[Cosmos] Item - Spell Disk

Spell Disk
Wondrous item, technomancy, rarity varies

A spell disk is a data disk that stores magic data in technomantic weave form. It functions identically to a spell scroll save for the following exceptions.

A spell stored on a spell disk can only be identified and cast using certain technomantic devices (such as a special holopad or spellreader). It can be also be used as the prepared spell for a glyph of warding spell cast from a technomantic spellcasting focus, provided it meets the requirements. After a spell is cast from the disk, the disk’s nonmagical material remains and can be used in the creation of another spell disk.

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Failsafe Variant. Programs (or limited artificial intellects) can also be stored on a spell disk along with a spell, designed to trigger malicious code when a creature attempts to cast the stored spell without proper permissions. When this occurs, the spell isn't cast and the disk produces a different effect. The effects of the failsafe program are up to the GM; common effects include creating a localized blackout, emitting a minute-long siren heard up to 300 feet away, or dealing 1d8 force damage to the caster per level of the stored spell.

Similar to cursed items, an identify or read disk* spell cannot identify a spell disk's failsafe program. Instead, a failsafe program must be identified by a creature that succeeds on an Intelligence (Arcana or Investigation) check against a DC equal to 10 + the level of the stored spell. A creature that succeeds on the check by 5 or more also learns the form of access, such as a passcode or a separate key device.

*See Cosmos 3 - Spells.

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DESIGN COMMENTARY

This item is meant to be a futuristic/cyberpunk version of a spell scroll (it would be weird to have scrolls in a world that no longer needs paper). However, it wouldn't do to just make it identical to a spell scroll, so it has a couple restrictions, benefits, and a variant.

The extra benefit allows it to be identified even if the spell on the disk isn't in your class spell list (the original spell scroll rules limits its legibility by spell list) and can be used as part of a glyph of warding spell, only if your focus is a technomantic device. You still need a device to cast the spell. The technomantic device is immediately available to Technoweaver wizards and the upcoming Artificial Intellect warlock, and I'll probably make some version of them available as a basic item.

The failsafe variant is the more interesting part. It's basically a different form of a trap for the spell disk, recalling the computer viruses, trojans, and worms. I didn't include this suggestion in the item, but it can definitely break your holopad, especially if it's a basic item. Be careful what you plug into your computer!