The Nycoptic Manuscripts. These twin papyrus scrolls arc inscribed with ancient tales and cryptic prophesies by an anonymous author who was probably (at least partially) insane. Despite their dubious accuracy, the manuscripts contain many useful descriptions of necromantic spells (both priest and wizard) and magical items, particularly those incantations and devices that affect a person's life force. The details of such spells and items are not present, but the manuscripts can be used to cut the time and expense for researching these topics in half. The Manuscripts are thus an invaluable tool of necromantic research and, as such, are highly prized by both necromancers and death priests. Some spellcasters - once their sanity has faded from reading the Manuscripts too many times - are said to at last understand the author's doomsday prophesies. Finally, the Manuscripts supposedly contain the full rite of creating an undead plague (a quest spell outlined in TOM). This powerful incantation can only be comprehended and invoked by a priest (or necromancer) who has already failed at least one madness check (see Chapter Three). The spell disappears from the Manuscripts after it has been read, only to reappear when the work passes on to a new owner.