Baldur’s Gate 3: Necromancy of Thay Guide (Read or Destroy?)

One of the most evil books, the Necromancy of Thay, can be found early in 's first Act. Any party character can read the book; however, before proceeding, it is important to point out that it contains some dark information. The book can provide a special buff, but only if you find a special artifact capable of opening it.

This magical object happens to be the Dark Amethyst, an object you can find below the Blighted Village. The Whispering Depths under here act like a dungeon, with multiple spider enemies and a boss named the Phase Spider Matriarch. Once you defeat this creature and its allies, you can insert the gem into the book to open it, allowing you to read it at any time from your inventory.

You have two options once you obtain the Necromancy of Thay — either destroy it or try and read it. Reading the book can grant your character some permanent buffs, but also some debuffs if you fail certain checks. You could simply destroy it as well using any source of Radiant damage, but this does summon three Shadow enemies you and your party will have to beat immediately.

When it comes to what to do with the Necromancy of Thay, the best option is to read it. Doing this will require your character to pass a check every time you turn a page of the book, which are determined by what class you are. For example, turning the first page of the book requires Wizards to make a DC 5 Intelligence check, while Bards may try to make a DC 5 Performance check instead.

Those who get the Necromancy of Thay can also hand it over to Gale or Astarion to gain favor with either character. Doing this does prevent your character from every using the book the rest of your playthrough.

Turning more pages will demand higher and higher checks also tied to your character's archetype. No matter how many you pass or fail, reaching the final page gives you a passive ability called Forbidden Knowledge, which grants you a +1 bonus to Wisdom ability checks and saving throws in . Once the book has been