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BOOK: Manual Of Methods

The Manual Of Methods appears as a tattered journal of bleached parchment and handwritten notes collected between two glossy black leather covers. It is a compilation of notes and case files compiled by Daclaud Heinfroth, detailing his use of arcane methods in treating the insane. Few of these 'treatments,' however, could even remotely be considered humane or ethical.

The majority of the observations refer to the results of cruel medical procedures, gory dissections of living brains, and the blatant gas lighting of defenseless patients. The arcane formulae scattered haphazardly throughout seem to be merely secondary instruments of Heinfroth's research.

Spells contained within the book are:-

Bard Spell
3rd-Level Bard Spell
  • Depression:  Enemies around you become fatigued and take penalties to Will Saves.
 Druid Spell
7th-Level Druid Spell
  • Submersion  Treatment: A column of water paralyzes and possibly drowns one target.
 Sorcerer/Wizard Spells
2nd-Level Sorcerer/Wizard Spell
  • Shock Treatment: A jolt of electricity damages and potentially stuns an opponent.
3rd-Level Sorcerer/Wizard Spell
  • Depression:  Enemies around you become fatigued and take penalties to Will Saves.
5th-Level Sorcerer/Wizard Spells
  • Lobotomize:  You cause a target to forget how to use specific feats, skills, or spells.
  • Transfusion: You damage one of a target's ability scores to increase your own.
7th-Level Sorcerer/Wizard Spell
  • Submersion Treatment: A column of water paralyzes and potentially drowns one target.

Manual Of Methods (illustration by Michael Kaluta)


Prerequisite: Craft Wondrous Item, access to Schools: Evocation, Necromancy, and Transmutation.

Aura: None

Caster Level: 3rd-7th (Bard, Druid, Sorcerer/Wizard)

Market Price: 2,500gp

Cost to Create:

AC: Variable (depending on spellbook size)

Hit Points: Variable (depending on spellbook size)

Hardness: Variable (depending on spellbook size)

Break DC: Variable (depending on spellbook size)

Weight: 1 lbs.


Based on an entry in Dragon Magazine #339 January 2006