Introduction to the Necromancy of Thay
In the vast and intricate world of Baldur’s Gate 3, players encounter a myriad of peculiar and intriguing items that add depth and complexity to their adventure. One such item is the Necromancy of Thay, an ancient and ominous tome that holds the power to grant the ability to Speak with the Dead. However, acquiring this tome is no simple feat; it requires a combination of exploration, problem-solving, and combat. This article will guide you through the process of finding and obtaining the Necromancy of Thay, from the initial hunt to the final decision of whether to destroy or read it.
Locating the Apothecary’s Cellar
The journey to the Necromancy of Thay begins in the Blighted Village, a location rife with secrets and hidden passages. The Apothecary’s house, situated at coordinates (X:34, Y:379), is your first destination. If you are standing at the Blighted Village waypoint stone, the Apothecary’s house is the building to your left, identifiable by its large double wooden doors. Once you enter the house, turn right and you will find the cellar hatch behind the Apothecary’s counter. This is where your adventure truly begins.
Unveiling the Secret Passage
Once in the cellar, navigate to the back of the room, following the direction the ladder rungs are facing. You will reach a landscape painting beside a large bookcase and a stack of crates. This is no ordinary painting; it conceals a secret lever. Remove the painting and move the crates to reveal the hidden lever. This lever will slide the bookcase to one side, unveiling a secret passage. To move the crates, hold down the left mouse button and drag them to the side. This step is crucial, as it leads you deeper into the lair of the Apothecary.
Navigating the Secret Passage
As you enter the secret passage, follow the path until you reach a room with coffins. Interacting with a coffin will summon a skeleton to fight. The skeleton will then open the other coffins, releasing more enemies. If you wish to avoid combat, it is advisable to steer clear of the coffins. However, if you are prepared for a challenge, engaging the skeletons can yield valuable loot and experience.
The Enigmatic Mirror
Continue following the path until you reach a large mirror situated beside some kegs. This mirror is more than it seems; it is a guardian of the deeper secrets. Interact with the mirror and it will prompt you to "Speak your name." Choose the dialogue option to "Tell it your name." The mirror will then ask you to declare yourself an ally. Select the option, "Yes, an ally! I am an ally of your master’s." To prove your allegiance, you must answer the mirror’s questions correctly.
Here are the recommended answers:
- Question 1: What think you of the Zulkir known as Szass Tam?
- Answer: Szass Tam is a foul, wretched creature.
- Question 2: Tell me, why might one use balsam ointment?
- Answer: To clean a wound.
- Question 3: If you could see anything in me, what would it be?
- Answer: I’d look for whatever spell will rid me of this worm in my head.
Answering these questions correctly will cause the mirror to disappear, revealing another secret passageway. Alternatively, you can attempt to intimidate the mirror, but be cautious as the difficulty class (DC) is 15, and failure will result in a difficult battle.
The Rusted Iron Gate
Once through the hidden passageway, you will find yourself in a large room with a locked, rusted iron gate on the left. If you have a set of Thieves’ Tools, you can lockpick the gate. Be wary, as a metal plate will trigger a trap beneath the book. Disarm the trap to avoid any surprises.
If you lack Thieves’ Tools, head to the other side of the room to find a smaller room with a shelf. On this shelf, you will find the rusted key needed to open the locked gate. Pick up the key and return to the gate. Directly at the foot of the gate is a metal-plate trap, which can be detected with passive perception. Disarm the trap to ensure a safe passage. Once the gate is open, you will see the Necromancy of Thay on a table.
The Final Decision
With the Necromancy of Thay in your possession, you face a significant decision: to destroy or read the book. Each choice has its consequences and will affect your journey in Baldur’s Gate 3. If you choose to read the book, you will gain the ability to Speak with the Dead, a powerful skill that can provide valuable insights and information. However, this power comes with a dark side, and you must be prepared to face the moral and ethical implications of necromancy. If you decide to destroy the book, you will prevent the spread of its dark magic, but you will also lose the opportunity to gain its formidable abilities.
In conclusion, the journey to find the Necromancy of Thay is a testament to the depth and complexity of Baldur’s Gate 3. Each step of the way, from exploring the Apothecary’s cellar to navigating the secret passages and facing the mirror’s challenges, adds to the richness of the game’s narrative and gameplay. The decision you make at the end will shape your character’s path and the story you tell.
