Libram of the Black Heart (Magic Book)

This book was written by several evil wizards, whose time of existence upon Oerth is not recorded, save that they dwelt near the Valley of the Mage. The tome was lost during those years when the Mage of the Valley brought down a great ruin upon these evil ones. The tome slipped from the ways of dread for a time, only to be located by Tomorast in a curio shop in the City of Greyhawk. The legends do not tell how it came to be there, but it was truly lucky for Tomorast that he found it, for it contained what he had always sought: power and arcane knowledge to procure still more power. He has read extensively from this book, although he is forced to offer a sacrifice to Kerzit every time he peruses its worm-eaten pages.
Through the use of the tome and his own baleful spells, Tomorast has created and brought to life many of the objects that reside on the dungeon levels beneath Maure Castle. His greatest artificing was performed, using the knowledge imparted by the tome, in the creation of the iron golem.
Through the use of the tome, he has summoned many evil and knowledgeable spirits to guide him in acquiring knowledge of the Outer Planes of existence, and how to traverse this realm while remaining in his physical body. Tomorast has yet to use all of the tome's powers and secrets, for his servants have of late become suspicious of him and his so-called "service" to the elder gods. Thus, Tomorast has had to stop sacrificing his followers, and now resorts to using hired assassins to find offerings for Kerzit.
The Powers of the Tome: The Tome of the Black Heart is written in magical script, and comprises many and varied powers and summonings. Each area covered is listed hereafter.
Pages 1–12: These pages describe the summoning of the guardian Kerzit, and those words of power that may dismiss it. This summoning requires an evil wizard of the 12th level or higher, 10,000 gp in crushed black opals, a sacrifice, and two weeks of preparation and meditation. Appropriate vestments must be acquired and worn, and the words, "Kerzit the Mighty, Kerzit the Strong, Kerzit the Guardian, Kerzit! Kerzit!! Kerzit!!!" must be chanted. This chant protects the summoner from Kerzit's attack. Every time the tome is used, a sacrifice must be offered to the guardian, and the precise ritual must be repeated.
Pages 13–50: This is the history of the tome as recorded by its unknown authors. Tomorast's scrawl can be identified, as he keeps updating the tome as he learns from it.
Pages 51–120: These pages describe the making of a special iron golem. The crafting of this golem requires six months of time, 150,000 gp, and the following:
*A fireball spell must be cast on this creature once complete. This imparts its fiery breath.
*A levitate spell must be cast on the creature, making this form of movement possible. The spell must be cast while the golem is still inanimate.
Pages 121-200: These pages describe the making of an item known as the dagger obelisk. This requires a wizard of the 12th or higher level, three months of preparation time and magical investigation, and a 30,000 gp sacrifice to the lesser gods Fharlanghn (horizons, distance, travel) and Celestian (stars, space, wanderers). The following elements are also needed:
*Three pounds of hornblende.
*A teleport spell, cast by a wizard of at least 12th level.
*An extension III spell.
*A plant growth spell.
*One 95%-flawless sapphire.
The hornblende must be shaped into a normal dagger by a lapidary. The spells are then cast into the dagger in this order: plant growth, teleport, and extension III. The sapphire is finally set in the pommel to boost the dagger's magical powers. The sacrifice to Fharlanghn and Celestian may be made at any time, but must be performed at a temple of those who profess neutral alignment. The last passage in the tome about this dagger instructs the creator in its use. Once having created and enchanted the dagger, the wizard must thrust it into the ground up to its hilt. This done, a rumbling will be heard and the ground will begin to part, making way for a green, spiraling, 30-foot by 18-inch plant stalk that will push up out of the ground and stop in front of the character. A grotto near the front of this stalk will appear to be a passageway. This is, in fact, a transportation device to the Lost City of the Elders.
Pages 201-268: These pages cover several names of spirits that can provide information about the other Planes of Existence, if conjured or summoned:
*Rar-tum, Spirit of the Elemental Planes.
*Kesh-gurh, Spirit of the Paraelemental Planes.
*Sha-duan, Spirit of the Demiplane of Shadow.
*Mezzik, Spirit of the Demiplane of Knowledge concerning the layers of the Abyss and the Layers of Tarterus.
The last entity can only be summoned 50% of the time. If successfully gated, it will appear as a lesser baatezu with bright red and light green colorings (feathers). It is actually an imp with a minor shape change ability, which allows it to appear as and fight as this fiend for six turns only. This creature will lie to those of any alignment save chaotic evil, and will leave of its own volition after only 3d4 rounds spent on the Prime Material Plane.
General Notes: To question these spirits, the character must first gate them in by spell or magic item. They may be asked direct questions, but will usually refuse to converse unless threatened by spiritwrack or similar magical means. Under such pressure, they will inform the questioner of all they know concerning the particular plane from which they were summoned (20-80% veracity on all answers if the questions are detailed enough). They will answer as many questions as the questioner can pose during a 24-hour period. After this time they merely "pop" out of this plane back to where they came from, cursing their summoner with many vile words and derisive comments.
Description: Rar-tum appears as an admixture of earth, air, fire, and water. Kesh-gurh appears as flowing dust particles filled with ice, heat and vapor. Sha-duan appears as a 10-foot-high shadow, and talks in low sonorous tones when addressing its summoner.
Category:Magic Items
Category:Magic Books
Category:Encyclopedia Magica