Book of Darkness

The Book of Darkness is the source of Mandrake Harcus' magic, and the only tome capable of restoring his full power.

No one knows the exact origin of this magical text, though, according to legend the book itself is demonically-possessed, which accounts for the level of evil within the book itself. It is said that the book is capable of killing any being who does not desire true evil.

History

Although little is known about the book's origin, it was at one time in possession of the Dark wizard Mandrake Harcus, and some believe that he may have created the text, though the truth of this has yet to be confirmed. What is known is that the book is of such evil that it is, according to legend at least, demonically-possessed, making it capable of killing or destroying anything good or pure with which it comes into contact.

The book became lost following the wizard's imprisonment. Its current whereabouts, or whether it still exists, are unknown.

Appearance

The book of Darkness is twelve inches high by six inches wide, bound by black ebony with a leather spine, the front cover of which is bordered by rubies. Apart from these distinct features, it carries no other identifying markings, and bears no written title, making it otherwise innocuous. Within the book, however, is every dark incantation or spell that has ever been - or will ever be - created within the Dark Realm. As the book contains all the evil in that world, it will drain the life force from any heart that contains even the faintest trace of goodness in under a second of physical contact. The physical handling of the book by any living being whose heart is not pure evil is strongly discouraged.

Magical Abilities

Despite being a book of magic, the Book of Darkness itself has no inherent magical abilities. However, it is widely believed that, in the moments following its creation, a thousand demon souls sensed its evil and came to rest within its pages. It is these beings that will destroy anything good or pure who dares touch the book; after so many centuries book and demons have become indistinguishable and inseparable from one another, attributing this ability to the book itself.

Following the imprisonment of the only person known to have had the book in his possession, its present whereabouts are currently unknown, and many believe that it does not exist.