analytical congress

• School transmutation; Level 4
• Casting Time 40 minutes
• Components V, S, M (a spool of copper wire and incense worth 500 gp), SC (at least 2, up to 8)
• Skill Checks Diplomacy DC 31, 1 success; Perception DC 31, 2 successes; Sense Motive DC 31, 1 success
• Range touch
• Target(s) primary and secondary casters
• Duration 1 day (D)
• Saving Throw Will negates (harmless); SR yes (harmless)
• Backlash The primary caster and all secondary casters take 1 point of Dexterity and Strength damage.
• Failure The primary caster takes 2d6 points of Intelligence damage and Wisdom damage; all secondary casters take 1d6 points of Intelligence damage and of Wisdom damage.

Through a process of reaching mutual understanding and agreeing on a shared goal, the casters of this ritual are joined in the pursuit of knowledge. Each secondary caster holds on to a section of long copper wire, while the primary caster questions them. Only when assured of the purity of joint purpose among all casters does the primary caster permit the other casters to let go of the wire, successfully completing the ritual.

Failure by the primary caster to conduct this purpose-driven interrogation, or by the secondary casters to withstand it, can lead to severe mental trauma for all involved.

While devoting the remainder of the day to research and study, each caster can choose one of the following bonuses after the ritual’s completion.

• Decrease the time necessary to attempt an untrained Knowledge check by using a library (as per the Knowledge skill) to 1 hour.
• Gain a +5 insight bonus on all Knowledge checks of one type for the remainder of the day.
• While using a library or similar research resource, replace a required Knowledge check with a Perception check at a –5 penalty.
• Reroll any one Knowledge check attempted over the course of the day.