Tomes of Absolute Knowledge

The Tomes of Absolute Knowledge are part of an elusive set of ten ancient volumes, each imbued with the power to answer any ten questions posed by their possessor. These tomes are renowned and coveted throughout the planes, and those fortunate enough to discover one must make a difficult choice: preserve their questions, using them only in the most dire of circumstances, or spend them all at once, grasping at the promise of knowledge. Once all ten questions have been asked, a tome falls dormant, its arcane essence fading entirely for a century. After this period, the book reawakens and teleports to a new, random location across the multiverse, eluding those who would hoard it forever. As of the current age, three of these tomes still retain the ability to answer questions, their locations a mystery to all but the most tenacious seekers.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

The Tome appears as a weighty ledger bound in ancient wood, lacking any title on its spine. Its cover bears the carving of a wooden mouth, and when opened, the pages appear filled with minuscule, nearly unreadable script. After a moment, the tome will animate, intoning: “I am one of the Tomes of Absolute Knowledge. I have the power to answer (1d10 - 1, rerolling 1s) questions before the magic fades from my pages. Ask.” The tome answers any questions posed to it with precision and candor, so long as it remains within its ten-question limit. For example:

• "Did this book just speak?" — "Yes, I have the ability to speak."
• "What is the true name of the Summer Queen?" — "Her true name is Tiandra."

History

The origin of the Tomes of Absolute Knowledge is shrouded in mystery. Scholars and sages agree only that their creator must have been an entity of unfathomable power, one who understood secrets beyond even the gods. The tomes’ purpose remains unknown, as does any indication of their intended user. Today, the tomes are regarded as some of the most elusive artifacts in existence, as they continue their unpredictable journeys across the realms, resurfacing only when the century of dormancy has passed and new questions beckon.

Item type

Book / Document

Creation Date

Unknown

Rarity

Legendary Artifact

Weight

2lbs