How to Obtain Salomet’s Grimoire in Dragon’s Dogma
The quest for Salomet’s Grimoire in Dragon’s Dogma is a pivotal one, tied to multiple storylines and yielding powerful, albeit temporary, magical abilities. Obtaining this elusive grimoire requires exploration, strategic decision-making, and potentially, a bit of cunning. The Salomet’s Grimoire can be acquired through two primary methods: by finding it in the Ruins of Aernst Castle or by persuading Maul, the bandit leader, to give it up during the quest A Troublesome Tome. Let’s delve into these methods and provide a comprehensive guide.
Method 1: Exploring the Ruins of Aernst Castle
This method is the most straightforward, albeit involving a bit of combat. Here’s how to find the Salomet’s Grimoire within the ruins:
Journey to the Ruins
The Ruins of Aernst Castle are located southwest of Witchwood. Travel to this location, be prepared for potential encounters with bandits outside the castle. Unlike the bandits outside, the ones found within the ruins won’t be hostile.
Scaling the Tower
Once inside the castle, your objective is to reach the topmost part of the tower. The path is fairly linear, but be cautious of any gaps or precarious climbs. Successfully navigating to the top will lead to a chest.
Claiming the Grimoire
Inside the chest at the top of the tower, you will find Salomet’s Grimoire. This book is your prize and the end of your quest to acquire it through this method.
Method 2: Persuading Maul the Bandit Leader
This method involves building a relationship with a bandit leader named Maul, and requires a specific quest to be active, A Troublesome Tome. If you’ve started this quest, here’s what you need to do:
Activating the Quest
Ensure that the quest A Troublesome Tome is active. This quest requires you to obtain the Grimoire for Steffen, a mage in training.
Earning Maul’s Trust
Maul will only give you the Salomet’s Grimoire if his affinity towards you is high enough. There are two ways to improve his affinity:
- Completing the Quest “No Honor Among Thieves”: This quest directly raises Maul’s affinity upon completion. Seek this out to quickly enhance his trust.
- Gifting Items: Another method is to gift Maul items. Skulls are a particularly effective gift for raising his affinity. Keep presenting them until his trust is high enough.
Obtaining the Grimoire
Once Maul‘s affinity is high enough, he will hand over the Salomet’s Grimoire as a gift. This allows you to complete A Troublesome Tome by presenting the actual book to Steffen.
What Happens When You Have Salomet’s Grimoire?
The Salomet’s Grimoire is not just a quest item; it also has a one-time use effect. If the Arisen uses it, they will cast the powerful Bolide spell, which summons meteors. However, this use consumes the grimoire, so it’s a decision between power and quest completion. Additionally, a forgery of the grimoire will not satisfy the requirement of the A Troublesome Tome quest and causes embarrassment to Steffen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get the Salomet’s Grimoire before the quest “A Troublesome Tome”?
Yes, you can find the Salomet’s Grimoire in the chest at the Ruins of Aernst Castle before starting the quest A Troublesome Tome. This allows you to have the real grimoire before engaging in any conversation with Steffen.
2. What happens if I give Steffen a forgery of the Grimoire?
If you give Steffen a forgery, he will realize it’s a fake, and you will fail the A Troublesome Tome quest. He will also become embarrassed. This also locks you out of his help in the Griffin’s Bane quest later.
3. How do I start the quest “A Troublesome Tome”?
The quest A Troublesome Tome is started by speaking to Steffen. He can usually be found in or around the capital city of Gran Soren.
4. Where can I find Skulls for gifting to Maul?
Skulls can often be found in areas where there are undead enemies such as the Catacombs and other underground areas. Additionally, some merchants may occasionally sell them.
5. What are the benefits of completing the “No Honor Among Thieves” quest?
Completing “No Honor Among Thieves” raises Maul‘s affinity towards the player, making it easier for him to hand over the Salomet’s Grimoire.
6. Is there a limit to how many times I can get Salomet’s Grimoire?
You can typically acquire only one real copy of the grimoire per playthrough, either from the chest at the Ruins of Aernst Castle or from Maul. While you can make forgeries, they won’t have the same value for the quest or for casting Bolide.
7. What is the “Bolide” spell that the Grimoire casts?
The Bolide spell is a powerful magic attack where meteors fall from the sky. The Salomet’s Grimoire grants the Arisen a one time use of this spell.
8. How can I fast travel to these locations?
Dragon’s Dogma utilizes Ferrystones for fast travel. These single-use items can be purchased or found and allow you to teleport to specific portcrystals.
9. Can I get the Bolide spell any other way?
Yes, the Bolide spell is an advanced mage ability that can be learned. The grimoire gives you a single use of it, even if your vocation doesn’t have access to that skill.
10. What other Grimoires are found in Dragon’s Dogma?
While the Salomet’s Grimoire is the most talked about, other grimoires, like the Black Grimoire, exist in the game world. These are typically tied to various side quests.
11. What happens if I fail to persuade Maul?
If you don’t increase Maul‘s affinity, he will not give you the Grimoire. This would then force you to seek it out at the Ruins of Aernst Castle.
12. Where is the Black Cat Shop in Gran Soren?
The Black Cat shop, owned by Mountebank, is located in a side passage deep within the Venery in Gran Soren before the cataclysm of The Final Battle. After that, Mountebank will move behind the remains of Arsmith’s Alehouse.
13. Does the game have any “secret” augments?
Yes, there are Secret Augments obtainable through purification of Bitterblack Novelties from Bitterblack Isle in the Dark Arisen expansion.
14. How is Dragon’s Dogma magic system different from other games?
In Dragon’s Dogma, magic casting is limited by stamina, and spells don’t have cooldowns but instead have cast times. This makes for strategic decision making, knowing when to cast and when to conserve stamina.
15. Is there a way to respec vocations in Dragon’s Dogma?
Yes, you can change your vocation at the Encampment at any time. There is no cost to change vocations. This allows you to try different builds throughout your gameplay.