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{{hatnote|For using the tome, see the quests: [[Unlock the Ancient Tome]] and [[Destroy the Ancient Tome]]}}
{{MiscItemPage|<!-- See here for tips on how to use this template: https://bg3.wiki/wiki/Template:MiscItemPage -->
{{MiscItemPage|<!-- See here for tips on how to use this template: https://bg3.wiki/wiki/Template:MiscItemPage -->
| image = Book Thay A Image.png
| image = Book Thay A Image.png
| description = {{story|Necromancy of Thay}} is a [[Story Item|Story-related]] [[Books|Book]] related to the [[Search the Cellar]] [[Quest]]. {{SpoilerWarning}} <!-- This is the first text that will appear on the page. Briefly describe what the item is and what makes it noteworthy. -->
| controller icon = Book Thay A Unfaded.png
| icon = Book Thay A Item Icon.png
| description = {{story|Necromancy of Thay}} is a [[Story Item|Story-related]] [[Books|Book]] related to the [[Search the Cellar]] [[Quest]]. <!-- This is the first text that will appear on the page. Briefly describe what the item is and what makes it noteworthy. -->
| quote = It. Is. Not. Too. Late.
| quote = It. Is. Not. Too. Late.
| book text = <!-- The text of the book. Leave EMPTY for non-books - use "quote" parameter for all other item types. -->
| book text = <!-- The text of the book. Leave EMPTY for non-books - use "quote" parameter for all other item types. -->
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| effect = <!-- The effect(s) of the item when used or consumed. Leave EMPTY for non-consumable items. -->
| effect = <!-- The effect(s) of the item when used or consumed. Leave EMPTY for non-consumable items. -->
| where to find = <!-- Describe where and how to obtain the item. -->
| where to find = <!-- Describe where and how to obtain the item. -->
* In the [[Apothecary's Cellar]] beneath the [[Blighted Village]], behind a locked gate, on an altar.
In the [[Apothecary's Cellar]] beneath the [[Blighted Village]] (Wooden Hatch entrance at {{coords|34|379}}), behind a locked gate, on an altar. To access the hidden portion of the cellar containing the book, the party must reveal a secret area by pulling a lever hidden behind a box, then speak to the magic mirror and either pass an [[Intimidation|intimidate]] check or correctly answer its questions:
** To access the hidden portion of the cellar containing the book, you must move a wardrobe by pulling a lever hidden behind a box, then speak with the magic mirror and either [[Intimidation|intimidate]] it or correctly answer its questions:
* ''What think you of the Zulkir known as Szass Tam?'' 'Szass Tam is a foul, wretched creature.'
*** ''What think you of the Zulkir known as Szass Tam?'' 'Szass Tam is a foul, wretched creature.'
* ''Why might one use balsam ointment?'' 'To clean a wound.'
*** ''Why might one use balsam ointment?'' 'To clean a wound.'
** [[Ranger]]s have a special response that will also be regarded as correct.
*** ''If you could see anything in me, what would it be?'' 'I'd look for whatever spell will rid me of this worm in my head.'
* ''If you could see anything in me, what would it be?'' 'I'd look for whatever spell will rid me of this worm in my head.'
** The locked gate in front of the book can be [[Sleight of Hand|lockpicked]] as of release. The [[Rusted Key]] found on a shelf in the next room (near the lever that opens a shortcut back to the cellar entrance) can also be used to open the door. Alternatively, spells like [[File:Misty Step Icon.png|frameless|upright=0.1|link=Misty Step]] [[Misty Step]] can be used to bypass the gate.
** [[Warlock]]s, [[Bard]]s, and [[Sorcerer]]s have a special response to the third question that will also be regarded as correct.
** Note that taking the book will trigger a trap. To avoid this, you can enter turn-based mode and place an item of similar weight (like another book) on the pedestal, or simply [[Trap Disarm Toolkit|disarm]] the two nearby statues.
 
* To read the book, you must obtain the {{story|Dark Amethyst}} from the [[Whispering Depths]], which can be accessed from the well or the blacksmith's basement in the Blighted Village. The Amethyst is guarded by a [[Phase Spider Matriarch]]. {{coords|-550|-350}}
The locked gate in front of the book can be [[Sleight of Hand|lockpicked]]. The {{SmRarityItem|Rusted Key}} found on a shelf in the next room (near the lever that opens a shortcut back to the cellar entrance) can also be used to open the door. Alternatively, spells like {{SAI|Misty Step}} or {{SAI|Mage Hand}} can be used to bypass the gate.
* See [[#Notes and Trivia|Notes and Trivia]] for the possible paths that can be taken with this book.
 
