Certain spells were lost to the necromancer guilds over the course of time. In some cases, another guild retained the knowledge of the spell; however, many of the lost spells need to be recreated using the Words of Power that have been scattered throughout the world.

As Easy As Azia, Beza, Caza

Researching the lost spells is a fairly straightforward process: simply obtain the necessary Words and combine them in your Book of Dark Bindings. With the appropriate level of research skill and a bit of luck, the Words will form a spell scroll which can be inscribed into a spellbook or given to a fellow necromancer.

The proper combinations of Words can be found in four ancient necromantic texts. All of these texts are available in every necromancer guild outside of Ak'Anon. (Our copies were lost when the Dark Reflection was forced into the Mines.)

• Diablerie. This book's reputation as the most evil of grimoires is solely due to the fact that it was the only necromantic grimoire known to the general population. Nearly every copy of the book was destroyed, with a single copy translated into Elder Elvish for archival purposes. (The original language of the text was probably Elder Teir'Dal, although we can't be certain.) In time, the book was stolen and copied, left in its Elder Elvish translation to remind us why we detest paladins. It contains formulae for spells of the 16th level, mostly.
• Diablerie II. The second book of this two-volume set was less well known than its companion and far better guarded. As a result, it did not suffer the same fate; it has been handed down intact through the ages, and is read in its original Elder Teir'Dal. It holds formulae for spells of the 20th, 24th, and 29th levels.
• Lore of Malignancy. Eons ago, an unknown scholar was "privileged" enough to stumble upon a sleeping dragon. The dragon's dream-haunted mumblings were recorded in the Dragon tongue, and the resulting work found its way to a necromancer's hands when the scholar lost his battle for sanity. Contained in the writings are formulae for spells of the 34th and 39th levels.
• Helatan's Writ of Depravity. There is one necromancer of whom we do not speak. Those who have read this most ancient of tomes know why. Suffice it to say that study of this work requires mastering the fearsome runes of Elder Dragon, and it holds formulae for spells of the 44th and 49th levels.

[Translator's Note: Considering the fate of Mr. Undercrypt's spirit, his bibliophilia is not without irony. – B]

For convenience, a brief summary of the known research combinations is given, along with the level of research skill advancement which can be attained. Those spells which can only be found through research are emphasized.

Thanks to Kalayaan Digmaan, high elf enchanter of Tunare, for pinning down the higher level numbers! For his assistance, he will be made King of Felwithe when my armies overrun Norrath and crush all opposition.

[Translator's Note: Praise for an elf seems to indicate some Aberration in the text. Perhaps a cross-reference could clarify this obvious error. – B]