Comprehend Languages
(Alteration)
Reversible [[Confuse Languages]]
**Level:** 1
**Components:** V, S, M
**Range:** Touch
**Casting Time:** 1 round
**Duration:** 5 rounds/level
**Saving Throw:** None
**Area of Effect:** One written object or speaking creature
Explanation/Description: When this spell is cast, the magic-user is able to read an otherwise incomprehensible written message such as a treasure map (but not a magical writing, other than to know it is "magic") or understand the language of a speaking creature. In either case, the magic-user must touch the object to be read or the creature to be understood, and the spell does not enable the spell caster to write or speak the language. The material components of this spell are a pinch of soot and a few grains of salt. The reverse, [[Confuse Languages]] confuse languages, prevents comprehension or cancels a comprehend languages spell.
Notes: Common spell (PHB).
Scroll Creation:
- 1 ounce [giant squid](https://1eonline.info/1mm/squid.giant.htm) sepia
- 1 fresh tongue (from any mammal)
- 1 medium sard (onyx), or powdered sard of equivalent amount
- the brain of a [sage](https://1eonline.info/3dmg/sage.htm) (see note below)
The sard should be crushed into powder
if it is not already in that form. The
brain should be placed in a crucible and
boiled, while the preparer sprinkles the
powdered sard into the fluid thus produced.
The tongue (and any parts of the
brain not reduced to liquid) should be
put whole into the heart of afire, perhaps
suspended in a metal pot or otherwise
contained — the ashes of those ingredients
must be kept separate from the
ashes of the fire’s fuel — and when the
fire burns down, the ashes should be
stirred into the fluid first obtained. Allow
this mixture to stand for 13 hours, and
then pour it into a flask containing the
sepia. Place the flask over a fire and
bring the mixture slowly to a boil — do
not stir. When the vapor given off darkens
from red to black, take the flask away
from the heat and seal the contents from
the air until use.
Note: Some users of the book report
that the brain of any intelligent creature
which uses and understands languages
may be used with success. - [The Book of the Silver Talon](https://1eonline.info/fr0/bookofthesilvertalon.htm)