As per the title - I’m currently making a kirin tor cosplay tome and had a jolt of inspiration to include some post it note style scribbles on the interior. It would have two effects - firstly, to add a bit of personality to the book in question and secondly, to cover up any rough seam lines or other imperfections during the crafting process. >_>
A doodle of a murloc, mages love murlocs.
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Most likely notes on various magical formula, reminders of things to study further, references to where bits of information could be found in a greater library. Basically, the kind of notes one would expect a student might keep in their books today.
Though depending on the personality involved, I could imagine there being personal details of rivals, observations on relationship dynamics among peers. That sort of thing. You never know when blackmail might be the difference between a B and an A.
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Maybe some footnotes related to a spell. Like it could say : “spell only works between 4pm and 9pm on even Calendar days according to the Kirin Tor Calendar - see page 98 if the spell is needed at other times”
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Arcane is a rune based system of magic right? I’d imagine for that at least diagrams of spells and their functions would be in there.
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I’d like to think some notes about failed spellcasting and the effects might be appropriate.
Note to Self: Do NOT modify polymorph to target the self in an attempt to transform into a bird and fly. It took me three months to stop growing feathers.
Do NOT attempt to use conjuration to create a key to a magical lock. If not for the Light, I might have only four fingers left…
Hold a pinch of sand while casting Slow. Effectiveness of the spell seems improved, although attempts to measure this improvement have yielded inconsequential data. Still, I’m sure it helps…
When using a Scrying spell, observe the outside of a building BEFORE the inside. The Kirin Tor Board of Ethics nearly revoked my license after what my classmates witnessed the last time I ignored this during practical classes.
Conjured Pudding is good, Conjured Gelatin is bad. Conjured muffins are good on Tuesdays. DO NOT CONJURE CAKE!
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A Pathfinder example…
Apprentice Chapbook of Rul Thaven (Spellbook, Level 2 Diviner)
Source Ultimate Magic pg. 121
This slim book is carefully but amateurishly bound, with leather stretched tight across thin boards. The writing inside is fussy and crammed together, with words that are occasionally illegible. Eight of its pages contain spells; the final 10 pages are blank. A portrait of a plain woman, unsmiling, has been bound into the inside front cover.
Opposition Illusion, transmutation
Value 195 gp ( gp with the preparation ritual)
Spells
1st—comprehend languages S, detect secret doors S, detect undead S, identify S, protection from evil, protection from law, summon monster I, true strike S|
Journeyman Book of Rul Thaven (Spellbook, Level 9 Diviner)
Source Ultimate Magic pg. 123
This medium-sized book has a creased spine and supple gray leather covers. The leather has rubbed away in certain spots, tiny pinhole burns pock the surface, and a brass lock holds the book shut. A woman’s portrait has been bound into the front cover, and text covers almost all of the image except her face: text in circles, with arrows pointing to new circles with suppositions. Underneath the woman’s chin are the words “Diabolist sacrifice?”
Opposition Illusion, transmutation
Protection Average lock (DC 25), and the 5th-level spells are hidden with secret page. The special word is “reveal.”
Value 2,195 gp (3,320 gp with the preparation ritual)
Spells
5th—contact other plane S, major creation, telepathic bond S,
4th—detect scrying S, locate creature S, remove curse, scrying S
3rd—arcane sight S, clairaudience/clairvoyance S, secret page OP, tongues S
2nd—detect thoughts S, flaming sphere, locate object S, resist energy, see invisibility S, summon monster II
1st—cause fear, comprehend languages S, detect secret doors S, detect undead S, disguise self OP, identify S, protection from evil, protection from law, true strike S
Ritual
Eyes of Rul Thaven (Su) You use a trick perfected by Rul Thaven to ferret out invisible creatures. Spend this boon’s effect as a swift action. You gain the effects of see invisibility for 1 round.
Master Books of Rul Thaven (Spellbook, Level 17 Diviner)
Source Ultimate Magic pg. 126
This trio of books is bound in leather as black as a starless night, clasped together with gleaming silver. The pages are filled with notes and errata. The handwriting becomes more hurried toward the end of the trilogy, and the final page says, “I have found her!”
Opposition Illusion, transmutation
Protection Each book features a superior lock (DC 40); secret page hides the 9th- and 7th-level spells, and the first book is warded with explosive runes (Reflex DC 17).
Value 12,725 gp (16,550 gp with the preparation ritual)
Spells
9th—foresightS, freedom
8th—demand, discern location S, greater prying eyes S, trap the soul
7th—instant summons, greater arcane sight S, greater scrying S, plane shift , vision S
6th—analyze dweomerS, greater dispel magic , guards and wards , legend lore S, repulsion , true seeing S
5th—contact other planeS, major creation , secret chest , sending , telepathic bond S, planar adaptation OP
4th—bestow curse, dimensional anchor , lesser geas , lesser globe of invulnerability , locate creature S, remove curse , secure shelter , share senses S
3rd—arcane sightS, blood biography S, clairaudience/clairvoyance S, explosive runes , secret page OP, seek senses S, tongues S
2nd—continual flame, detect thoughts S, flaming sphere , hold person , locate object S, resist energy , see invisibility S, summon monster II
1st—cause fear, comprehend languages S, detect secret doors S, detect undead S, disguise self OP, identify S, protection from evil , protection from law , true strike S
Ritual
Improved Eyes of Rul Thaven (Su) This improved boon allows you to see invisible creatures. You can activate the boon’s effect as a swift action to gain the effects of see invisibility for up to 10 rounds. The rounds need not be consecutive, but you must spend a swift action each time you activate the boon’s effect. The boon’s effect is only spent when all 10 rounds of see invisibility are used up, or the next time you prepare wizard spells.
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A Forsaken Apothecary in Darkshore doodles skulls and lightning bolts over his field notes.
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Thanks for the suggestions! I’m currently up to designing the notes but heres my WIP -
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That is super cool. Well done.
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Remember to point the wand away from you.
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That looks so great! Maybe you can bring it to the next Blizzcon!
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Thanks! Being Australian with 2 young kids blizzcon won’t be a thing for quite a while - gives me time to improve my craft. 
“Frost nova THEN blink”
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The magic tome is complete
I went with a arcane/runic scroll down the middle and some maps/official art sketches as i didnt want to step on the toes of other creatives. My son wants me to make him an alchemy tome next which i think will use some of the sillier ideas from this thread!
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