Deck of Many Things

Item

Type

Miscellaneous

Acquisition

Obtained from

Aesgareth (

Unstealable item
This icon indicates an item that cannot be stolen.)

Special

Max. charges

3 non-rechargeable

Other

Icon1
Icon2

Technical information

Item code

DECK.itm

Deck of Many Things is dropped by Aesgareth, the gambling Cambion. This item has the potential to increase user's ability scores.

This article page is only for the actual deck obtained from Aesgareth. If the reader is looking for information regarding playing Aesgareth using the deck, see the The Gambling Cambion quest article.

Description[]

“

Each card in this deck is a metallic plate, each adorned with a distinct portrait of its own. The card shimmers with power, and while each deck of many things is different, all legends agree that this kind of artifact holds great power and is not to be used lightly. The exact contents and powers of the deck cannot be known unless the cards are drawn... but once drawn, the effect on the user is irreversible. Supposedly, a deck of many things can only be used so many times until it disappears and moves elsewhere in the multiverse... for what reason, no one knows.

”

Gameplay[]

To use the deck, choose a party member and place the deck in one of their "Quick Item" slots (like when using a potion, scroll or wand).

Activate the deck by clicking on it. A moment later a dialogue box opens and reads:

Deck of Many Things

The deck seems to vibrate in expectation as you remove it from your pack. The immediate area grows warmer for a moment, magical energy invisibly radiating from the metal plaques.

There are two selection options:

Draw one of the cards.
Put away the deck for now.

The character may make a choice, if they decide to draw a card. There will be some text, then a description of the card, such as DONJON, and then the card will manifest its effect upon the character who drew the card.

The player may select any party member to use the deck, and although it doesn't tell how many times this deck can be used, it will be good for up to three card draws. A further attempt will cause the deck to disappear into the planes, gone from the game for good.

Note: The draw summary below refers to GOOD and BAD - which is an internal script definition title assigned, not necessarily good or bad for the player's outcome.

1st[]

1st BAD draw
- DONJON: User Imprisonment, save vs. death at a penalty of -8 to negate. Abjuration spell.
- RUIN: Lose 4,294,867,296 gold. Evocation spell.

1st GOOD draw
- FLAMES: Summons hostile creatures, one Balor (46,000 XP) and four Fire Elemental (12,000 XP each).
- EURYALE: User suffers a permanent -1 penalty to all saving throws, no save, no dispel, not curable. Evocation spell.
- GEM: One Rogue Stone, King's Tears, Star Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond added to inventory. Evocation spell.
- JESTER: User receives 50,000 XP. Evocation spell.

2nd - If 1st is bad draw[]

2nd BAD draw
- VOID: User exposed to Disintegrate, save vs. death at a penalty of -8 will negate. Alteration spell.

2nd GOOD draw
- KEY: The Warder's Signet added to inventory. Evocation spell.
- STAR: User gets dex +1 if has thief or bard class, if not, gets int +1 if has mage class, if not, gets wis +1 if has cleric or druid or shaman class, if not, gets str +1.
- ROGUE: User exposed to Dire Charm effect for 500 in-game days, no save, no dispel, kill and revive the user to cure. Enchantment spell.
- SUN: Party shares 300,000 XP. Evocation spell.
- VIZIER: User bestowed with a Mantle spell lasting 24 in-game hours. Abjuration spell.

2nd - If 1st is good draw[]

2nd BAD draw
- VOID: User exposed to a Disintegrate effect, save vs. death at a penalty of -8 to negate. Alteration spell.
- MAGICIAN: User turned into a rabbit, no save, can be dispelled. Alteration spell.

2nd GOOD draw
- KNIGHT: Gates forth four hostile Demon Knights (16,000 XP each)
- ROGUE: User exposed to Dire Charm effect for 500 in-game days, no save, no dispel, kill and revive the user to cure. Enchantment spell.
- SUN: Party shares 300,000 XP.
- VIZIER: User bestowed with a Mantle spell lasting 24 in-game hours. Abjuration spell.

3rd - if any bad drawn[]

3rd
- SKULL: Summons hostile Death Shade (20,000 XP) appears as a Bone Golem, but it's undead), attacks the user, disappears once the user is dead.
- THRONE: Party shares 1,000,000 XP.
- MOON: User receives +10 Hit Points permanently. Necromancy spell.
- FOOL: User's wisdom set to 3, no save, Remove Curse to cure; User is Confused for 1 turn, no save, can be dispelled, Remove Curse to cure. Necromancy spell.
- COMET: User gains +5% Fire damage resistance permanently. Evocation spell.
- ERINYES: User's Ability Scores boosted by +1 for 24 in-game hours, no dispel. Evocation spell.

3rd - if all good drawn[]

3rd
- SKULL: Summons hostile Death Shade (20,000 XP).
- MOON: User gets +10 Hit Points permanently. Necromancy spell.
- TALONS: User blinded, no save, Remove Curse to cure. Conjuration spell.
- FOOL: User's wisdom set to 3, no save, Remove Curse to cure; User is confused for 1 turn, no save, can be dispelled, Remove Curse to cure. Necromancy spell.
- COMET: User gains +5% fire resistance permanently. Evocation spell.
- ERINYES: User's ability scores boosted by +1 for 24 in-game hours, no dispel. Evocation spell.

4th - BALANCE[]

“

The card shows an old man with flaming-red hair and fiery eyes staring out at you. In his hands, he holds a scale, the small silver bowls evenly balanced. The card is clearly labeled "BALANCE."
Almost immediately, you realize that the man is the creator of the deck. The image both smiles slightly and nods to you, tapping the scale in his withered hands.
What remains of the deck of many things begins to fade suddenly... and within the space of a moment, it is gone forever.

”

Notes[]

The Deck of Many Things, together with the Death Shade, can also be found in the code of Baldur's Gate: Siege of Dragonspear, but make no in-game appearance.