Spellbook

A spellbook is a leather-bound tome containing the magical formulas (not the power itself) needed to cast wizard spells. It represents years of research and study.

Starting Spellbook Contents:

• 6 wizard spells of your choice (1st level)
• These represent the fruits of your apprenticeship
• Choose carefully - these define your early playstyle

The Spellbook Is Not Magical:

• It's just a book with formulas written in it
• The wizard provides the magical power
• If lost or destroyed, you lose access to those spells (until copied from another source)
• This is why smart wizards make backup copies!

Free Spells on Level Up:

• Gain 2 wizard spells of your choice each level
• Must be of a level you can cast
• No gold cost - represents independent research
• This is the primary way to expand your spellbook

Copying from Scrolls or Other Spellbooks:

• Find a spell scroll or another wizard's spellbook
• Spend 2 hours per spell level copying it
• Spend 50 gp per spell level on inks and materials
• Make no check - copying always succeeds if you meet the level requirement
• The scroll is consumed in the process
• Another wizard's book is not consumed

Daily Preparation:

• After a long rest, choose which spells to prepare
• Number of prepared spells = Intelligence modifier + wizard level
• Prepared spells must be in your spellbook
• You can change your prepared list each day

Why This Matters:

• Your spellbook might have 50 spells
• But you can only prepare 15-20 at a time
• Choose based on what you expect to face
• Versatility is the wizard's strength

Spells Always Prepared (Sort Of):

• Cantrips are always "prepared" (you know them)
• Ritual spells can be cast unprepared (if you have the book)
• This makes ritual spells extra valuable for wizards

Backup Copies:

• Copying from your own spellbook costs 1 hour and 10 gp per spell level
• Half the time and cost of copying from other sources
• Smart wizards keep a backup in a safe location
• Some leave copies with their former master or a trusted ally

Physical Protection:

• Keep it in a waterproof container
• Consider fire-resistant materials
• A Bag of Holding protects against most environmental damage
• Never let it out of your sight in dangerous territory

Magical Protection:

• Some DMs allow magical protections (traps, locks)
• Illusory Script can hide the contents
• Arcane Lock on a carrying case
• Nystul's Magic Aura to hide its magical nature