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Apothecary's Cellar

The Apothecary’s Cellar is a hidden Act One location beneath the ruined apothecary in the Blighted Village.

Importancemajor

Key takeaways

  • The cellar is beneath the apothecary in the Blighted Village, immediately south of the Blighted Village waypoint.
  • Reading the Apothecary’s Ledger starts Search the Cellar, although the cellar can be entered without formally starting the quest.
  • A hidden lever behind crates opens the route from the storage cellar to the underground cemetery.
  • The Ornate Mirror guards Ilyn Toth’s laboratory It can be passed through dialogue, skill checks, invisibility-related tricks, or direct destruction.
  • The laboratory contains the Necromancy of Thay, but unlocking it requires the Dark Amethyst from the separate Whispering Depths.
  • The cellar contains a unique Scroll of Summon Quasit, which can lead to permanently acquiring Shovel, also known as Fork or Basket depending on dialogue choices.
  • Disturbing the coffins in the cemetery can awaken skeletons Some containers are safe to ignore until the area has been searched carefully.

About this guide

Spoilers: This guide covers the full Act One contents of the Apothecary’s Cellar, including the hidden laboratory, the Ornate Mirror, the Necromancy of Thay, Shovel, and the consequences of reading or destroying the tome.

Overview

The Apothecary’s Cellar is a hidden Act One location beneath the ruined apothecary in the Blighted Village. It is not simply a small storage basement. The location contains a main cellar, a secret underground cemetery, a guarded magical door, and the abandoned laboratory of the Red Wizard Ilyn Toth. Its most important discoveries are the Necromancy of Thay, the unique quasit summon Shovel, the Bracers of Defence, and the clues that connect the cellar to Thayan necromancy and later Act Three content.

The cellar is also the centre of the quest Search the Cellar. Although the quest begins in the apothecary above, the quest’s major discoveries and decisions happen underground. The location connects narratively to the Whispering Depths, where the Dark Amethyst needed to unlock the Necromancy of Thay can be found, but the Whispering Depths is a separate location and is not part of the Apothecary’s Cellar itself.

Included areas

The cellar’s underground layout can be divided into four practical sections:

The names used by the game and reference material are not always perfectly consistent. The “cemetery”, “cavernous room” and “cavernal antechamber” generally describe the same broad chamber beyond the secret bookcase passage, while Ilyn Toth’s laboratory is the hidden area beyond the Ornate Mirror. The east-wing enclave is part of that laboratory rather than a separate overworld location.

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Reaching the apothecary

The abandoned apothecary is near the southern side of the Blighted Village, close to the village entrance and south of the Blighted Village waypoint. Inside, the Apothecary’s Ledger sits on the counter. Reading it reveals that rare ingredients were moved to the cellar and begins Search the Cellar. The hatch is behind the counter and partly obscured by broken furniture.

The goblins moving around the apothecary and nearby village platforms do not necessarily prevent exploration of the building. Their attitude depends on the wider Blighted Village situation, but the cellar itself is primarily a self-contained exploration site rather than a faction-controlled dungeon.

Recommended approach

  1. 01
    Enter the ruined apothecary.
  2. 02
    Read the Apothecary’s Ledger on the counter.
  3. 03
    Search the shelves and containers above before descending.
  4. 04
    Open the wooden hatch behind the counter.
  5. 05
    Loot the Main Cellar, but do not leave without finding the hidden lever.
  6. 06
    Use the passage behind the bookcase to reach the cemetery and laboratory route.

Main Cellar

The first underground room is mainly a storage area. It contains potions, alchemical ingredients and containers that reward a thorough search. The Healer’s Log and Potion of Healing Recipe are especially important because the log supplies information used when dealing with the Ornate Mirror.

A hidden lever is concealed behind a stack of crates on the northern side of the cellar. It is revealed by a passive Perception check, but a player can also find it by moving or breaking the crates. Pulling the lever opens a secret passage behind a bookcase.

Main Cellar directory

The exact contents of ordinary containers may vary or may be unremarkable on different playthroughs. The named books, recipes and fixed story objects are more reliable targets than every barrel or shelf.

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Beyond the bookcase is a natural cavern containing mouldering caskets, a central alchemical workspace and several side rooms. This is the area where the cellar changes from an abandoned shop basement into a necromantic site.

Many of the caskets contain undead guardians. Opening or disturbing them can trigger skeleton encounters. The safest method is to explore in a controlled fashion, keep the party grouped, and avoid opening every coffin immediately if you are not prepared for a fight.

