Slot none; CL 20th; aura strong necromancy

This large volume's black binding was made from the dyed pelt of a jackal, the fur of which is trimmed very close to the surface to produce a smooth, velvety texture.  Feeling along the spine reveals bony ridges beneath the skin.  The book's clasp consists of a wrought iron setting socketed with a viridium-carved locust with spread wings.  Wings that belonged to what must have been a locust of incredible size are decoupaged on the inside covers (left in front, right in back).  The pages within the book contain copious notes detailing decades of unspeakable experimentation involving the trapping and disfiguration of mortal souls, all recorded in the small capitals of the author's unpleasantly immaculate penmanship.

Protection A superior lock augmented with arcane lock (DC 50) and a symbol of weakness (Fortitude DC 20) on the second page.

Oppositional schools enchantment, illusion

The Book of Locusts is intelligent, with an Intelligence score of 20, a Wisdom score of 12, and a Charisma score of 16.  It has a neutral evil alignment, communicates by telepathy, and has an Ego of 19.  It can make Knowledge (arcana) checks with a +15 modifier and may assume the form of a black opal statue of a sitting jackal at will.

Spells

8th—trap the soul

5th—possess object

4th—magic jar, familiar melding, soul effusion

3rd—create soul gem, gentle repose

2nd—enemy's heart

1st—sculpt corpse

Preparation Ritual

Harmful Surge (Su) You can maximize a spell, but doing so damages you. Spend this boon effect as a free action when you cast a wizard evocation spell. When you do, you can treat that spell as if it were cast with the Maximize Spell metamagic feat, but you take 1d4 points of damage × the level of the spell that you are maximizing. The damage you take cannot be reduced in any way.