Write
(Evocation)
Level: 1
Range : 0
Duration: 1 hour/level
Area of Effect: One magical spell inscription
Components: V,S,M
Cast ing Time : 1 round
Saving Throw: Special

By means of this spell a magic-user might be able to inscribe a spell he cannot understand at the time (due to level or lack of sufficient Intelligence) into the tome or other compilation he employs to maintain a library of spells. The magic-user must make a saving throw versus magic to attempt the writing of any spell, +2 if it is only up to 1 level greater than he currently uses, 0 at 2 levels higher, and -1 per level from 3 levels higher onwards. If this saving throw fails, the magic-user is subject to 1d4 points of damage for every level of the spell he was attempting to transcribe into his magic book, and furthermore is knocked unconscious for a like number of turns. This damage, if not fatal, can only he healed at the rate of 1-4 points per day, as it is damage to psyche and body.

Furthermore, a spell will take 1 hour per level to transcribe in this fashion, and during this period, the magic-user is in a trance state and can always be surprised by any foe. In addition to the writing surface upon which the spell is to be transcribed, the spell caster needs a fine ink composed of rare substances (minimum cost 200 gp per bottle, if available at all without manufacture by the magic-user).