This is my first attempt at creating a custom magic item. The characters were lacking vital knowledge skills, so I am handing them a few of these items if they can find them.
The way I priced it was using magic item creation rules, Skill Bonus (1^2)x100. Then multiply by 2 for No Space Limitation, 200gp. Add on the single use of Hold Person (but with diminished effect), 200+300 = 500gp.
Is it balanced? Too complex? Too cheap? Out of line with the setting information about Abadar and his church?
Abadarian Intensive Teaching Tome
Aura weak divination, transmutation and enchantment; CL 3rd
Slot -; Price 500gp; Weight 5 lb
Description
This thick, clasped tome has a variety of beneficial and runes bordering the cover and every page. The clasp has a lock and a gold plated key shaped like Abadar’s symbol is embedded on the cover. The book is filled with small text and diagrams of condensed study material on a specific topic (one knowledge skill chosen by GM).
A character who reads the book for 1 hour must make a Will save (DC 11 plus one for every 4 consecutive hours of reading, negates) or become completely rapt in learning and thought. This study is to the exclusion of all else, even biological needs including but not limited to eating, drinking and sleeping, and also to damage until unconscious. The character is considered cowering and fascinated(except for purposes of breaking fascination through mundane means) but not helpless.
After 48 hours total of reading the book, the reader receives a rank in the prescribed knowledge skill, if they had no ranks in it before. The spell effect ends and the Tome loses its ability and becomes an ordinary textbook on the topic worth 20 gp.
Construction Requirements
Craft Wondrous Item, Guidance, Hold Person; Cost 250gp
Priests of Abadar sometimes craft these readily enchantable books when they must teach a student quickly before an important quest or simply when they become impatient. Students open their minds and subject themselves to the arduous ritual and are never forced within the church. On occasion a small study is used for multiple students under the eye of a church guard. Very few copies make it out of the church but the goods aren't considered dangerous enough to pursue on charges greater than petty theft.