Weird tome

Weird tome ( " )
Item Type	Book
Artifact?	Yes
Weight	100s
Danger Level	N/A
Material	Paper

The weird tome is an object in ADOM whose properties are, as yet, not fully understood. Players can get the tome by adhering to the principles of the Ghost Librarian in the Sinister Library of Niltrias, and its contents simply confuse and baffle any PC who tries to read it. The normal use for the tome is to take it to the Mad Minstrel (per the Librarian's instructions), and in return receive the reward of five cursed scrolls of corruption removal.

Generally, when players attempt to read the weird tome, it leads to confusion; it is recommended that experiments with the tome be conducted in the wilderness in order to avoid attacks by wandering monsters. There is a specific combination of factors that will allow the PC to, at least partially, decode the weird tome, though it is extremely difficult to achieve and the PC receives no benefits for doing so. In particular, reading the weird tome requires the PC to be a Bard with 100 Literacy and Music scores as well as herculean Learning and Willpower. It has been speculated that its contents may be related to the legendary (and now obtainable) scroll of omnipotence, or perhaps features that were never implemented.

Failed attempts at reading the tome hint that literacy must be highly trained but also that music is necessary to understand it. It is unclear what other abilities or characteristics might be needed to glean further information from the tome — if indeed there is anything else to be found in it.

Giving the weird tome to Khelavaster in Terinyo results in the following: Khelavaster, the invisible ancient sage, curiously looks at the uncursed weird tome. "Huh? Oh, I have read that a long time ago. Pretty interesting." Khelavaster, the invisible ancient sage, drops the uncursed weird tome. It should be noted, though, that he will say this if you give him any book or scroll other than the crumpled scroll or a blank scroll.

DesirabilityEdit

Highly desirable, as the five scrolls of corruption removal that can be had in exchange for it are tremendously valuable. Aside from the scrolls, some PCs may choose to obtain it in an attempt to study it and determine if it contains any other secrets.

PCs wishing to maximize their early-game pre-crowning opportunities would be advised to perform their pre-crownings first, as the weird tome is classified as an artifact (thus raising the level requirement).

Guaranteed/Common sourcesEdit

The weird tome may be obtained from the Ghost Librarian in exchange for silence while visiting the Library; more specifics can be found at those pages.

Greater Identify informationEdit

------------------------------- weird tome--------------------------------

It is an artifact.

When used in melee combat it grants a -4 bonus to hit and causes 1d2
points of damage. When used as a missile it grants a -4 bonus to hit 
and causes 1d2 points of damage.