A casket near the entrance contains the Scroll of Summon Quasit, together with other useful contents. The scroll summons the unique familiar Shovel, whose name can later be changed to Fork or Basket through dialogue.

Side rooms

The Rusted Key (Apothecary) is associated with access within the cellar’s laboratory area. Do not assume that every locked object in the wider Blighted Village belongs to this key. The Blighted Village has several independent underground spaces, including the blacksmith’s basement and the windmill basement.

Cavernal Antechamber directory

The location’s named literature is not merely decorative. The books and journals establish that the apothecary’s former owner was more than a village doctor, and that the hidden laboratory belonged to a Red Wizard connected to Thay.

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The Ornate Mirror stands at the southern end of the underground cemetery and guards the way into Ilyn Toth’s laboratory. It is a magical security device rather than an ordinary door. The mirror asks questions intended to establish whether the speaker is an ally of Ilyn Toth.

Reading the Dark Journal first is strongly recommended. It provides Ilyn Toth’s name and information about the owner’s history, including his pursuit by the Zulkirs. This makes some dialogue routes more straightforward and gives context for the mirror’s questions.

Ways to bypass the mirror

Astarion is particularly useful because the mirror does not perceive him in the same way as an ordinary living speaker. The game also provides an invisibility-related route, although initiating dialogue normally ends the visible invisibility effect while preserving the relevant interaction state.

You have several options

  1. 01
    Answer the questions correctly.
  2. 02
    Threaten the mirror using Intimidation.
  3. 03
    Use the Barbarian Strength option to attempt to smash it.
  4. 04
    Use a character who can exploit the mirror’s interaction with invisibility.
  5. 05
    Attack the mirror directly outside dialogue.
  6. 06
    Use the correct character-specific answer when the mirror asks what the speaker would wish to see.

Mirror answers

The mirror’s first notable question concerns Szass Tam. The correct response is to condemn him as a foul lich or otherwise express hostility towards him. Praise for Szass Tam is incorrect.

The next question concerns balsam ointment. The correct answer is that balsam is used to clean or disinfect wounds. This information comes from the Healer’s Log and related clues.

The mirror then asks what the speaker would see if it could show them anything. The correct answer depends on the character speaking. Many companions have a personal answer tied to their story. For example:

The available answers can change according to the speaker, class, origin and dialogue checks. The important principle is that the answer should reflect the character’s ambition or deepest desire, not a generic response. The mirror’s dialogue transcript confirms that correct choices are generally character-specific.

Mirror answers

SpeakerCorrect type of answer
AstarionSeeing how to safely retain the powers granted by the tadpole
GaleBecoming a living manifestation of Netherese magic
KarlachBeing whole again and seeing Zariel defeated
Lae’zelBecoming a kith’rak
ShadowheartBecoming Shar’s Chosen
WyllSeeing Mizora begging for mercy
Dark Urge or custom characterFinding a way to remove the worm
BardWanting the mirror to be free
SorcererSeeing nothing, because the mirror is a thing of magic

Consequences of failure

A wrong response causes the mirror to release a flaming sphere. The sphere travels through the cavern and leaves a trail of fire, dealing 2d6 fire damage with a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw to halve the damage. The quiz can be attempted again, and later failures do not cause the sphere to attack with the same force again.

Successfully passing the mirror can grant the Mirror Master inspiration to characters with the Charlatan background.

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Past the mirror lies the hidden laboratory of Ilyn Toth, a Thayan necromancer who had concealed his work beneath the village. This is the most important subarea of the cellar.

The laboratory includes documents, alchemical materials and an eastern enclave protected by an iron gate and traps. The Moonhaven Logbook records observations about people travelling through the area and helps flesh out the laboratory’s former use.

Laboratory directory

The Agile Guardian and Robust Guardian are the laboratory’s named guardian encounters. The exact encounter can be made easier by scouting, disarming traps and controlling the party’s approach rather than rushing directly towards the book.

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The Necromancy of Thay is the cellar’s central reward and the most consequential item in the location. Taking it begins or advances the quests Unlock the Ancient Tome and Destroy the Ancient Tome. The book is protected by a trapped pedestal and nearby magical guardians.

Removing the book safely

The book can be destroyed, but doing so has consequences. Radiant damage can destroy it and summons hostile Shadows. Using Knock does not safely bypass the situation either, as it summons a Shadow.