}}
Taking the book will trigger a trap. To avoid this an item of similar weight (like another book) can be placed on the pedestal, or the trap can be disarmed after a perception check, or by disarming the two nearby statues.
 
To read the book, the {{RarityItem|Dark Amethyst}} must be obtained from the [[Whispering Depths]], which can be accessed from the well or the blacksmith's basement in the Blighted Village. The Amethyst is guarded by a [[Phase Spider Matriarch]]. {{coords|-550|-350}}
| notes = === Act One ===
The ''Necromancy of Thay'' has three main paths that can be chosen, each with different outcomes.
* '''Giving the book to''' {{CharLink|Astarion}}. Giving it to him will net approval from Astarion. Once he has obtained the book, it cannot be transferred to another [[Companion]] or the player character. <!-- verified -->
* '''Destroying the book.''' The book can be destroyed only by {{DamageType|Radiant}} damage. Destroying it will net disapproval from Astarion, but approval from {{CharLink|Karlach}}, {{CharLink|Lae'zel}}, and {{CharLink|Wyll}}. Destroying the book will spawn 3 hostile [[Shadow]]s.
* '''Using Knock.''' Using the [[Knock]] spell on the book will summon one [[Shadow]].
* '''Read the book for its dark secrets.''' Interact with the book and use the option to insert the {{SmRarityItem|Dark Amethyst}} to unlock it. In total, three pages of the book can be turned. Each page which is turned prompts a progressively harder [[Wisdom]] [[Saving Throw]] ([[Difficulty Class|DC]] 10, 15, and 20). The following possible events can occur:
** Failing one Saving Throw curses the reader with {{Cond|Whispers of Madness}} ({{Disadvantage}} on Wisdom [[Check]]s until cleansed by {{SAI|Remove Curse}}).
** Failing two or more Saving Throws curses the reader with {{Cond|Baleful Knowledge}} ({{Disadvantage}} on Wisdom [[Checks]] until cleansed by {{SAI|Remove Curse}}).
*** Some classes and some party members receive special options to modify or lower these DCs; all such special options result in the same overall outcomes.
**** [[Bard]]s may make Performance checks with DCs of 5, 10, and 15.
**** [[Sorcerer]]s may make Charisma checks with DCs of 5, 10, and 15.
**** [[Warlock]]s may make the first save using Charisma with a DC of 5.  The other pages will use the default Wisdom saves.
**** [[Wizard]]s may make the first save using Intelligence with a DC of 5. The other pages will use the default Wisdom saves.
**** [[Cleric]]s of dark/evil aligned gods like Talos, Gruumsh, or Lolth get a 10 DC wisdom ability check for the third page, instead of a 20 DC Wisdom saving throw. This includes {{CharLink|Shadowheart}}, as a Cleric of {{CharLink|Shar}}.
**** Astarion has a special option: ''Drink in the darkness, embracing it, and turn the page'' for turning the third page, offering a Wisdom ability check with a DC of 15 (in contrast to the 20 DC Wisdom saving throw).
** Turning at least one page permanently grants the reader {{SAI|Speak with Dead}}. This can be cast as a {{SmIconLink|Ritual Spell Icon.png|Spells#Ritual Spells|Ritual}} and does not consume a [[Spells#Spell_Slots|Spell Slot]].
** Turning three pages, regardless of success, grants the ''Forbidden Knowledge'' tag and {{Pass|Forbidden Knowledge}} passive feature.
** Closing the book before turning three pages leaves the {{Quest|Search the Cellar}} quest incomplete and allows the character to reopen the book again later.


