Securing the Grimoire from Maul in Dragon’s Dogma: A Master Arisen’s Guide
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So, you’re after Salomet’s Grimoire and have heard that the bandit leader, Maul, might be willing to part with it? You’ve come to the right place, Arisen. Obtaining the Grimoire from Maul hinges on a delicate dance of affinity building. Instead of outright theft, you can actually persuade Maul to gift you the Grimoire if he’s sufficiently impressed by your character, the Arisen. This is achieved through a combination of gift-giving and completing specific quests. Specifically, you need to raise Maul’s affinity to a certain level. You can accomplish this in two main ways:
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Gifting: Offering Skulls or other valuable items to Maul can significantly increase his affinity towards you.
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Completing the Quest: Undertaking and successfully finishing the quest “No Honor Among Thieves” will also boost Maul’s affinity.
Once his affinity is high enough, Maul will relinquish the Grimoire, offering a less violent, and arguably more rewarding, path to acquisition. However, if affinity building isn’t your style, you can always find Salomet’s Grimoire inside a chest in the Ruins of Aernst Castle.
Understanding Affinity and Acquisition Methods
The key to unlocking the pacifistic method of grimoire retrieval lies in the affinity system. This system governs how NPCs perceive and react to the Arisen, influencing dialogue options, quest availability, and even item acquisition. Maul is no exception. Think of it as building a reputation; the more favorable your actions towards him, the more inclined he’ll be to cooperate.
Gift Giving Strategy
Skulls, while morbid, are a relatively easy-to-obtain item that Maul seems to appreciate. Other valuable items can also work, but Skulls are often the most efficient choice. Experimentation is key, but focus on items that appear valuable and/or unique. Remember, it’s about impressing him with your wealth and perceived importance. Pay attention to his reactions during the gift-giving process; dialogue cues will hint at whether you’re on the right track.
The “No Honor Among Thieves” Quest
This quest typically involves some degree of bandit-related activity and completing it in a way that benefits Maul or his organization will naturally increase his affinity. The exact details of the quest can vary slightly, but the core principle remains the same: demonstrate loyalty or usefulness to Maul’s cause.
The Alternative – Aernst Castle Ruins
If charming Maul proves too difficult, the traditional method of obtaining Salomet’s Grimoire is through exploration. Head to the Ruins of Aernst Castle, located southwest of Witchwood. Be wary of bandits outside the castle; they will be hostile. However, the bandits inside the castle ruins are generally neutral. Climb to the topmost part of the tower within the ruins. There, you’ll find a chest containing Salomet’s Grimoire.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly is Salomet’s Grimoire?
Salomet’s Grimoire is a magical book written by the sorcerer Salomet. Using it unleashes the Bolide spell, summoning meteors to rain down upon your enemies… but only once.
2. What happens if I give Steffen the forged Grimoire?
A forged Salomet’s Grimoire, created at The Black Cat, produces a fizzled spell animation when used. Giving it to Steffen during “A Troublesome Tome” leads to a comedic failure during the “Griffin’s Bane” quest, where his attempt to save the day results in a magical malfunction.
3. Where can I find The Black Cat in Gran Soren?
The Black Cat is located in a side passage deep within the Venery in Gran Soren. After the cataclysm of The Final Battle, Mountebank, the shopkeeper, relocates to the remains of Arsmith’s Alehouse.
4. What is the difference between a Ferrystone and an Eternal Ferrystone?
A Ferrystone is a consumable item used for fast travel, while an Eternal Ferrystone provides the same function but can be used infinitely.
5. How do I get the Eternal Ferrystone?
The Eternal Ferrystone is included in Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen and is found in the Arisen’s storage after reaching Gran Soren. It’s also a bonus item for transferring a save from the original Dragon’s Dogma.
6. Why can’t I use my Ferrystone?
Ferrystones cannot be used until you reach Gran Soren by following the main quest line.
7. Is there fast travel in Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen?
Yes! Ferrystones are the key to fast travel. Combine them with strategically placed Portcrystals for efficient map traversal.
8. What are Portcrystals?
Portcrystals are placeable teleportation points. You can place them in strategic locations and then use a Ferrystone to instantly travel to them, making traversal much more efficient.
9. What are the best spells in Dragon’s Dogma?
While subjective, some of the most powerful and useful spells include Abyssal Anguish, Maelstrom, Ricochet Hunter, and Great Cannon. The effectiveness often depends on your play style and the enemy you’re facing.
10. What’s the maximum Magick stat I can achieve?
The maximum achievable Magick stat is 866. This requires leveling as a Mage from levels 1-10, then as a Sorcerer from levels 11-200.
11. Can I forge other items besides Salomet’s Grimoire?
Yes, The Black Cat offers forging services for various items. The results can range from perfect replicas to humorous failures.
12. What are the consequences for forgery in the real world?
Forgery can lead to severe legal penalties. Forging documents like patents can result in up to 10 years in prison, while forging currency can carry even harsher punishments.
13. Is Dragon’s Dogma the same game as Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen?
Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen is an enhanced version of the original Dragon’s Dogma, featuring additional content, improved mechanics, and the Bitterblack Isle expansion.
14. Can Assassins roll in Dragon’s Dogma?
Yes, Assassins can roll. The Forward Roll skill is a Core Skill associated with daggers and can be used by the Strider, Ranger, Assassin, and Magick Archer vocations.
15. Are there other Grimoires in the Dragon Age series?
Within the Dragon Age series, a “Black Grimoire” exists in Dragon Age: Origins as a plot gift for Morrigan, triggering the quest “Flemeth’s Real Grimoire.” While the term “grimoire” is used, the items and their functions are distinct from those in Dragon’s Dogma.
Building Affinity, One Skull at a Time
Ultimately, securing the Grimoire from Maul is a test of your persuasiveness and resourcefulness. Whether you choose the path of diplomacy and gift-giving, or the direct approach through the Aernst Castle Ruins, the Grimoire is within your reach, Arisen. The journey itself, the choices you make, and the bonds you forge along the way are what truly define your adventure in Dragon’s Dogma. Remember to explore, experiment, and most importantly, enjoy the unique challenges and rewards the game has to offer. Consider how games like Dragon’s Dogma can be used as learning tools at GamesLearningSociety.org.