When this spell is cast, the wizard is able to understand the spoken words of
a creature or read an otherwise incomprehensible written message (such as
writing in another language). In either case, the wizard must touch the creature or
the writing. Note that the ability to read does not necessarily impart
understanding of the material, nor does the spell enable the caster to speak or write
an unknown language. Written material can be read at the rate of one page or
equivalent per round. Magical writing cannot be read, other than to know it is
magical, but the spell is often useful when deciphering treasure maps. This spell
can be foiled by certain warding magic (the 3rd-level secret page and illusionary script spells), and it does not reveal messages concealed in otherwise normal text.
The material components of this spell are a pinch of soot and a few grains of
salt.
The reverse of this spell, confuse languages, cancels a comprehend languages spell or renders a writing or a creature's speech incomprehensible, for the
same duration as above.
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