== Notes and Trivia ==
Once the book has been opened by one party member, it will not open for any other party member. Once all three pages have been turned, the book will refuse to open again for anyone until more knowledge is gained later in Act Three. It will also no longer be possible to remove the book from the inventory of the reader.  
=== Act One ===
* The {{story|Necromancy of Thay}} has three main paths that can be chosen, each with different outcomes.
** '''Give to [[Gale]] for his condition or to [[Astarion]]'''. Giving it to one of these [[Companions]] will net you approval from the one you've given it to, and disapproval from the other. Once a companion has obtained the book, you cannot transfer it to another.
** '''Destroy the book.''' The book can be destroyed only by {{DamageType|Radiant}} damage. Destroying it will net you disapproval from both Astarion and Gale. However it will net you approval from [[Karlach]], [[Lae'zel]], and [[Wyll]] if you bring them in your party.
** '''Read the book for its dark secrets.''' Interact with the book and use the option to insert the {{story|Dark Amethyst}} to unlock it. In total, three pages of the book can be turned. Each page you turn prompts a progressively harder [[Wisdom]] [[Saving Throw]] ([[Difficulty Class|DC]] 10, 15, and 20). The following possible events can occur:
*** Failing one Saving Throw curses you with '''Whispers of Madness''' ({{Disadvantage}} on Wisdom [[Check]]s for 50 turns).
*** Failing two or more Saving Throws curses you with '''Baleful Knowledge''' ({{Disadvantage}} on Wisdom [[Checks]] until cleansed by {{SmallIcon|Remove Curse Icon.png}} [[Remove Curse]]).
**** Some classes receive special options to modify or lower these DCs: [[Sorcerer]]s may instead make Charisma saves with DCs of 5, 10, and 15. [[Bard]]s may make Performance checks with the same DCs. All such special options result in the same overall outcomes.
**** [[Shadowheart]] is given a special option (as a Cleric of Shar) for turning the third page, offering a Wisdom ability check with a DC of 10 (in contrast to the 20 DC Wisdom saving throw).
*** Turning at least one page permanently grants the reader {{SmIconLink|Speak with Dead Icon.png|Speak with Dead}}. This can be cast as a {{SmIconLink|Ritual Spell Icon.png|Spells#Ritual Spells|Ritual}} and does not consume a [[Spells#Spell_Slots|Spell Slot]].
*** Turning three pages, regardless of success, grants the ''Forbidden Knowledge'' tag and {{SmIconLink|Passive Feature Generic Icon.png|Forbidden Knowledge}} passive feature.
*** Closing the book before turning three pages leaves the [[Search the Cellar]] quest incomplete and allows the character to reopen the book again later.
* Once the book has been opened by one character, it will not open for any other character. Once all three pages have been turned, the book will refuse to open again for anyone until more knowledge is gained later in the game.
* After reading, the item quote will change from '' 'It. Is. Not. Too. Late.' '' to '' 'Look. Away.' ''


After placing the {{SmRarityItem|Dark Amethyst}} in the book's cover, the item quote will change from '' 'It. Is. Not. Too. Late.' '' to '' 'Look. Away.' ''
=== Act Three ===
=== Act Three ===
* With the help of [[Mystic Carrion]] in [[Philgraves' Mansion]] in the [[Lower City]], you can learn - for a 1500 gp fee - that in order to unlock the full potential of the book, you need to seek the [[The Tharchiate Codex]] somewhere within [[Sorcerous Sundries]]. This step is not necessary, but does help point you in the right direction.
With the help of {{CharLink|Gale}} and {{CharLink|Tolna Tome-Monger}} at [[Sorcerous Sundries]] in the [[Lower City]], it can be revealed that in order to unlock the full potential of the book, the {{SmRarityItem|The Tharchiate Codex}} somewhere in the vault of Sorcerous Sundries needs to be obtained. The help of {{CharLink|Mystic Carrion}} in [[Philgrave's Mansion]] - for a 1500 gp fee - reveals the same.
* [[The Tharchiate Codex]] is stored in the basement vault of [[Sorcerous Sundries]]. You can reach the vault in two different ways:
 
** By interacting with the Clasped Book in the bookshelf of [[Tolna Tome-Monger]]'s office upstairs and going through the portal, or
The ''Tharchiate Codex'' is stored in the basement vault of Sorcerous Sundries. The vault can be reached in two different ways:
** By using the Weave Button labelled 'Vault' on the middle level of [[Ramazith's Tower]].
* By interacting with the Clasped Book in the bookshelf of {{CharLink|Tolna Tome-Monger|Tolna Tome-Monger's}} office upstairs and going through the portal, or
* Within the vault, the Codex is located in the Elminster section. To unlock the Elminster door, you must first find the lever at the end of the Silverhand section by opening doors in this order: Silverhand, Evocation, Wish.
* By using the Weave Button labelled 'Vault' on the middle level of [[Ramazith's Tower]].
* After reading [[The Tharchiate Codex]], you can re-read {{story|Necromancy of Thay}} and pass a DC 20 Wisdom saving throw to gain the permanent ability to summon 4 ghouls via the {{SmIconLink|Danse Macabre Icon.png|Danse Macabre}} spell once per Short Rest. Failing this saving throw has the same effect as before: you're cursed with '''Baleful Knowledge''', but still gain the spell.
 