Before taking the tome

  1. 01
    Scout the room in turn-based mode.
  2. 02
    Look for the trap around the pedestal and nearby statues.
  3. 03
    Disarm the trap if possible.
  4. 04
    Alternatively, place another object of similar weight on the pedestal.
  5. 05
    Take the Necromancy of Thay and move away before ending turn-based mode.

Unlocking the book

The book cannot be fully used with the cellar’s contents alone. You need the Dark Amethyst, which is found in the separate Whispering Depths near the Phase Spider Matriarch. The amethyst can be inserted into the book to unlock it.

Reading the book involves Wisdom saving throws with progressively higher difficulties of DC 10, DC 15 and DC 20. Failing saves can inflict curses or disadvantages, although some negative effects can be removed with Remove Curse. Turning at least one page grants Speak with Dead as a ritual spell, while turning all three pages grants the Forbidden Knowledge passive.

Important choices

The book cannot be fully completed in Act One. Its final secrets require the Tharchiate Codex, found in the Sorcerous Vault beneath Sorcerous Sundries in Act Three. Reading the Codex and then returning to the Necromancy of Thay can unlock Danse Macabre, allowing the reader to summon four ghouls once per long rest.

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The Scroll of Summon Quasit is a fixed, unique item in the cellar. It is in a casket behind the moveable bookshelf, immediately to the right when entering the cavernous chamber. Reading it summons the unique quasit familiar Shovel.

Shovel is not just an ordinary randomly named quasit. She has her own dialogue and can potentially become a permanent familiar. Her name can be changed to Fork or Basket, depending on the conversation. She also has special reactions to certain classes, origins and character concepts, including Draconic Bloodline sorcerers and dragonborn characters.

Important choices

ChoiceResult
Read at least one pageGrants Speak with Dead
Read all three pagesGrants Forbidden Knowledge
Fail certain Wisdom savesCan inflict Whispers of Madness or Baleful Knowledge
Destroy with Radiant damageDestroys the book and summons Shadows
Keep the book unreadLeaves the later progression available
Give it to AstarionProvides approval and special story dialogue
Complete the later Act Three routeUnlocks Danse Macabre

Recommended Shovel procedure

The quest achievement Rude, Crude, and Full of Attitude is associated with finding and summoning Shovel.

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Recommended Shovel procedure: steps

  1. 01
    Take the Scroll of Summon Quasit from the casket.
  2. 02
    Use it with a suitable character.
  3. 03
    Speak to Shovel after the summon.
  4. 04
    Follow the dialogue that allows the character to retain her.
  5. 05
    Avoid using the scroll as an ordinary expendable combat summon if you want to preserve the unique dialogue and acquisition route.

Search the Cellar

Search the Cellar is the location’s main quest. It begins by reading the Apothecary’s Ledger and develops through the discovery of the hidden route, the cemetery, the Ornate Mirror and the Necromancy of Thay. The quest can end in several ways depending on whether the book is read, destroyed, lost or later completed.

Suggested walkthrough

  1. 01
    Enter the apothecary in the Blighted Village.
  2. 02
    Read the Apothecary’s Ledger.
  3. 03
    Search the building for alchemical ingredients and books.
  4. 04
    Descend through the wooden hatch.
  5. 05
    Read the Healer’s Log.
  6. 06
    Search the Main Cellar for potions and ingredients.
  7. 07
    Find the lever behind the crates.
  8. 08
    Enter the underground cemetery.
  9. 09
    Search the caskets carefully.
  10. 10
    Take the Dark Journal and learn Ilyn Toth’s name.
  11. 11
    Collect the Scroll of Summon Quasit if you want Shovel.
  12. 12
    Loot the Bracers of Defence and other fixed items.
  13. 13
    Approach the Ornate Mirror.
  14. 14
    Answer its questions or use an alternate bypass.
  15. 15
    Enter Ilyn Toth’s laboratory.
  16. 16
    Scout and disarm the trapped route to the Necromancy of Thay.
  17. 17
    Decide whether to keep, read or destroy the book.
  18. 18
    Visit the Whispering Depths separately if you want the Dark Amethyst.
  19. 19
    Preserve the tome if you intend to complete its storyline in Act Three.

The Wizard of Waterdeep

The cellar is also associated with The Wizard of Waterdeep, principally through Gale’s interest in magical and dangerous texts. This does not turn the cellar into a Gale-only area, but Gale may offer additional commentary when the party discovers the Necromancy of Thay.

