Nether Scrolls
Ancient tomes holding the dangerous secrets of a fallen god-eating empire.
The Nether Scrolls are far more than dusty relics; they are crystallized arrogance from the Age of Arcanum, bound in skin and metal that hums with residual power. Originating from the fallen empire of Netheril, these artifacts represent an era when mortals wielded magic so potent it threatened the divine order itself. Each scroll contains spells and secrets so volatile that their mere discovery has ignited wars, toppled kingdoms, and driven countless wizards to madness or a sudden, silent death throughout Faerûn's history.
- Origin
- Netheril
- Creator
- Various Archwizards of Netheril
- Primary Content
- Lost spells and magical secrets
- Current Status
- Scattered across Faerûn and the planes
- Notable Owners
- Karsus, Thultanthar (Shade Enclave), various Chosen
Lore & Background
Centuries later, the return of Thultanthar brought renewed interest in these dangerous artifacts. The Shadovar, descendants of Netheril, actively seek to recover every remaining scroll to restore their ancient power. Meanwhile, other factions like the Harpers and the Zhentarim have also pursued them, knowing that possession of even a single scroll could shift the balance of power in the Forgotten Realms forever.
In Their Own Story
The air in the ruined library tasted of ozone and old dust. Kaelen's fingers trembled as he brushed away centuries of grime from the leather-bound tome. The Nether Scroll before him pulsed with a faint, violet light that seemed to breathe against his skin. He could feel the weight of the magic within, a seductive whisper promising power beyond imagination. 'Just one spell,' the voice in his mind urged, 'and you could save them all.' But as he opened the cover, the shadows in the corner of the room seemed to lengthen and twist, reaching for him with unseen claws.
Reader's Guide
To hold a Nether Scroll is to invite ruin; they do not merely store magic, they demand it back. These artifacts function as living conduits of raw arcane energy, often defying the laws of magical understanding that govern the modern age. Wielding them requires immense aptitude and protections against their inherent corruption, for the magic within is volatile, reacting unpredictably to contemporary spellcasting methods. Many scrolls exact a toll on sanity or life force, sometimes rewriting themselves to offer exactly what will tempt the reader most before betraying them. From ancient wards that shatter under unworthy touch to bindings only broken by Netherese bloodlines, these tomes are not tools—they are tests of survival.
Did You Know?
- The Bhaalspawn Saga extends to the regions of Amn and Tethyr.
- Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II was developed by Black Isle Studios and released in 2004.
- Larian Studios developed and published Baldur's Gate 3, which was released in 2023.
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