Astrums Encode Thoughts
As I reflect on my time as an archivist, I am reminded of the development of one of my most useful spells, Encode Thoughts. In those days, I was responsible for the library and archives, overseeing the cataloging and organization of a vast collection of knowledge. However, even with the best organizational systems in place, memories are a fickle thing, and information can be lost or forgotten over time.
It was during this period that I began to experiment with ways to preserve memories in a tangible form. I wanted to create something that could be easily stored and retrieved, something that could be accessed at a moment's notice to jog the memory or provide a quick reference.
After many attempts, I finally hit upon the idea of transforming memories into a glowing energy strand that could be held and carried like a ribbon. This thought strand could then be placed in an unoccupied space and persist for hours, until it was needed once again.
The spell that I developed, Encode Thoughts, has proven to be incredibly useful in my work as an archivist and in my current role as the High Scribe of Hexorth. It has allowed me to easily store and retrieve memories and information, and has proven to be an invaluable tool for research and analysis.
As I continue to hone my skills in the arcane arts, I am grateful for the insights and inspirations that have come to me through my work in the field of arcane history and theory. And I am proud to have contributed a spell that has proven to be of great use to others who seek knowledge and understanding in this world.
~Astrum, High Scribe of Hexorth
The full text of Encode Thoughts can be found on D&D Beyond or in Guildmaster's Guide to Ravnica.
Manifestation¶
The visual effect of casting Encode Thoughts is subtle, as the spell does not create any flashy or dramatic displays of magical energy. However, as the caster puts their finger to their forehead and concentrates, a faint glow of Aetheric energy emanates from their fingertip and spreads to their head. The glow intensifies as the caster pulls the memory, idea, or message from their mind, coalescing into a small, glowing strand of energy that takes on a semisolid form. The thought strand is typically a few inches in length, and it glows softly, emitting a pale blue light that fades over time. Once the thought strand is created, it remains stationary in the air, hovering within 5 feet of the caster and waiting to be grasped by someone who wishes to receive the encoded memory, idea, or message.
Discovery¶
Astrum created the spell Encode Thoughts during her time as an archivist before she became the High Scribe of Hexorth. It was during this period that she realized the importance of preserving knowledge and memories, and recognized the potential of magic to help her in this task. With her expertise in arcane theory and history, she spent many long nights experimenting and researching to create a spell that could encode memories and ideas into a tangible form. It took her several months of trial and error before she was finally successful, and Encode Thoughts was born.
Gestures & Ritual To cast Encode Thoughts, the caster must perform a series of intricate gestures with one hand, while placing a finger from their other hand on their forehead. The gestures involve weaving the fingers and hands in a specific pattern, almost as if they are tying a knot in the air. As the gestures progress, the air around the caster begins to shimmer with a faint blue light, which coalesces into a ribbon-like strand of energy.
The movements of the hand and fingers are designed to channel the caster's Aetheric energy through their body, allowing it to be focused and directed towards their mind. The finger placed on the forehead is used to establish a mental connection between the caster's consciousness and the Aetheric energy they are manipulating. The resulting thought strand is a tangible manifestation of this energy, representing a specific idea, memory, or message that the caster wishes to preserve.
As the caster completes the gestures, the thought strand emerges from their fingertip and takes on a physical form, hovering in the air nearby. The caster can then store the thought strand or use it to share a memory or message with others. The intricate gestures and focus required to cast Encode Thoughts require significant mental and physical discipline, making it a spell that is most effective for those with a strong connection to the Aether and a deep understanding of their own mind.
Related Discipline Hexorth School of the Arcane
Related School Enchantment
Effect Duration 8 Hours
Effect Casting Time 1 Action
Range Self
Level Cantrip