** Reading the Codex also grants you [[The Tharchiate Codex: Blessing]] passive feature, which allows you to automatically gain 20 temporary [[Hit Points]] after each [[Long Rest]].
Within the vault, the Codex is located in the Elminster section. To unlock the Elminster door, the party must first find the lever at the end of the Silverhand section by opening doors in this order: Silverhand, Evocation, Wish.
* Having the {{SmIconLink|Passive Feature Generic Icon.png|Forbidden Knowledge}} feature allows you to ''safely'' obtain another permanent bonus from the Mirror of Loss in the [[House of Grief]]; see [[Permanent Bonuses]] for more details.
 
{{ up to date | 2023-09-08 }} <!-- Date format is YEAR-MONTH-DAY, like 2023-08-07. -->
After reading the ''Tharchiate Codex'', the ''Necromancy of Thay'' can be re-read. After passing a DC 20 Wisdom saving throw the reader gains the permanent ability to summon 4 ghouls via the {{SAI|Danse Macabre}} spell once per Long Rest. Failing this saving throw has the same effect as before: the reader will be cursed with {{Cond|Baleful Knowledge}}, but still gains the spell.
 
Reading the Codex also grants the reader {{SAI|The Tharchiate Codex: Blessing}} passive feature, which lets the reader gain 20 temporary [[Hit Points]] after each [[Long Rest]].
 
Reading the ''Necromancy of Thay'' fully does not break [[Oath of the Ancients]], nor does using Danse Macabre.
 
Having the {{Pass|Forbidden Knowledge}} feature allows the reader to ''safely'' obtain another permanent bonus from the [[Mirror of Loss]] in the [[House of Grief]]; see [[Permanent Bonuses]] for more details.
}}
{{Inflicts|Baleful Knowledge|item}}
{{Inflicts|Whispers of Madness|item}}

Latest revision as of 19:15, 4 October 2024

For using the tome, see the quests: Unlock the Ancient Tome and Destroy the Ancient Tome
Necromancy of Thay image

Necromancy of Thay is a Story-related Book related to the Search the Cellar Quest.

Description Icon.png

It. Is. Not. Too. Late.

Properties

  • Books
  • Rarity: Story Item
  •  Weight: 0.5 kg / 1 lb
  • Price: 14 gp


Where to find

In the Apothecary's Cellar beneath the Blighted Village (Wooden Hatch entrance at X: 34 Y: 379), behind a locked gate, on an altar. To access the hidden portion of the cellar containing the book, the party must reveal a secret area by pulling a lever hidden behind a box, then speak to the magic mirror and either pass an intimidate check or correctly answer its questions:

  • What think you of the Zulkir known as Szass Tam? 'Szass Tam is a foul, wretched creature.'
  • Why might one use balsam ointment? 'To clean a wound.'
    • Rangers have a special response that will also be regarded as correct.
  • If you could see anything in me, what would it be? 'I'd look for whatever spell will rid me of this worm in my head.'
    • Warlocks, Bards, and Sorcerers have a special response to the third question that will also be regarded as correct.

The locked gate in front of the book can be lockpicked. The Rusted Key found on a shelf in the next room (near the lever that opens a shortcut back to the cellar entrance) can also be used to open the door. Alternatively, spells like Misty Step Misty Step or Mage Hand Mage Hand can be used to bypass the gate.

Taking the book will trigger a trap. To avoid this an item of similar weight (like another book) can be placed on the pedestal, or the trap can be disarmed after a perception check, or by disarming the two nearby statues.

To read the book, the Dark Amethyst must be obtained from the Whispering Depths, which can be accessed from the well or the blacksmith's basement in the Blighted Village. The Amethyst is guarded by a Phase Spider Matriarch. X: -550 Y: -350

Notes

Act One

The Necromancy of Thay has three main paths that can be chosen, each with different outcomes.

