Index of Alexandria

There are four copies of this large, leather-bound, illuminated tome believed to exist (although rumors perpetually circulate about more). They represent the life’s work of a monk identified only as Ranald de St. Augustine (exactly which site named for St. Augustine remains unclear). They are Latin translations of a series of Greek scrolls attributed to Aristarchus of Samothrace —the last known librarian of the Great Library of Alexandria —that purport to be a complete index to the 40,000 volumes housed in that legendary temple to knowledge.

Reading the Indextakes 40 days (which do not have to occur in a row). At the end of each day, the reader must make a Decipher Script check (DC 30) or that day’s effort is lost.

Upon completing the book, the reader gains +4 Intelligence, +2 Wisdom, and a +3 insight bonus on all Knowledge (arcane lore, art, civics, earth and life sciences, history, physical sciences, tactics, or theology and philosophy) checks.

After completely reading the book, a person may return to the volume to try to glean specific information or insight on matters of ancient history, languages and translation, various sciences, theology, and philosophy. (It is up to the GM to decide whether or not a specific subject falls into one or more of these categories.) This requires 2d6 hours and a successful Research check (DC 25).

*Type:*Artifact (magic); Caster Level:—; *Purchase DC:*60; *Weight:*30 lb.