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Containers and variable contents

Not every container is a guaranteed high-value reward. Some contents are random, and some barrels or shelves may be empty. The fixed named objects above are the most dependable checklist. The location reference specifically identifies the Bracers of Defence, Necromancy of Thay, Scroll of Summon Quasit and the named literature as notable cellar contents.

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Enemies

The skeletons are tied to the cemetery’s caskets rather than being a continuously roaming random encounter. The guardians belong to the laboratory’s security system. The mirror’s flaming sphere is a scripted punishment, not a conventional permanent enemy.

Hazards

Practical safety checklist

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The cellar’s story is built around the contrast between the respectable image of a village apothecary and the hidden identity of a Thayan necromancer. The apothecary’s public space contains healing recipes and medicines, while the underground rooms contain experiments, guarded books and undead security.

The Dark Journal identifies the owner’s connection to the Red Wizards and the Zulkirs. The Ornate Mirror then acts as a remnant of Ilyn Toth’s private security system, still attempting to distinguish an ally from an intruder long after the laboratory has been abandoned.

The Necromancy of Thay extends this local story into the wider game. Its Act One discovery leads eventually to the Tharchiate Codex in Sorcerous Sundries, the Danse Macabre reward and additional character-specific dialogue, including material involving Astarion. The cellar is therefore a small physical location with a progression chain that can remain relevant into Act Three.

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Fast route

Use this if you only want the main quest:

Fast route: steps

  1. 01
    Read the Apothecary’s Ledger.
  2. 02
    Descend through the hatch.
  3. 03
    Find the lever behind the crates.
  4. 04
    Read the Dark Journal.
  5. 05
    Pass the Ornate Mirror.
  6. 06
    Take the Necromancy of Thay.
  7. 07
    Leave and decide later what to do with it.

Completionist route

Use this if you want the cellar’s fixed content:

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Completionist route: steps

  1. 01
    Search the apothecary above.
  2. 02
    Read the Apothecary’s Ledger.
  3. 03
    Collect the Healer’s Log and Potion of Healing Recipe.
  4. 04
    Loot the Main Cellar.
  5. 05
    Find the hidden lever.
  6. 06
    Search the cemetery caskets carefully.
  7. 07
    Take the Dark Journal.
  8. 08
    Collect the Scroll of Summon Quasit.
  9. 09
    Summon and speak to Shovel.
  10. 10
    Search the workspace and side rooms.
  11. 11
    Take the Bracers of Defence.
  12. 12
    Collect the Rusted Key and named documents.
  13. 13
    Pass the Ornate Mirror.
  14. 14
    Search the laboratory.
  15. 15
    Disarm the book’s traps.
  16. 16
    Take the Necromancy of Thay.
  17. 17
    Visit the Whispering Depths separately for the Dark Amethyst.
  18. 18
    Preserve the book for its Act Three continuation.

Is the apothecary itself part of the Apothecary’s Cellar?

No. The ruined apothecary is the entrance building and contains the ledger that starts Search the Cellar, but the cellar is the underground location beneath it.

Is the Whispering Depths part of the cellar?

No. It is a separate neighbouring location beneath the Blighted Village. It matters because the Dark Amethyst is found there.

Can I enter without reading the ledger?

Yes. The hatch can be used without first reading the ledger, although reading it gives the intended quest start and context.

Do I have to fight the skeletons?

Not necessarily. Coffin disturbances are the main trigger, so careful searching and controlled looting can reduce or avoid some encounters. The laboratory guardians and other security hazards remain separate issues.

What is the best use of the Necromancy of Thay?

For the largest long-term reward, keep it, unlock it with the Dark Amethyst, and preserve it for the Tharchiate Codex continuation in Act Three. Reading it carries risk, but it can grant Speak with Dead and Forbidden Knowledge.

Can the book be destroyed permanently?

Yes. Radiant damage can destroy it, but this summons three hostile Shadows and prevents the normal book storyline.

Can Shovel become a permanent familiar?

Yes, depending on how the dialogue is handled after using the unique scroll. Her name may become Shovel, Fork or Basket.

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This guide treats the Apothecary’s Cellar as the underground location beneath the Blighted Village apothecary and excludes the apothecary building above, the wider Blighted Village, and the Whispering Depths except where they provide access or progression.

The names of the cavern, cemetery and laboratory sections vary between game-facing descriptions and reference pages. They have therefore been consolidated into practical subareas rather than presented as wholly separate maps. Ordinary containers may have variable contents, so the named-item directory should not be interpreted as a claim that every barrel, shelf or vase contains a fixed reward.

Sources