  • Giving the book to Astarion Astarion. Giving it to him will net approval from Astarion. Once he has obtained the book, it cannot be transferred to another Companion or the player character.
  • Destroying the book. The book can be destroyed only by Damage TypesRadiant damage. Destroying it will net disapproval from Astarion, but approval from Karlach Karlach, Lae'zel Lae'zel, and Wyll Wyll. Destroying the book will spawn 3 hostile Shadows.
  • Using Knock. Using the Knock spell on the book will summon one Shadow.
  • Read the book for its dark secrets. Interact with the book and use the option to insert the Dark Amethyst to unlock it. In total, three pages of the book can be turned. Each page which is turned prompts a progressively harder Wisdom Saving Throw (DC 10, 15, and 20). The following possible events can occur:
    • Failing one Saving Throw curses the reader with Whispers of Madness Whispers of Madness (Disadvantage Icon.png Disadvantage on Wisdom Checks until cleansed by Remove Curse Remove Curse).
    • Failing two or more Saving Throws curses the reader with Baleful Knowledge Baleful Knowledge (Disadvantage Icon.png Disadvantage on Wisdom Checks until cleansed by Remove Curse Remove Curse).
      • Some classes and some party members receive special options to modify or lower these DCs; all such special options result in the same overall outcomes.
        • Bards may make Performance checks with DCs of 5, 10, and 15.
        • Sorcerers may make Charisma checks with DCs of 5, 10, and 15.
        • Warlocks may make the first save using Charisma with a DC of 5. The other pages will use the default Wisdom saves.
        • Wizards may make the first save using Intelligence with a DC of 5. The other pages will use the default Wisdom saves.
        • Clerics of dark/evil aligned gods like Talos, Gruumsh, or Lolth get a 10 DC wisdom ability check for the third page, instead of a 20 DC Wisdom saving throw. This includes Shadowheart Shadowheart, as a Cleric of Shar Shar.
        • Astarion has a special option: Drink in the darkness, embracing it, and turn the page for turning the third page, offering a Wisdom ability check with a DC of 15 (in contrast to the 20 DC Wisdom saving throw).
    • Turning at least one page permanently grants the reader Speak with Dead Speak with Dead. This can be cast as a Ritual Ritual and does not consume a Spell Slot.
    • Turning three pages, regardless of success, grants the Forbidden Knowledge tag and Forbidden Knowledge Forbidden Knowledge passive feature.
    • Closing the book before turning three pages leaves the Search the Cellar Search the Cellar quest incomplete and allows the character to reopen the book again later.

Once the book has been opened by one party member, it will not open for any other party member. Once all three pages have been turned, the book will refuse to open again for anyone until more knowledge is gained later in Act Three. It will also no longer be possible to remove the book from the inventory of the reader.

After placing the Dark Amethyst in the book's cover, the item quote will change from 'It. Is. Not. Too. Late.' to 'Look. Away.'

Act Three

With the help of Gale Gale and Tolna Tome-Monger Tolna Tome-Monger at Sorcerous Sundries in the Lower City, it can be revealed that in order to unlock the full potential of the book, the The Tharchiate Codex somewhere in the vault of Sorcerous Sundries needs to be obtained. The help of Mystic Carrion Mystic Carrion in Philgrave's Mansion - for a 1500 gp fee - reveals the same.

The Tharchiate Codex is stored in the basement vault of Sorcerous Sundries. The vault can be reached in two different ways:

  • By interacting with the Clasped Book in the bookshelf of Tolna Tome-Monger Tolna Tome-Monger's office upstairs and going through the portal, or
  • By using the Weave Button labelled 'Vault' on the middle level of Ramazith's Tower.

Within the vault, the Codex is located in the Elminster section. To unlock the Elminster door, the party must first find the lever at the end of the Silverhand section by opening doors in this order: Silverhand, Evocation, Wish.

After reading the Tharchiate Codex, the Necromancy of Thay can be re-read. After passing a DC 20 Wisdom saving throw the reader gains the permanent ability to summon 4 ghouls via the Danse Macabre Danse Macabre spell once per Long Rest. Failing this saving throw has the same effect as before: the reader will be cursed with Baleful Knowledge Baleful Knowledge, but still gains the spell.

Reading the Codex also grants the reader The Tharchiate Codex: Blessing The Tharchiate Codex: Blessing passive feature, which lets the reader gain 20 temporary Hit Points after each Long Rest.

Reading the Necromancy of Thay fully does not break Oath of the Ancients, nor does using Danse Macabre.

Having the Forbidden Knowledge Forbidden Knowledge feature allows the reader to safely obtain another permanent bonus from the Mirror of Loss in the House of Grief; see Permanent Bonuses for more details.


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