| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
12074 Posts |
 Posted - 02 Aug 2006 : 02:46:32
|
I was thinking about this one the way home. Its a simple concept, but its one I can see being EXTREMELY popular for communications in the realms. The basic idea is spells that get cast on documents that make them unreadable after they are read once.
The first idea would be a spell that duplicates what happens to a scroll without releasing a magical effect. The person reads the message and the letters disappear. I see this being a 0-lvl spell affecting say 1 sheet of paper per caster level (thus if several short messages were put on a single sheet they could be sliced, even a low level wizard could produce several a day for their liege).
The second idea would be a spell that implants the memory of what is read into the person's mind in addition to the previous effect. Thus, just in case they need to review what was written, they can look at the sheet of paper and "recall" it. Anyone else that looks at the paper of course sees nothing.
This produce any other ideas in anyone's head? For basic messages, I can see this being very popular. I mean, sendings should be extreme issues (what court mage totes more than one sending), and the message spell / whispering wind has some distance issues (and again, what court mage carries more than say 2 of these). For the common lord or even the captain of the guard this would seem to be a plausible method of information delivery.
|
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
|
|
George Krashos
Master of Realmslore
Australia
6680 Posts |
Posted - 02 Aug 2006 : 03:48:00
|
Sounds like something the clergy of Deneir or Oghma would have a hand in methinks. In both cases, they might have 'secret' magic that retains or recalls the communications - for their eyes only.
Which reminds me about a draft article that Eric had a while ago. Have to ping him ...
-- George Krashos
|
"Because only we, contrary to the barbarians, never count the enemy in battle." -- Aeschylus |
 |
|
|
sleyvas
Skilled Spell Strategist
USA
12074 Posts |
Posted - 02 Aug 2006 : 04:02:21
|
<<Sounds like something the clergy of Deneir or Oghma would have a <<hand in methinks. In both cases, they might have 'secret' magic <<that retains or recalls the communications - for their eyes only.
Yes, this is the kind of thing I see building from this. Perhaps a higher level version of the "hiding" spell would change what is revealed by these kinds of "revealing" spells (i.e. the 2nd level version). Of course, Deneirians would have some chance of discovering such falsehoods and might be able to discover the secret message within the false one. |
Alavairthae, may your skill prevail
Phillip aka Sleyvas |
|
|
|
Wandering_mage
Senior Scribe
688 Posts |
Posted - 02 Aug 2006 : 13:54:52
|
First off, yay for Red wizard icons! 
Secondly, I think that is a great idea but I would either make it a first level spell (based on the extremely useful nature of the spell) and I also think you might want to make a very rare 2nd level spell call "message recall" or "revealing words." This would be usable by Denier or Oghma allies/player characters to further a quest.
Player one: Why do we keep finding blank pieces of paper within 25 meters of the crime scene?
Player two: Maybe we are missing something?
DM: (Laughs!!!)
Just some advice. You have a great idea and you should post more later.  |
Illum
The Wandering Mage |
|
|
|
EvilKnight
Learned Scribe
USA
162 Posts |
Posted - 03 Aug 2006 : 00:09:21
|
I have used Illusory Script to great effect in my campaign. Only the person it is meant for can read it and it attaches a suggestion to those that try to read it (must burn it).
EvilKnight |
|
|
|
Jon Grey
Acolyte
USA
22 Posts |
Posted - 06 Aug 2006 : 02:37:59
|
Heh... An old wizard character I had devised a modified magic mouth spell in 2nd ed. that could carry with it the effects of any spell 3rd level or less; I suppose that sort of contingency might also incinerate the paper/parchment that it's on..
I love the idea for messages though.. (My wizard used to send singing fireballs) Very useful; very versatile.
|
Of all the people that have lied to me/
Bards tend to do it most beautifully. -Rehthan Cotheras, Harper |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
This Message will Self Destruct (the spell)
