold

Material Components

The spell requires mercury-based ink worth at least 25 gp, which the spell consumes.

Related School

Illusion

Effect Duration

Until Dispelled

Effect Casting Time

10 minutes

Range

Touch

Level

3