Spell: Studied Divination

Studied Divination is a spell that allows the caster to gain insight into future events. It is especially useful for the DM to introduce a threat that the players must eventually face, as it gives vague warnings about a future threat.

"Studied Divination"
Divination
Level: Clr 3, 6 and 9, Drd 3, 6 and 9, Sor/Wiz 3, 6 and 9.
Components: V, S, M/DF, F
Casting Time: 1 month of 2 hrs/day
Range: See text
Effect self
Duration: instantaneous
Saving Throw: Will negates (harmless)
Spell Resistance: no

This spell allows the caster, through long and careful study, to gain portents regarding developing or distant events. Through the careful study of the stars, throwing of yarrow sticks, the study of sacrificial entrails, drawing of runes, the study of cards, throwing of bones, entering sacred trances, or some similar activity, the caster may be able to gain knowledge of important events that are of interest to him. As a secondary effect, the caster may know weather certain mundane events will come to weal or woe, such as the prosperity of a wedding, weather the establishment of a certain field will be fruitful or other similar mundane events.

The knowledge so divined is limited to vague portents, easily misunderstood. At 3rd level it is limited to knowledge regarding a single town or county not more then one month in the future. At 6th level it can relate to a kingdom for a year, and at 9th can regard a world for a decade. Information and prophecy gained can be misunderstood, and is not necessarily foolproof (the future is not set), or can be self-fulfilling (aka, you can't escape fate). The specific information given is left to the discretion of the DM.

The casting of this spell requires it's preparation and casting every day for a month. The casting itself requires a quiet place of study where the caster may examine the signs for the required two hours, the divination objects themselves (which cost 500, 5,000, and 50,000gp at the respective levels), and a successful knowledge arcana, nature or religion check at the end of the casting (DC 15, 25, and 35, respectively). This check is made in secret by the dungeon master. Failure represents a confused or unclear interpretation of events.