Manual of Stratagems (Magic Book)

This is a medium-sized book, bound in seasoned leather for durability. A fighter, ranger, or paladin may consult it at any time to try to find a cunning ploy in any situation, with a chance of success equal to 80% minus 1d10% per use. Once the chance of success reaches zero, the book is useless to that reader. The book covers purely military tactics, not limited-scope adventurers' methods. It is meant for generals and captains and will only be of relevance in situations with at least 20 combatants on each side. Its effects can be simulated by allowing the commander to change one set of orders, or movements, retroactively during a battle—they know what will happen within one turn (10 minutes) after making a certain move, and can make the move over again to correct for any mistake or to take advantage of any opportunity. Therefore, a commander could thwart an ambush by retracting orders to move into a trap, but not to decide that an order for an unsuccessful attack wasn't given, several hours into the battle. If a character of any class other than a fighter uses this book, the character gains nothing but must save vs. spell at -2 or else become deluded for 1d4 hours into thinking they are a fighter, acting in all ways as a front-line combatant and refusing to use any spells.
Category:Magic Items
Category:Magic Books
Category:Encyclopedia Magica