Doctrina Oratoris Mortuorum

The Doctrina Oratoris Mortuorum is a large, folio-sized manuscript on vellum in a cursive hand, with full page illuminations before each chapter, small illuminations interspersed within the chapters, and sections distinguished by colored capitals. Based on the hand and illumination styles, the manuscript is dated to about 1300 CE.
The text, however, is much earlier: it references the Visigothic invasions and claims the Roman Emperor Theodosius as its patron, and therefore must be dated to before 395 CE. The preface to the Doctrina Oratoris Mortuorum states that the Emperor Theodosius, considering that so many of his soldiers and advisors with The Talent were being slaughtered by the Visigoths, worried that those with extraordinary natural magical abilities might be wiped out and commissioned them to write guides for those who would come after, in case no mentors survived to train them. Although Emperor Theodosius commissioned dozens of guidebooks for the many natural magical abilities, most copies did not survive the Germanic invasions, the Middle Ages, and the censorship of the Protestant era.
The Doctrina Oratoris Mortuorum specifically deals with those who have Deathsense, the ability to see, hear, and even channel the abilities of the Dead. The book details strategies for controlling, using, and surviving the ability. It also has instructions for protecting oneself and managing contact with the Dead. The final chapters contain information about contacting Eternal Spirits, such as angels, demons, djinni, ifriti, and genii locorum, safely.

Rarity

Extremely rare. The copy of the Doctrina at St. Augustine's School for the Talented may be the only one left in existence. It is possible, however, that other copies exist in private libraries.
Several national and university libraries have copies of Emperor Theodosius's other guidebooks, however. Some of these are in the process of being digitized.

Weight

40 pounds

Dimensions

12 inches wide by 18 inches high by 6 inches thick