Illusory Script

Illusory Script

1st-level illusion
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Components: V, S, M (a lead-based ink pen)
Duration: 10 days


Illusory Script is an illusion spell that weaves a veil of deception over the written word, allowing the caster to conceal the true message within a seemingly innocuous script. This spell is a dance of shadow and meaning, a crafty intertwining of reality and illusion within the realm of text. As the caster's pen, laden with lead-based ink, dances across the parchment, it leaves behind words that are more than they seem, visible only to those for whom the message is intended.

Upon casting Illusory Script, you write a message of any length on a surface, such as a piece of parchment, a page in a book, or a wall. To all but the intended recipient(s), whom you specify while casting the spell, the writing appears as an ordinary, unremarkable script. It could look like a mundane letter, an everyday list, or a simple note, depending on your design.

However, to those you have named, the true message reveals itself. The illusory script peels away in their eyes, unveiling the hidden words beneath. This script can be as complex or as straightforward as you wish, containing information, instructions, or secrets meant only for specific individuals.

Illusory Script is a favored tool of spies, diplomats, and secret societies, where the need for secure communication is paramount. It allows for sensitive information to be passed in plain sight without fear of interception or prying eyes. The spell is also popular among those who wish to keep their written thoughts private, such as diarists or researchers guarding their discoveries.

The spell lasts for ten days, during which the true message remains hidden from all but the intended readers. After this period, the writing fades and the magic dissipates, leaving behind no trace of the secret script.

Classes: Bard, Wizard, Warlock
Source: Custom Creation


Illusory Script is more than a mere method of concealment; it is a testament to the power of perception and the art of hidden truths. It speaks to the duality of knowledge and the importance of context, where one message can hold multiple meanings depending on who is reading it. In its casting, one finds a reflection of the complexities of communication and the subtleties of secrecy. The spell weaves a narrative of intrigue and mystery, reminding us that sometimes the most profound secrets are hidden in plain sight, whispered between the lines of an unassuming script.