Scroll of Nightmares (Patreon)

Scroll, rare

Using an action to read this dark scroll causes horrifying memories, fears, and regrets to violently invade the minds of up to 10 creatures of your choice that you can see within 60 feet of you. Each creature must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, a creature takes 5d10 psychic damage and becomes frightened of you for 1 minute or until it takes damage. On a successful save, a creature takes half as much psychic damage and isn't frightened. At the GM's discretion, non-sentient creatures, such as some constructs, oozes, plants, and undead, are immune to this effect.

Reading the scroll causes its script to flash and burn away as each word is spoken. Once the scroll has been used, it turns to ash and is destroyed, releasing a final wail as its magic is consumed.

You look, and all that meets you is a frail, stalking corpse: hands only just sure enough to hold a pen. You do not know the thought behind these eyes, the weight inside this mind, or the horror within the quill.

And, if you hold so tight to fear and hate, you will see why I am free, but my words are held back, rolled in chain.

—The first shade, He-Whose-Name-was-Lost