The Necromancy of Thay

A cursed tome of Thayan necromantic magic, believed to have been authored by the lich known as Zhengyi the Witch King.
Some have theorised that it was added to by the vampire Zulkhir Nyressa Flass, as the book was known to have been in her possession at the time of her death, although this is unconfirmed.
The text was protected by a number of spirits which were bound to it, and prevented all but the most knowledgeable necromancers from reading more than a few pages of the text.

Purpose

The book records Thayan necromantic magic known to have originated from other sources or to predate the book, but also includes a number of spells which appear original to the text.
Notably, the tome includes the only known record of the original Rite of Profane Ascension.
It also includes a Thayan version of the Rite of Perfect Slaughter, although this is not unique, as the ritual is found in a number of other texts on vampires or necromancy.

Historical Details

History

At some point prior to her death in 1157 DR, the book came into the possession of Nyressa Flass, and subsequently became part of the personal library of Szass Tam after he killed her and took her place as the Thayan Zhulkir of Necromancy.
A commentary on the text was written during this time, the Tharccite Codex.
The book was stolen by Illyn Toth, a Red Wizard who fled Thay after incurring the wrath of Szass Tam. After several years of travel, he arrived in the Western Heartlands, settling in Moonhaven.
He spent many years masquerading as a village alchemist while he dedicated himself to unlocking the book's secrets. However, when Moonhaven was destroyed by Ketheric Thorm's Dark Justiciars, Toth was killed, and the book's location was lost.
It was eventually discovered by The Party, and claimed by Astarion Ancunin.

Type

Manuscript, Magical (Tome/Scroll)

Authoring Date

Unknown (likely 11th or 12th century DR)