How to read the Necromancy of Thay in Baldur’s Gate 3

You will find the Necromancy of Thay while completing the Search the Cellar quest in Baldur’s Gate 3. However, before you attempt to read the Necromancy of Thay, you should know a few things. First, you will need to track down the Dark Amethyst before you can open the book, you will need to pass three extremely tough Wisdom checks, and you will be unable to give the book to your companions if you read it. However, you can take several steps to make reading the Necromancy of Thay in Baldur’s Gate 3 easier.

Should you read the Necromancy of Thay or give it to Gale in Baldur’s Gate 3?

You will be rewarded with the Necromancy of Thay status effect if you can successfully read through the Necromancy of Thay. This status effect allows you to cast Speak with the Dead once per long rest. However, this Status Effect is permanent once obtained. There’s probably no reason why you’d want to remove it, but it is still an important fact for you to know.

However, if you fail a saving throw, you will receive the “Whisps of Madness” debuff for 50 turns. This debuff will cause you to roll Wisdom ability checks at a disadvantage. In addition, if you fail two saving throws, you will receive a permanent debuff called “Baleful Knowledge” that will also cause you to roll Wisdom ability checks at a disadvantage.

Unfortunately, your custom character will need to be the one to read the book. However, you can make it easier on yourself by using Shadowheart’s Resistance cantrip, which is effective for saving throw checks. In addition, her Guidance cantrip and Enhance Ability 2nd-level spell are effective for ability checks. I recommend saving before reading the Necromancy of Thay since the Wisdom checks will be tough to beat.

Once you are ready to read the Necromancy of Thay, here are the steps you will need to take:

1. Right-Click on the Necromancy of Thay book in your inventory
2. Select the Read option.
3. Place the Dark Amethyst in the slot on the book’s cover.
4. Select the Open the book option.
5. Select the [Saving Throw] Turn to the next page option.
   1. You must make a DC 10 Wisdom Check to continue.
6. Select the [Saving Throw] Turn another page option.
   1. You must make a DC 15 Wisdom Check to continue.
7. Select the [Saving Throw] Urge your hand to turn another page option.
   1. You must make a DC 20 Wisdom Check to continue.

However, several things will happen if you decide not to read the Necromancy of Thay and give it to Gale instead. If you give the book to Gale, you will receive a slight approval increase. In addition, a more significant approval increase will occur during the “magic item consume” scene when you next chat with Gale at your camp. This scene will occur even if Gale has not informed you about his condition. Despite briefly looking through the book, Gale will not acquire the Necromancy of Thay status effect.

Note: If you need to know how to get the Necromancy of Thay book, we have a guide that will walk you trhough the process!

How to get the Dark Amethyst in Baldur’s Gate 3

Image: PC Invasion

The Dark Amethyst can be found near the mini-boss in Whispering Depth at coordinates X: -550 Y: -350. You have two ways to reach this area: through the well in Blighted Village or via the smith’s basement to the right of the village’s main entrance. To access the basement, you can either lockpick the door or clear the web upstairs and jump into the hole. Once you reach the basement, look for a hidden crumbling wall near the furnace. You can reveal it with an easy perception check, and it will lead you to Whispering Depth.

Once inside the Whispering Depth, you must shoot the cocoons and webs with a ranged weapon or spell until a fight is initiated. It is advisable to rest after defeating all the enemies. Once you proceed, you will encounter an area designed like a well featuring two levels and a mini-boss called the Phase Spider Matriarch. The Dark Amethyst is located on the lower level of the area. You can try sneaking past the spider or killing it. However, the battle may be difficult, especially if your party is only at level 3 or 4, so ensure you are well-prepared before initiating the battle.

Author’s Note: I wrote this guide while playing Baldur’s Gate 3 on Steam Deck.